I recently purchased the MSR explorer. Just used it to do the MABDR. I own several different Klim sets. The MSR explorer is definitely top quality gear on par with Klim badlands gear. Rode in it for 7 days in temps from mid 50’s to mid to upper 80’s in 92% humidity. Rode in rain for several days. Plenty of venting on the pants and jacket. Never got wet. For the price I think th explorer line is best on the market.
That's awesome! Really good to hear it works on long trips like that. With the small amount of testing I've done I can certainly see that being the case but it's good to hear from someone who actually has the Klim stuff to compare it with!
Yeah they're definitely a good pair of pants! I run them in everything from 0 to 80 degrees! Not that I'm extremely comfortable at either end of that spectrum... but they work! Haha. Yeah, I do wish it was modular and had a flip down sun shade, but for the price it sure is comfy! Not the quietest helmet but provides decent airflow and the MIPS system makes me feel good about wearing it.
WE just purchased 2 coats and 2 pants from the links you provided, thanks for the review, we went with the explorer for the waterproof, we are headed to Alaska in June/July.
Thanks for doing this. Been riding for 10 years but never broke down and bought gear. Got invited to a week long ride in Colorado with varying weather conditions so I think it's time to get my first set. Still pricey but it seems even entry level gear has come a long way with durability and features.
Yep same here, made due with random costs and such for a long, long time. It's definitely good to have the right tools for the job and from what others have said, while it's not exactly inexpensive, it's on par with gear that costs, way, way more! Enjoy your trip and let me know how you like the gear!
@@SwankyCatProductions thanks for the reply brother. Unfortunately they are sold out in every color aside from small and XXL sizes. They weren't able to tell me when they would be restocked so I had to go with plan B. Ended up getting basically brand new Klim Carlsbad jacket and pants for $600 on the ADV Rider Flea Market. However, I am telling all my friends about the new MSR Xplorer gear and think it's the best value out there right now.
I am recovering from a wreck that was about 2 months ago. I'm looking for a new set of gear and was looking for a direct comparison between these two. thanks! I'm excited to be back on 2 wheels soon!
This is sort of new to me too. Most of the time I'd just wear kevlar reinforced pants and a sport bike coat haha. This stuff is certainly an upgrade from that and is actually at a price that I could see spending.
Ive had Moose Expedition pants/coat for over 10 years. The coat will last forever but the pants are getting pretty rough. They have been an extremely good purchase. They have amazing ventilation.....front and back openings on both the pants and coat,something i dont see on most adv bike gear. I ride in temps from freezing to the 90s.....adding base layers is all i need. Or throw on the First Gear coat thats 15 years old and wont die. Protection is where they lack..... Sadly they are not made anymore otherwise i would buy another pair of pants in a heartbeat. Up here in Canada its a PITA ordering stuff.....sizing is always iffy. Gryphon,Octane,Alpinestar,Klim are available. The price of Klim stuff is ridiculous(i have several off road pair) so im looking for something to tick the adv bike boxes. Waterproofish,great ventilation,color options,value for the $
Very good review and this detailed explanation! Definitely MSR makes high quality gear with affordable price! The MSR explorer modele looks very awesome and well made, with blue colour and orange details it really looks outstanding! So this in fact show to as that not every time price and high end brand names, determs the quality of the product, and with half of the price, you might have high quality stuff, in this case MSR. I really really hope that this brand would be available in Europe! Well done MSR 👍
Im 5 7" 150lbs fit build. I got the medium. Fit was good sleeves a bit long. And very uncomfortable when bending arms the elbow armor presses on elbows and is very hard. I'm looking to try and put softer armor in. I got the size 30 in pants and they are really tight. I wear 30-32 jeans and could barely get these on. The length was a bit long also. Will be returning them.
I like your video and subscribed but I'm not touching this gear while you can get the FirstGear Kathmandu 2.0 top/bottom set with full CE lvl 2 armor on sale for $220..
The Explorer gear is definitely a jump in price but is also a darn nice set of gear. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it... Just have to get over the price first lol.
the explorer pants, are they too heavy for hot weather, do they breath? I know there are vents but in my experience when you are sitting vents really do not do a whole lot? looking for pants from early spring to late fall
Early spring and late fall should be doable. I've worn just the base layer and this gear when it's 75 degrees. Might not be real comfy off road in those temps. But with the venting they have, I do feel air moving in and out, even sitting down. Not a HUGE amount, but I make it work in order to stay protected on the road.
I’m ordering a pair of MSR Voyager Pants, should I order the exact size in which my waist measures, or would you recommend getting a larger size? Thanks.
Mine are just my usual size and can fit both the base and mid layer under mine no problem. The adjustments on the side make that possible, but if you think you're closer to needing a larger size, then it might not be a bad idea to size up? As long as you don't pull any of the tags off and they're in new condition, RM will pay for a size exchange too!
@@SwankyCatProductions ok! Thanks for the advice. Im 5’8” with a 31” inseam, and I wear 36/30 jeans in almost every brand. But I used a seamstress type measuring tape to get a precise measurement of my waist line and it’s 41 inches. So I’m assuming I should order a size 42..
I will be up your way in 12 days just curious if I were to bring my 2005 crf450r the 1400 miles to my wife's families lake house in Waupaca what would I need to go trail riding up that way or would I just be able to show up to a place pay an entrance fee and ride?
Dyracuse is the closest place I've ridden to there, I suppose Tigerton isn't that far either. Both are going to be about an hour from you though. Either will let you ride there with just a Wisconsin OHM sticker (not sure if there's a nonresident day pass option or not) where as others like Harrison Hills (which is much farther north but worth the trip) you need a street legal bike (not sure if yours is).