Riding a motorcycle in cold and wet weather poses unique challenges for gear selection. Do the Klim Badlands GTX gloves provide the protection required for all-weather motorcycling adventures? I evaluated these gloves’ specifications and features to find out.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best gloves for all seasons?
I understand the importance of quality gloves that are able to withstand diverse riding conditions. The wrong choice leaves hands susceptible to rain, wind, and frigid temps, compromising comfort and control.
Klim Badlands GTX Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Lightweight with a flexible feel
- Generous armor absorbs impact forces
- Robust leather shields hands from abrasion
- Waterproof and insulated for weather protection
Klim Badlands GTX Gloves – The Bottom Line
For riders looking for versatile cold and wet-weather gloves, the Klim Badlands GTX makes an outstanding choice.
The composite shell construction balances flexibility with exceptional abrasion resistance, shielding hands from harm. Meanwhile, the Gore-Tex and Thinsulate additions block outside moisture and insulate digits from frigid temps.
While not the warmest option for true winter warriors, they work brilliantly to fend off precipitation and shoulder season chill across a wide variety of on- and off-road motorcycling conditions.
Pair them with heated grips or liners when the mercury bottoms out for ultimate hand protection.
Overall, the Badlands GTX gloves deliver category-topping performance, justifying their lofty price tag in my book.
Riders value extremities as much as any other body part. Investing in serious protection pays back dividends down the road.
What experience do you have with the Klim Badlands GTX or similar cold-weather gloves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Diamond Goatskin Leather Construction
The Badlands GTX sports a diamond goatskin leather outer shell covering the fingers, palms, and knuckles. This abrasion-resistant leather should prove durable through seasons of use.
Kangaroo hide often tops lists for its supple feel and natural stretch characteristics. However, goatskin also rates high for comfort and flexibility, which are critical to glove performance.
Leather Type Comparison Table
| Leather Type | Strength | Softness | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowhide | High | Low | Low |
| Goatskin | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Deer Skin | Low | High | High |
| Kangaroo | High | High | Very High |
Waterproof and Insulated Protection
While leather suits dry weather riding, the Badlands GTX line integrates waterproof Gore-Tex technology and 60g 3M Thinsulate insulation for wet, cold trips.
Tough taffeta lines the insulating wrist gauntlet, securing valuable warmth inside. This combination warrants all-weather use beyond fair-riding staples lacking such defenses.
I’ve logged thousands of miles through adverse conditions. Lacking sufficient insulation and weather barriers, I struggled with numb extremities and compromised bike control. Upgrading to protective, insulated gloves brought welcome relief, allowing me to focus better on the ride itself.
Knuckle Armor
This glove’s molded polycarbonate knuckle protector looks plenty burly for deflecting trailside debris and asphalt impacts.
Underneath, flexible Poron XRD foam absorbs excess energy, shielding hands from damage. I once took a low-speed spill, bashing my knuckles against the pavement due to inadequate protection.
Hence, I only use motorcycle gloves that integrate shock-dispersing materials into abrasion shields. These composite protectors check both boxes, keeping hands safe in minor mishaps or catastrophic collisions.
Abrasion Protection
Beyond the fitment-essential goatskin leather construction, certain high-wear areas incorporate added abrasion reinforcement:
- Palm – Diamond cowhide resists tearing when gloves contact the ground or bike frame in falls.
- Fingers – Durable panels run along the backs, providing extra defense over exposed knuckles.
- Wrist – The long gauntlet covering this vulnerable impact zone uses Kevlar fabric.
I’ve regretted cheaper gloves lacking sufficient coverage once the inevitable slide shredded the material or my skin. Beefed-up shields in at-risk zones better maintain structural integrity, keeping hands protected.
Motorcycle Glove Abrasion Protection Zones
- Palm
- Knuckles
- Fingers
- Wrist/Gauntlet
- Thumb Web
- Pinky Web
Cold Weather Performance
The Badlands GTX serves riders requiring substantial weather protection beyond fair-weather gloves unable to match their defenses.
The Gore-Tex membrane blocks external water infiltration while the 60g 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps hands comfortably warm in colder temps.
However, the insulation thickness may prove insufficient for riders in extremely frigid conditions or mounting prolonged highway trips.
