I bought the Carlsbad pants & jacket. I hit a patch of ice while going about 70 mph, did the death wobble and slid a far stretch along the asphalt. Besides a couple of bruises I was not injured. The shoulder, both elbows and seat for my outfit were torn. I’m a believer in Klim products.
I bought a Carlsbad last spring, and after a summer with 20,000kms of riding, I can say I absolutely love it. Totally waterproof, and very comfortable. It could use a bit better venting in really hot weather though. I didn't go with the Carlsbad pants because there are no regular type pants pockets, only the pockets down on the thighs. Instead, I went with Latitude Pants, which work very well. The downside is that, for whatever reason, the zippers for attaching jacket to pants are reversed. I don't know why Klim would do that, but they did. In terms of sizing, we are very similar in physical size, but have chosen very different sizes of gear. I'm 5'9" and 205lb and wear a 34" waist pants with an XL jacket. I could certainly have gotten away with a Large, and in the summer it would be a better choice, but in colder weather I want to be able to layer up, and the XL allows for lots of room for a soft shell and down vest. Keep up the great reviews.
I’m convinced about Klim’s qualities, but I don’t like their style, colours and price tag. Got myself the Re:vit Sand H2O, looks better and was in my opinion the best bang for the bucks.
I don't mind the pricetag. Earlier this year my husband was in an accident. His Klim suit was 2 years old and absolutely destroyed. We first asked if it was possible to repair it and what the price would be. Instead they asked what colour he wanted. The same or different. My husband chose a new colour. But we where unsure what it would cost...... They sent a whole new suit free off charge. They only wanted his old suit back for research. They have this 5 year crash related services. Simply amazing. My instructor has a 10 year old suit of Klim. It's still in good shape and he basically lives in it. Wouldn't want anything else but Klim now. Simply outstanding.
I've owned both original Badlands and Badlands Pro. I now have the 2020 KLIM Carlsbad. Primarily for being lighter. Just wish the primary pocket where I keep my wallet in front had a YKK waterproof zipper. Great video.
Excellent comparison of two good jackets and trousers. Just one point, I find that in the summer months it is too hot to wear a jacket and if you rely on armour in the jacket then once removed you are unprotected. What I do is wear a breathable armour chest and back combo like the Alpine Stars system all the time under a jacket and if I remove the jacket I wear it under a riding shirt and put on some arm protectors which are easy to store in my luggage. Doing the 7,500 TAT one year I probably spent 50 per cent of the time like this because it was too hot to wear a jacket. Just an observation.
Before anyone spends $1,000 plus on these, go to a place where you can wear one and sit on a bike. Move your head around more than a few minutes. Klim has the worst Collars on any Jacket I've ever bought or tried. It literally chokes you sitting on the bike. I bought the Badlands on sale for $650 a few years back and sold it on Craigs List for $500 after a few rides. Don't listen to anyone on the Internet before fact checking your self.
I’ve never bought any expensive gear cause I can’t try them on anywhere. Also I think you look like a bit of a rich tool wearing some of this stuff. Mainly due to the colour ways and patterns.
For reference, I’m 6’2” 40” chest and if truth be told 40” waist but size in 36 jeans, 33” inseam. Tried both the Badlands and Carlsberg, and despite the weight went with the Badlands. The armpit of the Carlsberg seemed to pinch and I didn’t like how the sleeve zippers cut into my wrists- Badlands was tidier and more comfortable. If you run slightly long limbs and even a slightly overweight belly go for the tall and a size down. Ian nailed it. The XL jacket bunches up when seated and the trouser hangs like a tent. The 36” trouser, I received actually measures over 39” in circumference-lots of unnecessary cinching. Went with the large tall in the jacket and 34 tall in the trouser. If I may, a huge shout out of appreciation to Revzilla for going the extra mile in helping with my returns from Japan.
Yeah I only had one heavy jacket years ago. Then you realize “horses for courses” and it’s best to have a couple jacket and boot options available. Great overview Ian.
