The Klim Badlands Pro Jacket is the perfect combination of functionality, performance, and durability. With ultimate protection from precipitation resulting from Gore-Tex fabrics, the Badlands Pro jacket is going to keep you dry and protected in any situation or environment. I’ve ridden this jacket through cold temperatures, rain, and the hot dry desert and the integrated venting makes this jacket adaptable for a multitude of situations.
I recently wore my Badlands Jacket on a 3200-mile dual-sport trip. Starting in California and then heading into Baja, Mexico and back, I didn’t want to have to take multiple different jackets for different weather occasions. I loved how adaptable the Badlands Jacket was because of the ample venting throughout. With 2 intakes on each arm, pit zips, and 2 exhaust vents on my back, it would allow for a lot of air flow on the hot days and I would simply zip up on the cold ones. I didn’t want to compromise durability or safety and so while the Badlands maybe isn’t the coolest jacket for hot riding, I was able to wear one jacket throughout the trip with a piece of mind regarding protection.
Kilm uses D30 EVO pads throughout the jacket and with perfect placement, your shoulders, elbows, and back are going to be padded in a slow-speed or high-speed crash. The Badlands Pro jacket also includes a kidney belt. The D30 pads are not extremely thick or stiff so it’s hard to tell they’re even there which is extremely beneficial in my opinion! There’s nothing worse than throwing on a jacket and feeling like you can’t even move and it’s not going to result in comfortable riding!
While I’m on the topic of comfort I’ll mention the pre-curved arm and riding position construction. I truly believe that this makes a difference and adds to the amazing comfort right out of the box. I will say that the Badlands Pro is a heavy jacket, when you first pick it up. Once you put it on and go unscathed on a ride because of the durable fabrics and protection that makes up part of the weight, the number won’t even matter to you (and realistically probably won’t affect you unless you find yourself doing a lot of hiking or strenuous exercise in your motorcycle gear).
Most likely you’ll be travelling in your Klim jacket unless you simply prefer heading out for day rides and the Badlands jacket helps make traveling easy and organized because of the ample amount of pockets. The outside pockets are great for gear like a GPS or radio. There’s even a spot for a bladder so instead of wearing a vest or backpack, you can simplify your gear and keep water in your jacket. Perhaps my favorite part of the pocket lineup is the hidden pocket in the inside back portion of the jacket. Perfect for stashing cash or whatever else you may fancy.
The fit of the Badlands is true to size. I do however, wish it was just a little bit longer of a jacket. It has never been detrimental but sometimes just wish I had that little bit of extra length for both the look and protection from the elements. Speaking of keeping the elements out, the jacket to pant interface between the Badlands Jacket and Pant is really advantageous to have when you’re in the gnar or if you just need a little bit of extra help holding your pants up.
The Badlands Jacket is sure to keep you protected from the elements and crashes for many years to come. Without compromising comfort or durability, you’re able to have a highly functional dual sport motorcycling jacket. Add it to your quiver, or use it as a one-quiver jacket like I do! You won’t be disappointed.
