Initially, when I was on the search for well made, protective, and feature-rich riding gear, I bought some men’s Klim gear. I was willing to sacrifice fit for function, waterproofing, and protection. This was my only real option for riding gear for myself as a woman. Almost immediately after I invested in this riding gear, Klim released the Altitude pant and jacket for women. I was thrilled. It’s already hard to look like a pretty little lady in riding gear, and having men’s gear definitely didn’t help that situation. I immediately got rid of my men’s jacket and pants and got the Altitude jacket and pants.
The Altitude truly fits like a women’s jacket and is packed with ways to adjust the fit. On top of the fit, Klim didn’t sacrifice any features simply because they were creating something for women. The adjustability, D30 EVO armor, durability, and Gore-Tex waterproof fabric, are a few of my favorite features within the Altitude jacket.
We all know how different our bodies are and Klim was well aware of this when they developed the Altitude Jacket. I’m usually between a size medium and large and I ordered a large Altitude jacket for room to layer underneath. As I mentioned, there are many ways to adjust this jacket perfectly to fit your unique and beautiful body! There is an external waist belt, adjustable side gussets at the waist, which extends the hip circumference 6 inches, and an adjuster on each forearm. The D30 EVO armor is also a little bit adjustable because of Velcro stops (armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back).
I wore the Altitude jacket and pants for the entirety of our recent Baja trip. We rode through rain and cold temperatures, fell multiple times in the desert sand, and traversed dirt roads in 80-degree weather. The adaptability of the Altitude perfectly fits my lifestyle. I didn’t want to have to take multiple different pieces of riding gear on a 3000-mile trip and wanted something that would be as versatile as the roads we encountered. When it was cold riding, I wore one or two (or three and at one point four) layers underneath my jacket. When it was hot, I wore a thin base layer and had all my vents open. There is ample venting on the Altitude jacket including biceps vents, pit zips, and 2 vertical back vents.
Although they are fairly minimal mentions, the pockets on the Altitude jacket made this the ultimate traveling motorcycle jacket. There are four exterior pockets, which are all zippered closures, two hand pockets and two large horizontal chest pockets. I kept gas and food money in one hand pocket and then my passport, credit cards, and more cash in a chest pocket. It is nice to be able to simply feel my pocket and reassure myself that my valuables are where they should be! There are also some internal pockets including one hidden pocket that I love. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but in there I kept an extra credit card and some extra cash in case of an emergency.
While I wouldn’t say this is the most feminine article of clothing I own, I think about how protected I am from both the elements and pavement and remember that I don’t give a shit how I look when I’m out ripping on my motorcycle!
I’m beyond thrilled that great companies like Klim are beginning to realize that women need protective and feature-rich gear too and can’t wait to see what they come up with next. The Altitude jacket is a versatile, comfortable, and adjustable riding jacket that will keep you protected on any adventure you embark on.