A couple points: I’m 6-2, 195, and take a Klim medium jacket. One truly does need to try both if between sizes. Also, I’m a year round rider in Virginia, and use the Baja/Enduro shell system. It’s no doubt less armor (and a more expensive option), but I accept the risk and prioritize comfort and mobility. Very good gear review!
Nice review Ian, I coulda used this a year ago! I have 5 Klim jackets, and the NEW BLpro is hands down my fav. (Dakar, Carlsbad, Kodiak, Baja S4, BLPro). I really don't notice the weight when wearing it, and the vents are outstanding. I've used it in 100º+ and all those vents move plenty of air. And I run hot. The new version has forearm air scoops which make a huge difference. I've had the same issue with sizing, I'm 6' 195lb, generally don't like the look of giant bulky fitting apparel. I prefer the Med but found it always feels a bit confining, especially when you're working the bike. Ended up going with the L in the BLpro, while it does feel a bit bulky, it's definitely more comfy to have a little extra space for ADV riding. I also have the NEW BLpro pants (36"). Sizing is a little weird on these too. The 34s would fit me much better (less bulky) everywhere except the waist. My little belly forces me to go a size up, and live with extra bulk below the belt. BUT, they have adjusted the velcro straps to allow for more +/- around the waist. The extra vents down low don't do much when you're wearing full size boots, but you can still feel the difference.
Hi Ian, I use the Badlands jacket, the reasons I chose it was it doesn't have liners which need to be zipped in and out, and it has an integrated water bladder. You need a small forklift to put it on, but once on the weight isn't noticable.
Nice comparison. I purchased my Carlsbad last week by chance. I went in to a local shop to look at helmets. I then looked at their jackets at 40% off. I walked out the door with it for $444. I did a 250 mile ride yesterday with it. It was 37 degrees and cloudy for over half of my ride. I have to say I am impressed. This is my first piece of Klim gear and won't be my last. I'm exactly your height/weight with an athletic build. I find the large about perfect in the Carlsbad. However the arms could be a little shorter, but it's livable. I think a medium would be too tight in the neck and chest. I'm coming from a basic leather jacket with no armor for reference. I'll be ordering a Marrakesh for summer.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts on Airbag style jacket/vest units. I currently (for about 10 years now) use a HitAir vest overtop of whatever jacket I'm wearing. I've not come off moving with the jacket but did (stupidly) dismount with the bike in neutral and the sidestand not down completely. I was up on the left side peg, with my right leg in the air swinging over the big (hard aluminum) bags at the back when the bike collapsed and I got thrown down on my left side onto our concrete driveway. The bag went off I felt nothing, no wrenched neck, no bruises, I was AMAZED. I'm mid 70's and do not take well to being laid down like that on concrete. I see very little discussion about these "airbag" vest systems and would love to hear your take on them. Loved the video, just ordered a Klim Kreos Pro helmet, based partly on your recommendation. Alex
I have the Badlands Pro Vectran triple A, Carlsbad.and Induction Pro. Absolutely love all 3 of them. The Badlands for colder winter weather, Carlsbad for humid Autumn weather and the Induction Prof for hot Summer weather. Absolutely love the 3 jackets
Thanks, Ian. Great review. I would really like to see you compare the Carlsbad to the Lattitude for street use. There is very little out there comparing these to each other. I understand they are geared toward different uses, but I am still considering both for street riding.
I was faced with the same dilemma. Back in July I visited Revzilla in Philadelphia, to compare the Carlsbad and the Lattitude The Lattitude has some leather accents and feels like heavier material. The Carlsbad uses CE level 2 armor, where the Lattitude is CE level 1. I was expecting an updated version of the Lattitude for 2022. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. It is the same design they have been using since 2018. The only thing that changed , was the price. In the end, I wound up choosing the Carlsbad and I'm very happy with my decision.
