Klim Carlsbad Gore-Tex CE Textile Jacket - Stealth Black

£750 is a lot to pay for a jacket with no insulated liner, which you'll need - this is only a shell so cooler temps will require something to keep you warm - Klim's Maverick down jacket is the obvious choice - I already had one so the lack of a liner didn't bother me. I've worn this for a few rides so far, a day in the NY moors at 12C (with the down jacket) and lots of rain (100% waterproofing confirmed), a few hours out at about 21C in the sunshine, and some commuting too. Good level of adjustability for different temps with the vents, which are better than I've seen on any other laminated jacket - in addition to the zipped vents, you can really open up the cuffs and pinning back the collar makes a real difference. I think you could get away with this jacket under 25C, if you keep moving, stop and without the airflow you'll quickly get hot. Everything about the jacket oozes quality - materials, zips, great pockets, armour feels secure, looks great too. Worth the investment if you can afford it - I've a few other pieces of Klim gear, all of which have proved worthy of the expense and sure this will be no different.

Needing to change my 11yr old Rukka suit. I therefore was looking at another Rukka, however , after recommendations from others I visited the Glasgow SBS shop and tried the Klim kit. I then ordered on line once I got home I’m 6’’, 42” chest and have a Guinness 6pack. So I bought a large which is an excellent fit whilst wearing a base layer, light mid layer and a Klim Resilience layer. Sleeves are a good length for me which makes a change. Not been in the rain as yet but certainly find it roomy & comfortable whilst on the bike. As usual excellent service from SBS when I ordered both the Klim Carlsbad& later the Resilience

This jacket is expensive but compared to bulky alternatives such as my old, bulky and almost waterproof Rukka suit this stands out in a class of its own. Sizing, although a lot is said about 'american sizing' I found Klim's size chart to be accurate. I'm 6'1 44 inch chest and the large is a perfect size and certainly plenty of room for winter under layers without being baggy in the summer months. As mentioned by others the jacket is stiff to begin with but I expect this to loosen up with use. Waterproof it certainly is and comfortable to wear off the bike. I don't ride a trendy 'adventure' bike but a road bike that I take all over europe on so if image is important to you this jacket does not mark you out as a dakar wannabe just a bloke on a bike that wants to stay dry simple as that.

The request for a review from SBS comes a bit early to be able to give a review for the performance of the jacket, however, some points that might be helpful for potential buyers.
I wanted a "all in one" jacket to supplement my Klim Marrakesh / Waterproof combination. Tried this and the Alpinestars Bogota. The Badlands was lighter, and much more wearable. The armour and construction feel top quality, and the jacket is a good weight. If you've seen the online reviews comparing this to the more expensive Badlands, I would tend to agree, that the Carlsbad is really all the jacket most will want, for a much lower price.
For reference I am 6'1". I have a 47" chest and a 40" waist (38 in vanity jeans size). A sleeve length of 33". I went for large. There is just enough room for a jumper and a light Arcteryx style puffer underneath for winter, but not too much room in summer with only a t-shirt. Sleeve length is fine for me, as that seems to come up oil some reviews.
Finally, SBS staff and service at Milton Keynes is absolutely first class. No issues ordering several colours and sizes from both manufacturers for "Try and Buy". Manager Sue was personally incredibly helpful, but every single person at the store is friendly and helpful, and nothing seems to be too much trouble for them. In an age where good service isn't commonplace, these guys should be supported. I've used them many times over the past two years and they always deliver. Thanks Sue and team for your help!

This is hands down the most comfortable laminated motorcycle jacket I have ever worn. It is light, and moves like a shirt - you barely notice the armour. When the temperature drops I wear the Klim Maverick underneath, meaning I now have a set up that can be worn in any weather.
The materials all feel quality, as do the zips.
Getting gloves on and off is very easy thanks to wide sleeve openings (which cinch right up with the straps).
6FT - 42” chest - 32 waist and the medium fits me perfectly. Tried the large but it was huge around the tummy.
In this case, you definitely get what you pay for.

