This is not a review but an advert. What I want to know is how this copes in heavy rain after it is 6 months old? How does it breathe? How easy is it to wash and does it need re-proofing? Any draughts around the neck at 70mph? What about ventilation when riding in searing heat? Do the Zips snag of jam; are the pockets really waterproof?
Good review as usual, however I wish you would have show what it looks like at night with light reflection on it. It would have been easy for you guys to Turn off the lights in the studio for a few secs, shine some flashlights on it and give us an idea what is the quality of the reflective material! Food for thought! Keep up the good work!
Love this jacket. Just back fm 2200 miles from Santiago, Chile to Tierra del Fuego and this jacket handled all the cold, rain, snow, and even warmish temps with vents open. Collar still chafes but scarf prevents too much damage. Zippers got dusty and harder to use which caused a couple of the rubber zipper grabs to break off.
Got this jacket and pants about 4 months ago after long and much agonizing about the expense. I am now trading, selling, gifting the thousands of $'s of quality other riding pants/uppers I have invested in over the years. Live and learn! I have taken this combo in temps up to about 34c or about 92F without any base layer in pants and only polo/t shirt upper and was acceptably comfortable - and this on a fully faired BMWK1200gt with a Helite air vest over.. Have also ridden down to about 6c with light base layer and was fine too. Also got caught in a torrential rain storm for about an hour and stayed cozy dry. Can't comment on crash worthiness but being able to cinch armor tight around knees and elbows is confidence inspiring. Bought a medium at 5.'10, 195lbs and it fits snug but that's how I wanted it. Now at a girlish 180lbs still great. Arms plenty long. Pants true to size for me at 34. Dislikes-Kidney belt gets caught in back of jacket and I've had to always fuss with it when donning the jacket and pants are a bit tight to slip over hips. Elastic cinch on neck should be tighter and more substantial. But most of this is well known. Yes this outfit is pricey, very pricey but in the long run you'll save by not needing other gear. I'm sold.
i did try a Medium arm length short. I'll likely need to wait for the IMS in late winter here Minneapolis. I hope Klim brings a bunch of stuff to the show.
Hmm. Mine just arrived. The collar is quite a bit bigger than HVB's. It sticks out in along the back of my neck 2-3" creating a perfect funnel for water to poor down. If you look at 11:20, the collar looks snug along his neck as it should be. Mine is way bigger. Thoughts?
jim williams Brian does have broad shoulders and chest. Plus, Klim includes the offset elastic neck cinch to make adjusting the neck opening easy. -DrewZilla
How would the Badlands compare against the Revit Dominator GTX? Is the Revit a more aggressive fit? Which of these would be a more suited jacket for warm weather?
Ankur Sureka The REV'IT! is slightly more aggressive/slim but not by much. Both offer a similar amount of ventilation, but they accomplish it a little differently. Klim uses a couple more zipper vents at the chest and underarms, whereas REV'IT! uses their large VCS Aquadefence panels on the chest for ventilation. The Badlands is more affordable, but the Dominator has some European refinement. Honestly, both will perform equally in warm weather. -DrewZilla
Wondering what the length of arms are compared to the Badlands Pro. I always have a hard time finding sleeves long enough. My specs are about the same as HVB except my beard fails in comparison. :)
How does this jacket compare to the Dainese D-Cyclone jacket? As far as cold and as far as impact protection? I mean to keep warm in very cold riding (no windshield on my bike) I can't make up my mind between those two right now [or do y'all have a better suggestion than those two?]
The Badlands has better armor and a bit better abrasion resistance, but it's also heavier, bulkier, and stiffer than the D-Cyclone. (even though it's lighter and more flexible than the previous Badlands Pro). The Badlands doesn't come with any mid-layers, so you'd supply an insulating layer yourself. Personally, the Badlands is too bulky for me, so i prefer the Dainese. -DrewZilla
So, I am leaning towards the Dainese now. How good is it in the cold? Does hit have stand alone layers? I don't think you have a video on that jacket do you? There is one review of it from some guy in Tuscany I think saying it is fine for him in the winter. But I don't even know what winter is like in Tuscany? High 50's? I live in Reno, I can leave the house at 75 degrees and within 45 minutes be in the 40's if I go over any of the high altitude passes we have here.
