Klim Latitude?

[creggur]

Sitting here ready to pull the trigger on Klim Latitude Jacket and Pant combo, and was wondering if anyone has any direct experience with the product. I've all but decided to go for it, but just want something to push me other the edge, I guess...

What really appeals to me is the Goretex and not having to drop in liners in case of rain (it never rains in Florida)... Like I said, I'm all but sold, just need a little nudge.

Anyone out there absolutely in love (or hate) with their Latitude?

 

[tpak]

Got my badlands Pro jacket just before Memorial Day. I picked it after talking with the Klim rep here in Colorado - I guess the BP is a bit different GoreTex setup than the Latitude - supposedly a bit more breathable. I went with the Traverse pants b/c they fit a little looser and lighter - I put armor in them (they are sold without).

That being said, I went the Klim / GoreTex route b/c we frequently get afternoon thunderstorms here in Colorado and I hate having to pull over and put stuff on and then reverse that 20 minutes later.

So far, I love the setup. I've had it in 105F heat and while it is hot when stopped as soon as you move it's OK. Mind you, we have almost no humidity compared to you. On Saturday I had it out in 85F and then a massive monsoon style thunderstorm. I stayed completely dry - even in the seat with the Traverse pants. Not a drop got in. Total win. I wouldn't hesitate to go with the Latitude setup at all. I almost did and probably would have been fine and saved a couple of 100 ....

The only thing I would say is definitely do it so you can exchange the sizes if you are doing it online - I found they fit pretty accurately if not a bit on the snug side - I'm 6'2" - 150lbs - 32x34 - took a Large Jacket and a 32 regular pants - they come in long but I found them too long when not wearing my Sidi boots.

Good stuff, you won't regret it.

 

[creggur]

Thanks for the reply. Hot is hot, and you get used to the humidity - it is what it is - and you just realize if you're going to ride safe it's going to suck in the summer. I hate having to stop and put on rain gear (super-miserable as it doesn't breathe at all) or drop a liner in. I'm going to be hot in anything that resembles protection anyway, so I figure I might as well make it as convenient as possible when the afternoon storms roll in.

As I know I can survive the summer in pretty much anything, the Latitude seems perfect for my other three seasons. If I'm reasoning this out right, with a bit of layering for winter, the Latitude may be true four-season, waterproof gear for Florida riding...

 

[markjenn]

Long-time Aerostich Roadcrafter user here, but I recently pulled the trigger on the Latitude pants and jacket. Pricey, but very impressed so far. Seems to have a lot of the practicality of the Aerostich gear but without the dorkiness. (You do have to be comfortable with being a walking/rolling Klim billboard though.) Not great for summer riding, but you have to go with dedicated summer ventilated gear to do much better and it is hard to take a long trip and not sooner or later run into cool temps and/or rain that make this impractical.

The big bitch about the Latitude is the stiff collar, but mine has finally broke in to be quite comfortable.

- Mark

 

[tpak]

Hot is hot but I grew up in DC and when you move away your body adapts and forgets ... now when I go back the humidity nearly kills me.

I would suspect that the Latitude will be 4 season gear in FL with a mid-weight long sleeve shirt for most people.

I agree with Mark - the collar is stiff but breaks in. The place I bought from said a few people had taken it and put a snap fasterner on the collar to hold it back when not needed - just on the collar to the collar. It's not a super important GorTex spot and you can seal it if needed. That keeps the stiff collar back.

 

[tpak]

Also - on my Badlands Pro the reflective strip across the shoulders is apparently amazingly refelctive/bright. My friend said she could see it 1/2 mile away when she was following me the other night.

 

[bloodline]

Latitude owner in SC. The vents are very effective. Only in stop and go traffic do I think mesh is slightly better. Over 92 degrees or so, it sucks, but what doesn't? Had mine down below freezing and they seal up tight. The collar, as stated, was very annoying at first. Either I've learned to live with it or its softer and not as annoying. Don't expect the pants to work as over pants. The cut is very low and sort of odd when walking around. It's perfect on the bike, though. I've taken to riding with the klim aggressor underwear and a technical t shirt under my latitude. I'm good from 75-95 degrees like that when I control the vents. Just did 2 weeks across the usa with this combo.

 

[Buckeye56]

I have been using the Latitude since late last year. It is very stiff when new but it does loosen up with use. It has been completely waterproof which is what drew me to Klim to begin with. The venting works better than the Kilimanjaro it replaced. But crossing Kansas the end of June I was glad I had brought a mesh jacket in the 115F temps we rode in as no amount of venting would have been enough for me. Of course that will depend on how heat affects you. I am pleased with the jacket and would buy another.

 

[RED CAT]

Buddy of mine has an $1100. Klim Jacket which is supposed to do all those things like keep you dry. On a recent trip in a down pour the sleves got wet on the inside. He was NOT impressed. My $199. Kilomanjero did better.