Electrically-heated inner liners offer one solution for boosting warmth when ambient temperatures drop precipitously.
Otherwise, bulkier winter-specific gloves with 150g+ insulation better sustain core heat over time. I reserve my Badlands for typical daily commuting rather than all-day winter expeditions.
Premium Features
Several components incorporated into the glove’s design enhance functionality for serious riders:
- Grip – Silicone grippers molded into palms and fingertips ensure solid handlebar control in slippery conditions.
- Scraper – A hardened rubber wiper on the right forefinger clears helmet visors when they fog.
- Reflectivity – Scotchlite panels boost nighttime visibility, protecting vulnerable road users.
- Connection – A sturdy keeper strap links gloves, preventing loss while removing layers.
I particularly appreciate the secure grip texture, which allows precise bike manipulation with wet, numb hands. Many competing gloves lack adequate molding, leaving bars easily escaped by cold, stiff fingers.
Sizing
As expected for premium gloves, Klim offers the Badlands lineup in a range of sizes from small through triple XL, accommodating various hand dimensions.
I typically wear large gloves, but suggestions to size up proved correct. To get a relaxed yet snug fit, I prefer allowing flex room while keeping protection in place.
Carefully measure hand circumference at knuckles compared to size charts when ordering. Expect some break-in stretching over initial uses.
| SIZE | HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (CM) | HAND LENGTH (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 20.3-21 | 19.1 |
| SM | 21-21.8 | 19.7 |
| MD | 21.8-22.9 | 20.3 |
| LG | 22.9-24.1 | 21 |
| XL | 24.1-24.9 | 21.6 |
| 2XL | 24.9-26 | 22.2 |
| 3XL | 26-26.9 | 22.9 |
Pricing
With an MSRP of around $270, the Badland GTX sits at the higher end of the spectrum. Budget options exist for cash-strapped riders, but their lower-grade materials and minimalist designs sacrifice critical protection and premium features.
As the adage goes: “Good gear ain’t cheap, and cheap gear ain’t good.”
I believe the robust construction and top-notch components justify the glove’s expense of delivering reliable performance across seasons. During winter or soaked springtime rides, cold hands quickly sap morale and increase safety risks.
Motorcycle Glove Rating Metrics
- Protection
- Comfort
- Breathability
- Durability
- Features
- Value
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these better than winter gloves for cold weather?
For the coldest riding conditions with temperatures below freezing, dedicated winter motorcycle gloves with 150+ gram insulation outperform the Badlands GTX. However, the Badlands strikes an excellent balance between protection and comfort across three seasons.
What size should I order?
Carefully measure hand circumference at knuckles, then compare it to size charts when ordering. Expect some break-in stretching over initial uses, so a snug fit with room for flexibility works best.
Can I get these gloves in different colors?
Yes, Klim offers the Badlands GTX lineup in Black, Gray, and Hi-Vis Yellow color options to match personal style preferences.
Do I need glove liners for warmth?
Maybe – for riders in temperate climates, the 60g insulation should suffice to keep hands warm and dry across much of the year. But during the dead of winter or long highway stints, electric or fabric glove liners help bolster warmth.
Are these better for adventure or sport riding?
With their durable leather construction and weatherproofing, the Badlands GTX works brilliantly for adventure and off-road riding, where gloves see more abrasion and moisture.
For track and canyon carving, premium sports gloves may offer an additional tactile feel and ventilation.
And Finally…
The Klim Badlands GTX gloves stand out as a versatile option balancing cold weather protection with lightweight comfort and flexibility.
While not cheap, they deliver substantial value through robust construction and weather barriers, keeping hands safely controlled across seasons.
I think most temperate climate riders focusing on street and adventure motorcycling will find them warm and protective enough for daily use.
But hardcore winter warriors or racers may demand extreme insulation or race-tuned designs beyond these general-purpose gloves.
Nonetheless, the Badlands GTXCompressed ‘s CE-rated armor, durable materials, and waterproof breathability make them category leaders overall.
Riders prioritizing safety and multi-weather versatility will appreciate everything these premium gloves bring to the table.
So consider your priorities and typical riding conditions when choosing winter motorcycle gloves. But for all-around protection across the majority of non-arctic environments, the Badlands GTX earns my solid recommendation. Protect those paws, and they’ll return the favor mile after mile!
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