It gets pretty cold in Tuscany, pretty similar to winter here in Philadelphia. The D-Cyclone (no video for it) does not have a standalone "destination" liner (so it's only useful when attached to the jacket), but you'd probably be fine with it. With such large temperature swings, you may want to consider pairing a cold-weather jacket with a heated jacket or heated vest liner. That way, you can crank it up while riding over the pass then turn it down once it warms up again...all without stopping to add and remove layers. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-heated-gear *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hotwired-heated-jacket-liner-20 *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hotwired-heated-inner-vest
Since I am broad in the shoulder/chest (48" chest, athletic build) the large is very restrictive. The XL fits great in the shoulders but I seem to lack the very large beer gut Klim thinks every broad shouldered dude has, and there is just way to much material mid section which makes the jacket feel and look huge... My question is, what jacket, as similar to the badlands as possible (gortex, durability, protection) would have a better athletic fit?
Point71v I'd recommend the REV'IT! Poseidon GTX Jacket in 3XL (European so the sizes are closer together). You may even be able to fit a 2XL. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-poseidon-gtx-jacket
Been shopping for an all weather all season live-in suit that's good for long trips all the way down to commuting. I have looked at D-Explorer, Badlands/Rally, and Touratech Companero. I like style and Dainese is way far ahead in that department (I like the Boba Fett tactical motorcycle look). It occurred to me though since this stuff was coming out around 2011/2012, is a new overhaul around the corner? If I was riding through the desert this would be great but I'm looking for sport, sport touring, and city/urban applications in the South/Southwest US.... but as it stands the Klim logo, name, and style look like cheap Chinese items from the mid 90s to me. Touratech not a whole lot better. Is there any revolution coming in these suits soon, or are we going to see the D-Explorer ruling the roost for a while? Is there anything I've overlooked? I saw the Poseidon as well but still pick D. I know something shave more armor, neck protection and airbags and I will be looking to upgrade the components in the D-Explorer... is that D Air ready?
We don't foresee a replacement for the Stradon and Lontan, and the Badlands has just replaced the older Badlands Pro. As an aside, see the new Badlands 'Spec' for _gray_ logos. As for the D-Explorer, it is not D-Air ready, and I don't see a revolution coming anytime soon for adventure suits. The most stylish stuff tends to be for urban riding, while the most technical stuff still looks tactical. We're slowly seeing those things come together though. For more style, also look at Aether. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/aether *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-jacket *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-pants
Ok I'll check that Aether out. I don't need the classic leather and jeans look and am not looking to sacrifice any protection. I live in a crazy cager area and not the best road conditions. While I am a cautious, attentive, gracious person things happen and I do like to sport and I know the difference gear makes. I'm the type to even wear neck protection on a commute... when I was a snowboarding instructor I was full gear for the park and that confidence inspires performance and peak focus & flow for me. I'm glad to know everything will be around a while... I love the D-Explorer styling. While it's not perfect, it's miles better than all the other tactical looking gear (which can be really really cool if fused with futuristic art and urban styling). I guess if neck protection and full armor works just as well as an airbag it's no problem... I just like the idea of having that extra cushion if it's available.
Hey, that Aether stuff is pretty cool just glancing at it. I'm starting to wish as I shop more that this stuff was more modular simply for the sake of customization. You can wear a shell and a armor jacket and air vest or neck brace and all this stuff which is cool to get what you want for a long ride but commuting it would be a hassle to get in and out of. If it was modular but allowed for you to tie stuff together that would be legit! It would be convenient and efficient like an all in one but you wouldn't have to compromise on any individual part.
