I recently had the chance to test out the updated Klim Carlsbad jacket and pants. As an adventure rider who spends a fair amount of time off-road, I was looking for a versatile jacket and pant combo that could handle both on and off-road riding conditions.
In this article, I’ll share my experience testing this set and what I learned about its key features, upgrades, and real-world performance.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Carlsbad Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Versatile street and dirt use
- Serious impact protection provided
- Comfortable in varying conditions
Highlights of the Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants
Before diving into my full review, here are some of the highlights of the Carlsbad jacket and pants:
- Constructed with 3-layer Gore-Tex for proven waterproofing and breathability
- Beefed up with abrasion-resistant 630D ripstop nylon in high-impact zones
- Upgraded to CE Level 2 armor (elbows, shoulders, back, hips, knees) for serious impact protection
- Improved venting for better airflow when riding in warmer conditions
- A handy spot for a SPOT tracking device on the chest area
- The jacket has hook loops to hold it open for increased airflow
- Easy-to-reach internal document pocket and hidden valuables pocket
I’ll expand on these features and others throughout my review. But first, let’s look at who the Carlsbad set is designed for.
Ideal Rider for the Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants
The Carlsbad jacket and pants are aimed at adventure riders who:
- Split their time between on-road and off-road riding
- Ride larger ADV bikes like the BMW R1200GS or KTM 1290 Super Adventure
- Need a waterproof and protective jacket and pant
- Don’t require heavy-duty armor found in hardcore off-road gear
The Carlsbad set really hits the sweet spot between a fully street-focused riding kit and a hardcore dirt bike setup. You get serious weather protection and impact armor without sacrificing mobility or comfort.
While still capable of road use, the Carlsbad leans more towards off-road performance. For a more street-focused alternative, check out the Klim Latitude jacket.
Key Upgrades Over the Previous Version
I tested the 2022 version of the Carlsbad jacket and pants, which brings several noteworthy upgrades over the previous generation:
Improved Gore-Tex Layer: The 3-layer Gore-Tex shell now uses Gore’s FPL 400 material instead of the FPL 200 of the past version. This enhances waterproofing while ticking breathability.
Beefed Up Abrasion Protection: The new Carlsbad uses 630D ripstop nylon in the jacket’s torso and the pants’ knee areas. The past version used 500D nylon here. This adds serious abrasion resistance for off-road use.
Upgraded Armor: The CE Level 1 armor of the old Carlsbad is now replaced by Level 2 armor in the elbows, shoulders, back, hips, and knees. Better impact absorption for hardcore terrain.
Venting Improvements: The jacket gets better chest and arm venting thanks to its new open-side panel design. No more vent-covering flaps.
Spot Tracker Location Change: The dedicated pocket for a SPOT tracker device moves to the left chest area for easier access if you crash.
Other Notable Changes
Beyond those major upgrades, Klim made a few other helpful tweaks:
- The jacket gets handy snap loops to hold the collar open while riding
- A smaller stash pocket was added to the jacket’s left sleeve.
- Pants get stretch panels behind the knees for better mobility
- Reflective details on the jacket and pants boosted visibility
The core DNA of the Carlsbad remains focused on agile off-road performance, just with thoughtful improvements in key areas. Next, let’s look at sizing and fit.
Carlsbad Jacket and Pants Sizing and Fit
I’m 6 feet tall, weigh around 205 lbs, and have a 42-inch chest. For the Carlsbad jacket, I opted for a size large, which gave me comfortable room to layer underneath. The size large pants were also a great fit for me with my 32-inch waist.
Here’s a breakdown of the sizing for reference:
Carlsbad Jacket Sizing
| Size | Chest Size |
|---|---|
| Small | 35 – 38 inches |
| Medium | 38 – 41 inches |
| Large | 41 – 44 inches |
| XL | 44 – 47 inches |
| 2XL | 47 – 50 inches |
| 3XL | 50 – 53 inches |
I recommend trying on the jacket and pants to dial in your ideal size. But the above charts provide a helpful starting point.
The Carlsbad jacket has a relaxed adventure fit that allows room for layering without impeding movement. The pants are comfortably roomy as well while including useful adjustments at the waist, hips, and lower legs to fine-tune the fit.
Now, let’s dive into the jacket details.
Breakdown of the Klim Carlsbad Jacket
Here are the key features and details of the Carlsbad jacket based on my first-hand testing:
Construction and Materials
- 3-layer Gore-Tex® Pro: Provides guaranteed waterproofing along with improved breathability over the past version
- Abrasion-resistant 630D ripstop nylon: Used on the torso, shoulders, and upper arms for added durability
- 3MTM ScotchliteTM reflective details: Enhances visibility in low light conditions
- YKK® water resistant zippers: On the main front zipper and exterior pockets
Protection and Armor
- CE Level 2 armor: Upgraded shoulder, elbow, and back armor (from Level 1 before) absorbs serious impacts.
