Klim Badlands GTX Gloves Review: All-weather ready or just marketing hype?

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

Klim Badlands GTX Gloves Review

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 TypeStrengthSoftnessCost
CowhideHighLowLow
GoatskinMediumMediumMedium
Deer SkinLowHighHigh
KangarooHighHighVery 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