Riding a motorcycle in cold weather conditions poses unique challenges. While exhilarating, cruising down an open road in freezing temperatures demands specialized gear to keep riders comfortable and protected.
Enter the Klim Klimate Jacket, an innovative cold-weather riding jacket packed with features to conquer cold, wind, and rain.
But how does it actually perform for real-world motorcycle adventures, and is this the best waterproof motorcycle jacket right for you?
After months of testing in conditions ranging from crisp morning commutes to icy mountain passes, I’m ready to share my in-depth review.
Read on to find out if the Klim Klimate Jacket lives up to the marketing hype and deserves a spot in your riding kit.
Klim Klimate Jacket Review
Key Takeaways
- Waterproof, windproof protection
- Strategic dual-density insulation
- Excellent for cold riding
A Rugged 3-Layer Gore-Tex Shell
The first thing you’ll notice when you slip on the Klimate Jacket is the feeling of impenetrable armor enveloping your torso.
This sensation stems from the burly 3-layer Gore-Tex shell, which provides a formidable barrier against wind, water, and cold air.
The genius behind Gore-Tex lies in its microporous membrane, which is essentially a thin plastic film with over 1.4 billion tiny pores per square inch.
These microscopic openings are small enough to block wind and water droplets yet still allow water vapor (i.e., sweat) to escape.
This combination of total waterproofing and breathability is the magic that makes Gore-Tex shine for dynamic activities like motorcycle riding.
To deliver maximum weather protection, Klim equipped the Klimate Jacket with a beefy 70D nylon exterior bonded to a Gore-Tex Pro membrane with a brushed tricot backer.
Compared to standard Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex Pro boasts 28% longer-lasting waterproofness along with better breathability and abrasion resistance. It’s designed for the most demanding professional use.
The end result is a jacket exterior capable of shrugging off torrential downpours, howling winds up to 70 mph, and abrasive contact. During my testing, the shell lived up to expectations, keeping me bone dry in relentless Pacific Northwest rain.
The jacket blocks wind like a fortress while preventing the notorious “cold, wet feeling” inherent to many waterproof-breathable fabrics.
So, if you’re looking for ultimate weather protection, the Klimate Jacket delivers in spades thanks to its rugged Gore-Tex Pro shell.
Dual Insulation for Warmth Where You Need It
While an impenetrable exterior provides critical weather protection, insulation is what actually keeps you warm.
That’s why Klim equipped the Klimate Jacket with strategically mapped dual-density insulation to provide warmth and breathability where riders need it most.
The upper body, sleeves, and collar feature 300g Klima-Tek insulation, a proprietary synthetic fill that excels at trapping heat.
The 90% polyester/10% spandex micro-fiber fill provides ample warmth without restricting mobility or ventilation.
Under the arms, the jacket transitions to a 200g insulation fill to prevent overheating in an area prone to heat buildup.
By reducing insulation here, Klim helps keep your core temperature regulated while accommodating the jacket’s well-designed pit vents.
This selective insulation mapping provided noticeable benefits during real-world testing. The 300g upper body insulation locks in heat surprisingly well, even at highway speeds, while the slightly lighter panels under the arms enhance comfort without compromising cold weather performance.
The only downside is that the insulation has a tendency to clump together after repeated compression, reducing its loft and warmth over time. Fortunately, the jacket is easy to wash and dry to restore insulation performance.
Stay Dry Thanks to Fully Taped Seams
Imagine braving a relentless rainstorm only to discover moisture dripping down your sides and back. It’s a nightmare scenario that can quickly escalate into full-blown hypothermia.
Thankfully, the Klimate Jacket eliminates this risk through fully taped waterproof seams throughout the shell and liner.
Rather than relying on seam sealant alone, Klim bonds all major seams with Gore-Tex tape on the interior to form an impenetrable moisture barrier.
During testing, the taped seams performed flawlessly by keeping water completely out of the jacket in extended downpours.
Not a single drop penetrated the shell. This gives riders crucial peace of mind that their insulation will stay dry no matter how hard it rains.
Core Armor for Impact Protection
Riding a motorcycle inherently exposes you to the risk of impacts, whether from a crash or simply being tossed around on rough terrain.
That’s why the Klimate Jacket incorporates removable CE-certified armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back to mitigate injury in the event of a spill.
The armor consists of foam pads encased in a breathable mesh. While fairly basic in design, the pads are thick and wide enough to provide a meaningful level of impact absorption.
During testing, I found the elbow and shoulder pads move freely and avoided restricting mobility. The spine protector fits snugly and stays in place while riding.
While the foam armor itself may not be quite as sophisticated as offerings from premium brands like D3O or Knox, it still provides adequate protection for the jacket’s target use cases like adventure touring, dual sport, and commuting. Just don’t expect it to perform like a dedicated race suit.
For cold-weather riding, I’d prefer to see perforated hard shell armor, given its increased breathability, but the included pads get the job done.
It’s also great that all the armor is completely removable so that riders can tailor protection to their needs.
Embrace the Cold with Plush Fleece Lining
Once you’ve sealed out the elements with the jacket’s rugged Gore-Tex exterior, it’s time to focus on interior comfort.
Here, the Klimate Jacket brings the heat with strategically placed microfleece lining that adds both warmth and plushness.
The collar stands out with thick, soft fleece that feels great against exposed skin while sealing out cold air. Cuff gaiters and the inner waist feature similar microfleece construction for a vacuum-tight seal that locks in warmth around your gloves and midsection.
I especially appreciated the fleece lining while riding in frigid alpine environments where preventing heat loss is a life-or-death matter. The plush lining around my neck and wrists made a noticeable difference in keeping cold air at bay.
Ventilate with Waterproof Zippered Vents
The Klimate Jacket’s party piece is its quad venting system located on the chest, underarms, and back panel.