@@elitetileandstone Thanks for sharing. I have tried on the Lattitude and like it. I have not found a Carlsbad locally. My guess is the Carlsbad will be a little more loose and may handle intermediate layers better (only guessing). I, too, would prefer to have Level 2 in the Lattitude.
Ian... the vast majority of we motorcycle enthusiast cannot justify the price difference between Klim and other reputable brands.... there are many quality gear manufactures that we wear .. The price difference between Klim and say Cycle Gear brand ..is not worth the extra dollars... after 50 years of riding I've tried just about all ADV gear..as well as being a Traffic Homicide Investigator for 30 years with the majority of my THIs involves motorcycle crashes...CE "rated" internal/external body "armor" is virtually worthless above 14 mph.... same with helmets.. regardless of price... 99% of my COD (Cause of Death) as listed on the M.E' s report was Blunt Force Trauma.... we in the THI community view helmets as the difference between an open casket and a closed casket...morbid for sure... but reality sometimes sucks.... Of course any "safety gear" is welcomed and should be worn religiously as opposed to flip flops and a t shirt.. BTW , fantastic evals ....
I only use suits like this when I’m doing primarily on-road riding. However, when I’m on-road, I like to have a white helmet and a light colored suit, which I only find with Rev’It! For mostly off-road touring, I went with MX gear with Mosko Moto shell’s and I will never go back. Better protection and lots of options to warm/cool without taking off any protection.
I have been a street rider but want to do some ADV. Been comparing the Klim Lattitude & Carlsbad. Finally was able to try them both on today at two different BMW dealerships. Both $700. I like the weight and fit of the Large Lattitude by itself, but it leaves me no room for underlayers. The XL is humongous on me. The fit of the XL Carlsbad was great, but I was shocked at how heavy & bulky it is. If for full time ADV I would probably buy it, but I will be 98% street. I feel like it would absolutely give noticeably better protection in a low or high speed fall. I think I'm going to have to look to another brand. I called Klim today and they gave me the weight as 8.5 & 9 pounds, respectively. NO WAY were they correct. 8.5 pounds sounds about right for the Lattitude, but I think the Carlsbad was more like 12-15. I kept mentioning to the salesperson, "That's a LOT of jacket".
I just went through the same decision process. The Badlands was just too heavy and bulky. Overkill was a good word. Got the Carlsbad redrock version from last year....with the same updated features. I like the version you have but didn't like all the black on the shoulders and arms for summer riding and that navy blue and white looked like it would get filthy quickly. Deciding now on pants to match it with and may mix and match. Like the extra 2 vents on the badlands and the extra weight doesn't seem like such a problem if it's hanging/supported by the hips.
I have lost some weight, but I was also 190# when I bought my Carlsbad. I could still put two layers under it. It certainly runs larger than you expect. - Frank
I bought the Badlands Pro jacket and pants back in 2019. Only complaint was the jacket (medium) was tight in the chest. Tried a large but sleeves too long and way too baggy in the gut. I pulled the trigger and bought the new 2022 Badlands Pro combo and stuck with the medium jacket because they addressed the issue with stretch material and new seams in the shoulder/underarm area and now it is a perfect fit. It is also much easier to put on and take off your gloves with the dual zipper cuffs! I also like the Velcro flaps over the pants pocket zippers, but did not like how they reversed the flap opening for buttoning the lowering leg cuff. I am assuming this was done because of the addition of the lower leg vent. Thanks for your reviews and keep up the good work!
Thanks Ian. I currently have Tourmaster trek suit. I like it but I need a waterproof suit. I do medium off road so the Carlsbad sounds like a good fit for me. We are about the same size so that helps. The waterproofing is why I want to move up to a new suit. Carrying extra rain gear is a pita.
thanks for the comparo. I purchased the Kodiak jacket two summers ago, for all season riding, and its been great, utterly bombproof and extremely waterproof. I like the 'add your own layers' of Klim gear. The Kodiak in my opinion is a better jacket than the badlands for a road rider, as its designed with the road in mind. The only big issue is sizing, its very weird, and you need a very euro style body type to be able to fit into it. This is especially true with the Kodiak pants, which i purchased a year ago to match. Frankly the Carlsbad and Latitude gear is probably better for most north american riders, and frankly a whole lot cheaper. The Kodiak and Badlands is the hardest of the hardcore, if thats what you want.
