Klim Latitude Misano Jacket and Pants Review

Stopping to fiddle with rain gear or zip-in liners is a hassle. Klim’s Latitude Misano Gore-Tex jacket and pants provide high levels of protection and comfort with the convenience of breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex bonded to the inner surface of the entire outer shell. No rain gear required.

Klim (rhymes with “time”) designed both garments with rugged 840D Cordura in impact areas and Misano Cordura fabric in the main body. While still substantial, Misano fabric has a softer “hand” than 840D, which makes these garments easier to move around in than some other Klim gear. They felt broken in from the first ride. The jacket and pants are patterned to follow the curve of your arms and legs while in a riding position, and leather panels on the inner legs help you hug the tank.
There’s lightweight, low profile D3O T5 EVO XT armor in the knees, hips, elbows and shoulders, and beefy D3O BP EX armor in the back. Normally flexible, D3O molecules bind together on impact to absorb and disperse energy, then return to a flexible state. Standard D3O is an upgrade from earlier Latitude Misano pants.

Other than mesh, these are the best-vented garments I’ve worn. The pants have large intakes on the front of each thigh and smaller exhaust vents on the back, outboard of where your thigh touches the seat. Three snaps and a rear-facing zipper at the leg opening allow ventilation fine-tuning, though the zipper is short, so putting on or taking off the pants while wearing boots is a struggle. The jacket has intake vents on the upper arms and armpits—the pit vents are HUGE—plus a large exhaust vent across the lower shoulders.

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The jacket has two map pockets on the chest that double as vents. There are three cargo pockets plus a small pocket on the left sleeve featuring an embroidered “medic” symbol. Register your jacket online and you’ll receive a laminated card with your personal stats that fits in that pocket. Inside are two zippered pockets (one with a slot for an earphone cord); two stash pockets and a “secret” one you’ll have to find yourself. The pants have two side pockets and one on the thigh that’s so well integrated I didn’t notice it for several rides.

The jacket’s inner collar is softer than earlier versions and the elastic cord lets you cinch it snug. There are hook-and-loop adjustments for arms, waist and cuffs, plus zippers, snaps and an elastic cinch cord to adjust the fit around your hips. Lots of 3M Scotchlite reflective panels and trim adorn both garments.

Your skin-and-bones scribe (5-foot, 7-inches, 145 pounds, 31-inch waist) bought a Medium jacket and size 32 pants. The fit in a riding position is spot on and the garments’ adjustability allows me to wear a thin base layer for warmer weather or an insulated or heated layer for colder conditions. With innovative design, top-shelf materials and craftsmanship, excellent comfort, and “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” Gore-Tex, the Klim Latitude Misano Gore-Tex has become my go-to riding gear.

The jacket comes in black, gray and high-viz, in sizes S-3XL. The pants come in black and gray in sizes 28-42 and 30-42 tall.

For more information: Call (208) 552-7433 or visit klim.com

(This Gearlab review was published in the February 2015 issue of Rider magazine.)

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