Skip to content
Throttle Closet
Full specification As published
Material600D/1000D polyamide with Drystar membrane
WaterproofingFully waterproof, breathable
ProtectionRemovable CE Level 1 knee protectors
LinerRemovable thermal liner
ClosureAdjustable waist tabs, leg hem straps
Coverships, knees
Bench rank97 of 200 on this site
Pants · Rank 97 of 200

Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar Pants

by Alpinestars

A fully waterproof adventure and touring pant built around a Drystar membrane and CE Level 1 knee armor, aimed at riders who want genuine wet-weather protection without flagship pricing.

4.3 Rider rating 4.3 out of 5 Bench score 58/100
  • Fully waterproof Drystar
  • CE Level 1 knee armor
  • Removable thermal liner
Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through this link costs you nothing extra and is what pays for the gear we test.

Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail
Verdict

The Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar pants deliver genuine waterproofing and CE Level 1 knee protection at a fair price for adventure and touring riders. The fit runs bulkier than a sport-touring pant and hip protection is not included, but the balance of comfort, weatherproofing and value holds up well.

The Alpinestars Andes v3 pants are built around a 600D/1000D polyamide shell paired with a fully waterproof, breathable Drystar membrane, aimed at adventure and touring riders who want to ride through changing weather without carrying separate rain gear. Removable CE Level 1 knee protectors come fitted as standard, giving genuine certified protection at one of the areas most likely to take an impact in a fall, and the armor can be removed entirely for washing or replacement. A removable thermal liner extends the pants across seasons, zipping in for cold mornings or coming out entirely once temperatures climb, effectively turning one pair of pants into a three-season piece of kit rather than a single-purpose garment for fair-weather rides only.

On the bike, accordion stretch panels at the knees allow a full range of motion when shifting gears or standing on the pegs, and adjustable waist tabs along with leg hem straps let riders dial in a snug, chafe-free fit over boots or base layers. The Drystar membrane holds up through sustained heavy rain, keeping water out while still letting some moisture escape rather than trapping it against the skin. The knee armor sits adjustable within its pocket, so it stays positioned correctly regardless of body shape or riding posture, an important detail for real-world crash protection rather than just certification on paper alone in a laboratory test somewhere far away.

These pants suit adventure riders and tourers who want dependable waterproofing and CE-certified knee protection without paying for Alpinestars' higher-tier lines. There are no hip protector pockets included as standard, so riders wanting hip coverage need to look at pants built specifically with that pocket. The fit runs a little large for some body types, and the zippers feel a step below the hardware found on premium touring pants after sustained use. Riders chasing a slimmer, sport-touring silhouette, or complete hip-to-knee armor coverage out of the box, should look elsewhere in the range, but for the price the overall balance of features still holds up well over time and repeated seasons of use in changing weather.

What works
  • Reliable waterproofing holds up through heavy rain
  • Strong value against premium touring pants
  • Comfortable fit for all-day adventure riding
  • Removable liner adds versatility across seasons
  • Solid CE Level 1 knee protection included
What doesn't
  • Bulkier fit than a dedicated sport-touring pant
  • No hip protector pockets included as standard
  • Sizing runs a little large for some riders
  • Zippers feel less premium under heavy use
Bench scorecard
Protection54Weather60Airflow39Comfort71Value64

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features
  • 600D/1000D polyamide construction
  • Fully waterproof, breathable Drystar membrane
  • Removable CE Level 1 knee protectors
  • Removable thermal liner for cold weather
  • Adjustable waist tabs
  • Adjustable leg hem straps
  • Accordion stretch panels at the knees
Where it sits in pants
This piece 58 Category median 50 Category best 60

Bench rank 2 of 20 in pants. The median piece in this category scores 50; the best scores 60.

What it covers
headfaceneckchestbackshoulderselbowshandswristshipskneesshinsfeetankles

Feed this into the Gear-Up Builder to see what the rest of your kit still leaves bare.

Who it fits
  • Wet-climate riding: the spec carries real waterproofing, not just a DWR coat.
  • Long days in the saddle, where fit matters more than a spec-sheet win.
Stack it against
KLIM Badlands Pro PantsBench 60 · 4.7 ★
KLIM Latitude PantsBench 57 · 4.6 ★
Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 PantsBench 53 · 4.5 ★
REV'IT! Sand 4 Motorcycle PantsBench 57 · 4.4 ★