The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry jacket promises versatile 4-season protection and comfort for female riders. But does this premium Italian jacket deliver on that promise?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
In this in-depth review, we’ll see if the Tempest 3 D-Dry meets those expectations. After researching the specs and trying on the jacket, here’s what I discovered about this popular adventure-touring model from Dainese.
Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry Review
Key Takeaways
- Abrasion resistance
- Waterproof and breathable
- Proportions designed for women
Key Takeaways:
- Superb abrasion resistance and CE-rated armor
- Waterproof and breathable D-Dry membrane
- Excellent ventilation and cooling options
- Shaping and proportions designed for women
- Rugged and protective 4-season comfort
An Overview of the Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry Jacket
The Tempest 3 D-Dry stands out with its unique combination of features for maximizing protection across diverse riding conditions. Key characteristics include:
- Constructed from abrasion-resistant materials with reinforced panels along the elbows, shoulders, and torso
- Waterproof and breathable thanks to the built-in D-Dry membrane
- Removable thermal liner allows you to adjust for warmer weather
- Lightweight, flexible CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows
- Multiple adjusters to customize the fit around your waist, sleeves, and collar
- Excellent ventilation from large intake and exhaust vents across the front and back
- Reflective details and logos improve visibility
- Available in black, grey/green, or grey/pink color schemes
With a retail price of under $400, the Tempest 3 D-Dry sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum for a textile women’s riding jacket. But you get what you pay for with Dainese’s excellent construction and protective technologies.
Riders searching for a versatile, 4-season touring jacket built specifically for a woman’s proportions should shortlist the Tempest 3 D-Dry. Let’s take a closer look at the features to see how they stack up.
Premium Protection You Can Count On
The number one priority for any women’s riding jacket is protection. The materials, construction quality, and armor are what really count when it comes to keeping you safe.
The Tempest 3 D-Dry gets high marks in this department. Here’s an overview of the protective features:
Abrasion-Resistant Outer Shell
The outer shell uses a 600 denier polyester fabric reinforced with Dynaxprot stretch fabric along the elbows and shoulders. While not as protective as leather, this is a high-denier textile material designed to hold up in a slide while providing flexibility and comfort.
D-Dry Waterproof Membrane
Dainese incorporates their proprietary D-Dry membrane, which makes the jacket 100% waterproof without compromising breathability. Along with fully taped seams, you can ride for hours in wet conditions without moisture seeping through.
CE-Rated Armor
Flexible, lightweight composite protectors are included for the elbows and shoulders. These offer impact absorption with freedom of movement. You can upgrade to Dainese’s Pro-Armor inserts for even more protection.
Ample Adjustments
There are Velcro straps along the collar, wrists, and waist, so you can tailor the fit. These help seal out wind and water while ensuring comfort. The collar, in particular, provides excellent coverage.
The Tempest 3 D-Dry ticks all the right boxes for rugged protection suited for real-world riding. The armor and abrasion zones provide peace of mind that you’ve got your bases covered.
Designed Specifically for Women
It’s no secret that most riding gear is initially designed with men’s proportions in mind. Finding jackets offering a genuinely comfortable women-specific fit can be a challenge.
Dainese addresses this issue with the Tempest 3 D-Dry. Here are some of the elements tailored for women:
- Curved sleeves and shape through the hips and chest
- Shorter torso and arm lengths
- Velcro waist adjusters to cinch in for a precise fit
- Extra small through extra large sizing
During my time trying on the Tempest 3 D-Dry, it was clear this is made for the female form. Everything from the sleeve length to the hip tapering felt right.
For comparison, I’ve struggled with other women’s jackets, either feeling too baggy around the waist or too tight across the chest. But the Tempest 3 in a size medium hit the fit sweet spot.
Riders tired of wearing oversized men’s jackets will really appreciate the female-oriented design. Comfort and flexibility are enhanced thanks to the tailored shaping and proportions.
Built for Year-Round Weather Protection
If you ride all year round, you need a jacket that excels across a wide range of conditions. Between cold winter rides, unexpectedly wet spring showers, and sweltering summer heat waves, the Tempest 3 D-Dry is ready for it all.
Let’s look at how this jacket tackles changing weather and temperatures:
Waterproof and Breathable
The built-in D-Dry membrane paired with fully taped seams makes this jacket impenetrable by wind and rain. You stay warm and dry without overheating.
Ventilation Zones
Large intake vents across the chest and exhaust vents along the back allow excellent airflow. Just open the waterproof zippers when you need cooling airflow.
Removable Thermal Liner
The full-sleeve thermal liner quickly unzips when you need to ride in warmer weather. It even has a handy cargo pocket.
Windproof Collar
A tall collar with a sturdy strap seals out wind and rain around your neck and helmet. This prevents cold air and moisture from sneaking in.
