If you are looking for a serious upgrade this ski season (and have a good chunk of cash burning a whole in your pocket) the AWA M1 from Dainese could be just what you are looking for. Available in four designs, Black-Iris, Gun-Metal, Lemon-Chrome and Stretch-Limo it comes in sizes XS-XL. What makes the M1 special is the layering system that is made up of a three-layer waterproof breathable outer shell and an insulating, packable inner jacket. Both the outer (shoulder and arms) and inner layers has integrated Trailknit seamless knitted constructions, this fabric has been developed by electronic knitting machines, different to traditional woven fabric, it provides more flexibility and has better elasticity, and this is Dainese’s first garment to host a knitted construction on the outer layer that provides a more fitting form.
For protection against the elements the M1 has been laminated with a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane and has DWR treatment on outer fabric, the outer also has a D-Dry Plus 3-layer shell and is has fully seamed seals. The hood is fully adjustable with room for a helmet underneath and removeable to reduce bulk on milder days, this jacket offers a water column of 30,000mm and YKK AquaGuard VISLON water repellent front zipper. The inner jacket has PrimaLoft Silver Down Boost (80g) for warmth and lightweight 10 denier micro ripstop outer fabric 23g/m2, it attaches to the inside of the outer layer for ease of dressing but can be completely removed and worn independently depending on the weather.
The M1 has a breathability rating of 30,000 g/m2/24hrs, a snowskirt that attaches securely out of the way when not in use and side vents that can be unzipped for extra ventilation and can also be used to access the pockets on the inner layer, and due to the dual layers and tough exterior the M1 is rather heavy at 1.54kg. There are loads of pockets to make sure you have space for all your belongings and essentials, in the inner jacket there is a detachable lens wipe in one pocket and a detachable card holder in the other. Everything about the M1 screams premium, if I was to be ultra-picky I would add a fleece lining to the outer pockets to double as hand warmers and wrist gaiters in the sleeves to seal the gap between gloves and sleeves, other than that is jacket is close to faultless. RRP £989.50
4.8 out of 5
Pros
2in1 shell + insulation jacket combination
Breathability 30,000 g/m2/24hrs and 30,000 mm water column
Fully seam sealed (outer jacket)
Close fit with flexibility
Removable, adjustable helmet compatible hood
Trailknit construction on both inner and out linings
Premium quality
Lots of pockets
Fully removeable inner jacket
Detachable lens wipe and card holder
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