Alpinestars’ MC27 Adventure Jackets: Removable Liner vs. Laminated GORE-TEX

Alpinestars' new adventure jackets look similar on a rack, but they handle rain and heat in different ways. The company's MC27 adventure collection includes three jackets, the Harok V2 Drystar, the ST-7 V2 2L GORE-TEX and the Arenis GORE-TEX, and the biggest difference between them is how the waterproofing is built.

The short version

• Harok V2 Drystar ($569.95): a mesh-heavy jacket with a removable waterproof liner you can wear inside or outside.
• ST-7 V2 2L GORE-TEX ($769.95): a laminated two-layer GORE-TEX shell with chest and arm vents and a detachable thermal liner.
• Arenis GORE-TEX ($649.95): also a laminated two-layer GORE-TEX shell, with arm vents, a front airflow panel and rear exhaust vents.
• Prices: from Alpinestars' U.S. product pages, checked October 7. Stock varies by color and size.

Two ways to keep water out

Removable liner (Harok V2). The waterproof Drystar layer is a separate liner. Alpinestars says you can wear it inside the jacket as a wind and rain barrier or outside as a shell. Take it out and the jacket's mesh zones flow lots of air.

The trade-off with liner-based jackets: when the liner is inside, the outer shell can still soak through and get heavy, even if you stay dry.

Laminated shell (ST-7 V2 and Arenis). The GORE-TEX membrane is bonded to the outer fabric, so the outside of the jacket is the waterproof layer. That generally means less water weight in a storm and no stopping to add a liner. Ventilation comes from zippered vents rather than open mesh.

Venting and warmth

• Harok V2: removable sleeves and folding chest and back panels expose mesh. The best of the three for hot weather, on paper.
• ST-7 V2: direct chest panels and zippered arm vents, plus a detachable thermal liner for cold days. Note that this liner is for warmth, not waterproofing.
• Arenis: zippered arm vents, a front airflow panel and rear exhaust vents.

Armor: check the jacket you buy

All three come with shoulder and elbow protectors. But Alpinestars' own product pages give conflicting armor descriptions for some models, listing one protector type in the spec block and another in the image details. Until Alpinestars clarifies, check the label on the jacket you're buying, and ask whether a back protector is included or sold separately.

Which one fits your riding

• Hot climates, mixed weather: Harok V2, if you're willing to manage a liner.
• Wet, cold or long-distance touring: ST-7 V2, with its laminated shell and thermal liner.
• Wet weather with more airflow: Arenis, a laminated shell with more venting options.

None of this replaces trying the jacket on with your riding layers. Fit affects whether armor stays where it should.

What we don't know

• Which armor is actually included on the Harok V2 and ST-7 V2
• Independent rain and crash testing
• Exact launch date of the MC27 line

Bottom line

Alpinestars' MC27 adventure jackets split into a removable-liner design (Harok V2, $569.95) and laminated GORE-TEX shells (ST-7 V2, $769.95, and Arenis, $649.95). Choose based on your climate, and confirm the included armor on the tag.