We review the Klim Latitude Motorcycle Jacket and Pants. Author Steven Goode takes the Great American Scenic Byways tour through 48 states.
The best way to test a product is to test it thoroughly and use it multiple times in a variety of riding conditions over several days. A 16,200 mile, 53 day ride through 48 states qualifies. For background, I own both the Klim Badlands and Klim Latitude jacket/pants combos and have used both on over 10,000 miles of rides through multiple states.
Klim Latitude Jacket in Castlerock/Hi-Viz
My requirements for riding equipment, in order of importance, are: safe and protective, waterproof, comfortable in hot and cold, good looking, and with style.
Klim Latitude Pants Castle Rock Grey
Klim’s Latitude Jacket and Pants feature a Gore-Tex performance shell with 600D Cordura overlays on the shoulders, knees, seat and cuffs of the pant legs. Perforated goatskin overlays on the inside of the elbows and knees and stretch Gore-Tex fabric in high movement areas for increased mobility. Now in its fifth generation, the Latitude combo offers improved comfort and adjustability.
The author is wearing Klim Latitude gear during a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Luckily, I haven’t tested it so I can’t comment on safety or protection, but the Latitude has D3O Level 1 armor on the back, elbows, and shoulders of the jacket, and on the knees and hips of the pants. During my ride through 48 states, temperatures ranged from 40 degrees to 105 degrees, and I rode through driving rain and scorching hot winds. The Latitude kept me dry and warm when I needed it most. The waterproof vents worked seamlessly. Just remember to zip it up before riding through a storm.
The author at the top of the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming.
Klim added 7″ dual cuff vents, adding a ton of airflow to your arms to cool you down quickly and efficiently. Using this venting method, I was comfortable in temperatures up to 90 degrees. If it was above 90 degrees, I used the Klim Induction Mesh Jacket. To be clear, I was riding a 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour, which has good wind protection, so on other bikes with less wind protection you might be able to raise your comfort zone by 5-10 degrees.
In Delaware, we drove along the Bayshore Scenic Byway, and my Honda Gold Wing was my faithful companion on the deli tours and scenic byway.
The Latitude’s front left cargo pocket has a stretch pocket for your wallet, a nice extra layer of security, and all the pockets have waterproof zippers, so you can just tuck your key fob in one of the pockets, zip it up, and have nothing to worry about.
Every journey begins with a send-off and the first mile, and this banner supporting the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation has been with me every step of the way.
Comparing the Latitude and Badlands gear, both work as designed. However, I found the Latitude to be more user friendly for someone touring. I felt it was more comfortable to wear the Latitude jacket and pants when off the bike and walking around town as a more traditional jacket/pants combo. The Badlands are a bit heavier and the material is a bit stiffer, but that doesn’t bother me while riding.
When asked for equipment advice, my standard answer is “Buy the best equipment you can.” My experience has been that a top quality riding suit will last you for years and make your riding experience much more enjoyable over time.
The Klim Latitude jacket is available in sizes S-4XL for $799.99, while the pants are available in waist sizes 30-42 and in tall, regular and short inseam lengths for $649.99.