I love this jacket. I was just at my local dealer here in MN I put on the Badlands Pro size LG I'm 6'2" 178 LBS found that the arm length is perfect but the waist is huge on me this jacket needs waist cinch I know it's american cut but even with the Klim base layer it's way to baggy in the waist for a guy that my size with a 33" waist. Can anyone tell me if the 2016 APEX Jacket is more fitted? Sure the jacket has a Kidney belt that straps the jack down on the inside but I think going 80 down the HWY cross county its going to flop in the wind '"
+Juan Camilo Rosso Ricaurte With all the vents open, the Badlands Jacket does flow a lot of air. However, it won't flow as much air as the Klim Induction Mesh Jacket. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-jacket *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-induction-jacket
Personally, I find the Badlands to offer better ventilation and be a better value, though if you want the slimmer REV'IT! fit, go with the Dominator. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-jacket *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-hi-vis-jacket *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-jacket *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-dominator-gtx-jacket
Collar is truly awful - gapes, leaks and is uncomfortable. Venting on the arms is very poor, the clips to keep the vents open simply don't work and are awkward to use. You can't open and close vents on the move. Kidney belt constantly disappears inside the jacket. The chest protector is ghastly - very poor quality and shows dirt - I cut it out. Bicep vents are useless. The G-hooks do not hold the vents open. The TPU on the zips pull off really easily. The pants are hideous in the cut around the hips and butt. The trousers will not go over a pair of Sidi crossfire boots. The suit is otherwise OK and is waterproof. Forget it in temperatures above 26°C - far too hot. Armour is comfortable. Pockets in the jacket are good, if you ignore the ridiculous mesh pockets in the chest protector though.
This is not a review but an advert. What I want to know is how this copes in heavy rain after it is 6 months old? How does it breathe? How easy is it to wash and does it need re-proofing? Any draughts around the neck at 70mph? What about ventilation when riding in searing heat? Do the Zips snag of jam; are the pockets really waterproof?
Good review as usual, however I wish you would have show what it looks like at night with light reflection on it. It would have been easy for you guys to Turn off the lights in the studio for a few secs, shine some flashlights on it and give us an idea what is the quality of the reflective material! Food for thought! Keep up the good work!
moulin6801 Thanks for the feedback! We'll take that into consideration for future reviews. -DrewZilla
Love this jacket. Just back fm 2200 miles from Santiago, Chile to Tierra del Fuego and this jacket handled all the cold, rain, snow, and even warmish temps with vents open. Collar still chafes but scarf prevents too much damage. Zippers got dusty and harder to use which caused a couple of the rubber zipper grabs to break off.
Got this jacket and pants about 4 months ago after long and much agonizing about the expense. I am now trading, selling, gifting the thousands of $'s of quality other riding pants/uppers I have invested in over the years. Live and learn! I have taken this combo in temps up to about 34c or about 92F without any base layer in pants and only polo/t shirt upper and was acceptably comfortable - and this on a fully faired BMWK1200gt with a Helite air vest over.. Have also ridden down to about 6c with light base layer and was fine too. Also got caught in a torrential rain storm for about an hour and stayed cozy dry. Can't comment on crash worthiness but being able to cinch armor tight around knees and elbows is confidence inspiring. Bought a medium at 5.'10, 195lbs and it fits snug but that's how I wanted it. Now at a girlish 180lbs still great. Arms plenty long. Pants true to size for me at 34. Dislikes-Kidney belt gets caught in back of jacket and I've had to always fuss with it when donning the jacket and pants are a bit tight to slip over hips. Elastic cinch on neck should be tighter and more substantial. But most of this is well known. Yes this outfit is pricey, very pricey but in the long run you'll save by not needing other gear. I'm sold.
"I touched your beard, dammit!" Best part of the review.
Nice review, just brought this jacket. Good to know it works :)
What is the mid-layer that HVB is wearing?
i did try a Medium arm length short. I'll likely need to wait for the IMS in late winter here Minneapolis. I hope Klim brings a bunch of stuff to the show.
I have this jacket and it is constructed very well but incredibly hot in the summer
+Joe Blow HVB is wearing the blazingly awesome Klim Inferno Jacket. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-inferno-jacket
Hmm. Mine just arrived. The collar is quite a bit bigger than HVB's. It sticks out in along the back of my neck 2-3" creating a perfect funnel for water to poor down. If you look at 11:20, the collar looks snug along his neck as it should be. Mine is way bigger. Thoughts?
jim williams Brian does have broad shoulders and chest. Plus, Klim includes the offset elastic neck cinch to make adjusting the neck opening easy. -DrewZilla
i know there is no cats paw but is there an inner cuff on the badlands pro? can you post a pic of someone wearing the black version?
my biggest gripe is the hydration pak... you do mention its improve... can you please show how it is improved over the PRO?
