Klim Latitude and Altitude Jackets

[CaptainBlue]

Just a placeholder really until Mrs Blue and I can properly try out our Klim jackets.

After a lot of research, I decided that for my "Eurothrashes" I needed a new jacket that was waterproof for the wet days but also suitably vented for the dry days and likewise Mrs Blue wanted an upgrade for her 2014-era Dainese one.

I've been using a Rukka GoreTex jacket for some time with a removable liner and a Keis heated waistcoat bought in error - too large for Mrs Blue despite being a small and amazingly my Dad-bod fits it really well - but when it's hot and sunny it's uncomfortable.

I'd previously bought a Triumph Taloc leather jacket and trousers which were apparently water-resistant but heat-reflective and vented as well and this worked well on a trip to Northern France on the Sprint in 2016, but the jacket had to be cut off me in my crash in 2019.

Klim's Kodiak touring jacket looks brilliant but you're paying for the puffer jacket base layer which I don't need, so their popular Latitude jacket became the choice. I can layer up with existing kit whilst being able to get a load of venting done on the go with all those zips.

They also do a ladies' version with different venting arrangement due to boobs, called the Altitude jacket, so we've sourced that for herself.

Too early to do a proper review, but in the "Cool Grey" colours I think they work well with my white RT.

[Steve398]

Did you get the Latitudes, and if so how have they been?

I’ve been looking at something similar for the occasional colder trip between 2-7c, any warmer and I’ll wear my Klim Marrakesh, and under 2c I’ll take the car!

If anyone else has the Klim Latitudes can you write a few words pls?

[CaptainBlue]

Yes we did, and we've recently bought the Latitude and Altitude trousers to go with them.

If you're looking for cold trip jackets, be aware that we bought ours mainly for warm summer rides where we'll have them vented.

We've worn ours in some quite cold temperatures, but we are layering up and including Kris heated vests under them:
https://r1250rt.com/2024/01/28/deep-pan-crisp-and-even/

The Latitude is great subject to the above but I've yet to get the collar cinching done properly - my fault for not sussing out how it works first, which I think I've now done.

Another irritation is actually closing it at the front of the collar: there are two relatively small velcro patches due to the design including the hooks for tying the collar back to the body, but that means it closes only in that position. I'm sure it won't know be a problem if the cinching works.

[Wierpig]

I have worn the latitude for a couple of years now.Great jacket, but the small velcro collar closing is a bit annoying.Its quite bulky for a small closing and snags my helmet buckle.

[Steve398]

I finally bought one today, a lovely jacket which fits beautifully, but I see what you mean about the collar.

Toasty warm with a Rukka Lahti liner top @ 5c this evening

[CaptainBlue]

Yes, we have Keis heated waistcoats which is why we didn't bother going Full Monty and getting the Kodiak with its down liner.

[Steve398]

I’m obviously a cheapskate and use my Rab Cirrus jacket instead of their overpriced down liner, which uses synthetic loft filling and unlike down has the advantage of retaining insulation properties even when wet.

I did try the Kodiac, but apart from being prohibitively expensive I found it just too heavy, bulky… well, just too everything tbh! Even Motolegends themselves reckon the Latitude is better.

As you pointed out, the collar’s a bit peculiar and I’ve yet to get the left hand side elastic loop to stay on their little retaining clip.

[simbo]

I did try the Kodiac, but apart from being prohibitively expensive I found it just too heavy, bulky… well, just too everything tbh! Even Motolegends themselves reckon the Latitude is better.

This is just a post in defence of the Kodiak2 & it's liner.

I've had this suit for two years now and cringed when I bought it.

Yes it's heavy, but also you feel well protected whilst wearing it.

It's got pretty good ventilation up to about 22c which is when I'd be looking at mesh or lightweight textiles and throw over waterproofs.

Waterproof? I've rode in some pretty heavy downpours and it's never let any water through. If you're ever in sportsbikeshop or similar have a look through the vents at the make up of the pants, the overlapping gortex that's laminated inside is brilliant.

The down liner. I wear this the most! It's brilliant for colder mornings during a ride wearing mesh or lightweight textiles and then crushes up to nothing once it gets warmer, I wear it underneath my Gerbing vest during zero temperatures and also wear it when I'm in the car throughout the year, it's just a good jacket and as good as the equivalent Rab.

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