rookie needs riding gear help,klimate or keweenaw? (long)

[MR.HAPPY]

Thanks for the info northerndoc!

What is the three layers that you are speaking of from Klim that works best? Do you need layers at 20 deg. or just 0 or below with Klimate bibs?

Also what gloves seem the warmest (best) from Klim for the U.P. go like hell rider, that like you said run miles at high speeds most of the time?

Thanks Again!

BR

 

[stopdropanroll]

Thanks for the info northerndoc!

What is the three layers that you are speaking of from Klim that works best? Do you need layers at 20 deg. or just 0 or below with Klimate bibs?

Also what gloves seem the warmest (best) from Klim for the U.P. go like hell rider, that like you said run miles at high speeds most of the time?

Thanks Again!

BR

With the Klimate stuff you may only need a base layer most of the time since it has more thinsulate then any of the other Klim stuff, but on extreme cold days a mid layer will help, the "inferno" is a dry fit type material and is the less warm of the two Klim mid layers and the Everest is a thick fleece mid layer that is very warm (maybe too wrm for Klimate) I have both and almost always wear the everest but I have a Valdez coat which is nothing more then a gortex shell so you need the mid layer most of the time.

The gloves: the summit is by far the best glove on the market as far as warmth and dryness, its also over 100 bones. I do not have them but might by the seasons start. The togwotee is the most popular and is what I wear unless its very warm (above 28) it has a removable fleece inner and is very flexible and non bulky, my hands stay dry ALWAYS.

 

[northerndoc]

Thanks for the info northerndoc!

What is the three layers that you are speaking of from Klim that works best? Do you need layers at 20 deg. or just 0 or below with Klimate bibs?

Also what gloves seem the warmest (best) from Klim for the U.P. go like hell rider, that like you said run miles at high speeds most of the time?

Thanks Again!

BR

In reference to the Klimate bibs, I can't comment from personal experience. Like SDR above, I have shell outer layers (Tomahawk Jacket and Extreme Pants) that have no insulation. If your outer layer is insulated, then I suspect you can get away with a very light mid layer if anything. You will have to just determine what's comfortable for you personally. Some people just need more insulation than others. I actually don't own any of Klim's mid or base layers since I already have a lot of that type of clothing from skiing and other active outdoor winter pursuits.

The key to layers is to stick with synthetic fabrics. Try to avoid organic fabrics like cotton because they don't transport moisture well- they tend to soak it up, thus keeping it on your skin and making you cold. If you notice, most of the Klim mid layers are just varying thicknesses of fleece. The fleece they use is little different than any other company out there. This is where you can save yourself some money on the whole layering system.

Base Layer-
Typically thin and made of a nylon material. Shouldn't be too tight or be restrictive, but should be slightly form fitting like old-school long underwear. As mentioned above though- avoid the old-school cotton stuff. Any brand that fits you well and is some type of moisture-wicking nylon will work. Once again- check local sporting good stores, etc. There are different thicknesses available as well to allow you flexibility.

Mid Layer-
An off-brand fleece jacket from the local sporting goods store can serve as a fine mid layer. It should fit a little snugger than a jacket you might wear on the street so it doesn't feel too bulky once you have your outer layer on. For mid layers stay away from organic fabrics like cotton (sweatshirts for example) because they don't transport moisture, they just soak it up. Personally, my mid layers consists of a pair of the looser fitting Under Armour warm-up pants and a fleece-type jacket I use for skiing. The pants are nylon fleece, but are fairly thick, the biggest thing I like about them is that they have a slick outer finish that slides easily against my outer shell pants, allowing great freedom of movement.

Outer Layer-
This is where you spend the money- and not going to go into depth here because it's already been discussed. This is what protects you from the outer elements that have the most impact on making you cold. They have to block the wind, prevent moisture from coming inside but still allow perspiration to escape- hence Goretex. It is a unique material that allows all the things to occur as mentioned. It's also not cheap and is a big reason why these clothes cost so much more than others.

As for gloves- I personally have the Togwotee's and am on season 3 with them. Still holding up great, extremely pliable and my hands have never been wet. The removable liners are an absolute must in any glove you buy because they allow you to dry the gloves out properly and once again, the liner pulls the moisture away from your hand keeping them drier. The newer ones look great too and I may pick up a pair this year to try. Little more restrictive when I tried them on, but I imagine they will break in fairly well though.

In the end, everything Klim makes seems to be of great quality. I am not suggesting that everyone avoid the Klim base and mid layers (they are very nice)- I am merely suggesting that if you are dealing with a limited budget (and who isn't, really), you can save money in certain areas because the technology isn't really there like it is in the shell layers.

