Klim Arsenal Vest Review - Episode 202

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I have been using the Klim Arsenal vest for the last 6 months and it's time to review it. It's surprising how much stuff you can pack into this vest and even more surprising how comfortable it is. The way that this pack distributes the weight on your upper body is great. Having the weight distributed over your upper body really saves your lower back.
I was surprised how much I enjoy this vest. It's a little hot to wear in the summer months, but is a great piece of gear if you are going on longer rides. I love the removable tool pack, but I wish the tool pack was larger (like on the Klim Nac Pak). The water bladder is 3 liters and is very good. No real complaints from me other than they don't seem to offer it in different colors.
Here is some info from Klim's website on the vest:
LARGE CARGO CAPACITY RIDING VEST WITH LOAD-BEARING DESIGN
FULLY ADJUSTABLE VIA SHOULDER, SIDE AND CENTER STRAPS
OVER-JERSEY/OVER PADDING DESIGN
THREE MAIN LARGE STORAGE AREAS
THREE CHEST POCKETS
2 LARGE WAIST POCKETS
AMBIDEXTROUS PISTOL STORAGE WITH INCLUDED HOLSTER
REMOVABLE/INTEGRATED KLIM® TOOL PACK
SPACER MESH DESIGN INCREASES AIRFLOW/COMFORT
INCLUDES KLIM® 3 LITER HYDRATION BLADDER
MOLLE WEBBING HYDRATION TUBE ROUTING
Special thanks to my $10/month patrons!
Nathan Weber, Andrew Breyton, Mitchell Forrest, Mike Frank, Sean Massier, Bill Bitts, Mark Fleischman, Brian Anderson, Dion Jaramillo, Ken Paulino, Branden Sanderson, Jason Holt, James Knifong, David Chandler, Larry Manuel, Paul Warner, Tyler Osborn
HYDRATION MOUTHPIECE RETAINER

[@redneckenroutekevan6397]

Thanks for another honest product review! MSR (Mountain Safety Research) makes a pretty decent camp fuel bottle in a variety of sizes. I carry a couple 975mL (33oz) on longer rides, they're tough, light weight and can stand up to the abuses of of road riding a whole lot better than a Gatorade bottle :)

[@krobak47]

Yes! I have been really curious about this product. Finally a good review on this vest! Thanks Kyle.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

You are welcome.

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

How bulky is it with a chest protector tho? Will one even fit under it?

[@kevinhunter8585]

great review! the best enduro focused DB feed on KZbin!

[@brianpatterson5513]

love my arsenal vest as well only thing i dont like is there no velcro or hook n loop for the tool pack to stop it from bouncing around or sliding

[@hh65flyer]

I put the NacPac on my Christmas list based on your review. Mrs Claus came through for me again this year! Can't wait for riding season. It's currently 17 below zero outside which is making me miss summer even more... 😕

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Glad to have helped!

[@desertghost3056]

Hey Kyle, you planning on possibly testing the zac speed chest protector /pack combo? I see RM has them in their 2017 catalog. I was also wondering when we might see a follow up review on the RK tech head.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I'll do a review on the head when I get chance to ride it a bit more.

[@72codeman]

i've been riding with the ogio flight vest for a year or so, when it wears out i'm going to pick up an arsenal vest.

[@jeffclark1933]

How many beers would this vest hold?

[@brianmaloney877]

How are you still liking the arsenal vest after a while of use? Trying to decide to upgrade to the new model nac pack or a vest. Thanks Kyle! @dirtbikechannel

[@JimSiverts]

Have you worn it with a neck brace on. Looks like there is plenty of room at the top but just wondering if there was anything that might prevent that.

[@dualsportaz6565]

Love mine. I use it for dual sport and mountain biking too. My .380 fits perfect in the pouch. Super cool. The tan is better looking too!

[@deadeyenic6833]

Good timing i was looking to adding this to my wishlist haha

[@DirtBikeChannel]

It's a nice option for sure.

[@TheFrog767]

Very informative have you done one on the tools ?👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@madman432000]

Well there's always the Troy Lee Designs one for $225, or the Answer one for the same amount of money. The removable tool pouch and holster make this a viable option, although a little pricey. Klim is really not all that much better (quality and function) than other mainstream offerings so I don't tend to buy it often.

[@Hulley29]

Very cool piece of gear.

[@truckingswe]

How the sizing I'm over 300pounds will it fit?

[@billb295]

I tried one at a local shop and it feels like your waring a rubber suit only after a few mins of waring it. Other than that's it's awesome!

[@mgazaille]

How does it compare to the Nac Pak? Which one do you like the most between the two?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I like the Nac Pak for shorter trips, but this one is better for the longer days.

[@Maicowerk]

They copied Ogio Flight Vest, been using that for 7 years or so. They're also $75 cheaper than the Klim Arsenal.