 

[dcstrom]

Buddy of mine has an $1100. Klim Jacket which is supposed to do all those things like keep you dry. On a recent trip in a down pour the sleves got wet on the inside. He was NOT impressed. My $199. Kilomanjero did better.

Same thing happened with my Badlands in the first downpour, but I suspect user error because I didn't have the sleeve vent fully cinched up (like, by a couple of teeth). Talked to Klim, will make sure all zips are tight next time and of course they will fix if it still leaks.

 

[dave6]

Buddy of mine has an $1100. Klim Jacket which is supposed to do all those things like keep you dry. On a recent trip in a down pour the sleves got wet on the inside. He was NOT impressed. My $199. Kilomanjero did better.

Very good chance he had one of the sleeve vents not done up all the way into the zipper garage. I have had mine in continuous torrential down pours for up to 18 hours a day for several days with zero leaks. To compare the Badlands Pro to a Kilimanjaro, all though they are a good jacket, there is no comparison, I have both.

 

[HoebSTer]

i feel it has taken some getting used to with the Lattitude!! It is growing on me coming off of the AeroSTich Darien, which is bland looking compared to Klim. I think it feels cooler with better ventilation. It has taken some time to slowly break in. I am not there yet after 1000 miles with the jacket. Overall great jacket.

 

[creggur]

Thanks for all of the replies - pulled the trigger on the kit today. Revzilla already shipped it - should be here Thursday.

 

[Bappo]

Wore my latitude kit from Idaho to the Yukon to michigan from freezing temps to BC and Yukon rain to 90 degrees plains and couldn't be more pleased

 

[markjenn]

I was interested in Klim and the BMW dealer near me had a lot of their stuff. All made in CHINA! The fricking heck with that crap! You can't build a $1000 jacket but in China??? I'll use my USA made Roadcrafter even if it ain't the sexual beauty. I got the idea Klim are greedy bastards and won't support them.

Welcome to the 21st century. Almost the entire apparel industry are "greedy bastards". Even Aerostich is starting to outsource overseas although Roadcrafters and Dariens are still made in Duluth (for the time being). But honestly, 98% of the clothing we wear, including motorcycle gear, is made overseas, so you really have to be hard-core to only be wearing US made apparel these days.

- Mark

 

[creggur]

Klim are a business - their purpose is to turn a profit - can't argue with that. And even though the apparel is built overseas they still employ folks right here to market, distribute, and sell their product.

Being someone who works for a foreign manufacturer I understand this. It's a global economy and it's not going away, sooo....

Looking forward to trying on my Klim billboards when I get home from work tonight!

 

[dcstrom]

Klim are a business - their purpose is to turn a profit - can't argue with that. And even though the apparel is built overseas they still employ folks right here to market, distribute, and sell their product.

And design, don't forget that. Yes it sucks that they can't make them here, but that's the way it is in the global economy at this point in time. You'd be surprised (or not) to hear that even high end brands like Prada and Gucci have stuff made in China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/opinion/23thomas.html

The end product is good gear but I agree that there are probably good margins built in - but they wouldn't get that kind of money for thier suits if the design, materials and manufacturing quality wasn't up to par. And of course they do some pretty good marketing...

 

[HoebSTer]

I own the Lattitude now, and after coming off of my STich Darien of 10 years, I do wonder if the Klim will hold it's "worth" for that long!!! My STich depreciated $140 over 10 years. That by itself is something of value!!! Supposedly the Klim is warranted for life!!!

 

[Karson]

I have the Traverse suit and absolutely love it. I looked at the Aerostich stuff, and nothing against it, but it just isn't as visually appealing as the Klim suits. I can't comment much on the Latitude pant line, but if they don't have suspenders, you might order those, too. Just got them put on my pants after a year without and it's nice not having all the weight of the pants riding on your waist. You can loosen the buckle straps a little bit to make it all the more comfy.

Any riding apparel I have a hankering for, I look at Klim first. I like them, and that's what it takes for me to wear it. If I didn't like it, it'd simply be sitting in the basement

 

[creggur]

Got the gear unboxed and tried on...

First impression is the gear is of very high quality. A bit stiff as expected but comfortable nonetheless...

Fit - I'm 6' with a 32" inseam, 190ish, average build and I ordered a Large jacket and 36 Regular length pants. Jacket fits great and all of the armor fell right where it should without adjustment. I like the being able to synch the jacket down so there isn't a ton of material flopping in the wind.

The pants are just a hair snug in the waste (I should be 180-185 anyway so I have something to work on) but not uncomfortable at all. These are not overpants at all. I would say the fit is very Jean-like in that the waste rides low and the pant doesn't leave room for another garment underneath other than layers for colder times.

After the first fitting I'm very pleased with my purchase and if it performs as I expect I'll be with this for a long time...