KLIM CARLSBAD JACKET AND PANTS

PRODUCT: Klim recognized the need for a lighter-weight, less-bulky set of adventure riding gear that doesn’t compromise on versatility or protection. With this in mind, Klim started with industry-standard Gore-Tex material that has been reinforced with 500-denier Karbonite Ripstop in high-impact and high-wear areas. There is also D30 CE Level 1 armor in the elbows, shoulders, back, hips and knees. The end result is a vastly improved set of riding gear offering greater mobility and improved venting with an option to add a kidney belt. The Carlsbad jacket is loaded with features, including two front water-resistant pockets, two hand-warmer pockets, two chest pockets, two internal pockets, forearm vents on each sleeve and two vents in the chest and back of the jacket. To prevent the sleeves from flapping on the highway, forearm quick-adjust straps and a collar hold them back for function, as well as a bottom hem cinch cord. The Carlsbad pant is constructed from the same materials as the jacket, offering all the same protection and abrasion resistance. The knees feature Cordura leather inserts with a DWR treatment for added wear protection and heat resistance. The front of each pant leg features air intake vents, while the rear has exhaust vents to keep you comfortable on warm days. The side of each thigh has a storage pocket, and the pant also uses black 3M Scotchlite reflective materials for nighttime visibility. The adjustable cuff allows the pant to open enough to adjust the boots and knee guards. The pant has a front zipper and two Velcro side-waist adjusters. The rear of the pant and lower back of the jacket have a 15-inch zipper that allows you to zip the two pieces together for added weather protection.

OUR TAKE: We’re real fans of all of Klim’s motorcycle gear, and its Carlsbad adventure gear didn’t let us down. The lighter-weight riding gear with less bulk makes for a much-improved ride, simply by offering greater mobility on the motorcycle. The Carlsbad gear provides the protection from weather and protection in a crash that we demand—without the bulk. With proper base layers, this gear is perfect for all but the most extreme cold. The venting proved to be very effective at pulling the heat out of the pants and jacket on warm days. The D30 CE armor provides protection without being too bulky or restricting movement. The articulation in the arms and knees really ups the comfort level in the Carlsbad gear. Call us vain, but we also really like how great this stuff looks when we’re on our motorcycles. So far, we’ve used this gear on several dual-sport rides and a multi-day adventure ride with temperatures ranging from 48 degrees to 100 degrees with no complaints.

GROANS: About the only complaint we can come up with is the cost of adventure riding gear in general. With the price to play being a little over a grand, it’ll put a significant bite in the old wallet.

BOTTOM LINE: Let’s face it, adventure riding gear is expensive. Riders ask a lot out of their jackets and pants, needing them to be warm, well ventilated, breathable, and offer good protection from the elements and crashes. The Klim Carlsbad jacket and pant set nails all of those needs while coming in at a lower price point than other mega-buck, top-of-the-line products. Considering how long this gear lasts, you can’t go wrong choosing Klim’s Carlsbad adventure gear.

CONTACT: www.klim.com

PRICE: Jacket, $549.99; pants, $489.99