- D3O® armor: Provides advanced impact protection that stiffens on impact
- Spot integration: Dedicated pocket optimized for SPOT tracker access even if you crash
Comfort and Ventilation
- Hook collar loops: Allow you to secure the collar in the open position when riding
- Chest and arm venting: New side panel openings enhance airflow into the jacket interior
Storage and Convenience
- Internal document pocket: Quick access zippered pocket for important documents
- Hidden valuables pocket: Located behind the document pocket for cash, cards, etc.
Fit and Sizing
- Relaxed adventure fit: Allows room for layering without impeding mobility
- Adjustments: Interior waist cinches, Velcro wrist closures, and bicep straps
The Carlsbad jacket provides a well-rounded blend of protection, storage, and comfort, whether you’re on the highway or riding single-track. The Gore-Tex shell and beefed-up abrasion zones give you confidence when things get rowdy off-road.
Next, let’s look at the accompanying Carlsbad pants.
Overview of the Klim Carlsbad Pants
Here are the key details of the Carlsbad pants based on my experience testing them:
Construction and Materials
- Gore-Tex® 3-layer pro shell: Guaranteed waterproof and breathable comfort
- 630D abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon: Used on knees and seat for added durability
- Stretch panels: Placed behind knees for unrestricted mobility
- Reinforced leather knee panels: Withstand scrapes and crashes
- 3MTM ScotchliteTM reflective details: Boost visibility in low-light riding
Protection and Armor
- D3O® CE Level 2 armor: Enhanced armor at the knees and hips protects against impacts
- Knee and shin adjustment straps: Customize fit around knee guards/braces if needed
Storage and Convenience
- Thigh cargo pockets: Zippered pockets fit smartphones, wallets, snacks, etc.
- Internal lined pockets: Useful for securely stashing smaller items
Fit and Sizing
- Athletic adventure fit: Allows freedom of movement on and off the bike
- Waist and hip adjustments: Dial in the perfect fit
Like the jacket, the Carlsbad pants provide a balanced combination of weather protection, durability, and mobility. You can ride hard with confidence that these pants will hold up to the challenge.
Let’s move on to my thoughts on real-world comfort and performance.
Comfort and Performance on the Road and Trail
I tested the Carlsbad jacket and pants in a variety of riding conditions, from urban commutes to twisty backroads to rocky off-road trails. Here are my key comfort and performance takeaways:
Weather Protection
- Gore-Tex membrane blocks wind and water: Kept me warm and dry in misty 50-degree riding and during heavy rainstorms.
- Vents manage heat buildup: Opening the jacket’s chest and pit vents helped minimize sweating on slower rides.
- Pants breathe adequately: Gore-Tex strikes a good balance of water resistance and breathability.
Impact Protection
- Hardshell armor absorbs crashes: The upgraded CE Level 2 armor limited pain when I accidentally dropped the bike in a parking lot.
- No restriction of movement: Armor stays flexible until an impact occurs
Abrasion Resistance
- Held up to scrapes: The jacket’s reinforced ripstop fabric showed only mild scuffing after moderate wipeouts
Comfort and Mobility
- The jacket allows free movement: Stretch panels behind the shoulders enhance reaching comfort.
- Pants move with you: Well-positioned stretch panels prevent binding and allow natural movement.
Convenience
- Spot tracker pocket eases access: Thanks to the new chest location, you can grab the device quickly with either hand.
For my 50/50 on/off-road riding style, the Carlsbad set delivers versatile protection and comfort across different conditions. Next, let’s break down the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of the Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants
Carlsbad Jacket
Pros
- Proven 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing and breathability
- Beefed up abrasion resistance with 630D ripstop nylon
- Serious impact protection from upgraded CE Level 2 armor
- Improved venting thanks to open side chest panel
- Convenient spot tracker pocket placement for emergencies
- Interior document pocket and hidden valuables pocket
- Relaxed fit allows layering without impeding movement
Cons
- Priced higher than budget-friendly adventure gear
- Visibility could be better for predominantly road use
- Vents could be larger for seriously hot riding conditions
Carlsbad Pants
Pros
- Guaranteed dry comfort from a 3-layer Gore-Tex shell
- Added abrasion resistance with 630D ripstop knee panels
- Upgraded CE Level 2 hip and knee armor
- Useful cargo pockets and internal stowage
- Stretch panels enhance mobility on and off the bike
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to non-waterproof pants
- Limited ventilation compared to mesh ADV pants
- Not ideal for hardcore motocross-style riding
The Carlsbad ultimately provides excellent, well-rounded performance for 50/50 street and off-road adventure riding. But it does come at a price premium.
Check out the non-waterproof Klim Baja S4 jacket and Klim Renegade pants for more budget-friendly options. Look at Klim’s motocross-inspired Cascade jacket and Crux pants for hardcore dirt protection.
Let’s move on to sizing and fit recommendations based on my experience.
Dialing in the Right Carlsbad Size
The Carlsbad jacket and pants have a relaxed adventure fit optimized for layering and mobility.
I’d suggest ordering one size up from your normal shirt size to allow room for layers underneath the jacket. If you fall between sizes, size up for comfort and flexibility.
