Klim Carlsbad Adventure Gear: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Let’s get straight to it—the Klim Carlsbad adventure gear is as premium as it gets. With a price tag of roughly $1,300 for the set, you’re not just buying gear—you’re investing in a long-term companion for your rides. Klim has earned its reputation by offering one of the best warranty programs in the adventure gear industry. They truly stand behind their products, which means when you purchase Klim, you’re in it for the long haul. It’s the classic “buy once, cry once” deal. Yes, the upfront cost may sting, but you’re getting gear designed to survive the harshest environments and miles of rugged trails.
My Experience with Klim Carlsbad Gear
After three years of owning the Klim Carlsbad set, I’ve clocked over 20,000 miles on dual-sport and adventure bikes, spanning two countries, multiple climates, and countless challenges. Whether it’s been torrential rainstorms that seemed endless, punishing 75 mph winds, or the unrelenting heat of a 100-degree day, this gear has been through it all. I’ve taken it up dirt trails, through forest roads, and across desert plains. It’s seen mud, rocks, and rivers, and it’s come out on the other side still ready for more.
The Build: Durability Meets Protection
What sets the Carlsbad gear apart from your average adventure setup is the attention to detail in its construction. The Carlsbad jacket and pants feature a Gore-Tex Performance shell, which is not only waterproof but also breathable. This is a game-changer when you’re riding through downpours. Unlike some other gear that eventually soaks through, Gore-Tex lives up to its promise: guaranteed to keep you dry.
Klim didn’t stop there, though. In high-abrasion areas—like the shoulders, elbows, and knees—they’ve reinforced the gear with 630D Cordura, a material that adds an extra layer of protection in the event of a slide. If you take a spill, you’ll appreciate that added toughness in these critical areas. I’ve had a couple of minor offs, and the Cordura did its job—no tears, no worries.
The reflective details are also subtle yet effective. The jacket and pants are outfitted with 3M Scotchlite reflective material, but it’s not the flashy stuff you see on some other brands. Instead, Klim opted for a c790 carbon black design that looks understated during the day but lights up like your typical reflector when hit by headlights at night. It’s the perfect blend of style and safety—stealthy but effective.
The zippers on this gear are worth mentioning too. Klim uses high-quality YKK zippers throughout the Carlsbad series, with double-headed front zippers on the jacket. These zippers are robust and have yet to snag or fail on me, even after all the abuse they’ve taken. It’s a small detail, but when you’re zipping and unzipping a jacket a hundred times on a trip, you notice the difference.
And then there’s the armor. Klim integrated adjustable pockets for D3O Level 2 CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees. This armor is included with the gear, and it’s designed to offer maximum protection in case of impact. The D3O armor is a flexible material that hardens on impact, absorbing energy and dispersing it, which could make the difference between walking away from a crash or being sidelined for weeks.
The Downside of the Armor: It’s Bulky
While the D3O Level 2 armor is a significant selling point for safety, it’s also one of the few downsides of the Carlsbad gear. Let’s face it—this armor is bulky. When you’re trying to layer up for colder weather, it can make things uncomfortable. For instance, on the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR), I wore a tactical shirt with Poron. This offered next level protection and was very nice during the warm days, however on the cooler days trying to wear my tactical shirt with the jackets was bulky and quite uncomfortable. Adding the bulky D3O armor on top of that felt cumbersome, and I found myself wishing for a sleeker setup. But at the same time, I wasn’t about to take the armor out of the jacket. The protection it offers is worth the inconvenience.
Ventilation: Good, But Not Great
Klim has outfitted the Carlsbad jacket and pants with several vents in strategic locations. These vents come in various sizes, designed to help you regulate your temperature on the go. In moderate temperatures—up to about 80 degrees—the ventilation system works pretty well. You can feel the airflow, and it makes riding more comfortable.
But when the heat cranks up, these vents just don’t cut it. On days when the thermometer rises above 80 degrees, be prepared to sweat. The Gore-Tex shell, while fantastic for keeping water out, also holds in a lot of heat. Even with all the vents open, you’ll feel like you’re in a sauna if you’re riding in hot weather. This isn’t a dealbreaker if most of your riding is done in cooler climates, but if you’re planning on tackling desert trails or summer rides, you might want to reconsider your options or at least prepare yourself mentally for the heat.
Fit: Room for Improvement
Now, let’s talk fit. The Carlsbad pants? No complaints here—they fit beautifully. But the jacket? That’s another story. Klim’s sizing seems to be tailored more for a standard build rather than an athletic one. The jacket isn’t form-fitting, which becomes a real issue when you’re riding at higher speeds. Without a snug fit, the jacket fills with air, and you end up looking like the Michelin Man. This is not just an aesthetic issue; it affects your comfort and safety.
Many other gear brands incorporate a waist belt or other adjustable features that allow you to cinch the jacket tighter around your torso. Unfortunately, Klim missed the mark here. The lack of an effective adjustment system means air can easily flow up through the jacket, which can rapidly cool your body in colder weather. If you’re riding in freezing temperatures, this can lead to discomfort or, in extreme cases, hypothermia. The constant inflow of cold air makes an already challenging ride downright miserable. It’s an oversight that Klim needs to address in future versions of the Carlsbad jacket.
Pockets: A Storage Dream
One area where Klim absolutely nailed it is with storage. The Carlsbad gear is loaded with pockets—enough to make you feel like you’re wearing a wearable toolkit. Here’s the breakdown:
Jacket:
• 8 external pockets
• 6 internal pockets
• 1 forearm emergency ID stat card/hidden stash pocket
• 2 water-resistant front cargo pockets
• 2 front handwarmer pockets
• 1 oversized waterproof chest pocket
• 1 water-resistant chest pocket
• 1 SPOT® tracker/utility pocket on the chest
• 2 lower internal zippered stash pockets
• 1 left chest internal pocket with headphone port
• 1 right internal zipper pocket
• 1 right internal drop pocket
• 1 concealed document pocket behind the backpad
Pants:
• 2 billowed thigh cargo pockets
The placement of the pockets is well thought out, with easy access whether you’re on or off the bike. The pockets are also generously sized, which is crucial when you’re carrying essentials like maps, snacks, a phone, or even small tools. The waterproof pockets give you peace of mind that your important items will stay dry, even in the worst conditions. Overall, the Carlsbad gear scores major points for its ample and well-organized storage options.
Final Thoughts: Is the Carlsbad Worth It?
After years of abuse—through mud, rain, wind, and even hail—the Klim Carlsbad gear has proven itself worthy of the adventure rider’s trust. It’s undoubtedly one of the best adventure gear lines on the market today. Yes, there’s room for improvement, particularly in the areas of fit and ventilation. But when it comes to durability, protection, and storage, the Carlsbad series is hard to beat.
For me, the Carlsbad gear will continue to be a key part of my adventure riding kit. The peace of mind it provides in extreme weather conditions and the protection it offers in case of a crash make it a worthwhile investment. That said, I’m eager to see how Klim evolves this product line to address some of the current shortcomings. If you’re in the market for adventure gear that can stand up to the toughest environments while keeping you safe and comfortable, the Klim Carlsbad series should definitely be on your radar.