‘Comfy, adjustable to climate, and practical’
6000-MILE TEST
Stylish, rugged and brilliant for all seasons, Dainese’s Hekla Pro jacket and trousers are top kit for touring and adventuring, says RiDE contributor Jim Moore
Pictures Adam Shorrock, Jason Critchell
DAINESE HEKLA ABSOLUTESHELL PRO 20K
JACKET £799.95 TROUSERS £449.95
THE CLAIM
“Premium AA-rated all-season touring jacket and trousers with waterproof, breathable membrane and magnetic connection system.
“Designed for long trips on- and off-road. Extremely comfortable and functional due to many large and completely waterproof pockets, all functions can be accessed and used with one hand.
“Constructed from QuickDry fabric, Ripstop weaved fabric, and an Absoluteshell Pro 20K laminated membrane. Maximum protection and safety are guaranteed through anti-cut and anti-abrasion areas, and Pro-Armor Level 2 protectors on shoulders and elbows. Designed to accommodate type G back and chest protectors.”
THE REALITY
I’ve had this Dainese Hekla combo for three years now, and in that time I’ve subjected them to the brutality of midwinter Scottish touring, scorching Mediterranean heat, everyday commuting, and muddy off-roading. The fact they’re still going strong and in regular use is testament to their quality and practicality.
If kit is uncomfortable, I won’t wear it. Simple as that. Comfort is at the heart of the Hekla’s proposition. Dainese claim as much – and they’re right. There’s myriad adjustability to attain the perfect fit: Velcro-adjustable waist, neck and cuffs; zip and Velcro fasteners at the ankle; poppers to expand or contract the diameter of the arms; plus further refinement of fit in the jacket waist via adjustable straps.
A big part of the Hekla combo’s high-end appeal is Dainese’s use of the Absoluteshell Pro 20K laminated membrane which, the firm claim, gives both items excellent water-repellent qualities. Which they have… to a point. The trousers failed last autumn during a trip back from Wales in biblical rain – water got in through the crotch, eventually leaving most of my bottom half wet. The jacket’s proven better at keeping out rain, but I suspect a long ride in sustained foul weather would call its properties into question.
WATERPROOF POCKETS
The jacket’s front right pocket is fully waterproof, as is its inside counterpart. The left side jacket outer and both leg pockets on the trousers are showerproof. Further storage is to be had in both front and rear net carriers, the latter perfect for storing lightweight waterproofs.
Waterlogged pockets can make touring miserable. No such issues with the Hekla
ALL-SEASON BREATHABLE
Two long vents in the front of the jacket run the length of each inner arm, with a vent on the front of each leg. A handy tag links to both zips on the rear vents, making opening and closing them – even on the move – possible. It’s comfy even in 30°C heat.
Opened to the max, the vents are highly effective – even in 30°C heat
REMOVABLE INNER FLEECE
One of the best features of the Hekla is the jacket’s removable inner fleece. It can attach to the outer, but is much more comfortable worn as its own garment with the main jacket over the top. It zips up to the neck, keeping even the fiercest chills at bay.
Inner fleece: one of Jim’s favourite parts of the suit
THE WEAR AND TEAR
Despite hard use – everything from lengthy midwinter rides, relentless rain, continental touring in 30°C heat, as well as use on- and off-road – the only thing to have failed has been the plastic zip tags on two outer pockets – one on the jacket and one on the trousers. The zips remain intact and still usable though, so it’s only a part fail.
Three years’ worth of dead flies and road detritus are becoming increasingly hard to remove from the outer shell, despite machine washing, so a level of patina is now taking hold. Both still have many miles left in them, though.
Soft neoprene top edge, decent Velcro fastener, doesn’t flap about if left undone. Storm collar is super