For the pants, choose your normal waist size for a comfortable fit. The hip, knee, and leg adjustments allow you to fine-tune the fit once you start riding.
I’ll re-share the sizing charts here as a handy reference:
Carlsbad Jacket Sizing
| Size | Chest Size |
|---|---|
| Small | 35 – 38 inches |
| Medium | 38 – 41 inches |
| Large | 41 – 44 inches |
| XL | 44 – 47 inches |
| 2XL | 47 – 50 inches |
| 3XL | 50 – 53 inches |
Try the gear on if you can, but these recommendations provide a good starting point for hassle-free sizing.
Next, I’ll share my thoughts on comparing the Carlsbad to other ADV riding gear options.
How the Carlsbad Compares to Other ADV Riding Kits
The Carlsbad hits a nice sweet spot between street and dirt performance. But it’s not the only option out there.
Here’s a quick comparison rundown against other players in the ADV gear world:
- VERSUS Klim Badlands Pro: Carlsbad trades off-road protection for street comfort
- VERSUS REV’IT! Sand 4: Carlsbad has beefier armor but less cooling
- VERSUS Rukka Armas: Carlsbad is similarly versatile but $100+ cheaper
- VERSUS Alpinestars Toucan: Carlsbad gets the edge for its armor
For pants:
- VERSUS Klim Badlands Pro: Carlsbad sacrifices some ruggedness for street comfort
- VERSUS REV’IT! Sand 4: Carlsbad has better all-weather protection
- VERSUS Spidi Net 4: Carlsbad is similarly versatile but with better knee armor
- VERSUS Alpinestars Toucan: Carlsbad gets the edge for its beefed-up abrasion resistance
For riders that split time between pavement and dirt, the Carlsbad hits a lot of the right notes.
Next, I’ll share some tips for getting the most out of the Carlsbad jacket and pants.
Tips for Using the Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants
Here are my top tips for maximizing your Carlsbad experience:
- Break in the jacket by wearing it around the house to ease any initial stiffness
- Use the jacket’s snap loops to keep the collar open when riding on warm days
- Try wearing the jacket unzipped with the interior side snaps fastened for the best ventilation
- Adjust the jacket’s arm take-up straps over your riding gloves for a secure fit
- Make sure you have room to layer fleece or down insulation jackets underneath for cold-weather riding
- Apply waterproofing spray to the jacket and pant seams and logos periodically for added wet weather protection
- Use the pants’ adjustment straps to customize the fit around knee guards or braces
- Stow tire plugs, CO2 cartridges, or snacks in the pants’ handy cargo pockets before hitting the trails
Adjusting and personalizing your Carlsbad jacket and pants properly will help you get maximum comfort on your adventures.
For even more tips and tricks, check out Klim’s care instructions for washing, waterproofing, and storage recommendations.
Now, let’s move on to some common questions about the Carlsbad jacket and pants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Carlsbad jacket have a removable waterproof liner?
The Carlsbad uses a fixed 3-layer Gore-Tex shell instead of a removable hydratex liner for waterproofing. This saves weight and bulk while still guaranteeing waterproof and breathable performance.
How is the sizing on the Carlsbad pants compared to jeans?
The Carlsbad pants have an athletic or relaxed adventure fit. For the best fit, buy your normal waist size and use the ample adjustments to achieve your preferred fit. The thighs and seat have room for layering without being baggy.
Can you wear the Carlsbad jacket and pants in hot weather?
Yes, but the Gore-Tex shell limits airflow compared to a mesh jacket and pants. Using the jacket’s chest, pit, and sleeve vents helps enhance ventilation. Look at Klim’s non-waterproof Baja S4 jacket and Renegade pants for maximum cooling.
Does the Carlsbad jacket fit well with a hydration pack?
The relaxed adventure fit of the Carlsbad jacket leaves plenty of room to wear a hydration pack underneath. The jacket is also cut slightly longer in the back to accommodate wearing a pack.
How long does the DWR coating last on the Carlsbad?
The durable water repellent (DWR) coating applied to the outermost layer typically lasts around 30-50 washes before needing to be reapplied. Use a DWR replenishment spray once water is no longer beading on the surface.
Now, let’s recap my overall impressions of the Carlsbad jacket and pants.
Final Verdict on the Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants
After extensive testing on-road and off, I walked away impressed with the complete package Klim delivers with the updated Carlsbad jacket and pants:
- The enhanced 3-layer Gore-Tex shell and abrasion reinforcements equip the Carlsbad for demanding adventure riding while retaining off-pavement agility.
- Serious impact protection comes from the upgraded CE Level 2 armor in key zones.
- Improved venting and handy collar snap loops make the jacket more comfortable in warmer riding.
- Ample storage pockets and a revised Spot tracker location add convenience without complicating the clean design.
While not inexpensive, the Carlsbad jacket and pants deliver excellent build quality, protection, and comfort to match their premium pricing.
Riders who enjoy crossing back and forth between street and dirt will find this Klim set to be a worthy investment.
This detailed review gives you the insights needed to decide if the Carlsbad is the right choice to meet your ADV riding needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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