Not every rider wants laminated gear. While laminate has clear advantages, it also comes with higher pricing and less flexibility when it comes to layering. For a lot of touring and adventure riders, especially those dealing with mixed UK conditions, versatility matters just as much as outright waterproofing.
That is exactly where the Dainese Gullfoss D-Dry comes in. Rather than committing to a fixed laminated setup, it takes a modular approach. Removable waterproofing, removable thermal layers and large venting panels are all built into the design, allowing the suit to adapt depending on the conditions.
On paper, that sounds like the ideal solution for riders who want one outfit to handle everything from summer heat to wet commutes. In reality, the experience is a little more nuanced. After fitting this kit on real riders and spending time with it in-store, it becomes clear that the Gullfoss is not trying to be the easiest system on the market. It is trying to be one of the most adaptable.
Watch the video review
If you want to see how the system works in more detail, the full video breakdown is above. Otherwise, here is the full written review.
A modular system instead of laminate
The biggest decision point with the Gullfoss comes down to construction. This is not a laminated suit. Instead, it uses Dainese’s D-Dry waterproof membrane, which is completely removable and packable.
That immediately changes how you use it. With laminate, you are always waterproof and simply open vents when you need airflow. With a modular system like this, you gain flexibility but also take on a bit more responsibility. You need to think ahead and decide how you want to set the suit up for the day.
Dainese have gone further than most by allowing the waterproof membrane to be worn either inside the jacket or over the top. The trousers follow the same idea. In theory, that is excellent for touring because you can adapt quickly to changing weather without being locked into one configuration.
In practice, it is slightly more involved than a simple zip-in liner system. It works, and it works well, but it is not the quickest setup when you are in a rush. Riders who like to fine-tune their kit will appreciate the flexibility. Riders who want absolute simplicity may prefer something more fixed.
Protection and armour - exactly where it should be
In terms of safety, the Gullfoss sits in a very solid position. It is AA rated under the EN 17092 standard, which is right where most quality touring and adventure textile gear should be. It offers meaningful protection without becoming overly heavy or restrictive.
Dainese also include their Pro-Armour Level 2 protectors in the shoulders and elbows as standard. These are a slightly different feel compared to softer armour systems like D3O. They are more structured and ventilated, which gives them a distinctive feel when new. Some riders notice that straight away, especially if they are used to very soft armour, but they do become more compliant once worn and warmed up.
The jacket is also set up properly for additional protection. There are dedicated pockets for chest protectors and back protectors, and importantly, the overall design works with Dainese’s Smart Air airbag system. That integration feels intentional rather than something added on afterwards, which is exactly what you want to see in modern touring gear.
Venting - one of its strongest features
Where the Gullfoss really starts to stand out is ventilation. This is not subtle venting. The panels are large, structured and clearly designed to move serious air.
The chest vents channel airflow around the upper body and out through the rear of the jacket, creating a noticeable flow rather than just a slight breeze. The sleeves also feature large venting with a design aimed at riders who move around on the bike, which makes sense given the adventure positioning.
In real use, the airflow is impressive. It is one of the strongest features of the suit. The trade-off is that these are not small, easy-to-adjust vents that you casually tweak while riding. With gloves on, you are more likely to stop and set them properly rather than fine-tuning them on the move.
That does not take away from how effective they are, but it is worth understanding how they behave in practice.
Three riding setups - how the system actually works
The modular nature of the Gullfoss means you are effectively working with three main configurations depending on the conditions.
In warm weather, you run the outer shell on its own. The waterproof membrane and thermal liner come out, the vents are opened fully, and you get the maximum airflow the suit can offer.
In wet but milder conditions, you add the D-Dry waterproof membrane. Because it can be worn either inside or over the jacket, you have some flexibility in how you manage rain.
In colder conditions, both the waterproof membrane and the thermal liner are used together, creating a much more insulated setup.
This system gives the Gullfoss a wide operating range, but it does come with one caveat. Compared to simpler systems, getting everything set up can feel slightly fiddly. The liners are not heavily anchored throughout, so it can take a bit of adjustment when putting it on. It is not a major issue, but it is one of those details that separates a modular system from a more straightforward laminated alternative.
Fit and feel - very much Dainese
The fit is exactly what you would expect from Dainese, but with a touring focus. It is designed for upright riding positions rather than aggressive sport postures, which makes it well suited to adventure bikes, tourers and commuting use.
Sizing is generally consistent, although the arms do run slightly longer, which is typical for the brand. Adjustability is strong throughout the jacket, with easy-to-use press stud adjustments on the arms and a waist system that allows you to pull the fit in where needed. The collar also offers multiple positions, which is useful for comfort in different conditions.
One thing worth noting from real-world fitting is that the armour can feel slightly more noticeable when standing upright, particularly across the shoulders. Once in a riding position, it tends to settle properly, but off the bike you may be more aware of it.
Storage and day-to-day practicality
The Gullfoss is clearly designed with touring in mind when it comes to storage. There are multiple external pockets, a large rear cargo pocket that can be used to store the waterproof membrane, and internal storage for essentials.
The only limitation some riders may notice is that there is just one internal waterproof pocket. For many people, that will be perfectly fine, but for riders who like to separate items like phones and documents, an additional waterproof internal pocket would have been useful.
Aside from that, the layout is practical and makes sense for everyday riding.
The trousers - matching the same philosophy
The Gullfoss trousers follow the same modular approach as the jacket. They are AA rated, come with removable waterproof and thermal layers, and include ventilation for warmer conditions.
Protection is strong here as well, with adjustable Level 2 knee armour and additional hip protection included. The overall cut is designed to work over touring and adventure boots, which is exactly what you want from this type of kit.
In use, a few small details stand out. The waterproof liner can sometimes need adjusting when stepping into the trousers, and the vent structures add a bit of bulk in certain positions. The fastening system also feels slightly awkward at first, although it may loosen with use.
None of these are major issues, but they are the kind of real-world observations that help set expectations.
Who the Dainese Gullfoss is best suited to
The Gullfoss is aimed at riders who want flexibility above all else. It suits touring and adventure riders who are happy managing layers and want one setup that can adapt across a wide range of conditions.
It works particularly well for mixed-weather riding, commuting with changing conditions, and longer trips where versatility matters more than outright simplicity. It also makes sense for riders who value strong ventilation but still want proper protection and airbag compatibility built into the design.
On the other hand, if you want a suit that is always waterproof without any setup or planning, a laminated option may be a better fit. Modular systems reward riders who are organised and willing to adjust their kit depending on the day.
Shop the Dainese Gullfoss at Moto Central
You can explore the full Gullfoss range below:
Dainese Gullfoss Jacket - Black / Tidal Foam
Dainese Gullfoss Jacket - Black / Grey / Blue
Dainese Gullfoss Jacket - Black / White / Red
We stock the full range at Moto Central, and if your size or preferred colour is not available, we can order it in directly.
Final thoughts
The Dainese Gullfoss D-Dry is not trying to compete with laminated suits on simplicity. Instead, it offers something different - a highly adaptable, modular system that allows riders to tailor their setup depending on the conditions.
It brings together strong protection, excellent venting and flexible layering into a package that works well for riders who want one suit to cover a wide range of riding scenarios. It is not the quickest system to set up, and it does require a bit more involvement from the rider, but in return it offers a level of versatility that fixed systems simply cannot match.
For riders who like the idea of adjusting their gear to suit the day rather than committing to one setup, the Gullfoss is a very strong option.
Jamie from Moto Central
