Klim Kodiak 2 jacket review

In this video review, Chris talks through the Klim Kodiak 2 jacket and pant.
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[@robdewolff8949]

I own the Klim Kodiak (1) jacket and this is the jacket I less wear of the jackets I own. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s the best bomb prove jacket made from the best materials and cann’t imagine a better and safer and more waterprove jacket sowed together but I find it realy to stiff and not flexible enough. The cuffs are to tight to easily put you gloves underneath (even short gloves like I’m wearing) and if you wear your gloves over the cuffs then the material of the jacket which touches your skin will iritate the skin due to the stiffness of the material (I ride almost every day the whole day). So that is a good inprovement on this Kodiak 2. Due to the tight cut of the Kodiak underneath the arms (arm pit) it is quiet hard to put a down jacket underneath it if it’s realy cold outside, as it all gets to tight even though the size of the jacket fits me well. So in realy cold weather I find the jacket to cold and wear my other jacket. It’s good to hear that they solved same of the above mentioned items I mentioned. I would make the mesh where the chess protector is in I would make that of a black material, I think that looks nicer when you jacket is open but that’s not realy important. As said, the devil is in the details. I see that on the Kodiak 2 they changes the closing of the neck collar into velcro, that’s a good inprovement as on the Kodiak 1 this were press buttons and realy hard to close on the bike with your gloves on. So it’s good to see that the items which makes me not to wear the Kodiak 1 jacket very often are solved in the Kodiak 2. Thanks for the great reviews on your chanel. Like the way you do it

[@stevenkraus1679]

Wish you could buy the jacket cheaper without the down jacket. Seriously who doesn't already have some sort of base layer they can use and more specifically if its that cold I have plugin heated gear. Never the less I ordered a complete Kodiak suit so I guess I'll just have an extra casual goose down jacket

[@frd-kj5qu]

Perfect review with excellent comments. Many thanks

[@lpete531]

Great review as always 👍🏽

[@TheNandis67]

Great video, guys. I have a Badlands and I use it for off-road and on-road, and it is a real great compromise for both, very good also on the road. Cheers.

[@rodc5464]

I love your reviews. Always great info and help to make informed purchases. I wanted to know do you offer any motolegends gear that we can purchase to help advertise for such a great resource to the many riders in the world.

[@dandonahue2787]

Wonderful review!

[@MrSDodgson]

Single A rating is an issue at this price point. I have the Kodak 1 ..have had the Carlsbad and a number of other 1 piece Klim products. Only purchase Klim or Rukka these days. But Single A is just not enough for the price demanded.

[@DB1956]

The Kodiak 1, to your right at the start of the vid looks so much better than the newer version. Same is true about Badlands - 2015 version is better than the current in many ways.

[@marcusnz232]

I think the Badlands Pro 2 is the ultimate jacket for NZ where I live. The Superfabric is ideal for NZ's poor road surfaces if you do end up on the road and the vents are essential for riding in 30 degree summer heat. I do agree it probably has too many pockets - especially since I never ride with anything much in pockets. A friend used to carry his phone in his trouser pocket and after a spill the hospital spent a while pulling bits of broken cellphone glass out of his leg. My biggest complaint about Klim is that they do not make sizes large enough for those who are well upholstered and might want to wear thicker clothing beneath in winter. 3XL is not a big jacket really. The chest pads in the Badlands can be D3O if you want - they are really intended to protect against stones flicked up I think. I like the storm collar though - wish the Badlands had that.

[@Si_in_Finland]

Another great review !! Is it possible to mix and match klim suits, for example buy this jacket to go with my badlands trousers ?

[@fr4413]

Interesting and honest.

[@D.Brett.Cartwright]

Wonder what that horizontal dash above the "i" is there for? It's an accent that stands for a long i sound. ** Klim sounds like Climb ** !!!!

[@nikos4787]

I have a street sport touring bike (ninja 1000sx) and wondering if this jacket+pants set suit my needs (big trips around Europe) Also thinking about Rukka Nivala or Shield-R. Any advice please?

[@nikop-fl5gi]

About sizing: I got this full suit yesterday myself, haven't got the chance to ride in it yet. I'm european, about 172cm tall, a bit of muscular build and weigh around 75kg. No belly. From many sizing sources EU sizes 50 in both jacket and pants were both exactly my measures in sleeves, hip, inseam, waist. Only chest was "too small" in paper, I'm around 105 cm in chest. Anyhow I got the 50 in both jacket and pants. They fit just perfect, but sleeves and pant sleeves (what's the word?) Are just a bit too long. I'd imagine the short sizes (d-sizing) would take care of this problem, but I don't really need the extra space in the belly area. Also I'm not too concerned about it because the sleeves fit on top of my gloves and they're not too long then, also when boots are on the legs won't be a problem, I ride a sports tour bike. So in conclusion for anyone of a short kind like myself, I'd say go for it. Feels really good quality, I also like the looks (a big plus for me). Also a nice review.

[@jordanclancy3822]

Just a correction on the thermal liner. The higher the fill power the better it is at insulating, therefore a slimmer jacket with the same level of warmth.