At first glance, the waterproof zippers look like standard fare. But they’re actually high-flow Watergate zippers engineered by Klim to maximize airflow when open while sealing out moisture when closed.
The 9” front chest vents provide rapid cooling and evaporation when I need it most, like during an aerobic ascent up a mountain pass.
With them fully open, I could actually feel air flowing across my chest. The underarm vents are perfectly placed to dump heat and sweat buildup.
And the back panel zip opens up like a damper to flow air through the entire jacket interior.
I became thoroughly impressed with the venting options after multiple hot and cold weather testing sessions.
With the vents closed, it’s amazing how well the jacket contains heat. Yet it only takes seconds to open them up for a cool-off. The Watergate zippers keep wind and moisture out when sealed.
Tackle Northern Climates with an Arctic Fit
Riders needing to battle harsh northern winters should pay attention to the Klimate Jacket’s “arctic” fit. The jacket prioritizes maximum layering and insulation over a trim, sporty cut.
Size up accordingly, and you’re rewarded with ample space for hooded base layers, thick mid-layers, and even electric vests. The generous cut also leaves room for unrestricted limb movement.
I tested the Klimate Jacket over lightweight and heavyweight base layers with plenty of room to spare.
The relaxed fit even allowed me to squeeze into an extra mid-layer during a Colorado cold snap that hit -10°F. Granted, sizing up led to some fluttering at highway speeds, but I’d gladly accept the tradeoff for arctic-ready performance.
Designed Specifically for Motorcycle Riding
It’s clear that Klim designed the Klimate Jacket specifically for the unique demands of motorcycle riding. This sets it apart from jackets adapted for other sports.
The jacket provides an optimal balance of weather protection, warmth, ventilation options, and ergonomic features.
The multiple external adjustment straps allow you to tailor the fit while riding in varied body positions. An inner storm flap behind the zipper and adjustable velcro cuffs seal out wind for controlled aerodynamics. Reflective accents on the sleeves and back enhance visibility for added safety.
The jacket also features a dropped tail for coverage in the riding position. The waterproof hip pockets give you access to essentials on the fly.
The relaxed fit grants flexibility for an athletic riding stance. All these design aspects translate the Klimate Jacket from a static cold weather shell into a dynamic riding companion.
Real World Performance
At the end of the day, the measure of a motorcycle jacket comes down to how well it performs in actual riding scenarios, not just lab tests or fashion shoots.
So, how does the Klim Klimate Jacket hold up during countless days of real-world abuse across a variety of winter conditions and riding challenges? In a word, phenomenally.
Throughout testing, I became continually impressed with the jacket’s versatility throughout changing ride conditions.
One morning, I’ll slice through freezing fog wearing just a t-shirt underneath. By afternoon, the sun emerges, and I’m ventilating heat and sweat buildup while powering up mountain switchbacks. Come nightfall, I’m fully zipped up and relying on the jacket’s insulation for warmth as the mercury plummets.
The stellar wind and waterproofing grants peace of mind while cutting through winter precipitation. The well-designed vents provide effective cooling without compromising weather protection.
The insulation delivers dependable warmth across a wide temperature range. And the jacket remains comfortable during hours of continuous wear thanks to smart ergonomic shaping.
Factor in the rugged materials and solid impact protection, and it’s hard to beat the Klimate Jacket’s blend of features purpose-built for riders. This is hands-down one of the most capable cold-weather motorcycle jackets I’ve ever tested.
Key Specs
- Outer Shell: 3-Layer Gore-Tex Pro 70D Nylon
- Insulation: 300g Upper Body/Sleeves, 200g Underarms
- Waterproof & Windproof
- Fully Taped Seams
- Watergate Ventilation Zippers
- Removable CE-Certified Armor
- Microfleece Lining On Collar, Cuffs & Waist
- Reflective Accents On Sleeves and back
- Relaxed Arctic Fit
- Made in China
- Lifetime Warranty
How Does It Compare?
The Klim Klimate Jacket shines brightest for motorcycle adventuring in cold, wet environments where weather protection matters most. In this niche, it stacks up favorably against top competitors:
REV’IT! Sand 3 Jacket – More sport-oriented minimalist design. Lacks insulation. Better for cool, wet days above 55°F.
Rukka Armas Jacket – Premium Gore-Tex riding jacket. Comparable protection with sleeker fit. Double the price.
Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 Drystar Jacket – Similar feature set. Noticeably less insulation for less warmth. More affordable.
Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket – Solid value option but fewer vents and basic armor. Not Gore-Tex.
The Klimate Jacket hits the sweet spot between premium specs and an attractive price point. Among dedicated cold-weather adventure riding jackets, it leads the pack in offering a complete solution to conquer the elements.
Final Verdict
After subjecting the Klim Klimate Jacket to a ruthless gauntlet of real-world testing, my final verdict is overwhelmingly positive.
This jacket delivers heavyweight weather protection paired with excellent warmth and ventilation. Just as important, it actually excels in active riding use rather than just looking cool on paper.
The welded waterproof design and burly Gore-Tex Pro construction instill confidence to ride through the worst conditions.
Clever insulation mapping provides warmth where it’s needed without overheating. The ventilation zippers are thoughtfully placed and highly effective at heat dumping. And the relaxed fit leaves room for layering up on truly frigid days.
While not inexpensive, the lifetime warranty and durable materials ensure this is a long-term investment. Reasonably priced for its premium construction and extensive feature set, the Klimate Jacket is purpose-built for riders seeking maximum protection from the elements.
So, if you demand uncompromising foul weather performance for adventure touring and riding in northern climates, the Klim Klimate Jacket should top your wish list. This is hands-down one of the most capable cold-weather motorcycle jackets on the market.
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