Klim vs. Aerostich - Initial Impressions of My Darien Jacket

#klim #aerostich
This off-season I decided to upgrade some of my motorcycle riding gear. One of the items I am changing is my Klim Latitude jacket because it is now 6 years old and it is too small for me. To replace it, I ordered an Aerostich Darien jacket. This video covers the reason why I changed and provides my initial impressions.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[@aerostich]

Hi Craig, Thanks for purchasing your new Darien! We hope it will meet and exceed your requirements for many years and thousands of miles. And we’re looking forward to your future reports about your experiences with it.

[@rumporridge1]

Great customer service with your posting. That’s a hug plus in my book. Kudos!

[@LTVoyager]

I can’t say high-vis helps, but my wife and I have worn high-vis gear for at least a decade now and it certainly doesn’t hurt. I think it also lessens the possibility of theft as most punk kids don’t want a high-vis jacket to wear. 😂

[@roncoleman8351]

As the owner of a 20 year old Roadcrafter original and 4 year old R3, both in hi-viz, just be aware that they will fade pretty rapidly around the 3 year mark with multi season touring exposure. Eventually it will have the outdoor patina of a fireman’s hi-viz, although Aerostich does caution the buyer to expect this.

[@oscartamez5209]

Hi Craig, I pulled the trigger and ordered a Darien jacket and pants from @aerostich and received them on Friday. I also went with the hi-vis jacket!!. Very visible for sure!. I rode close to 300 miles during the weekend and I really, really liked my new gear.. I ride in south Texas so summer will be challenging, but I am sure it will be OK. I got to know Aerostich after watching this video, and after extensive research I knew this is the safety gear I wanted. Great customer service from the folks at Aerostich.Thanks you!.

[@theotherkidd]

My Darien Light should be in this week. I live in South Texas too. Hope this jacket is cool enough for summer riding

[@karlroebling3316]

Very thorough review. LOTS-guy knows his stuff

[@darryljones215]

I am an old gezzer and a survivor of a car that didn’t see me at an intersection. Hi-Vis is a must for me now. Does hi-vis work when competing with cell phones? Not a chance, but anything to lower the odds of a hospital stay is more than worth it.

[@jayharrod8647]

Glove gauntlets OVER the sleeves for waterproof!!!!

[@nyrussell]

Picked up an Aerostitch Original suit. Actually wore it through an unexpected snowstorm around Hiroshima. Dry as a bone. And not worried about road rash in an off on that ride. been through a couple of downpours as well. Bone dry. Aerostitch does a great job at customer service as well.

[@stevemcconnell9102]

Have been wearing aerostich for nearly 20yrs. Have a couple of jackets, Darien pants, heated liner, and riding boots, all fantastic kit.

[@krob-sn7ek]

Good job Craig! I see those guns !! That is adding more riding seasons for you! It was 71 yesterday in Miss. not Mass. Haha. I hate to go 4 days w out riding. Stretching, flexibility and your core strength really help riding as you get older. Thank you

[@joelahnstein2281]

Love my R3 light one piece, Darien, and AD1 pants.

[@motorbikesgary]

Thanks Craig, looking forward to hearing how your new jacket fares in different weather conditions.

[@RobS-eq5ij]

Ive owned a darian jacket and ad1 pants for 20 years nothing better i wear the combo daily as a year around commuter in new england even while riding my sleds highly recommend

[@daveshane5925]

Hi Craig, I have the Darien jacket and wear the Aero AD-1 pants and was caught in a deluge for about 50 miles last September in Nova Scotia on the way home. I stayed bone dry! Well, except for my feet, my bad as I was wearing too low boots. Anyway, you will stay dry!

[@christophepoteaux3932]

Been riding in Darien suit since 2019. Extremely versatile. Originally bought the regular version, then swap for the light version. Peefect. Never, ever failed me in deluge. Enjoy.

[@xerxespamplemousse6622]

Been riding mine since 2018. I got a non-stock color for the pants because they ran out of all "pants" fabric in the "pants" colors. When they didn't arrive for a looong time I called, was told the story about the out-of-stock fabric, but I said I just didn't want black, so they found some buff-colored fabric of the proper weight. I love 'em. The only side-effect is that I get confused with firefighters all of the time because a lot of them wear buff clothes, too.

