Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket Review – Our Brutally Honest Take

If you’re a passionate motorcyclist looking for a versatile 4-season touring motorcycle jacket, the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar should be on your radar.

With its lightweight yet durable construction, excellent ventilation, and removable insulating liners, this jacket provides exceptional comfort and protection in variable weather conditions.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best motorcycle jacket for all seasons for you? Let’s find out!

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket Review

Key Takeaways

  • CE level 2 armor for protection
  • Removable waterproof Drystar liner
  • Direct ventilation zippers for airflow

Introduction

The Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar jacket features a lightweight 600D polyester shell reinforced with 450D ripstop polyester in high abrasion zones.

It has a removable and breathable Drystar waterproof lining as well as a lightweight, quilted thermal liner.

This 3/4 length adventure touring jacket combines versatile performance with a stylish, urban look. In this detailed review, we’ll cover the key features and technologies that make the Bogota Pro Drystar one of the best 4-season motorcycle jackets from Alpinestars.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the standout features and benefits of the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar jacket:

Excellent Weather Protection

The jacket features a waterproof and breathable Drystar liner that can be easily removed when the weather improves.

This gives you excellent waterproofing during rainy rides without compromising airflow and cooling performance in warmer conditions.

Lightweight Construction with Abrasion Reinforcement

The main chassis uses a lightweight 600D polyester fabric for comfort, complemented by 450D ripstop reinforcements in the elbows, shoulders, and back for added abrasion resistance.

Ventilation and Airflow

This jacket has direct ventilation zips on the chest and arms, allowing excellent airflow to keep you cool during summer rides. The back also has a large vent for heat exhaustion.

Removable Insulating Liners

A lightweight 100g thermal quilted liner and a windproof liner allow you to adapt the jacket based on weather conditions. Wear them together in cold weather or remove them as needed.

Safety and Protection

It comes equipped with CE Level 2 armor on the elbows and shoulders. There are pockets to accommodate optional Alpinestars Nucleon back and chest protectors for even more protection.

Adjustability and Customized Fit

Velcro cuff adjusters, sleeve take-up straps, and waist adjustment straps allow you to dial in the fit. The jacket also has stretch panels in key areas for flexibility.

Detailed Review

Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the key features and technologies of this touring jacket:

Weather Protection and Versatility

The Bogota Pro Drystar has a waterproof and breathable Drystar liner which can be easily removed when you want better ventilation on hot summer rides. With the liner inserted, you get a fully waterproof jacket that still manages moisture effectively.

For cold weather riding, there is a lightweight 100g thermal quilted liner that attaches to the inner shell of the jacket. Worn together with the Drystar liner, you get excellent protection from rain and wind chill.

With the shell jacket alone, the Bogota Pro Drystar is ideal for temperate weather and summer riding. So you get a highly modular jacket suitable for all seasons.

Comfort and Fit

This jacket features extensive stretch panels around the armholes and elbows for ease of movement. It has a relaxed touring fit to accommodate layers underneath while allowing a comfortable riding position.

Velcro waist adjusters and sleeve take-up straps allow you to customize the fit. There are also zippered gussets on the lower back to accommodate a more upright riding posture.

Ventilation and Airflow

Staying cool during warmer rides is crucial for comfort. That’s why the Bogota Pro Drystar has direct ventilation zips on the chest and arms to channel airflow right through the jacket.

The back also has a large exhaust vent to remove heat buildup inside the jacket. Together with the removable insulating liners, you get exceptional cooling performance.

Durability and Build Quality

The main chassis uses a durable 600D polyester fabric, complemented by 450D ripstop reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows, and back panel.

The waterproof Drystar liner also has a robust 75D construction on the outer surface for durability. Alpinestars uses premium YKK zippers throughout the jacket for weatherproofing and reliability.

Adjustability and Customization

To ensure a personalized fit, the Bogota Pro Drystar has several adjusters and features:

  • Velcro cuff adjusters to control sleeve tightness
  • Bicep straps to tighten sleeve diameter
  • Waist adjustment straps for fit customization
  • Gusseted lower back panel for flexibility

Safety and Protection Features

This jacket is equipped with Alpinestars CE Level 2 Nucleon shoulder and elbow armor for impact protection.

There are also pockets to accommodate the Nucleon Flex back protector and Bionic chest pads for even more protection (sold separately).

Reflective details on the sleeves and back improve visibility for night riding safety. The jacket is also compatible with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air airbag system for the ultimate protection.