What does "euro style body type" mean? I'm familar with Euro sizing, which generally is more tailored and fits very well, but the body types are all over the map, no matter which country. I agree with you that the Kodiak is much better in terms of fit.
The weight difference between the these two jackets is significant and was a factor in me buying the Carlsbad. Another issue I ran into, sleeve length. The Badlands sleeves were noticeably shorter, than the Carlsbad jacket. I am glad I had the opportunity to try these jackets for size at my local dealer, and buy there (with a decent discount).
Good review. I’ve used Klim gear for years, consistent with it’s high price, it’s quality is undeniable. My only complaint is Klim’s customer service which, based on my experience, is not very good. I’ve ended up repairing a few things (broken zippers, prematurity frayed material) that Klim should have covered, but the product itself is excellent.
Thanks for the vid. I bought the Carlsbad last year after owning a Olympia set for years and i'm glad i moved up. Initially, while trying on in the store, i found the Badlands jacket bulky and heavy with the Carlsbad noticeably lighter. The Carlsbad still didn't seem hugely comfortable in the store but that feeling went away once on the bike. Glad i made the plunge. I also like that the collar is large enough to accommodate a neck warmer and also has those little hook's and loops to keep it open. I did find that if the jacket was left in cold temps, the armour would harden until warmed up. Not a big problem unless the armour had been left bent at a odd position. This was especially noticeable with the back armour. Cheers!
One thing I wanna bring up is comfort. The heavy climb three layer laminated suits are uncomfortable and hard to move in. I decided to go with the Carlsbad because of how easy that suit moves. I know it has less protection but it’s so incredibly comfortable I never think twice about wearing it. Your suit should feel like a second skin not a hindrance and those heavy suits are 100% a hindrance. One point of order the size difference between the medium and the large Carlsbad is huge it feels like there needs to be at least one size between the two. I’m 6 foot 200 pounds the large and the Carlsbad was gigantic and the medium was a little bit too tight. I ended up going with the medium and rolling with a heated base layer
Thanks very much! I am actually looking seriously at the Carlsbad suit for a big road trip on my RT. I like the slightly lighter weight of it. I would layer up for colder weather, or use my electric gear.
Great comparison - I Bought the Badland Pro 3 and it's a lot....heavy and can get hot...but it has everything...I went over a cliff with my GSA about 75-100 feet down and my suit completely protected me...and during inclement weather was outstanding...not having to add liners like on my BMW Rallye Suit....great info again!!!!
I wish that the Klim Kodiak jacket and pants could have been included. In cold weather I run the Kodiak and in warm weather I'm running the Baja S4. Both are loaded with armor and abrasion resistance.
I have a normall/ sporty posture. Tried Klim last year but they clearly aim towards the more middle aged persons. So it is wide enough for a present belly. So decided to go again for Rukka.
My klim badlands aero pro gloves had stitches failed, and leather wearing thin at knuckle protection after nust 4 months. Warranty dept says this is normal, will not replace. Quaility is implied, not guaranteed.
I am the same size dimensions as you. Last year I had to decide between the same two jackets, Carlsbad (M), Badlands (L), and I agree completely with your sizing assessments, being in between the medium and large on the two jackets. Even though its new,I have the Badlands up for sale because I tend to want to lean more toward off-road and BDR style riding and find the benefits of the Carlsbad to outweigh "lugging" the extra weight of the Badlands jacket on my trips.
Thanks for the review! Used your affiliate link for the Carlsbad pants as I know how much work goes into these productions and appreciate your effort! Ride safe!