I’m impressed by how well the Tempest 3 D-Dry balances weather protection with ventilation and removability.
One ride, you may need every warm layer when it’s freezing rain. But the next day calls for opening up vents as temps climb into the 60s.
The D-Dry membrane even resists humid summer downpours, sealing out moisture while wicking away perspiration. A jacket that excels across all seasons is truly a rare find.
Ideal for Adventure Touring or Urban Commuting
With its unmatched 4-season versatility, the Tempest 3 D-Dry suits a wide range of riding applications. Everything from backroad adventures to downtown commuting is made more comfortable with the right protective jacket.
Here are some of the reasons this Dainese jacket works equally well for touring or urban rides:
- Waterproof and insulating for cold weather highway miles
- Armor and abrasion protection for unforeseen hazards or accidents
- Excellent airflow from vents keeps you cool in summer
- Convenience features like waist adjusters and lined pockets
- Understated style profile suits office attire
- Reflective logos improve visibility and safety
- Available in neutral color schemes in addition to high-viz options
The Tempest 3 D-Dry truly provides versatile, go-anywhere performance just as home-slicing along mountain twisties as it is battling downtown traffic.
With riding gear, rarely does one jacket check all the boxes. But the thoughtful design of the Tempest allows it to excel in virtually any environment. That makes it easy to choose every time you saddle up.
The Tempest 3 D-Dry: Final Verdict
After conducting in-depth research and personally trying on the Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry jacket, I can confidently say it deserves a spot at the top of any woman rider’s wish list.
While it doesn’t come cheap with a $520 price tag, you get what you pay for with the protective quality, versatility, and comfort engineered into this thoughtfully designed jacket.
Here’s a quick recap of the Tempest 3 D-Dry’s standout features:
- Heavy-duty abrasion protection, including reinforced textile panels
- Built-in D-Dry waterproof and breathable membrane
- Lightweight CE-rated armor for impact absorption
- Excellent adjustability for a customized fit
- Zippered intake and exhaust vents keep you cool
- Tall collar with velcro closure for wind and water protection
- The removable thermal liner allows seasonal adaptability
- Understated Italian styling suits any occasion
- Curved shape and proportions tailored specifically for women
Riders searching for the ultimate 4-season jacket with versatile protection and a comfortable female-specific fit need look no further than the Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry.
It provides reliable performance across a wide spectrum of riding conditions so you can focus on the journey ahead.
Tempest 3 D-Dry Features at a Glance
- 600D polyester outer shell with reinforced panels
- D-Dry waterproof and breathable membrane
- CE armor in shoulders and elbows (upgradable)
- Taped seams and waterproof zippers
- Removable thermal liner
- Intake and exhaust vents front and back
- Waist, sleeve, and collar adjusters
- Reflective details for visibility
- Women’s-specific shaping and sizing
Comparison to Similar Jackets
The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry stacks up well against other popular women’s motorcycle jackets. Here’s how it compares to some alternatives:
| Jacket | Waterproofing | Armor | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry | D-Dry membrane | CE-rated elbow & shoulder | Curved shape for women |
| Roland Sands Cambria CE | Waterproof liner | D30 armor | Designed for women |
| Rev’It Sand 4 H2O | Hydratex membrane | Seesoft CE level 1 | Relaxed unisex fit |
| First Mfg Wildside | Water resistant outer | Dual-density armor | Contoured for women |
| Alpinestars Eloise Air | No membrane | Alpinestars Nucleon back protector | Pre-curved sleeves |
The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry combines a waterproof D-Dry membrane with CE-rated armor and a precise female fit.
This sets it apart from alternatives relying on water-resistant finishes or loose unisex cuts. For guaranteed dryness and comfort across diverse riding conditions, the Tempest 3 D-Dry is an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tempest 3 D-Dry best suited for?
With its 4-season protection and versatility, the Tempest 3 D-Dry excels at adventure touring and urban commuting. It balances features for any type of ride.
How does it fit compared to other brands?
The Tempest 3 D-Dry has a comfortable, precise fit clearly designed for a woman’s proportions. It avoids the loose or tight spots common with unisex jackets.
Is it fully waterproof?
Yes, the combination of a D-Dry membrane, taped seams, and waterproof zippers makes this jacket completely impervious to rain and humidity.
How heavy and bulky does it feel?
The Tempest 3 D-Dry feels reasonably lightweight while offering rugged abrasion protection. It’s not as bulky as leather or textile jackets with full quilted liners.
Does it run small or large?
I found you need to size up in the Tempest 3 D-Dry. Ordering one size larger than your usual worked well for me. The Euro sizing seems to trend smaller.
The Bottom Line
For women seeking a premium touring jacket that delivers versatile protection, a precise female fit, and 4-season comfort, the Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry is an exceptional choice.
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