[@ConcoursOne]

I have a 25yr old Darien that is still going ( needs to be retaped on some inner seams) Zippers all good. It has a LOT of miles on it. The under arm vents with back vent is far superior in airflow/cooling to newer stuff. I use the stitch as offroad now as it looks rough but it still gets the job done

[@shreedevi2005]

I've been wearing Aerostich roadcrafters for over 15 years now and they are fantastic for travel or commuting because you can get in and out of them in seconds. You can wear a set of street clothes under the suit and when the suit is off, you are just like all the other civilians. When you get to a campsite, just peel off the suit and get to work setting up your tent. If you get to a rest area on the highway, peel off the suit and go to the restroom looking like a normal human being. The only drawback is the warm weather performance and they are not meant for offroad riding. The suits do not ventilate well and I suspect the same problems with the Darien line.

[@codemore]

I've had both Roadcrafter and Darien suits. I'll agree that the pants do not vent but I feel that the jackets vent better than any other non-mesh jacket I've worn. I open the vents in the back and under the arms and then open the cuffs. Air coming in at the cuffs (hands) pours up each arm into the suit, zips around my torso pulling out the heat and then flows out out the back vents. The only time I have an issue is if I'm on a bike with large handguards that block the wind from going up my sleeves. I've also had occasion to have bees and other nasties fly up my sleeves and start stinging me, so there is that to contend with. If you're not moving it's a sauna, but I think that's true for ANY protective riding gear.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Middle of Summer 🌺 in Australia mate 👍. I wear Knox urban pro and layer up over it . It’s fantastic in Summer on and off road .

[@bobridestwowheels]

A very thorough review, thank you.

[@Warerdog24]

I have come the opposite direction us you . I had a Darlene Jacket custom fit a few years ago . It was really good in cooler weather and rain . The length was a problem with setting on the tail pulling on my shoulders . My big problem was the lack of venting and not being able to adjust while riding . So after a trip to South east and burning up I ordered a Klim . I really Iike the Darien pants and still wear then .they are a full zipper pants so you can easily remove for hiking and such . . I’m now on my 3rd Klim jacket and could not be happier. Good Luck I hope it works for you .

[@kennethhancock2433]

I purchased a hi-vis Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket and found it impossible to keep clean. Lately I use a hi-vis vest that is inexpensive and I can wear over any of my jackets. I’m out $39.95 if it craps out. Love the Aerostich stuff.

[@JBall43]

I've have R3 one piece Light several years now. No problems with keeping dry (even in thunderstorm downpours), I don't have to stop to put on rain gear. I do get warm when riding in hot weather, and find that the gore-tex flows air in cold weather. A Klim Zephyr wind shirt seems to be the ideal (in my opinion) layer under the R3 in cooler conditions.

[@clvrswine]

I'm glad to see you go with hi-vis.

[@davegallo8166]

The biggest difference is aerostich minimizes perferations in the shell, so less leaks. Note, both klim and aerostich are US companies, klim makes their stuff in Asia

[@stevenbrowne116]

Roadcrafter Classic owner here, Hi-Viz. Would highly recommend it. Yes, it's pricey, but aren't you worth it! People think I'm emergency services of some kind. That's okay 👍

[@davidbarth3504]

Can’t wait to see how you like it. Can’t go wrong with hi vis. Anything to help people see us is worth it. The one time it works could be a life saver

[@cpbremote]

One thing to note also is that they come in a huge range of specific sizes, in short, regular, and long. As opposed to most other manufactures S,M,L,X-Large. That is why I bought a roadcrafter, a stock size long jacket and long pants that were customized for length.

[@turdfergusson123abc]

Nice review. I buy aerostich for the quality and made in America. Well worth the price. Ride safely!