The only way you can say the Carlsbad jacket is light is to compare it to the Badlands. The Carlsbad is very heavy compared to nearly any other riding jacket. I have had the Carlsbad for nearly two full riding seasons now. It is near perfect for PNW riding. I have worn my 2XL black Carlsbad on rides from 23F (-5C) to 102F (39C). It isn’t great on either temperature extreme, but is adequate. With regard to sizing the oddest thing I have found is that the sleeves are very long. I think Klim used an orangutan as the model 🤣.
I was in the market for a high end waterproof (read had to be Gore-Tex) jacket earlier this year (2022) and when I initially searched all the KLIM jackets were out of stock. I ended up ordering an Aerostich Darien jacket. But upon receiving it (never had the chance to try one on), I was rather disappointed in it. The fit wasn't great for me even with a custom order and I really didn't like that it didn't have a lining, the jacket stuck to my arms with a short sleeve shirt on. Fast forward a month or so and the KLIM jackets came back in stock. I ended up trying both the Badlands and Carlsbad on. Though they didn't have my exact size in either, I was quickly able to assess how they felt etc. I just couldn't handle the bulk, weight, and restrictive movement of the Badlands. The Carlsbad allowed for much easier motion and felt like half the weight. It had suitable protection for me and the cut fit me better than my Darien (I was able to try on another model KLIM in my size), I was sold. I ended up ordering the size I needed online which is frustrating as I'd have preferred to just buy it in the store. My only complaint on the Carlsbad is I wish the collar closure was a little better, it's not great. I also wish the sleeves were a bit shorter, but that's a personal fit thing. I like the KLIM Carlsbad a whole lot more than the Darien which will be sold. I wish I'd been able to try one on before ordering as I probably would not have bought it in the first place. Lessons learned, once again. You REALLY need to try on gear to know if it's what you want, but that is often extremely hard to accomplish.
I run the sand H2O as well. Haven’t been able to test out the water resistant liner yet ( I live in California). However, always been interested in trying out Klim’s gear. Thanks for the video.
Ian - a comparison between Klim (Badlands or Carlsbad) and BMW Rallye combos would also be interesting. I’m on the fence for now. I have a summer/fall BMW jacket & pants - absolutely love them! Wouldn’t go touring with that set, tho.
I bought the Badlands. Unfortunately, on my first ride, the shoulder touched the exhaust, and melted instantly. The material seemed very thin, and it made me wonder how the material would stand up to a slide, and if it would melt. I've seen other jackets melt on pavement slides. The Badlands is far bulkier and heavier, however, I bought this for cold season riding, not summer riding.For summer riding, I use Motoport's Kevlar Mesh jacket and pants. I vacillated between medium and large sizes. Evidently, I'm not alone in being between sizes. The elbow armor was too low, and I had to cinch the upper and lower arm bands all the way to place the armor in the correct position. According to the sales rep, this is common. The Badlands has long arms. The longer back armor on the Badlands rests on the seat and puts the back armor into the bottom of my helmet. I can adjust on the bike, but I will trim the armor on the bottom. I wanted a waterproof shell to wear my own base layer. My last trip with temps in the 30's has convinced me to buy a form-fitting heated pullover with a light wind blocker and go down a size if I stay with the Klim gear. The bulk needed to stay warm under the Badlands was pretty thick. "Breathable" means heat loss. I felt the heat loss with cotton and wool layers underneath. A lightweight wind blocker will be needed under any "breathable" waterproof jacket. In the end, for me, a Badlands medium with heated base layer and a light wind blocker for less bulk would work well. Now I have to sell this very expensive, and damaged, Badlands for a loss. I hope this information saves someone else some trouble. Still considering Motoport's non-mesh Kevlar. It does not melt. I had a 50mph low side wearing the kevlar mesh and it barely showed any evidence of the slide, just a slight scuff.
