Klim USA Carlsbad Reviews

(New generation, purchased July 2020) Going to update this review with one of their newest version.  I've been using it for 7 months on the road now and feel that's quite enough experience to comment.

So there's generally quite a few improvements with this suit from the last generation that I'll mention briefly:  

• Better ventilation, specifically in the sleeves as well as pants.  11 vents in total.  Sleeve vents really push air way up your arm and around your shoulder.  Leg vents are more forward now and have mesh so you don't actually put your keys in there which was a problem on the first generation.
• Better materials.  Super fabric now added to resist tearing while sliding
• Collar tethers.  These will hold the collar open so you get better ventilation without the wing whipping it into your neck constantly

Generally I like the new sleeve vents a LOT more than before where it was difficult to open/close with one hand and gets you lots more air.  The pant vents have the mesh now and pocket is lateral rather than vertical so you're less likely to stuff your keys in the leg vent.

But the biggest "aha" benefits are these:

• I'm already wearing my "rain gear" and don't have to stop to put that on/off while other riders do
• I can open/close all 11 vents safely and easily while riding while other riders have to stop.

(Original Carlbad jacket and pant) The Carlsbad is a newer more adventure or off road oriented version of the Overland jacket.  The key difference is going to be that the XLADV rider is going to spend more time on the pegs than the seat where ventilation and range of motion is more important.

I was wearing Klim’s Overland jacket which I really loved except for the lack of ventilation in the arms and I’m glad the Carlsbad solves that.  It's lighter, better ventilated and offers better protection.

In terms of it's ability to keep you dry, I was able to put this jacket to the test in some torrential downpour conditions recently in Puerto Rico while on a relief project with Motorrad Angels.  There were two riders with the BMW Rallye suits who either got completely soaked or had to continually stop to change into and out of  a full rain suit.  I think they were sold on my Carlsbad when they saw I was dry as a bone underneath.  Wish I could say the same for my boots!  The shock cord adjuster in the neck kept rain from coming down my neck as well.

Here's me thoroughly drenched on the outside but dry on the inside

Pros

• More comfortable
• Two vertical rear vents rather than one horizontal works better for hydration packs
• Velcro hold-back for collar so it doesn’t flap against your neck in the wind if you want it open
• Armor more likely to stay in place, particularly the elbows
• Lighter, not as rigid/stiff for extra range of motion
• 2 layer Goretex shell
• Hidden security/stash pocket
• Good reflectivity front, side & back
• More minimal branding so you don’t look like a Klim ad
• Better ventilated and ideal for the SoCal/Baja climate I ride in mostly

Cons:

• sleeve vents a bit difficult to open/close w/one hand