I’ve been an avid motorcyclist for over ten years now, looking for gear that can stand up to long rides in all weather conditions.

As someone who loves multi-day touring trips, having a jacket designed specifically for women that provides protection, comfort, and versatility is essential.

That’s why I was eager to test out the Klim Artemis jacket and pants – this premium gear is packed with features meant to excel during adventures on the open road.

In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience using the Artemis kit, highlighting the standout qualities as well as any potential drawbacks.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best gore-tex motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Detailed Review of the Klim Artemis Jacket and Pants

Jacket Construction and Materials

The Artemis jacket uses a durable polyester shell enhanced by Gore-Tex membrane technology to make it fully waterproof yet breathable. Reinforced panels using Superfabric help guard against abrasion in high-impact zones.

The combination of premium materials gives the jacket impressive weather protection and durability – perfect for touring in uncertain conditions.

The jacket relies on a direct venting system rather than bulky liners for insulation. Large intake and exhaust vents allow significant airflow. I’ll cover the venting performance more later in this review.

Jacket Features and Design

Klim packed the Artemis jacket with rider-focused features:

• CE-rated shoulder, elbows, and back armor provide extensive impact protection. The armor fits snugly for comfort.
• Abundant storage options like water-resistant zippered pockets and a hidden internal document pocket provide convenience.
• The collar securely seals out the elements when fully zipped, but the quick-release bungee makes it easy to open up for ventilation.
• Reflective accents on the sleeves and back improve visibility.
• A waist-cinching system, adjustable sleeves, and hem help dial in the fit.
• Molle system panels allow you to customize with additional accessories like pouches.

My favorite feature is the underarm zipper vents designed specifically for female riders. Unzipping these allows air right to the core – a smart design touch.

Jacket Comfort and Fit

I tested a size small, which felt too snug in the shoulders and arms for my 5’10” athletic frame. Sizing up to a medium would resolve this.

Despite the tight fit, the jacket remained comfortable on long rides thanks to:

• Flexible armor that moves naturally with the body
• Durable but soft shell materials that avoid irritation
• Gusseted panels at stress points to prevent restriction

The Artemis jacket runs true to size as long as you account for wearing layers underneath. Order your normal jacket size.

Jacket Ventilation and Breathability

The Artemis jacket uses direct vents rather than liner layers to control airflow and temperatures.

Vents are thoughtfully placed at:

• Upper chest
• Under arm
• Rear shoulder
• Biceps
• Forearms
• Back panel
• Thighs

With all vents opened, airflow was excellent, allowing the Artemis to be worn in warmer weather up to 80 degrees. Closing vents provides fine-tuned control over ventilation.

The Gore-Tex membrane also proved effective at preventing an over-boiled feeling even when vents were closed. Perspiration dissipated quickly.

Jacket Weather Protection

The waterproof and highly wind-resistant Gore-Tex shell lived up to its reputation while riding in heavy rain. The outer material repelled moisture exceptionally well.

Seams are sealed, and water-tight zippers prevent leakage. I stayed dry, even riding for hours in downpours.

The lining wicks away perspiration to further enhance comfort in wet conditions. No water penetrated the jacket.

The Artemis jacket excels at blocking wind chill. I felt little effect from high winds, even at highway speeds. Heat loss seemed minimal.

Jacket Durability

The Artemis jacket shows minimal signs of wear after hundreds of miles of testing, including some light spills.

The outer shell remains scuff-free except for a couple of marks on the forearms. The material has held up to abrasion remarkably well.

The armor remains perfectly in place and undamaged. All zippers and closures continue to operate smoothly.

This jacket feels made to last for many seasons of hard riding.

Pants Construction and Materials

Like the jacket, the Artemis pants utilize a durable polyester shell with extensive Gore-Tex waterproof yet breathable membrane throughout.

Reinforced panels of Superfabric provide abrasion resistance in key impact zones.

The material combination makes these pants highly protective against the elements while promoting airflow to avoid overheating.

Pants Features and Design

The Artemis pants pack functionality for serious riders:

• CE-rated armor in the hips and knees
• Abrasion-resistant panels on the inner thighs and seat
• Ventilation zippers on the thighs and rear yoke
• Convenient storage pockets with water-resistant zippers
• Waist adjusters and Velcro ankle cinch straps for a customized fit
• Molle system for attaching accessories like pouches

The pants provide a full range of motion thanks to an athletic cut and strategic gusseted seams. I never felt restricted during active riding.