I looked at both brands to replace my 20 year old Belstaff gear. Both are extremely well designed and quite stylish. Instead, living in warm and dry SoCal, I went with custom made MotoPort Kevlar gear. It breathes well, is sturdier than race weight leather trading that for absolutely no water resistance and the need to use liner as the weather cools. I’ve used the gear in temps of 116 to 34 with great results. The fact that the local motor cops wear it is a testimony to its long term durability.
i wish they had a WELL STOCKED srore that we could go to and try all these on!! So expensive to risk with porch pirates around, and i hate the whole returns process !! our local cycle gear store is crap also!!
I have a first gen Badlands. Still my most stout jacket I own. I’m thinking despite the Carlsbad is “lesser” of the two it’s far and away better than most.
Very helpful and timely--it's finally cooling off here in Vegas and we've even had some showers lately (we really need to fill that damn lake). Okay, point one: when he says the Badlands is heavy, he means HEAVY! I absolutely recommend trying both of these jackets on, before ordering. I did, and despite thinking I wanted the Badlands, in the end, I would definitely opt for the Carlsbad. All that weight makes the Badlands a very uncomfortable jacket--it's not made wrong--it fits and all the features are great, but on a multi-day tour, all that weight will take a toll. Remember, at least some of the time you spend on a trip is OFF the bike. Walking around town looking for beer or coffee joints in the Badlands would be miserable. Next point: any trip is made up of great weather and crumby weather. When things begin to warm up (say midday in the lowlands) you'll want to ditch that jacket (and maybe the pants) for something more temperate, and buddy, that Badlands jacket jacket is BULKY! Assuming you've already packed your luggage to the gills with all those other "necessities", you'll have no place to store that jacket. Hope you've packed plenty of bungee cords because you ain't gonna stuff that jacket and pants in a side bag. My goal has alway been to ride the Alaska Highway and visit Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali and every sideroad in between. Even in the summer, The Badlands would be great once you hit Calgary and take the side trip to Banff. It rains almost every morning in the Northern Rockies and Yukon. Same is also true once you cross the border into Tok, Alaska, but after that, you'd probably be more comfortable in the Carlsbad--and the Carlsbad would be much easier to stow when you decide to go bar-hopping in Anchorage. Obviously the ideal solution is to buy both and pay someone else to follow behind you in car so you can change suits as needed. Of Course there are times when the weather will get down right warm on such a trip, so don't forget to pack your Klim Marrakesh or Induction too!
I just picked the Carlsbad jacket and pants last month, more for cooler weather road trips with the threat of rain. Love it overall, but Klim pants seem to run long and baggy. I would have replaced them for another size but they were out of stock. The fit on the jacket is perfect, with enough room for midlayers, but not too baggy. The std length pants are long clown-suit fit on me @ 5'10" / 36w & 31 inseam.
I’ve been wearing Klim gear for 12 years, first the Latitude then the Carlsbad that I’m using now. I’ve been from Ushuaia to Tuktoyaktuk plus a lot of dual sport rides. To me the Badlands is WAY overkill. I’ve tried them before and the added weight and bulk is too much.
I run a latitude set and I think it’s great. Next set will be a Kodiak or badlands. Not sure if I need the extra gray dirt yet of the badlands but I’ll always run Klim.