How would the Badlands compare against the Revit Dominator GTX? Is the Revit a more aggressive fit? Which of these would be a more suited jacket for warm weather?
Ankur Sureka The REV'IT! is slightly more aggressive/slim but not by much. Both offer a similar amount of ventilation, but they accomplish it a little differently. Klim uses a couple more zipper vents at the chest and underarms, whereas REV'IT! uses their large VCS Aquadefence panels on the chest for ventilation. The Badlands is more affordable, but the Dominator has some European refinement. Honestly, both will perform equally in warm weather. -DrewZilla
Wondering what the length of arms are compared to the Badlands Pro. I always have a hard time finding sleeves long enough. My specs are about the same as HVB except my beard fails in comparison. :)
twowheeledsmurf
* Badlands Pro - i.imgur.com/eRfRSdr.jpg
* Badlands - i.imgur.com/rxFQhaV.jpg
Thanks Revzilla!! That makes it easy to see. Kudos. You guys are awesome!! TWS.
Yup... jacket arrived and the sleeves are perfect length for me - and I have some long arms. What a great jacket!
Is the high-vis trim available in store in any of the sizes, or out of production? It seems to off the online store.
It has its own product page. It's available in-store and online. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-hi-vis-jacket
How does gore-tex/superfabric compare to leather against abrasion? Is it really that much better than leather?
***** 1:52 "10 to 14 x" over leather
***** Yes, it really is more abrasion-resistant than leather, but it's expensive and only makes sense to use it in certain areas. -DrewZilla
How does this jacket compare to the Dainese D-Cyclone jacket?
As far as cold and as far as impact protection?
I mean to keep warm in very cold riding (no windshield on my bike)
I can't make up my mind between those two right now
[or do y'all have a better suggestion than those two?]
The Badlands has better armor and a bit better abrasion resistance, but it's also heavier, bulkier, and stiffer than the D-Cyclone. (even though it's lighter and more flexible than the previous Badlands Pro). The Badlands doesn't come with any mid-layers, so you'd supply an insulating layer yourself. Personally, the Badlands is too bulky for me, so i prefer the Dainese. -DrewZilla
So, I am leaning towards the Dainese now.
How good is it in the cold?
Does hit have stand alone layers?
I don't think you have a video on that jacket do you?
There is one review of it from some guy in Tuscany I think saying it is fine for him in the winter. But I don't even know what winter is like in Tuscany? High 50's?
I live in Reno, I can leave the house at 75 degrees and within 45 minutes be in the 40's if I go over any of the high altitude passes we have here.
It gets pretty cold in Tuscany, pretty similar to winter here in Philadelphia. The D-Cyclone (no video for it) does not have a standalone "destination" liner (so it's only useful when attached to the jacket), but you'd probably be fine with it. With such large temperature swings, you may want to consider pairing a cold-weather jacket with a heated jacket or heated vest liner. That way, you can crank it up while riding over the pass then turn it down once it warms up again...all without stopping to add and remove layers. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-heated-gear
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hotwired-heated-jacket-liner-20
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hotwired-heated-inner-vest
Since I am broad in the shoulder/chest (48" chest, athletic build) the large is very restrictive. The XL fits great in the shoulders but I seem to lack the very large beer gut Klim thinks every broad shouldered dude has, and there is just way to much material mid section which makes the jacket feel and look huge... My question is, what jacket, as similar to the badlands as possible (gortex, durability, protection) would have a better athletic fit?
Point71v I'd recommend the REV'IT! Poseidon GTX Jacket in 3XL (European so the sizes are closer together). You may even be able to fit a 2XL. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-poseidon-gtx-jacket
thx!