[@jacksonproia7305]

I just took delivery of this suite yesterday. Mine came with a velcro band built into bottom of jacket. Not sure is it is just considered to be an additional adjustment or if it is a true kidney belt.

[@mgeyelin1]

Thanks for your very thorough review of the Klim Kodiak jacket. I wish your store was in the US. You come across as the righteous, UK version of Revzilla over here. I have two questions. Does the Kodiak’s slim fit due to the EU cut of this jacket make it unsuitable for an airbag vest underneath? Mine is tight across my stomach (5’8” 165 lbs) but has plenty of room around and behind my shoulders. It’s a very comfortable fit overall, but airbag vests require a minimum 2-inch fill space between the rider and the jacket. Does that rule out the Kodiak jacket if you want to use an airbag vest? Second, does anyone sell real chest protectors to replace the flimsy perforated pads Klim includes with the jacket? I don’t see anything on Klim’s website. Final question: Is the company name pronounced differently in the UK? Here it’s pronounced Klime. I don’t know why they just don’t just spell it that way.) Thanks, - Milo

[@eddyrussell9853]

You are right, it’s pronounced like “climb”.

[@jomsborgwiki5749]

Excellentes Video 🤠👍

[@Coldgecko]

I have owned a Badlands. I took my Kodiak from South Florida to Thailand -- 30,000km ride in 2019. I always struggle which suit is better for on and off road adventure travel. One thing for sure, when it gets over 85 degrees (30 degrees C) its way too hot. I had to buy another suit in Laos because I was dying of heat prostration. What is a good video -- compare the Badlands to Kodiak.

[@Motolegends]

There is a problem with Klim’s outfits, as I have mentioned in other reviews. Klim has managed to convince many people that the perfect garment for off-road and adventure riding is a laminated one. And this is simply wrong. If it’s really hot you don’t want to be anywhere near any kind of membrane. A membrane will make it hard for the body to sweat, and sweating is the body’s mechanism for cooling itself down. A membrane will also serve to prevent cooling oncoming air from reaching the body. Yes, Klim’s laminated outfits have good venting, but when you do this you are attempting to provide a solution to a problem that you created in the first place. If you are working seriously hard off road or riding in really hot conditions, you want a highly breathable garment over the top of which you would wear a waterproof when necessary. This is why you found both suits unbearable. In terms of a comparison of the Badlands and the Kodiak, I don’t see this as valid. They are aimed at totally different types of riding. The baggy Badlands is cut for off-road riding, as a result of which it is pretty useless on the road; one issue being that the rain can get in under the jacket; another being that it will flap about uncontrollably at speed. The new Kodiak 2 will be great on road, but too restrictive and hot off it. Chalk and cheese, as we say!

[@Coldgecko]

@@Motolegends The tricky part of this is that I live in 2 worlds as do others I suppose. I ride long range adventure travel -- usually 25,000km and more. I ride off-road and need the safety of a Badlands -- I also go long ranges on flat roads so the Kodiak rules. Neither is perfect but Klim is def the best out there. I get so many Europeans come up to me asking about my suits and I have never in my travels wanted a European brand over my Klim. I think I will go with a Badlands again for ultimate safety and get a second suit for heat over 85 degrees. No choice. BTW: Have you ever discussed about the Helite Turtle 2 (tether or electronic versions)? I might go for that too... Seems to be a huge benefit for us who ride bikes in places that drivers are not so predictable.

[@Motolegends]

Okay, so when we talk safety, we talk about active vs. passive safety. Now the former is about fabrics and armour; the latter is about riding comfortably such that you diminish the chances of, say, a drop in concentration that might cause you to have an accident in the first place. In terms of active safety, there’s nothing particularly outstanding about a Klim suit. Indeed, the new Kodiak is only rated A under EN 17092 which, on one level, is no better than a laminated suit from Richa that costs a quarter the price of the Kodiak. The Balands is AA which is average. The new, 2021 Badlands will attain the highest AAA level, which is impressive; and this will be down to a fabric called Vectran that is super abrasion resistant. But there will be some trade off in terms of comfort. More important, in our view, to someone doing the kind of riding you do is passive safety. And to be comfortable in the kind of conditions you describe Klim’s Baja S4 would be much more appropriate. You will stay much cooler. If it rains you put the waterproof over the suit. This is not as convenient, perhaps, but a waterproof outside a garment will always work better than one inside a garment, whether the membrane be laminated or of a drop-liner construction. You then ask about airbags. We do not like tethered airbag systems; they are not reliable, especially if you slide with the bike. You can hit a tree, a car or a wall, and the airbag won’t inflate in these situations. The best system for the road right now comes from In&Motion; and in fact this is the company that supplies the new Klim airbag vest. BUT, we’re back to passive safety vs. active safety. The problem with an airbag vest is that it will impair the breathability of any garment over which it is worn. It would be simply unbearable in the kind of 30 degree temperatures you talk about, especially if worn on top of a laminated jacket. Okay it might help if you drove off the road or if you hit something. But, by the same token, it would drastically increase your chance of doing so. To ride well and to ride safely, you have to be comfortable on the bike, and in our view that is one of the most important factors to consider when buying gear.