This year I bought Klim Carlsbad suit because for what I do I already had enough with that suit, the part that the Badland’s price is too much for me. I don't think for me short country routes and my almost few trips that I do After a year I practically do not travel, I did not need such an expensive suit, although I understand the differences in price and benefits, the truth is that I am very happy with the ordeal
As I watch this review of ADV gear, I just watched a bunch of You Tubes about the CFMoto 800 MT Touring ADV bike which has been on sale around the world and is coming to the US in spring 2023. It looks a like great deal with the KTM 790 engine. I respect your opinion, so please put this bike on your list to review. I didn’t know how to contact you with this request.😎
I have the same Carlsbad gear as Ian - orange trim jacket, asphalt pants. I am a gangly old man, 6'2" 190 lbs, 34" waist, 36" inseam and sleeve. I found the medium size jacket to be a perfect fit. Which is, frankly, weird, but I'll take it. No baggy belly and enough room for a couple of layers. The sleeves are just right for my orangutan arms, which is also weird, but I'll take it. I have received unsolicited honest comments from some gals that the jacket looks stylish on me. The pants are another story. tl;dr They are functional, but ill fitting and butt ugly. I went with 34" tall because of my leg length. The waist part fits great. The velcro adjusters have lots of play for if I either gain or lose weight. When they say tall, they are not kidding. They go all the way down my 36" legs to the bottom of my boots. I can snap them snug which is very effective keeping water out. Below the pelvis is a fitment disaster though. The legs themselves are like tents. Or potato sacks as someone mentioned. Completely closing the straps provided to cinch things down does not begin to deal with the freaking amount of fabric. I eventually got the absurd down to merely silly looking after cinching more with, so help me, zip ties. The ties don't show unless looked for, but seriously, the bagginess of these pants is absurd. That said, they are very effective at what they are intended to do. I'm in the Pacific Northwest and the Carlsbad gear is the best I have had for our climate most of the year. Only the hottest summer days are a problem. They don't move enough air. Other than that, the armor stays where it should, the rain stays out and I am not restricted in movement. One will never get stylish comments with them.
Ian, your work is level and logical, and we enjoy your satirical picture inserts..... we love what you do. Keep it going and don't ever change (except for more dual sports, scooters, and naked sport bikes!!!!!
Completely agree with your sizing assessment. This year’s Badlands jacket fits waaaay bigger than the previous iteration. I was in between sizes in the previous iteration, but a large fit best. In this year’s version, the large both felt and looked ridiculously too big on me, and the medium fit perfectly, save for the arm length of course, but that’s the price I pay to get a good body fit in every jacket in existence for the luxury of being able scratch my knee without bending over.
This is by far the best comparison video on the NET. As much as I like my Badlands Jacket I feel the Carlsbad is a better bang for the buck. Great review!!!!
Re these expensive pants, they do have knee protection and some supposedly abrasion panels but I’d prefer to wear my Kevlar lined jeans if I end up sliding along a sealed road. My jeans also have CE armour in the hips and knees and are about 1/3 Rd the price of these pants.
At 6’2” and 195 lbs I have the same issue with the fitment in the waste and torso being too large and bulky. Rev’it fits better and I have been satisfied with their gear on and off-road
I don't want to say it, but I'm waiting to find a Gore-tex riding suit, that doesn't look like a riding suit 🤔 I hate the style/look of these ADV suits... On the other hand a jacket & riding jeans are nice until I have to deal with weather... I despise having to play the "is it going to rain game"... or running into a down-pour, then having to deal with getting in and out of a rain suit.
I have both as well. The pro I wish had leather in the front at the gut as the inner legs do on pants. As you stated the gut bulges rubbing my tank, even with tank pad I now have permanent deep scratches in the tank plastic and dull buff marks on the metal tank of my 2021 GSA. ☹️
First of all, great stuff Ian, love your videos since way back! Last year I bought Carlsbad both jacket and pants and I am very satisfied with it. Just one small problem and it's because I'm 6'3" (193 cm) tall with long legs (34,6" inseam). When I sit on my GS after couple of hours riding the thick knee armor tends to hurt my knee a bit. There is not much fabric between the armor and the knee and I'm slim so I'll have to figure something out, probably adding some fabric in between or around my knees. Other than that, I rode in 34C heat and while it gets hot, it's not that unbearable for me with proper hydration. On my pants, which are a version 2 I guess, I have both front and back vents so that is nice. Missing a vent or two at the upper arms but hey, it's not that bad. I also crashed wearing Carlsbad in the forest with sandy ground, no scratch on it or on me. I really hope it will last me a long time since it's a hefty chunk of money (providing I don't rip it to sherds somewhere :D)... Ride safe everyone!
