Alpinestars Ardent 3In1
Adventure Touring Jacket and Pants Review
Regarding adventure touring gear, the Ardent 3In1 Adventure Touring Jacket and Pants set stands out as a versatile and rugged option designed with the serious adventure rider in mind. This set is a carefully engineered system designed to handle the wide range of conditions that adventure touring often presents. Here’s why the Ardent 3In1 Jacket and Pants might just be your next essential gear.
Design and Fit
The Ardent 3In1 Jacket and Pants are specifically tailored to meet the needs of US riders, offering a relaxed and fully adjustable fit. This attention to detail is evident in the multiple volume adjusters on the arms, sides, and lower hem of the jacket and the waist and leg adjusters on the pants, allowing for a customized fit that caters to different body types and riding positions. The jacket’s asymmetric front and back lengths are a thoughtful design touch, ensuring it sits perfectly while you’re seated on the bike, preventing bunching or discomfort. The pants also feature a unique waist belt with a magnetic buckle, providing an easy and personalized fit.
Built to endure the rigors of adventure touring, both the Ardent Jacket and Pants combine durability with comfort. The outer shell of both items is constructed from a blend of 300D ripstop poly-fabric, 1200D poly in high-wear areas, and heavy-duty dobby fabric, ensuring that the set is tough enough to withstand the elements and any off-road challenges. Internally, the jacket and pants are reinforced with 600D poly-fabric and equipped with Nucleon Flex Pro CE Level 2 armor at the shoulders, elbows, and knees, providing the necessary protection while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Versatility and Weather Adaptability
The Ardent 3In1 Jacket and Pants genuinely shine in their versatility. They are designed as a four-season set, adaptable to various weather conditions. The jacket and pants feature removable thermal liners and Drystar® waterproof liners, which can be worn together or separately depending on the climate. This makes the set suitable for everything from cold, wet mornings to hot, dry afternoons. The ventilation system is another strong point, with the jacket featuring large zippered chest panels, rear exhaust vents, and unique 3D-angled arm vents, while the pants offer intake vents on the front thighs and exhaust ports on the back. This ensures that you stay cool and comfortable during warmer rides.
Protection and Safety
Safety is always a top priority for motorcycle gear, and the Ardent 3In1 Jacket and Pants don’t disappoint. Both are fully CE-certified garments, rated to CE – Category II EN 17092-3:2020 – AA Class, meeting stringent European safety standards. The jacket includes CE Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro armor in the shoulders and elbows, while the pants feature the same armor in the knees, along with CE Level 1 Bioflex hip armor. Both items are also Tech-Air® Ready, allowing Alpinestars’ airbag system integration for even greater safety.
Additional Features
Beyond their core functions, the Ardent Jacket and Pants include several thoughtful features that enhance usability. The jacket features large waist adjuster side panels and lower hem bungee cords, while the pants include a unique waist belt with a magnetic buckle for a personalized fit. Both items offer ample storage, with the jacket providing cargo pockets and the pants featuring hand and cargo pockets, all designed for easy access to essentials. The pants are also designed to be worn inside or outside of boots, offering flexibility depending on rider preference.
Our Journey on the NE BDR Route
During our journey along the NE BDR Route, we recently experienced the Alpinestars Ardent 3In1 set, which consists of a jacket and pants. Over several days, we encountered various weather conditions, challenging its technical features.
On cold mornings, we added an extra insulating layer inside the jacket. The set proved extraordinarily versatile and protective, even in heavy rain on paved roads. Simply closing all the vents was often enough to stay warm for lower temperatures. However, on some occasions, we needed that extra layer for added warmth. As the day progressed and temperatures rose, we could easily adjust the level of ventilation, either by opening one or both of the zippers located on the sleeves or by utilizing the generous front ventilation panels. These panels have two parallel zippers offering various ventilation options, and the most used during hotter times was opening the panels completely. They roll up and secure at the bottom of the opening. Notably, even at high speeds, these panels remained securely rolled up without flapping or coming undone, which speaks to the well-thought-out design and execution.
The vertical openings on the back provide excellent airflow, improving circulation and comfort during the ride.
The pants also stand out with their excellent ventilation system. They feature a large front zipper that allows significant air intake, complemented by another zipper on the back of the leg for air to exit—all without interfering with comfort when seated on the bike. The jacket and pants offer width adjustments, allowing for a customized arm and leg fit.
Their design allows for versatility in wearing the pants inside or outside boots. We wore them with Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Boots and found they work seamlessly both ways, providing flexibility depending on rider preference.
Is the Ardent 3In1 Adventure Touring Jacket and Pants Set Worth It?
The Ardent 3In1 Adventure Touring Jacket and Pants set is an excellent choice for riders who demand both versatility and durability from their gear. Whether you’re riding in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, this set is equipped to keep you comfortable and protected. The combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout option in the adventure touring category. If you’re in the market for a set that can handle a wide range of conditions and keep up with your adventurous spirit, the Ardent 3In1 is definitely worth considering.
Photos/Videos: BTA Media – Words: Thomas Ferrero
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