D-Dry Review

Product Review- Dainese D-dry Gear   By Bill Carr / Ducati Indianapolis

                      Dawson Jacket & Hooper Pants

Thanks to Chris Favro, Regional sales manager for Dainese, I had the opportunity to test

the Dainese D-dry Jacket and pants on a trip to Texas across the gulf states in a wide

variety of riding conditions. The specific gear I tested was the D-dry Dawson Jacket and

D-dry Hooper pants.

Conditions ranged from 42 Degrees and driving rain and wind for 2 days on the Interstate

to  94 Degree on Desert Back roads in West Texas.

The D-dry gear was a big improvement over the Dainese  Dry Line jacket and pants that I

used for my trip to Alaska in 05 and previous Iron Butt rides. Although that gear was very water

and wind proof there was absolutely no venting and when it warmed up I needed to unsnap

which  made my riding gear blow up at speed like a balloon. 

The D- Dry gear had extremely good wind protection especially with the removable wind collar

snapped in. There was also zero water infiltration at the neck and no run off from the back of

the helmet. The adjustable snaps at the wrist also gave a good seal at the glove line and did not

pull back at high speed. The jacket is very comfortable with a soft feel at the neck with the liner

in or out. The jacket has a 2/3 zipper that easily attaches to the pants and the jacket has good

armor  in the shoulders, elbows, and lower arms with a slot in the back for the Dainese G 2

back protector. There are numerous zippered waterproof pockets on the outside as well as the

inside of the jacket. I was able to store my phone, wallet, notebook, camera, and I-pod where I

could be sure they would be dry and accessed quickly. There is an inner liner that quickly zips

and snaps into the jacket. The waterproof venting runs up the front of the sleeves and also just

outside the shoulder blades in the rear. Because the venting works so well I needed to wear my

Gerbing heated liner when the temperature dipped below 50 degrees.

The pants also have knee and hip pads as well as two waterproof pockets and zip tight

at the ankles either inside or outside the boots.

The most amazing aspect of the combo was that it was both waterproof and vented, a great

combination that allows you flexibility and will save you time on the road, especially when

the riding conditions are changing rapidly. When zipped together the combo is cut properly

to provide comfort for sport touring. At the end of the day a little cleaning with a wet cloth

and  you are ready for the next day with clean gear.

In summary this was the best sport touring apparel I have ever worn. The D-dry apparel is

offered in a variety of styles and colors and will work well for commuting and short trips.