[@eddiesmith224]

Hi Craig, I've been using the Darien pants, and jacket for years (10 -15) and I love them, after a couple years, you'll need to reapply some type of waterproofing. Very good product, but a little heavier than Klim. I would suggest throwing it into the drier without the armour of course to "soften up" a llittle , otherwise I think you'll like it a lot. My best . Eddie

[@markmattson4752]

Looks like a heavy duty jacket for sure it will be interesting to see how the armor holds in place. I know about the jacket getting tight but not from muscle like you lol👍

[@mikeb3536]

Excellent video! I need to replace my ancient riding gear and was thinking that instead of my old mesh gear, I should try a solid cordura jacket again. Thanks for reminding me that they feel like straightjackets to me! LOL Probably not the message you thought you were presenting, but it was very useful for me. Also, as a fellow senior citizen, I've recently learned the value of hitting the gym. Would love to see you talk about which exercises you feel were most useful for your riding enjoyment.

[@curthenry9398]

I am on my third Darien, wore one out after around 100,000 miles, crash in the second, 50 mph high side that I walked away from with only bruises. Hint: hot weather riding, a 5-pound bag of ice will fill all the pockets. With melting and the evaporate cooling it good for around a hundred miles of cooling.

[@mikeknoll1130]

Nice review, stopped in the Deluth location at areostitch last year in a ride around Superior, got the tour around the very old 3 story building were they do the sewing and sales, very nice people and very quality cloths, but had just purchased a Klim , ..but still in need of a pants set up.

[@smudgemo]

This review prompted me to revisit Aerostich. I have an Alpinestars for CA winters, and a Rukka mesh I don't care for all that much, but my favorite is an older Honda brand jacket that is mostly perfect for in between weather. The Cousin Jeremy or Falstaff looks like it might fit the bill to replace the Honda jacket. Gotta be brown..

[@osimnod]

Glad to see you give a storied American brand a shot at earning your praises. Anxious to hear your real-world report. HI-viz may not guarantee your safety but I say you take away as many excuses for others to NOT see you as you can and just ride defensively while asserting your right to the road.

[@LTVoyager]

Looks like a nice jacket. Curious to hear your experience on the road with it this year. I prefer tight sleeves as I want my sleeves tucked into my gloves not the other way around. That keeps out the wind and rain. I try to find jackets with tight sleeves and gloves with an enough adjustment in the “gauntlet” to strap around the outside of my jacket sleeve.

[@theRussians1918]

Nothing can be all things to all people. My Aerostich suit is getting on in years...as in over 20 years old and the worst wear is the pocket velcro, It still delivers on every promise. the only limit is in 95f or higher temps and keeping zipped up, the suit is warm after that point. wash and reapply the nikwax annually and you will be rewarded with fantastic service as I have over the 200,000kms I have in my suit.

[@epmrealtyericmccormack6534]

I have some of Aerostich’s gear the Transit 2 suit and love it. That thing is gonna outlive me. I also have the AD1 pants and also really like them. They zip all the way up really nice when you have to get out with MX boot in. Neither are in hi viz color.

[@robertkoch1936]

I have used both the Roadcrafter and the Darien. I still have both, but I over grew the Roadcrafter. I never got wet in either or a failure. My only think I wish the Darien jacket was it had a liner and pouches for D30 armor and a back protector. The Darien pants are great with the full leg zipper. Currently using Klim Latitude jacket and pants. Would go with the Darien again is it had the liner and armor.

[@mikemills5144]

On your way to or from Alaska you can stop in! Love the Hi-Viz, does it help? I have no idea but I do know it does not hurt. Plus riding in rain it will make you way more visible. I was nervous about buying one because I could not try it on so I went with a different brand. Really looking forward to the long term review.

[@samhill3496]

Good vid have several sizes and weights keep me dry with liner added too and electrics Go there if ever the chance see it made. Got all kinds of M/C stuff in store. Street cam too

[@markboudette8380]

Hi Craig, I think you're going to love the jacket. I wear mine in all seasons; it's my only jacket. I rotate my handguards between summer and the shoulder seasons to either direct the air flow towards or away from going up my sleeves. A good UV protectant will help maintain color vibrance, unfortunately it also seems to attract road grime. My old red Darien has barely faded, but has black road grime that won't come out. If riding in the rain, tuck the bottom of the coat in such a way that it doesn't create a puddle. I pair my mine with the AD1 pants.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@jimmin9802]

Looking forward to some insight on how this performs. I am looking at the falstaff for the softer material. Seems expensive but really they are right in the ballpark with other performance gear. Bonus coming at Work so by the end of the month i will buy one.

