NEW GEAR: Dainese’s Antarctica Jacket and Pants

RRP: (J) £1,299.95 (P) £749.95 // www.dainese.com

Dainese has just introduced its new range of Explorer textile gear, that’s been designed for both on and off-road Adventure Touring from the glacial cold of the Arctic Circle to scorching hot deserts of the Sahara.

In essence, the new Dainese Explorer products are designed to protect riders in the most extreme weather conditions. And our favourite pick is its top of the range Antarctica kit. Appropriately named, the all-new Antarctica jacket and pants from Dainese is some seriously capable gear; designed for on and off-road adventure riding on the planet’s coldest land.

Dainese has managed to produce such clever and capable kit, by using the experience it gained with MIT in developing gear for the astronauts who take part in Mission to Mars 2030. More specifically, the iconic Italian brand has been analysing, studying, and mapping the lines of non-extension (the areas of the body along which body movement causes neither stretching or contraction). In turn, that means Dainese has been able to blend lightness and comfort in one stylish package.

Delving deeper into the Antarctica jacket and trousers cold weather capabilities, the kit claims to offer exceptional isolation from external temperatures – thanks in part to its 2-in-1 removable goose down liner, removable thermal storm-guard collar and neoprene wrist closures.
Of course, it’ll also work to keep you safe should the worst happen out on the tarmac. The Gore-Tex laminated kit makes use of highly abrasion-resistant nylon, while it also comes with patented Trixior D-Tec Engineered Textile material in key impact areas. That’s not all, there are also pockets for a double chest protector – but as standard it comes with a CE Level 2 Pro Armour back protector and composite armour in the elbows and shoulders.

To help you get the best fit, the Antarctica kit comes with a Fast-Fit lumbar band that can be adjusted externally to customise the jackets fit without the need to actually open up the jacket – and subsequently lose the heat trapped inside the jacket. It also comes with external waterproof pockets, and a waterproof cargo pocket around back.

Of course, the Antarctica pants are just as well equipped, blending the same technological developments as the matching jacket. Like the jacket, the pants come with Nylon 6.6 abrasion resistant fabric and a Trixior D-Tec Engineered textile outer. There’s also a GoreTex waterproof membrane to keep out the elements, a removable goose down layer which works to hold in body heat, while CE rated hip and knee armour is on hand to absorb energy in an impact. There’s also waist adjustment, two external pockets, a neoprene calf close and a connecting zip allowing you to fit the trousers and jacket together.

Admittedly, it’s pretty damn pricey – with the jacket and trousers setting you back in excess of a couple of grand. But, Dainese has long since been regarded as one of the biggest and best players in the motorcycle clothing game – so if you got the cash to spend, you can rest assured it’s every bit as capable as the Italians claim.