Hi Marko, I had the same knee issue on my new pants (other brand). I am also of your height. Changing the actual knee protectors to some after marked product did the trick for me!
Is it just me or does the Carlsbad short? To me it feels like a belly shirt. I’m 6’1” wear xl latitude but that one feels like a square. Barely to my belt line. The adjustable Velcro at the waist is a must.
Im skeptical. Pre goretex everything except barber's oiled cotten or plain old pvc would saturate and allow water entry usually after 30-60 minutes in 70mph rain. So..how can the one be 'more' waterproof than the other ? I mean waterproof is waterproof.
Informative review and helpful insights. I have the Mojave and Dakar pants so far and looking to add a jacket for moderate off-roading. Near you in Escondido is Motoport which makes Kevlar mesh riding gear and wonder if you've looked at their offerings?
Hi Ian, what length are the trousers. I believe they do a short, regular and long. The problem I have with my current trousers is I went for long and the armour is on my shin. Great video pal. Klim cut is very boxy I’m sure I’ll fit a medium as well with broad shoulders and a small waist I’m sure it’ll be baggy on my lower body. It really needs adjustment waist straps.
Hello Ian Great review! Have you tried the M size of the Badlands? I have about the same height and weight as you. And I'm looking to buy the badlands Does the M fit better than the L?
The Klim adventure gear fits like a potato sack. The only exception seems to be the Baja or Marrakesh suits. I really hope they start making extensive use of stretch Gore to improve the fit for the Badlands and Carlsbad.
I did Klim’s sizing guide to order my Carlsbad jacket and pants were too large. The XL had the same issues as the badlands in this video. The sizing tool said a 36 tall was true to size and with my 32in inseam it was way too long, waste was good. The XL jacket was too long in the arms and it was uncomfortable for my wrists, the jacket was way too bulky. I went to a large jacket and 36 Reg pants. I could have used the jacket being bulky but the long sleeves were too uncomfortable.
Whats your stats on height and weight and measurments across chest? I have similar problem. 36 Tall pants fits me great, but i can pull it off with REG pants wearing them lower on the hip, but since im a newer rider i dont really have the experience how you end up wearing pants after 2-3-4-500 mile ride. But pants are no brainer compared to complicated decision on XL-L jacket, XL has a huge gut and its a bit long in torso, but i can comfortably wear a wool undershirt and a puff jacket and there is still some room, with L i can get it underneath but it is kind of tight.
Fantastic video, very informative. Anyone finds Badlands trousers too tight under your knees? I've tried to wear oversized Badlands but they still don't fit in knee areas, seems that armour taking all space. Not to mention I was unable to wear any baselayer. Also, knee armour seems to be moving around too much, I have a feeling that in case of any slide, my knee armour would move to my shoulder blades area... Klim seems to be using more and more flimsy materials as well comparing to their earlier Badlands models while price goes up.. Is it really that top range gear?
Great review. I bought the Carlsbad due to weight and comfort. What backpack are you wearing. I’m looking for the orange strap version to match my asphalt Carlsbad. Thanks.
Hi Ian, I always like how punctual and honest in your reviews ,and you take the time to explain and illustrate enough to what you are reviewing .I have a question , what do your recommend for Hot SoCal summer. Is it bearable to wear the Carlsbad or Badlands ? Many Thanks!
I like Klim gear, it just doesn't work for me. Too heavy, too hot, and too specialized to live in. They make some great stuff, but it's just not comfortable to put on every day and go ride. You should check out the Super Shirt from Adventure Spec, it has completely changed how I gear up for a ride and is more comfortable than anything I've ever worn to ride in. I'm gonna work on getting a review edited before I head back out in early November.
I'm 5'9'' 150 lbs. Based on my experience with Badlands, size Medium gave me the exact same hollow belly as your size Large. But size Small is so tight that it became a chest and shoulder torture device for me. Too bad it just doesn't fit me well.