[@peterrussell798]

I have both Klim Badlands jacket and pants and a Roadcrafter R3. Ridden both for thousands and thousands of miles in the West ranging from Oregon downpours and blazing heat in Arizona and Idaho. Klim for the win. Better ventilation, warmer, and no wet crotch. Plus in seven years, I have had to replace every zipper on the ‘stich due to failures. ‘Stich makes for a better commuter gear, but that’s it. Based on the disappointing performance of the R3, doubt I’d ever get a Darien.

[@macxpert3588]

Interesting to see how this jacket goes. Looks like it would be way too hot for me in Australia. I swap my gear around according to the seasons but when I go the the US to ride with my buddies I always take my Joe Rocket Alter Ego 3. It's a 3 season jacket and the mesh inner jacket is perfect for riding in the SW desert during summer, as it gets colder or wet you just zip the various parts on.

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

I am far shorter than average, Aerostich was the best choice for me because they custom fit it. They shortened it from the shoulder to the elbow and from the elbow to the wrist. I had a couple other custom things done and mine was above $900. But I can find nothing off of the rack that fits me regardless of brand . I have the Roadcrafter jacket and the AD-1 pants. ‘Stitch is the only brand I wear, and it helps that I only live an hour away from where they’re made.

[@davidruggles996]

Congrats and welcome to the 'stich fam. My first Roadcrafter was hi viz for about a decade. I'll withhold my comments and let you conduct your own experiments. Waterproofness is unparalleled as long as you fold the fabric in your lap the right way 😉👍

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Under, I assume?

[@davidruggles996]

@@LivingOffTheSlab yes sir. The length of the Darien makes it really easy to fold a little under and prevent forming a lap lake

[@stevemillerecon]

The Roadcrafter suits barely take more time to remove and don than a jacket. However, I also prefer a jacket/pants combo for touring. The main issue with the Roadcrafter while touring is you have to put it somewhere. It doesn't hang over the back of a chair in a diner the way a jacket does. It's also a bit more awkward to drape over your bike or shove in a hardcase. It's amazing for commuting, though.

[@4940markhutchins]

Looks quite bulky. Will be interesting to get your take in warm weather

[@runevetland1624]

In Norway , KLIM Badlands Pro A3-CE AAA 2023 kost - 1868,- dollar - A KLIM Badlands Pro Motorsykkel Jacket kost 1485,- dollar - Dainese ,an Italian brand ,has premium jacket ,with air bag mountet .for abouat 1450,. dollar . Love yours channel , a am a 64 years old man with nearly 280000 km on the cloc - 173000,.- miles - A botht a new jacket i Germany last year The brand was from Held- I am super happy with that jacket ,dray and safe as Dainese , and cost auraund 400,. dollars -

[@bribbripnairbnab7301]

@3:00 OR SO, the openings on the sleeves are small to go UNDER your glove gauntlet. Otherwise it catches the breeze. Bad in the cold.

[@akm03051]

I ride with a high viz jacket. My son as well as other people have mentioned that they see me routinely on the other side of the highway that is divided by around a hundred feet of median. My son has said that I stick out like a sore thumb! That is good enough for me. Will it save me from injury or possibly my life? I doubt it! But I’ll take any help I can get.

[@stevesheltz8138]

While I have an R3 one piece, the design looks very similar. I suspect if you look on the inside left about naval level you may find a rubber grommet pass through for a heated gear cord. Mine leads to the left open pocket, but it is behind Velcro.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't see that on the Darien. Will most likely have to roll the front up a bit with heated gear.

[@stevesheltz8138]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I guess that makes sense to not put a hole in the Gore-Tex if you don’t have to.

[@alainmichaud6747]

Welcome to the Yellow world I will check what happen with this Jacket , this is a bit long for me ,but like the pockets , I still use a rain suit over my Klim Marrakesh Jacket Alain & Yellow

[@markjacobs3956]

I have owned a aerostich Falstaff 425 years and a Darien for the last 10. Klim is a mass produced label for $$$$.

[@briangc1972]

Your issue of wet penetration was because you never applied water repellent to the Klim. In the camping section of Big 5 and other sports stores there is aerosol spray of fabric water repellent. All textile jackets that are more than 2 years old need an annual re-application to ensure water resistance.