This is the second Carlsbad I've bought as the first one is a couple of years old now and still good but too many pies...... lol means its getting a little too tight when layering up for colder temps. I'll keep the older jacket for when i can be bothered to get the podge off.
I did plenty of research before buying the first and having had it for 2 years it didn't disappoint hence the second buy. Here's the pro's and cons.
Pro's.
- Its Gore-Tex and kept me bone dry in plenty of downpours
- The venting is one of the best around and even the large front pocket acts as vent if you want. You can go out on a cool summer morning with a layer underneath and delayer when the temps start to rise. I find its tolerable into the mid twenties and it gets hotter on super hot days it still works but i'd reach for a mesh jacket e.g. the Klim induction, another jacket thats one of the best around.
- zips are top quality and you can reach the back vents while still sat on the bike. - - -The cuff zips are double ended so you can vent the arms while still having the cuffs closed, handy to have.
- Cuffs can be used in or over glove because of the design.
- Its a loose fit which i like, there's no waist tighteners but that's how i prefer things. If you size it right its a non issue, for me anyways.
- Pockets, there's loads so plenty of space for whatever you want to carry, within reason.
Cons
My only quibble is a slight one really. The zip attachment for the pants is for some strange reason on the inside out of reach making it fiddly to fasten up. Very odd.

Washing - mines not been in the washer yet ( my 2 year old one) but i find it wipes clean with a damp soapy cloth and it still looks presentable. i'll be giving it a full and proper clean with Nikwax later in the year.

Overall a fantastic jacket. If your buying make sure you size up with whatever layer you use for colder temps.

Was looking for a practical jacket for the warmer weather but also flexible enough for all the rain we've been having. Called in at Boston SBS 2 weeks ago, fantastic service, great fit of the jacket one size smaller than I usually take 52 (54). Cool gray is not the most practical colour but looks good. Sleeves are long but ok for me. Rode approx 1000m up to and around the Borders last week, vents work great, but cool across the shoulders when temp drops so base layers important. Overall really pleased and great service from SBS

So Far so Good , Great venting which works well on the warm days and Dry on wet days . Tested in both conditions .I would suggest trying on different sizes with different base layers etc as the sizing seems to be on the large side . Service from SportsBikeShop was Great as usual .

I have previously had the Badlands and wanted a lighter jacket this time around with a good level of protection and feature.

I am very happy with the features at this price point, it is a high quality jacket and I know it will be perfect for a British weather touring / adventure trip.

Bought the Carlsbad just over a month ago and it has been spot on on windy days out and torrential downpour trips. Outstanding jacket

Treated myself to replace my ageing Frank Thomas gear. This jacket really is really quality. Love the vents and the tabs which enable the collar to be opened. Totally worth the expense.

After 35 years of buying £200-£300 jackets and having them leak after a year I took the plunge and went for the top level. I've not regretted it for one second. This jacket is just awesome on every level. The ventilation is superb and I've worn this jacket in 10c and 30c all day long. It's not let in a drop of water and is light as well. It's a lovely experienced getting off the bike and not dripping in sweat too. The trousers are just as good. Buy the set. You won't regret it.

Packed full of features, pockets and vents. Generous sizing to allow for movement and airflow when it's hot and room to layer up when it's cold. Keeps you dry when it rains and is a great touring jacket.

Keeps you dry when the heavens open but vents well enough to keep you cool when the temperatures rise. Comfortable fit, room for additional layers when temperatures drop, plenty of useful pockets, built in protection to protect you in the event of a fall. Material and zippers feel high quality.

What's not to like?

Great jacket. Expensive but totally waterproof whatever the weather. Superb functional jacket. The quality is excellent as is the quality of the taped seams. Slightly stiff when you first put it on, but softens over time to make it my go to jacket