BMW Tourshell VS. Klim Latitude...

[jstrube]

Yeah, I know, they are different jackets.

But, I am riding a Darien now & it is too big for me, so want to get another waterproof jacket, but one with armor that stays better in place, is more modern, etc... I like it, but I don't LOVE it.

So, I went to the local dealer to see if they had a Latitude. No, they had the $899 Badlands, but I am in the $550 range here... I liked the fit of the Badlands, then Dirk had me try the Tourshell on. I liked the fit quite a bit, but noticed the lack of exterior pockets. The back protector rode up a bit to my neck while on the bike, but I've read other reviews where they trimmed it a bit. I really liked the neck closure on it, and quality seemed top notch.

So...

Anybody try both? Have one & love it, have one & hate it?

FYI, I use a heated liner, so the jacket lining is not a big deal to me, but I want waterproof, windproof & also the ability to let it breathe in summer.

I'm in California, a Darien with the heater is always warm enough.

I ride an RT, I don't want to get caught up that one is an "adventure" jacket & one a "touring", I just want to spend my money the best I can.

Thanks!

John.

[moot]

John, I bought the Badlands Jacket and Pants and could not be happier with them. They performed flawlessly in 10 days of rain in Alaska in June, a freezing drizzle on Cherohala Skyway 2 weeks ago and snow in Park City Utah last week followed by rain from Salt Lake most of the way to Las Vegas. One feature I did not fully appreciate when I bought the jacket was the kidney belt. Now I love it and feel undressed without it.

I have jackets and pants by Olympia, Revit, First Gear, Bates and BMW but the Klim has become my "go to" suit of choice since it has never made sense to me when it starts raining to have to remove your jacket and pants to put a liner on underneath and then get redressed. God Bless GoreTex.

Yes, it is pricey but blah, blah, blah. If it makes any difference in justifying the price (I'm not sure my kids or SO will be seen with me) but I plan to wear my Klim suit skiing (and snowmobiling) this year instead of springing for a new ski outfit -- thereby helping to justify the cost -- at least in my own mind.

[LUCKYEXPLORER]

I wanted the BMW at one point but opted for the Klim Badlands. No regrets, it just feels right for me. Slightly heavy but most of that is in heavy duty materials and padding. I have worn it for a year now, and only 2 days of rain, one in ice at Crater Lake and the other just a downpour, no failure. Some have complained about the tall stiff collars on it and the Latitude, I like the tall sized protection and it is adjustable. FYI, in 90 degree wx it is extremely cool with tons of air flowing thru not only the 8 vents, but thru the Gore Pro material. Very different to old Gore products.
Allen.

[apexal]

Two questions:

Comparing Klim jackets, how does the Badlands compare against the Latitude?

And comparing within the same price range, how does the Badlands compare against the BMW Rallye 3?

I like the price range of the Latitude but haven't seen a Klim jacket in person. I've seen the Rallye at the local dealer, it looks like an awesome jacket, but the price is steep.

[jstrube]

Two questions:

Comparing Klim jackets, how does the Badlands compare against the Latitude?

And comparing within the same price range, how does the Badlands compare against the BMW Rallye 3?

I like the price range of the Latitude but haven't seen a Klim jacket in person. I've seen the Rallye at the local dealer, it looks like an awesome jacket, but the price is steep.

OK, a few owners of the Badlands chime in... Now I think I may want one... Was looking at the Latitude 840 originally, so a comparo would be nice. FWIW, the dealer had a Badlands, not a Latitude...

I do like the option of a drink bladder in the Badlands. I don't care to have a Hydropak as an add on, I'd rather put the bladder in a jacket if I can. Had that on the Rallye 2, but shrunk out of that jacket as well. Might see if a dealer at the International MC show has a discount...

Keep chiming in, this is a good chunk of change to spend, I'd like to do it wisely.

[t6pilot]

BMW jacket is a robust jacket armor is excellent,front zipper kills the deal, to small of teeth, much stress it pulls apart from the bottom. Better more heavy duty zips would make a excellent jacket. Plus add some pockets

[sb955i]

Hi John,
I ride an RT, and managed a cross Canada / US trip this summer with the Badlands. Here's my thoughts.

On the plus side, I think the Klim is well made, well thought out. I feel very secure in it. It has good form fitting soft D3o armour, which is comfortable, including a nice back protector and a chest protector. The kidney belt sold it for me, as it provides a lot of support for long rides, and really does relieve some of the weight of the jacket. I don't mind the collar, but I do ride with the left side flap fixed open. Pants are comfy if a bit loose fitting around the calve/boot. I rode in all manner of weather, and with synthetics and vents open, there's great airflow for 90degree asphalt melting days ( Chicago), or 32 degree night riding ( crows nest pass). Pockets work great. Lots of good reflectivity. Goretex let's you forego the internal rain liner junk.. So no stopping when it starts raining. A big plus.

The nigly bits. I found the hook and loop fastener chews up the grey material a bit around the chest area. The internal Velcro on the kidney belt chews up my synthetic riding shirt a bit. The Velcro on the arm tightness adjustment stopped working on one side, too short. So need to be careful with washing machines etc.. Finally, side vent zippers are hard to reach when riding.. Just awkward to use.

That's it. I found with goretex stuff, and merino base layers etc, the amount of gear I need to take with me now has been reduced to a backpack, .. A major simplification of my travelling caravan..

Hope this helps.
Also recommended, the Klim Element gloves, Daytona goretex boots , smart wool base layers, tide laundry packets for sink laundry