Been shopping for an all weather all season live-in suit that's good for long trips all the way down to commuting. I have looked at D-Explorer, Badlands/Rally, and Touratech Companero. I like style and Dainese is way far ahead in that department (I like the Boba Fett tactical motorcycle look). It occurred to me though since this stuff was coming out around 2011/2012, is a new overhaul around the corner? If I was riding through the desert this would be great but I'm looking for sport, sport touring, and city/urban applications in the South/Southwest US.... but as it stands the Klim logo, name, and style look like cheap Chinese items from the mid 90s to me. Touratech not a whole lot better. Is there any revolution coming in these suits soon, or are we going to see the D-Explorer ruling the roost for a while? Is there anything I've overlooked? I saw the Poseidon as well but still pick D. I know something shave more armor, neck protection and airbags and I will be looking to upgrade the components in the D-Explorer... is that D Air ready?
We don't foresee a replacement for the Stradon and Lontan, and the Badlands has just replaced the older Badlands Pro. As an aside, see the new Badlands 'Spec' for _gray_ logos. As for the D-Explorer, it is not D-Air ready, and I don't see a revolution coming anytime soon for adventure suits. The most stylish stuff tends to be for urban riding, while the most technical stuff still looks tactical. We're slowly seeing those things come together though. For more style, also look at Aether. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/aether
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-jacket
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-pants
Ok I'll check that Aether out. I don't need the classic leather and jeans look and am not looking to sacrifice any protection. I live in a crazy cager area and not the best road conditions. While I am a cautious, attentive, gracious person things happen and I do like to sport and I know the difference gear makes. I'm the type to even wear neck protection on a commute... when I was a snowboarding instructor I was full gear for the park and that confidence inspires performance and peak focus & flow for me.
I'm glad to know everything will be around a while... I love the D-Explorer styling. While it's not perfect, it's miles better than all the other tactical looking gear (which can be really really cool if fused with futuristic art and urban styling). I guess if neck protection and full armor works just as well as an airbag it's no problem... I just like the idea of having that extra cushion if it's available.
Hey, that Aether stuff is pretty cool just glancing at it. I'm starting to wish as I shop more that this stuff was more modular simply for the sake of customization. You can wear a shell and a armor jacket and air vest or neck brace and all this stuff which is cool to get what you want for a long ride but commuting it would be a hassle to get in and out of. If it was modular but allowed for you to tie stuff together that would be legit! It would be convenient and efficient like an all in one but you wouldn't have to compromise on any individual part.
I love this jacket. I was just at my local dealer here in MN I put on the Badlands Pro size LG I'm 6'2" 178 LBS found that the arm length is perfect but the waist is huge on me this jacket needs waist cinch I know it's american cut but even with the Klim base layer it's way to baggy in the waist for a guy that my size with a 33" waist. Can anyone tell me if the 2016 APEX Jacket is more fitted? Sure the jacket has a Kidney belt that straps the jack down on the inside but I think going 80 down the HWY cross county its going to flop in the wind
'"
+roger jensen Did you try size medium as well? As for the Apex, it is slightly more fitted, but it's not a European slim cut. -DrewZilla
i ride in hot weather, thos jackets its cool?
+Juan Camilo Rosso Ricaurte With all the vents open, the Badlands Jacket does flow a lot of air. However, it won't flow as much air as the Klim Induction Mesh Jacket. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-jacket
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-induction-jacket
Revit Dominator or this one? :)
Personally, I find the Badlands to offer better ventilation and be a better value, though if you want the slimmer REV'IT! fit, go with the Dominator. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-jacket
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-hi-vis-jacket
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-badlands-spec-jacket
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-dominator-gtx-jacket
One minute in and I'm allready exhausted...
Collar is truly awful - gapes, leaks and is uncomfortable. Venting on the arms is very poor, the clips to keep the vents open simply don't work and are awkward to use. You can't open and close vents on the move. Kidney belt constantly disappears inside the jacket. The chest protector is ghastly - very poor quality and shows dirt - I cut it out. Bicep vents are useless. The G-hooks do not hold the vents open. The TPU on the zips pull off really easily. The pants are hideous in the cut around the hips and butt. The trousers will not go over a pair of Sidi crossfire boots. The suit is otherwise OK and is waterproof. Forget it in temperatures above 26°C - far too hot. Armour is comfortable. Pockets in the jacket are good, if you ignore the ridiculous mesh pockets in the chest protector though.
Nuts. The price of a week traveling for a jacket 🙄
I want...