Again- sorry for the novel, but hope this helps clear some things up-

Ben

 

[Viper_Dave]

Ben!! PERFECT explanation!! I am on my 2nd set of Klim gear. didn't wear the 1st out but with the addition of a TekVest, needed a larger size. YES, layering is the key. I have both UnderArmor Coldgear and Klim base layers. Both work equally well, but the Klim FITS better. Flat seams and proper height on the neck. Socks, skivvies, boots. yeah, I have ALL of it LOL! DRY, DRY, DRY, is the key to being warm. The Valdez I wear now is a very comfortable jacket. Great fit, venting, and the 1st jacket I have EVER owned I could comfortably zip and close the neck on. NO. it's not for everyone. BUT, if you have an open miind and accept the technology, you'll be a believer too!

 

[spike337]

Didn't know they had socks too. I'll be looking into them soon. Your comment about zipping up and the neck thing is all so familiar! My aftermarket DuelSport jacket actually hurts my adams apple! So that comment makes me want to go ahead and spend the money even more, then maybe the warmer of the 2 mid layers for snowmobiling? I'd rather not use it as a bike AND sled jacket, but that's a lot of money to be buying two set-ups! Or maybe that's the beauty of their set ups? Multi functional?
This has been an interest post for me. I have a ton of gear, not a lot of it i like. So if i had spent the money the first time..............

 

[jamesc]

the 1st jacket I have EVER owned I could comfortably zip and close the neck on.

oh yea a man after my own heart. that is a concern to me and i mentioned it to my brother when trying this stuff on. i can't stand the feeling of wearing a neck brace that's tearing up your neck / chin. by the time i'm done shipping this stuff back and forth it would've been cheaper for me to fly out to klim and try it on. my goal was to have a nice insulated (not heavily) outer layer that could be worn with only a base layer most of the time. now i'm wondering if the valdez might be worth a look. that whole neck thing concerns me. you need to have protection there and if it's chaffing your neck you're less likely to use the collar.

 

[yamadog1]

klim

valdez jacket you will need more then 0ne layer on cold days,i wear aggressor and inferno with their vest only thing that gets cold is my arms,
below 10 degrees i wear klimate jacket, always warm but i'm on
the older side so you bucks might will be ok.

 

[jamesc]

i know the valdez being only a shell is going to need base and mid layers for sure. when you say vest are you referring to the valdez? would the valdez be warm enough for most conditions with a base layer and inferno mid or will it require a heavier mid or additional layer?

i'm gonna need medication before this is all over.

 

[stopdropanroll]

i know the valdez being only a shell is going to need base and mid layers for sure. when you say vest are you referring to the valdez? would the valdez be warm enough for most conditions with a base layer and inferno mid or will it require a heavier mid or additional layer?

i'm gonna need medication before this is all over.

I suspect the normal temps you ride in are like the temps here in WI/MI, IMO the Valdez is perfect with the everest mid layer and aggresser base for cold days 20 and below, on warmer days I use the inferno mid layer.

The Inferno is a misleading name, its more like a Nike dry-fit golf windbreaker, its not that warm. I had that mid layer first then bought the everest and have been happy since, I also have the everst vest but never wear it. BTW thier socks f'n rock as well.

FYI I am 6'6 and ride a Nytro with a short windshield (not the super short one) so I get alot of wind hitting my body so I tend to get cold on wide open stretches hence the warmer mid layer, then when I get hot from tight twisty riding I just un-zip some vents till I cool down.

 

[mtkaboater]

If you think you want the other Klim so you don't have to wear a mid-layer, you will be making a big mistake. More layers allow you better flexibilty to shed a layer when you get hot - any you will once you start riding hard, but then as soon as the sun goes down you will be wanting to put that layer back on. I personally like a base layer to wick away moisture, a light mid-layer, then my TekVest, then a shell (parka with out the liner ). But if it is cold, then maybe a heavier mid-layer. And if it is really cold, then I put the liner back in my shell.

 

[sorenson1610]

Interesting post guys, really great information regarding the different KLIM gear and how to layer to be warm. I too found myself looking at the different offerings from KLIM wondering which one is the best suited for me. Another question I have would be the sizings? I"m about 6'3 220, so what would be a good size for my frame? I was looking at the klimate bib and jacket. I just want everything to be long enough and fit correct. Stop drop and roll you are pretty close to my dimensions, what sizes do you wear? Thanks a ton

 

[Pullinfront]

The klimate jacket and bib have 200 grams of inslu. every where. The kewan. has mapping tech. this means 200 grams where needed and only 100 grams in other areas. ie under the arms. The klimate and kewan should be very close in warmth.

 

[beerguy]

I'm 6'3", have a 36" inseam and weigh 235 and have XL tall Klimate bibs. I absolutely love them and they have always kept me warm with just a single layer underneath them. I tried on the XL Klimate jacket and it was too tight. The XXL was too big, so I'm still wearing an old North Face jacket I've owned for about 10 years. I will try on the new Vector jacket this fall and see if it fits any differently.

 

[mtkaboater]

One more thing if this is of concern to you, but all the Klim stuff is made in China.... I don't need made in USA, but I don't like China much.

 

[gumbellion]

Where has the best online deals on KLIM gear in Canada or the US? I am looking for a pair of bibs but there are no dealers anywhere close