Write something about the DAINESE Antartica ...Yeah, how do you start? A laminated motorcycle jacket that weighs remarkably little, with a separately wearable, quality down jacket and just about every innovative technological feature you can think of. Less is more in this case, but then again, so much more. To be clear: you can probably wear this on every continent. Antarctica included. And yes, the continent contains a -c which is not in the name of the jacket. Less is more, you can take it literally.
Anyway, the Antartica as a motorcycle jacket. This is one for all terrains and all circumstances. Preferences tend towards wet, winter and anything below 30 degrees. Above that, you have to make do with three - excellent - ventilation zippers. Is that a problem? No, but it is something to keep in mind.
The DAINESE Antartica approaches the qualities of a diving suit, without being a diving suit. The virtual unknown degree and level of waterproofness cannot be compensated 100% at the other extreme, where you want to cruise over-ventilated in a permanent high summer. The presence of the perfectly finished down jacket (700 fill) underlines it once more: three seasons and everything under 30 degrees in the summer.
We can write a book about the exterior. Light! Unbelievable. How they do it at DAINESE is a matter for engineers and technicians. We like to think more research and technology goes into the laminated GORE-TEX® outer shell of the Antartica than in your average home computer well into the 21st century. The hard-wearing reinforcement at the elbow and shoulder is a piece of ART in itself. TRIXIOR is the name, and apart from a kevlar-aramide-breathing super protector by DAINESE itself, it's also reflective. That crackle is the sound of all Pentium 5 computers falling apart.
About the vents in this motorcycle jacket, we can tell that the striking zipper pulls can be stored perfectly under the triangle stretch material above the chest opening. The mesh that guarantees ventilation breaks through the waterproof outer shell, so the ventilation zips are the ultimate defense. They come from a German specialist in ... diving suits. That's right. And they really are waterproof. The cost of the technology used in these suits is what made DAINESE opt for a "traditional" zipper for the central one - two, in fact. Two zippers, with a Gore Tex® flap between them to ensure watertightness. The fan in the still slow running computers, which were world class before 2010, is suddenly starting to make a lot of noise.
The cut. Tight around the body, that's how it should feel. This is a mix of DAINESE visual aggression and touring qualities. The necessary individual adjustment options are there (arms, collar, waist) but above all the (external) kidney belt is an additional trump card. If your loins are well supported and tightly harnessed, everything else immediately feels more comfortable.
And that's where we come in: comfort. Light! Unbelievable. And therefore also very comfortable. But also: fantastically clever construction and design. With two glove pockets under the armpit and a different, more lateral position of the front storage pockets. You can also loosen these halfway, to prevent a bulging effect on the road. They are waterproof, and so is the storage space on the back. These are all illustrations that the DAINESE Antarctica is more than just a motorcycle jacket.
The sleeve ends deserve attention because they are elastic and made of neoprene, on top of the Gore Tex® and thus waterproof inside your glove. It sounds more difficult than it is, because in practice it is - believe us - an innovation. And a focus on wet and cold weather. Also the storm collar, zippable and beautifully designed, fits this category. Brilliant has already been used to describe that storm collar.
Impact protection is also available. DAINESE: a race pedigree to be proud of. Top quality. Pro-Armor, level 2. Elbows, shoulders and back are standard. A chest protector remains optional. We mention it here almost as a fait-divers, which says a lot about the rest.
This is a phenomenal motorcycle jacket, for which you pay quite a bit of money, but you get a lot in return. In a strangely minimalist packaging: clean, straight, without too many frills but with strong content... And light! Boy.
The Antartica is equipped with a DAINESE connection zipper. Ideally combined with the Antartica motorbike pants.
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer. We put the best tips and tricks on this maintenance page.
