Alpinestars Valparaiso V3 Drystar Jacket :: MotorcycleGear.com

Alpinestars Valparaiso V3 Drystar Jacket

  • Multi-fabric shell construction with a ripstop highly abrasion- and tear-resistant fabric main chassis, plus reinforced material on elbow and shoulder areas for added durability and protection.
  • New ventilation system on upper chest area, plus an air exhaust zippered opening on the back for optimal levels of airflow.
  • Ventilation system on sleeves for even more cooling airflow.
  • Superior Airflow front panel on main zipper to ensure unrivalled air intake on the front of the jacket.
  • Bottom circumference shock cord adjuster.
  • Reflective detailing on sleeves and sides.
  • Quick collar buckle closure system with precise adjustment range.
  • Zippered collar extension.
  • Removable and wearable waterproof Drystar® membrane for effective, all-weather performance.
  • Removable thermal layer for added practicality.
  • Internal waist connection zipper for attachement to Alpinestars riding pants.
  • Chest and back pad compartments to accommodate the Alpinestars Nucleon chest and back pads, available as an accessory upgrade.
  • According to European statuatory law, the CE mark is a conformity requirement for the marketing of this product. The following standards apply to this product:
  • CE Category II PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – AA class
  • CE Level 2 EN1621-2:2014 Alpinestars Nucleon back protector
  • CE Level 2 EN1621-1:2012 Alpinestars protectors

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Sizing Information

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. The size Medium and XL jackets fit Huey and Dewey, our Fit Check mannequins very nicely! Also, we checked several sizes with a tape. We found the sizing to be comparable to standard men’s clothing sizes. So our primary advice would be to choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing.

We’ve put together a size chart with our estimates of max chest and max waist for each jacket size. You can use this size chart to check your own measurements against the size chart to make sure the size you select will work. Choose a size that is big enough for both your chest and belly. This being a touring style, the taper from chest to waist is very slight and to accomodate a smaller waist, there are very effective side torso adjusters. There is also a stretch cord built into the lower hem to snug down the fit at the bottom edge.

FWIW, I found the fit of this Alpinestars model to be very generous as compared to prior years/models. Even with the liners installed it seemed to easily accomodate the chest and belly measurements listed below. There are a number of adjustment points on the torso and arms to help get a good fit too, so there is no need to size up because it’s a European brand.

If you plan on adding a back protector, I’d advise you to add 1” to your chest and belly measurements before selecting from the chart. And if you plan on chest protectors too, add an additional 1” to your chest measurements.

Jacket Size Max Chest Max Belly
Small 40 39
Medium 42 41
Large 44 43
XL 46 45
XXL 49 48
XXXL 51 50
XXXXL 53 52

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Our Two Cents

The Alpinestars Valparaiso V3 Drystar Jacket is new for 2020 and has many new features as compared to past models. This is a full featured adventure touring style jacket that nearly any style rider could appreciate, especially those who commute or take trips. This jacket comes with shoulder and elbow armor and many options for back and chest protection too.

Like many other adventure/touring jackets of this type, this new style has a lot of features to keep you comfortable in a wide variety of weather conditions. The most striking improvement I see here is the “strip” of mesh material between two main zippers. You can zip up using one zipper and the mesh panel just becomes a “placket” and is hidden away, but if you zip up using the second zipper, the mesh panel is exposed to the airflow and should admit a relative ton of air through for summer use. I first saw a design like this from Joe Rocket years ago. They call it their “Big Air” feature. I’ve always thought it is a great idea and I’m glad to see it catching on. The only drawback to such a design is that if you use the second zipper for venting, the jacket has a bit bigger fit by about 1”, but then on this style, you can easily snug down the side torso straps to compensate, so it should work just fine either way. In addition to the front vent, there are two large traditional zippered vents on the upper shoulders and two more on the sleeve ends. And in back, there is a single upper horizontal vent. So the take-away is that there is a LOT of venting here!

As for colder and wet weather, this jacket comes with two removable liners. One is a fully waterproof jacket and the second is a full-sleeve quilted thermal layer. You can use one or both of the liners to help you out in colder and/or wet conditions. Obviously, if rain is coming down you need to use the Drystar waterproof layer under the jacket. In colder weather, the thermal layer can be used inside the waterproof Drystar layer or can be used in the jacket without the Drystar layer. You’ll figure out what works best for you and your climate with a little experimentation. One nice feature about the waterproof Drystar layer is that it’s tailored so you can wear it separately off the bike as a windbreaker (or even as a coat with the thermal layer inside). This is really handy for travelers since space is always scarce on a bike, and this can save you from having to pack a street jacket/coat.

For armor, this jacket comes standard with Alpinestars CE 2 shoulder and elbow protectors. It also includes chest and back protection capability. There are two chest pad compartments in front and the traditional back pad compartment. You can upgrade those with CE certified units (see the links below). Most will opt for a CE level one back pad although there is a level 2 back pad available as well. We’ve got good descriptions of all, so just click through the links to consider those options. Chest protector units are also available (one choice only). The external shell of this jacket is reinforced with heavy abrasion resistant material over the shoulders and elbows. As touring/adventure styles go, this one has one of the most formidable protection packages on the market.

A new collar design is also worth a mention here: First, is a new collar closure which is quick-magnetic and also fully adjustable as to size with a slider. There is also a hook and a loop on the collar tab to hold it open on warmer days. The collar is well padded all around and will be a treat in cold or wet weather. There is even a hidden zipper at the base of the collar that goes about 3/4 of the way around the neck and when the zipper is opened, the collar height is extended approximately 1”. This may be the first jacket I’ve seen with an adjustment for neck length!

You can make a full riding outfit with this jacket and any of Alpinestars mating pants. There is an all-around zipper inside the jacket to make the connection to any of the pants (equipped with a jacket connection zipper). Overall, I think this is a good looking jacket with virtually all the features any rider could need, along with excellent protective capability. :: 08-10-20

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