Klim Latitude 840 Jacket
4.6
5
45
45
How To Alter Your Klim Collar
Altering your Klim collar.
I am one of the many customer suffering with my Klim Latitude 840 collar. The consensus is, the collar is too tall, and does not have necessary comfort features.
In the winter time, I tuck my Klim neck gaiter under the jacket. This keep my neck and face from getting chaffed byy the sharp Cordura collar edges and Velcro. Especially in the exposed front part of the collar and flap.
In warmer weather, you can turn the collar back as you would with a polo shirt. The other option is to do what I did. I took my Klim Latitude 840 to my tailor. I gave her a ½’ inch double fleece binding made by Wrights to cover the front flap and exposed edges. See pictures. This basically extends the back collar fabric. At least the sharp Cordura doesn’t cut into my neck every time I turn my head. I also had her sew a Velcro tab to the inside of the collar flap. This way if I ride with my jacket not fully zipped, I can fold the flap. This accomplishes two things. It keeps the collar flap and Velcro out of the way.
The other thing you can do is wear a UV buff and then fold it over the collar. This also helps protect your neck protected from the sharp Cordura edges; just under the chin area. You can find these lightweight UV buffs at most sporting good stores.
I would reinvent the entire Klim collar if it wasn’t for the zipper. From my perspective, Klim does not need to use a 840 Cordura fabric in this region. They should shorten the height by 50%, and use a soft neoprene binding for edges. Moreover, the entire fabric needs to be made of something softer.
The material cost of $6.00 and the tailor charged me $20. See photos.
April 5, 2013
Very Happy
This is a great all around jacket. I'm 6'2" 195lbs the large fits me perfectly. I apparently have abnormally long gorilla arms, I always have sleeve length problems. This jacket fits me perfectly, nice long sleeves. Very comfortable. Great ventilation when it's warm, and excellent water protection when it's pouring rain.
March 27, 2013
Great flow, awesome protection, size issues
I have worn this jacket in temps down to 50 and in the desert up to 90. One thing about this jacket that was really surprising was the amount of air flow. It flows very well. The little bicep vents are like ram scoops. I stay nice and cool at the desert dual sporting around. The armor stays in place very well and the jacket reeks of quality.
Downside: I was in between on sizes. Could have done medium or large. Since the jacket is only a shell I figured I would go with the large so I can wear a fleece/thermals under it. Should have got a medium. I am 5' 10", 190, 34 inch waist, pretty athletic build but I could spare to lose 10 lbs. I do sort of swim around in it.
The other down side is the collar. I know they improved this model over the last model but they didnt do a good enough job. When the jacket inflates from the venting it has a tendency to push back on you and drive the collar right into your throat. Its not abrasive or anything of that nature, but it does make you feel like you're choking. I've wondered if its because I went with the large instead of the medium...? I usually have to roll the collar out or just leave the top unzipped for it to be comfy. I really wish that was sorted out better, especially for a $500+ jacket. For that money, it should be flawless (and make me breakfast).
I do get lots of compliments on it (people are jealous of the Klim).
May 8, 2013
Jacket is just right for an adventure ride.
The jacket was advertised as running a little large and it did. A L fit just right and I usually wear XL. It feels broke in. Rode with it on a very warm day, it was warm, but venting made it tolerable. Great protection and a great jacket.
May 4, 2013
SUPERIOR PRODUCT
I did quite a bit of research on cold riding gear so I can extend my riding season in both the Spring and Fall. I'm normally a leather guy so having textile is new.
Anyways, i looked at what I can from various manufacturers and tried some other jackets on such as Teknic, Icon, Alpinestars and Rev-It. Many good products out there, but in the end, it seemed to me, for serious protection from inclement weather and general safety protection, the Klim (Latitude) is a technical system for layering, based on the comfort of the rider. The shell of the Latitude is better than anything else from the aforementioned products. What the Latitude lacks is a warm liner. Easily fixed with what I already had at home. The layering makes it simple and easy to feel protected and comfortable.
After having seen others using this gear, many utilize heated jackets underneath for added warmth in winter riding. I now have a Powerlet jacket in sights when on sale.
Overall riding with this Latitude model from Klim, it keeps the wind out and gives you a feeling of wearing some armor. As far as the collar goes, it takes a bit of work to get it right (comfortable), as it depends on what sweaters you bunch underneath and type of helmet. But it does manage to keep the wind off the neck after adjustment.
Perhaps one criticism is it is quite stiff. But I can't be discouraged by this personally, as I like the feeling that it feels like it is so much tougher built than others on the market.
The Latitude, as an outer shell, is much more jacket than most that have all layers included. It is an Ultimate exterior form of protection that has Goretex built into it's skin and many other features such as quality zippers, pockets and drawstring to make this the ultimate cold weather/foul weather protection.
If you want a tough as hec jacket to keep out rain and cold, look no further.
Recommended.
March 5, 2013
great jacket
It's hard to find a jacket that has a waterproof outer shell, has protection and not feel stiff at a reasonable price for GoreTex. doesn't have a removable liner, but I'd rather wear my own insulation underneath when its cold.
April 17, 2013
Good 4 Season Jacket
I'm 6'2" 200 lbs and a large fits me perfect, especially because I have a little longer arms. Material is a bit stiff but I am sure it will break in. Collar is a bit annoying but folds back great. Took it out snowmobiling last month did great keeping me dry in lots of powder and vented great. I think the key to keeping warm with this jacked is all about layering. I cant say much about the heat but I think it will perform great.
April 15, 2013
The real test is yet to come
I'll be breaking this in on my next major ride up and down the CA coast in May with Rawhyde Adventures. Will update the review after that ride.
March 25, 2013
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