Stylish Design and Color Options

Unlike bulky adventure touring jackets, the Bogota Pro Drystar has a slimmer, urban styling while still offering core functionality and features.

It’s available in understated color options like black, gray, blue, and red. The embroidered logos and subtle design accents give it a refined, stylish look.

How Does the Bogota Pro Drystar Compare to Other Alpinestars Jackets?

The Bogota Pro Drystar sits in Alpinestars’ urban adventure touring range, combining protection, weather resistance, and everyday wearability.

It offers better ventilation compared to its heavier-duty Adventure Drystar jacket via the direct ventilation ports. The fit is also more relaxed and touring oriented.

The premium Valparaiso Drystar 2 jacket has more advanced venting and a tougher 500D Cordura construction. But it also costs almost twice as much as the Bogota Pro Drystar.

My Impressions

I am very impressed with its quality, comfort, and versatility. I first noticed how well-made the jacket feels – the materials, zippers, and armor inserts are top-notch. I also love all the direct ventilation zippers on the chest, back, and arms which provide excellent airflow on hot days.

When riding in cold weather, inserting the quilted thermal liner and windproof Drystar liner keeps me warm and cozy even down to freezing temperatures.

The liners can also be worn together as a standalone jacket off the bike, a really nice bonus feature. The Bogota Pro Drystar fits true to size but runs slightly small, so I recommend ordering one size up if you plan on layering underneath. I’m 5’10” and 185 lbs with an athletic build, and the size large fits me perfectly with just a t-shirt underneath. The sleeves are pre-curved and allow for a very comfortable riding position.

Overall this jacket has exceeded my expectations and has become my favorite piece of riding gear. I highly recommend the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar to any rider looking for a premium 4-season jacket that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at you. The combination of versatility, comfort, protection, and quality is hard to beat at this price point.

Pros and Cons of the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket

Pros:

  • Removable Drystar waterproof liner
  • Direct ventilation zippers on the chest and arms
  • Lightweight thermal quilted liner
  • Abrasion-resistant ripstop reinforcements
  • Pre-curved sleeves for riding comfort
  • CE Level 2 elbow and shoulder armor
  • Pockets for Nucleon back and chest protectors
  • Waist and sleeve adjustment straps for a custom fit

Cons:

  • Sleeve vents could be larger for more airflow
  • Main shell fabric is not as abrasion-resistant as 500D Cordura
  • Only available in standard men’s sizing

Pricing and Value for Money

The Bogota Pro Drystar has an MSRP of $399.95, which makes it very competitively priced for a 4-season touring jacket with its features and performance.

Compared to other Alpinestars jackets like the Valparaiso Drystar 2, it offers excellent value by delivering core protection and weatherproofing at a more affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the sizing on the Bogota Pro Drystar jacket?

A: The jacket runs true to size, though some riders suggest sizing up if you plan on wearing bulky layers underneath. It has a comfortable touring cut rather than a race fit. Consult the Alpinestars sizing chart and reviews to pick the appropriate size.

Q: Is the Bogota Pro Drystar waterproof?

A: Yes, the removable Drystar liner makes the jacket fully waterproof. Without the liner, the jacket is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.

Q: Is this jacket better for cold or warm weather?

A: With the insulating liner inserted, the Bogota Pro Drystar excels in cold and variable weather. But the direct ventilation ports also make it suitable for warm weather riding when you remove the liners. So it’s a true 4-season jacket.

Q: Does it have a removable thermal liner?

A: Yes, there is a lightweight 100g quilted thermal liner that can be easily removed to adapt the jacket for warmer weather.

Q: What armor does the Bogota Pro Drystar have?

A: It comes equipped with Alpinestars CE Level 2 Nucleon shoulder and elbow armor. There are also pockets to accommodate Nucleon back and Bionic chest protectors, sold separately.

Conclusion

The Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar offers an excellent balance of features, styling, and value in a mid-range 4-season adventure touring jacket.

It provides weather protection from its Drystar waterproof liner and ample airflow from the direct ventilation ports when you need cooling.

The fit is comfortable without being overly snug, making it a good choice for all-day rides.

While not having top-tier abrasion resistance like 500D Cordura, the jacket still provides ample protection with CE armor and ripstop reinforcements.

For riders seeking a highly versatile touring jacket that can handle anything the elements throw at it, the Bogota Pro Drystar is an outstanding option to consider.

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