Pants Comfort and Fit

I tested a size 8 in the Artemis pants, which felt true to size. Order your normal pant size for the proper fit.

The flexible softshell material and strategic stretch panels allow the pants to move naturally with the body. The inner lining has a smooth finish that prevents skin irritation.

Despite the snug fit, I never felt constricted thanks to the gusseted crotch and articulated knees providing unhindered mobility.

Pants Weather Protection

With the full Gore-Tex membrane, the Artemis pants provide exceptional waterproofing just like the jacket.

Thigh vents are sealed up tight during rainstorms. The pants repelled moisture with no leakage through zippers or seams.

These pants excel at blocking wind chill across the legs and vital organs. They’re perfect for cooler weather riding.

Pants Ventilation and Breathability

Thigh and rear yoke vents allow significant air circulation when opened. Heat and perspiration dissipated quickly through the Gore-Tex liner when vents were unzipped.

Cinching the Velcro ankle straps also allows air to exit the pant legs. With vents closed, however, heat buildup was noticeable on warmer rides.

The pants seem optimized for cooler weather but can work during summer when vents are open.

Pants Durability

After hundreds of miles, the Artemis pants show minimal wear. The shell stands up well to abrasion, and the hip/knee armor remains stable and intact.

The seat and inner thighs resisted scuffing thanks to the reinforced material panels. Stretch panels continue to retain their elasticity and shape.

So far, the pants are proving quite durable, and I expect them to last for many more seasons of riding.

Riding with the Klim Artemis: My Overall Impressions

After rigorously testing the Klim Artemis jacket and pants, I’m very impressed with their performance and quality. This gear set exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to choice for touring and adventure rides.

Here are some of my key takeaways from riding with the Artemis kit:

• The materials and construction are top-notch. Everything from the premium Gore-Tex shell to the burly Superfabric panels conveys high-end quality.
• Attention to detail shines through in rider-focused touches like underarm vents, molded armor, and strategic gusseting.
• Weather protection proved exceptional. These are the most waterproof yet breathable gear I’ve used.
• Comfort levels stay high thanks to excellent ventilation and unrestricted mobility.
• Durability appears outstanding based on minimal wear after hundreds of demanding miles.
• The flattering, women-specific fit provides safety without compromising style.

Of course, premium protective gear comes at a premium price. The Artemis jacket retails for $749.99, and the pants for $549.99. While not cheap, the quality warrants the price tag.

The Klim Artemis deserves consideration for hardcore female riders seeking one kit to rule them all seasons. I wholeheartedly recommend this gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the sizing run?

The Artemis jacket and pants run true to size overall, based on my testing. Refer to Klim’s size charts and order your normal jacket and pant size. Size up if you plan to layer heavily underneath.

How is the color selection?

The women’s Artemis jacket and pants are currently only offered in black and light gray colorways. The muted colors look great, but those seeking brighter options will be disappointed.

Is this good gear for all-weather riding?

The Artemis kit excels in everything from hot sunny days to freezing rains, thanks to excellent venting and weather protection. It’s some of the most four-season capable gear on the market.

Does it work well for street or adventure touring?

This gear is optimized for long-distance adventure touring but also works great on the streets. The stellar protection and storage make the Artemis kit fully capable of urban use.

Is the Artemis gear comfortable?

Absolutely. The athletic cut, premium materials, and strategic gusseting provide outstanding comfort without restricting motion during active riding. These are some of my most comfortable motorcycle jackets and pants.

Conclusion

The Klim Artemis jacket and pants represent a top-tier adventure touring kit purpose-built for female motorcyclists.

After hundreds of miles testing this gear in all conditions, I’m thoroughly impressed with its quality, performance, and comfort.

While the price is steep, it’s justified for hardcore riders who won’t settle for anything less than the best. The Artemis combo delivers for those seeking versatile, durable, and protective riding gear across multiple seasons.

This detailed review provided helpful insights into how the Klim Artemis women’s jackets and pants perform in the real world.

Please let me know if you have any other questions! I look forward to many more miles of happy adventuring with this exceptional gear.

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