[@Coldgecko]

@@Motolegends Thanks for your time and attention. Those comments are incredibly helpful. I will review. BTW: I live in Florida -- super, duper hot all the time -- and I love your videos. I'm not necessarily a motorcycle nerd watching all videos -- although I ride probably more than 90% of your viewers -- I love your fact based videos.

[@andy.m7274]

@@Motolegends I know I’m a year behind this conversation but feel it’s important to go into all comments etc to get more angles on what works best and what doesn’t, I was talked out of the Baja S4 or any mesh for that matter in high heat touring as the warm air dries your sweat before you get a chance to cool down from it this causing dehydration, I imagine a day trip here and there would be fine but I’ve got an upcoming trip from Canada down and across Montana, Washington, Oregon and California for 2-3wks and dehydration will be a problem this is why I’m leaning towards the Kodiak 2.

[@roz6573]

Chris -- It is pronounced Klim as in climb. Great content btw.

[@Vjekoslav-vf3hr]

How would u compare Touratech vs. Klim?

[@fogfog8388]

Tangent... The Scott Ergo pro rain-suit is a different mix of materials ( I think) to their Scott Ergo Lite. Does it make a difference?

[@Motolegends]

Dear Fog Fog, we have a set on its way to us, so will review in due course. The essence seems to be lighter and more breathable as a trade off for slightly lower levels of waterproofing. Scott reckon they are targeting the off-road and enduro rider. We’ll come to our own view, and report back. CP

[@fogfog8388]

@@Motolegends thank you. I'll keep an eye out for your review.. 👌

[@stocks7765]

@@Motolegends don't find that review anywhere?!Is it online?

[@Valentino50541]

I wish they could make something that did not make you look like a storm trooper. Get ride of the pocket that they decided to sew on at the last minute. They are almost there!

[@marcomargiocco5153]

I have about 5000 Km on my new Kodiak 2 jacket and pants (FJR1300). Overall a decent suit but there are three aspects I really do not like: 1. The knee pads tend to rotate internally when I wear the pants, leaving the outer knee precariusly exposed. Not a reassuting feeling at all. The pads seem to be way too small or poorly placed/poorly adjustable. The pants otherwise fit well and the suspenders are very effective. 2. The neck collar is too narrow. No, I do not have a large neck at all and the jacket otherwise fits me well. When I wear the jacket with the matching down duvet the velcro strap barely reaches the other side and often comes undone during a ride. 3. And this is the worst issue I have. It is VERY difficult to place a winter glove under the cuffs. Has anybody at Motolegends ever tried to achieve this task🙂? They are just not large enough and not effectively elasticated at all! They are also a bit too long to be easily used over winter gloves. I had to buy a new pair of gloves (Richa Mountain) with double cuff because my original winter glove (Richa Arctic) would NOT FIT AT ALL under the cuffs. As usual, thank you guys for your very informative reviews. Marco from British Columbia.

[@jjnewman65]

Too say the other manufacturers “play at it” is rather disrespectful. The other boys make superb kit.

[@naveenkumar-kb1fw]

how do we wash it????? in washing machine??/

[@stephenbecker1463]

I am with you. I would love to know as well...

[@OSR_1]

Very likely... that's how you wash all other gore-tex pro suits i've seen. Delecate setting, using appropriate/gore-tex approved cleaning products.

[@EdisnFox]

KLIM(CLIMB)

[@kennyatkins6448]

👍🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tartantam3405]

I bought the Konica 2 but returned it, so many of the details are just wrong! Who puts the hooked side of the Velcro on the collar? If your a biker, you know that will snag and pull on the lining and strap of your helmet. Those little hook things to hold the jacket open, we’re tiny and couldn’t be worked with gloved hands, and they were so far down the pulled uncomfortably on the jacket. There were many other aspects that I just wasn’t happy with, fit, material comfort, etc. At £1299 I was very disappointed

[@Vjekoslav-vf3hr]

Ugly, ugly, ugly, crossover jacket. Ugly. Black, blue, grey, reflective silver, ideal patchwork combo for the (overpriced) road circus. Storm collar in different colur than jacket , nice himera design from Wuhan 😀 Front ( scraeming white) lower pocket's zips with small angle emphasize feminime waist line and definitelly ruins all (left) of the jacket. Designed by Anthony Fauci & Piete Mondrian. Do you buy-back base layer if rider doesn't need it? This should be enough. Hey Klim, what's wrong with you guys???? You need Big Reset or fresh blood in your team. Kodiak 1 was in good direction. Kodiak 2 in full black may help u stay the course. If Kodiak 2.1 (or 3) does't save you soon then the bell will not save you. Kodiak project will be buried like Chevy Nova in Spanish speaking countries. Trust me. My mum doesny buy me red pants or any pants. I do not watch TV for almost 4 y but I like to watch ytb a lot, many gear reviews. I like to watch Chris (with nice scholar english), as well, but with time saving FF speed 1.5 😀