A Full Review of our Klim Gear
After extensive testing in the rainy season of Alaska, to the hot desert summers of Arizona, this is my take on the Klim TK1200 helmet, Carlsbad Jacket, Altitude Pants, and Adventure GTX Boots.
First up, a heads up on our Klim TK1200 Karbon Modular helmet.
I personally prefer a modular helmet. This is so that I can flip it open and show a wide smile to border officials, police officers, and just friendly people that we encounter while on the motorcycle. And this helmet does just that. Fully modular and stays upright without dropping down while getting directions, or to take a sip of water. Of course, ride with it down while in motion. But it is equally nice for a breath of fresh air at stoplights or in traffic jams.
All of my other helmets have had the internal 'Top Gun' visor that flips down within the helmet to block the blaring sun on clear days, and then folds up on cloudy afternoons.
I was nervous at first because the TK1200 has a transitional visor, and I didn't know how well it would preform on bright days as well as riding into camp after the sun had set. But it works absolutely flawlessly. It handles the different lighting conditions without me ever even thinking twice. It is a must have feature that takes away any mechanical moving parts that have malfunctioned on our old 'flip down' internal shades. No uncomfortable pressure points from having to wear sunglasses, and I can ride with confidence both day and night.
I have always used modular helmets, and the first one I had was, let's say, "cost effective". With the cheaper helmets, the wind noise can seem as if you are skydiving. But the TK1200 doesn't have any issues when it comes to wind noise. Paired with a Cardo Packtalk Edge, and a set of earplugs, it feels like I am in my own personal lounge.
I personally prefer a modular helmet. This is so that I can flip it open and show a wide smile to border officials, police officers, and just friendly people that we encounter while on the motorcycle. And this helmet does just that. Fully modular and stays upright without dropping down while getting directions, or to take a sip of water. Of course, ride with it down while in motion. But it is equally nice for a breath of fresh air at stoplights or in traffic jams.
All of my other helmets have had the internal 'Top Gun' visor that flips down within the helmet to block the blaring sun on clear days, and then folds up on cloudy afternoons.
I was nervous at first because the TK1200 has a transitional visor, and I didn't know how well it would preform on bright days as well as riding into camp after the sun had set. But it works absolutely flawlessly. It handles the different lighting conditions without me ever even thinking twice. It is a must have feature that takes away any mechanical moving parts that have malfunctioned on our old 'flip down' internal shades. No uncomfortable pressure points from having to wear sunglasses, and I can ride with confidence both day and night.
I have always used modular helmets, and the first one I had was, let's say, "cost effective". With the cheaper helmets, the wind noise can seem as if you are skydiving. But the TK1200 doesn't have any issues when it comes to wind noise. Paired with a Cardo Packtalk Edge, and a set of earplugs, it feels like I am in my own personal lounge.
Carlsbad Jacket -
One Jacket to rule them all. In the past, I have worn non-Goretex jackets that made me pull over to quickly put on an exterior shell. I always played chicken with storm clouds in the distance. But no more! The Carlsbad Goretex jacket keeps me warm and dry on the coldest of rainy days.
I originally threw on the flagship Bandlands Pro jacket, and don't get me wrong, that jacket is one of their most popular for a reason, but it felt a bit like putting on a suit of armor. The Bandland is perfect for protection, but for me, it was pretty heavy.
The Carlsbad is lighter, and is less noticeable when wearing for hours and days on the road. I believe it is the perfect jacket for comfort on and off of the bike, as well as the same tried, true, and tested Goretex membrane and outer shell fabric as the Badlands Pro.
The two Forearm Vents, two Chest Vents, and two Back Exhaust Vents let in plenty of air on hot Arizona summer days. Riding around in 110+ degree weather wasn't complete torture. And with everything zipped up tight, the shell blocks the cold winds and rain.
In comparison, the REV'IT! Poseidon 2 GTX Jacket is also 100% waterproof and will keep you warm and dry. But I found the Poseidon to be extremely hot without enough relief from the heat with all of the vents open. The Carlsbad is the winner in my eyes.
One Jacket to rule them all. In the past, I have worn non-Goretex jackets that made me pull over to quickly put on an exterior shell. I always played chicken with storm clouds in the distance. But no more! The Carlsbad Goretex jacket keeps me warm and dry on the coldest of rainy days.
I originally threw on the flagship Bandlands Pro jacket, and don't get me wrong, that jacket is one of their most popular for a reason, but it felt a bit like putting on a suit of armor. The Bandland is perfect for protection, but for me, it was pretty heavy.
The Carlsbad is lighter, and is less noticeable when wearing for hours and days on the road. I believe it is the perfect jacket for comfort on and off of the bike, as well as the same tried, true, and tested Goretex membrane and outer shell fabric as the Badlands Pro.
The two Forearm Vents, two Chest Vents, and two Back Exhaust Vents let in plenty of air on hot Arizona summer days. Riding around in 110+ degree weather wasn't complete torture. And with everything zipped up tight, the shell blocks the cold winds and rain.
In comparison, the REV'IT! Poseidon 2 GTX Jacket is also 100% waterproof and will keep you warm and dry. But I found the Poseidon to be extremely hot without enough relief from the heat with all of the vents open. The Carlsbad is the winner in my eyes.
