WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE ALPINESTARS STELLA A-DURA WOMEN’S MTB KIT
The kit I tested from Alpinestars includes the Stella A-Dura Thermal Jersey and the Stella A-Dura Waterproof Pant. I tested both items in black, with size medium and 28, respectively. I was going for the clean, sleek racer vibe to make me look somewhat fast, so black colorways felt like the logical choice.
The Alpinestars Stella A-Dura Thermal Jersey is built for the shoulder-season chill, lined with insulated fleece to help regulate body heat when temperatures start dropping. The long-sleeve top is meant to layer easily, whether you’re piling a jacket on top for extra warmth, or a waterproof shell over it to fend off rain and mud. Alpinestars gave it a women’s-specific regular fit and an extended drop tail for added coverage over the booty, with a classic logo across the chest. Available in burgundy or the black tested in sizes XS–XL, the Stella A-Dura Thermal Jersey retails for $99.95.
The Stella A-Dura Waterproof Pant is the more technical piece of these two in the Alpinestars lineup. These pants are built with a four-way stretch, three-layer waterproof membrane rated to 20k – these pants were designed to handle real water pressure before it gives, not just a light drizzle. The fabric gets a PFC-free DWR treatment to shed water, dirt, and debris, and the seams are tape-welded with 15mm Sealon tape in the spots most likely to let water sneak in. Closure is handled by a ratchet system for a personalized fit and the cuffs use four-way stretch, with extra stretch panels behind the knees to make getting the pants on and off easier without sacrificing mobility. Rounding out the features, there are two zippered hand pockets for stashing your phone or a snack. Available in black and titanium colors in sizes 26–34, the Alpinestars Stella A-Dura Waterproof Pant retails for $199.95.
THE DIRT
I tested the Stella A-Dura jersey in a size medium based on Alpinestars’ sizing chart, when I normally fit as a small/medium. The fit was genuinely great, with the sleeve length landing exactly where it should. The cut had a soft, feminine flare from the waist, skirting the hips without veering into costume territory. It does what a good women’s-specific cut should do – it fits like it was actually designed for a woman’s body, not just shrunk down from the men’s pattern. As far as warmth goes, I have zero complaints. This jersey has earned a permanent spot in my winter and shoulder-season rotation. It’s warm without being bulky, and it layers exactly the way Alpinestars says it will. It was a solid pick for most of my winter and early spring riding, and came in very handy on a cold, wet Mount Spokane shuttle day, keeping my temperature comfortable without being stifling when the effort levels rose.
The pants are where things get more complicated. I’m normally a size 27 or a 4/6, and I sized up to a 28 based on their sizing guide, expecting a bit of breathing room. Instead, they run pretty tight — tight enough that I can ride in them, but not tight enough that I’d call it uncomfortable. If you’re between sizes, I’d strongly recommend sizing up rather than trusting the chart here and really scrutinizing if two sizes up might be worth it. If you want to use these pants for more than just being waterproof, like some winter riding, you may want a little extra room to fit in a baselayer. I was barely able to get these on with just a chammy below. I’d say that part of this could be due to the waist fit – it’s closer to a mid-rise rather than higher-rise pant. There’s a lot of women’s gear brands that have opted for higher rise fits, with significantly wider and stretchier waistbands, and the Stella A-Dura waterproof pants are on the other side of that spectrum, with a more classic waistband and rise. These pants also seem to be designed to be a little tighter and racier in their cut.
However, the technical performance of the Alpinestars Stella A-Dura Pant is solid. They are genuinely waterproof, reasonably breathable, and they’ve got a sleek, almost professional look on the trail that a lot of waterproof pants don’t manage. I’ve got a pair of waterproof MTB pants from another brand that are similar in a lot of aspects, but have a baggier look in areas where I don’t appreciate the extra material, like lower in the legs. This snug fit on the Stella A-Dura pants creates an issue with the pockets. They’re positioned close to the bend of the hip, and every time I leaned over the bike — which, if you ride a mountain bike, is most of the time — my phone dug straight into my pelvic bone. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that can make you switch up where you hold your phone during riding, and could be the final say on whether these pants are worth it to you.
The Wolf’s Last Word
This is a kit of two halves. The Stella A-Dura Thermal Jersey is an easy piece to recommend – it’s warm, well-cut, and exactly what you want in a winter or shoulder-season layer, no wishes for improvement. The Stella A-Dura Waterproof Pant has real technical chops – waterproof, breathable, and good-looking on the trail. However, the fit runs tight and the pocket placement doesn’t play nice with that snugness once you’re actually riding.
If Alpinestars is serious about winning over more women riders, the pant needs a fit pass. In the meantime, I’d size up generously, and maybe store the mega-sized phones of the modern era in another place while riding. 
Price:
$199.95 – Pants
$99.95 – Jersey
Website: Alpinestars.com
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