Idaho-based Klim has been crafting adventure apparel since 2010, and in that time has built a reputation on its commitment to putting durability and safety ahead of fashion. For many hardcore ADV enthusiasts who spend most of their time off-road it’s the gold standard of gear, but only recently has Klim set its sights on adventure touring, and we’re mighty glad it did. On a recent trip to the Gore-Tex facilities organized by Klim, we got an in-depth look at the company’s design philosophy and a first look at its 2020 adventure-touring collection, which includes the Artemis women’s jacket.
It’s immediately clear this is a jacket built to a purpose, not a price. Constructed with a nylon and polyester, laminated two-layer Gore-Tex waterproof shell, tough nylon stitching and D3O CE Level 1 elbow, shoulder and back armor, the Artemis carries a CE AA certification for overall impact and abrasion resistance. There are straps at the upper and lower arms and waist to dial in fit and keep the armor where it needs to be, and double YKK front zippers for opening up the bottom of the hip-length jacket when seated.
The Artemis, which was designed by a woman, is an eminently travel-ready piece of apparel that includes clever features such as a passport/cash pocket hidden behind the back protector and a not-so-hidden medical ID card pocket at the left wrist. Other pockets include large handwarmers, several inner zippered pockets and smaller chest and upper arm stash pockets.
Ventilation is pretty good for a fully waterproof Gore-Tex garment, including the Artemis’ signature zippered Cross Core vents in the under-bra area. There are also vents at the forearms, biceps and on each side of the back protector. It will never flow as much air as a jacket with mesh panels, but that’s the price paid for not having to carry a rain suit. (By the way, the most comparable men’s Klim jacket is probably the Carlsbad).
The Artemis is available in five attractive colors in women’s sizes S-2XL and comes with Klim’s five-year Gear Protection Guarantee that replaces your damaged apparel after an accident, free of charge. At $559.99-$699.99, it’s not cheap, but you can rest assured that for your money you aren’t getting a piece of fashion apparel — you’re getting something that was carefully and thoughtfully designed to protect you. It’s just icing on the cake that you look good too.
For more information, call (208) 552-7433 or visit klim.com.