[@andrewmlodynia]

you get what you pay for

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I'll have to check that one out.

[@Maicowerk]

Andrew Mlodynia It's lasted 7-8 years and carried everything I've needed from food to tools. I was riding with a guy who was pretty big into hard enduro and distance racing and he had one on and that's how I found out about it.

[@Maicowerk]

I will say that the Ogio doesn't have the detach tool bag on the back and the setup is slightly different in the front and the back doesn't have that middle top zipper. I have a tool bag I bought and put in the front pocket and I use an old dremel box to fill with spark plugs in the other front pocket and theres still room for more stuff. So it's just going to be a matter of preference and how much stuff you need to carry. I haven't needed anything more.

[@jsemichjr]

The Ogio is great, I've been using mine for years as well. It looks like Klim took the idea and made it better in every way. Gripes with the Ogio this one fixes: you have to have you be uneven with your tool roll in one back pocket or split your tools up between the two pockets, but then that takes away space for a rain shell.

[@sydrem2011]

does it act as a protective chest guard too?

[@KiwiNewellLimited]

is it better than the nac pack?

[@MrDahappyheathen]

Where did you get that shirt? It’s so rad!

[@Hoser1mVm]

Any links for a Amazon deal on these?

[@poole0704]

Does it work with neck braces?

[@solarxsniper269]

Where did you get the custom Dirt Bike Channel graphics from?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Decal works.

[@solarxsniper269]

Dirt Bike Channel Perfect Thanks!

[@HybridEdits]

Someone needs to really design some type of mount for a small gas can thats light and ergonomic for enduro/trail bikes. Ive ran out of gas alot having so much fun riding and then being out in the middle of the trails out of gas.

[@Thesepticsurgeon]

I’m wondering how the gatorade bottle holds up being used as a gas canister. It is a thick bottle.

[@lenope730]

I could see this if you are going on a 3-day trek across a desert or something, but for a casual trail or desert rip, there is no way I would wear that thing. Fully-loaded with tools, water, gear, that thing could be like lugging an extra 40+ pounds around with you. No thanks

[@vinnieortega]

klim looks like some very good gear but it's so expensive.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

True it's expensive, but it's high quality.

[@captainkerr7905]

I always carry a pistol. Course I live near the Mexican border where drug traffickers operate. Also we have snakes.. and lions? Yah I carry.

[@72codeman]

I've had people shoot at me out in the desert, always armed when i'm out in the sticks

[@captainkerr7905]

People are funny creatures that live in Land of rainbows and unicorns. I am no sheep!

[@jkpupo1]

Kriega pacs are better. Ive an R25 pac for years. Klim makes great enduro gear but their pacs and this vest look cheap.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I haven't used the Kriega, but this pack isn't cheap.

[@wix-lj8un]

IM AM EARLY AND THE FIRST COMMENT BOI

[@Goshary]

How do I carry a chainsaw- that's the question 😀

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Strap it to your front fender!

[@Maicowerk]

I know several people who have a rack on the front that holds a chainsaw specifically. Check out sawtote and trail tech chain saw mount for starters. Some people have just attached a milk crate to the front of their bike even.

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

I started a group on Rocky Mountain Fantasy SX. If anyone is interested the group name is: Dirt Bike Channel password kyle!!

[@markjacobs6294]

Kind of funny. You can buy a tactical vest that will do the exact same thing but is $100+ less. BUT it won't say Klim...so you won't look as cool or be as broke.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Being a gun guy myself... if you dropped the word "tactical" from the vest you are talking about, it would drop the price by another $100 :)

[@markjacobs6294]

OK then, I won't call a $40 "load out" vest "tactical" but it will still be $150 less than the Klim.

[@sergiomonohoma.]

who carries a pistol when riding? ????? Jesus

[@Hulley29]

I pistol is a tool, nothing more, don't make a big deal of it.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I am a big gun guy, but I've never felt the need to carry any of my guns while riding in Utah.

[@sergiomonohoma.]

Hulley29 not big of a deal.... a tool I a wrench or a socket a gun is a tool in case of shooting.... I'm wondering what the target might be.

[@FatHead970]

I got this vest 2 months ago. I was carrying way to much in a camelback for years and had been looking at all the vest manufacturers. I didn't know klim made one. As soon as I found out they did, I bought. I have tons of klim gear that has had the hell kicked out of it and I swear it still looks brand new. I will forever support klim and this vest is now a staple of every ride. I live in Vegas so I'm curious as to how hot it gets in the summer. Great review. Great product. I highly recommend.

[@Hulley29]

I've never carried while riding or hiking but I know people that do. If they think they need to for whatever reason, so be it.

[@SexyMistaMustard]

Not sure why, but the thumbnail looks so goofy lmao.