[@timetohunt1]

Quick question what riding gloves do you use? Nice Jacket thanks for sharing.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have a set of Klim Vanguard, Klim GTX Adventure and some Klim Dakar.

[@ejdtm]

Plenty of room for more ice cream stops too.

[@BobSmith-zj6lk]

It doesn’t look like the main zipper is waterproof. Guttering helps but if anything gets past that, you’ll likely get wet.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Same on both of my Latitudes.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Hope you stay dry... but even if you don't the high viz is worth it.

[@lae52]

When did riders forget how to wear gloves over the end of the sleeves? It does absolutely no good to have the sleeves over lap the gloves on the outside. No matter how tight you pull the wrist closures, they will not totally seal. There's a reason why they put gauntlets on gloves. Other than that congratulations on seeing the light with Aerostitch. One last comment, Goretex is good, but it still can't compete with a nonbreathable rain suit in a downpour.

[@jayharrod8647]

YES!!! glove gauntlets over sleeves! Unfortunately, most glove manufacturers nowadays don't make the gauntlet big enough.

[@neildewitt2869]

It's yellow! Do you keep old one or sell it?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Not sure. I will keep my older one.

[@joeherbert4329]

I use KLIM

[@johnkestly4762]

I wear Tourmaster jackets, I would never pay what those two brands charge.

[@deenhubin3766]

Be vigilant about using UV protectant as hi-viz fades fast in the sun. I haven't, and my Kilimanjaro is noticably lighter after only three years. 😢

[@mikemcguire4430]

Wondering if you looked at Motoport (not MotoSport)? If you did, why did you not go with them, their jackets/pants seem to be much more versatile than Aerostich.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have look at Motoport. While it looks like nice gear, they do not make anything that is waterproof.

[@4940markhutchins]

Lack of waterproofing in the material is what kept me from going that way too. If you ride in the western US where heavy rains are not as common and you can stop and put on the optional rain layer, then it seems workable.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

​@@4940markhutchinsSure, where and when you ride makes a difference.

[@painsrides3616]

Drivers will probably respond more to you in the hi-vis........ by pointing and laughing 🤣😂 Okay, I'm kidding, but I just had to 😉 If a rider is going to wear a water\weather proof jacket, its going to have to be worn all the time... True we are in the Northeast but the majority of riding is done in warm to hot weather. This Darien jacket seems like it'll turn into a sauna once temps are warm and I can't imagine wearing it in 80+ temps or working the bike in an off-road situation. I realize Aerostich believes they a making a "tool", but really, in this day & age there's no reason a garment can't be produced for high safety, weather protection and with style. Its a shame Aerostich has to produce garments that make the rider look like they are wearing a giant trash bag.

[@jimmallery294]

Got a kick out of this video. You mentioned at least three times that the jacket was made in the USA. So.......... you are riding your British bike with an USA make jacket while your Japanese truck is in the garage and using your Chinese made phone to chat with. And Triumph makes the 1200 in six factories, two in England, and the rest in places like Brazil, Thailand, and other countries. Sorry for noticing but I get a kick out of some of your posts. I am sure the jacket.is quality but so are the KLIM jackets and pants that I have. Keep the videos coming!!!!!

[@csposir]

Someone pulling out in front of you in a Rude or disrespectful manner which is essentially intentionally done in the face of an oncoming vehicle’s right of way isn’t the same as not being seen by the driver. Hi viz is an assist in being seen, but no real impediment to experiencing rude choices by other drivers.

[@baggsy9349]

Why on earth would you put your gloves under your jacket? For fashion?!? Leaving your sleeves open for the wasps & hornets is an awesome idea. How many stings before they get to your armpit? If you're going to pay that much in the U.S. you want to look at Motoport.

[@4940markhutchins]

Happens all the time and I’m sick of it. Wasps and hornets stinging my armpits while I ride is my biggest fear, in fact I’m gonna leave the bike home and take up fishing. Well….maybe not. There’re out on the lake too.

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

Buy the whole suit or stay home, a great jacket is a half helmet.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

But riding naked from the waist down feels great!