Dainese Splugen 3L D-Dry Jacket and Sherman 3 Pant: All-Weather Comfort

A chilly, mostly overcast day in Portugal presented a good opportunity to test the performance of the Dainese Splugen 3L D-Dry jacket, alongside the Sherman 3 pants. This combination provides a stylish, fully functional, and safety-oriented riding suit with a focus on spring and fall touring.

Officially classified as touring/adventure gear, the Splugen jacket and Sherman pants are constructed of heavy-duty Absøluteshell and Mugello fabrics for strength, flexibility, and comfort. They have two independent, removable insert layers—one a waterproof membrane, the other a thermal layer. Both feature an interior breathable mesh, which is comfortable against bare skin with the linings removed.

The jacket and pants, despite being of different model lines, fastened together with a wrap-around waist zipper without issue, thanks to Dainese’s standardization. Keeping them zippered provides not only a measure of sealing against the elements, but also improves safety. In case of a fall, the suit stays as a single unit and reduces the risk of exposing skin.

Pro-Armor protectors (certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2) come standard on the elbows, shoulders, and knees, with Pro-Shape 2.0 protectors at the hips. The knee protectors are adjustable, and worth fitting to your dimensions when seated on the bike to provide maximum comfort when riding. The jacket has a large mesh pocket for an optional (but recommended) back protector.
My impression upon getting fully suited-up was one of slight bulkiness. However, that feeling is deceptive. Once underway, the suit proved surprisingly accommodating with comfort and range of motion. I could freely move my arms and legs—especially critical for off-road riding.

The Splugen jacket has four large cargo pockets, two in the front and two on the back. Elastic bands provide expandable space with Velcro-fastened flaps for secure closing. The pockets are easily accessible even when wearing gloves. There are two zippered chest pockets, and a zippered “waterproof” inside pocket. I say “waterproof” because my items had a moist feel to them at the end of the day riding in a sprinkle. The thermal liner has a pocket, but it can be a challenge to access with gloves on.

For venting, the jacket has two shoulder blade vents and two zippered bicep vents. There is a single large shoulder-width zippered vent across the back that helps draw air through from the front. They result in a decent airflow around the torso. Notably, the two shoulder vents have built-in spring-loaded elements, which can be snapped open or closed with one hand while riding. The cuffs have magnets that can keep compatible Dainese gloves attached during fuel stops.

The Sherman pants have two large external pockets, with the right one zippered and the left with an elastic band for expansion. The pocket bases have integrated wrap-around zippered venting that circulates air over the legs. Zippered closures on the pant cuffs keep excess material pulled snug and fastened with Velcro.

Removing or inserting the waterproof and thermal linings requires you to take the pants or jacket off. Pulling the layers out is a great deal easier than re-inserting them. However, after some practice, the various snaps and loops will make for relatively easy change-outs. One pet peeve, though—the small internal attachments that fix the inserts to the suit at the cuffs and wrists can be a difficult to align without unwittingly twisting the material inside the sleeves and legs. Again, practice makes perfect.

Temperatures ranged from 42 to 60 during my test. Midday saw a short window of sunshine and humidity, so I could sample the suit’s venting. The airflow was good and provided cooling even with both linings in. The collar is somewhat tall and, although providing great wind protection, the upper edge can poke the neck when buttoned up. A strong snap button holds the collar open in hot weather.

The Dainese Splugen jacket and Sherman pants combination is rugged, stylish, versatile, and functional. It’s a solid choice for adventure riding or long-haul touring, providing safety and comfort in dry, wet, hot, and cold riding.

Dainese Splugen 3L D-Dry Jacket
$629.95
Sizes: 44-64
Colors: White, black

Dainese Sherman 3 Pants
$359
Sizes: 44-62
Color: Black