My first riding suit came from Klim. It was a Traverse jacket and pant combo in two-tone grey, awarded to me as a Christmas bonus when I worked for Touratech-USA. It was simple in its design and construction, was fashioned out of GORE-TEX, and was used for nearly a decade before I gifted it to a friend.
The over-the-boot pants kept the rain from cascading into my footwear, and the jacket had enough vents that I could wear the thing year-round. But Klim has come a long way since that first run of off-road riding gear was released.
For 2026, the Idaho company has unveiled an updated, or rather, redesigned iteration of the Kodiak, a jack and pant combo intended for “the demanding long-distance rider.” Klim has prioritized comfort and protection for the 2026 redesign with the integration of Rogue EXP (Expanded Protection) Level 2 armor and a suit built on a 3-Layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell foundation.
According to Klim, the Level 2 pads provide “an average of 44% more impact area coverage while maintaining a slim, breathable profile that mitigates heat buildup.”
To achieve an upgraded CE AA rating, Klim reinforced the chassis with a “strategic material map” which includes perforated goat leather overlays on the knees, shoulders, and elbows, as well as 630D Cordura twisted yarn overlays that protect other areas from wear.
Added comfort is offered thanks to a moisture-wicking breathable mesh liner and a 14-port ventilation system that moves air around both the jacket and pants. What about when the weather goes from bad to worse? Well, a removable storm collar seals the interface between your helmet and the jacket, creating a barrier against rain, wind, and cold weather.
Klim says fitment and sizing is of a “refined European standard,” offering a tailored silhouette thanks to a precise split-sizing architecture. What does that mean, exactly? Apparently, size Medium (and smaller) jackets, along with size 30 and smaller pants, will be equipped with Compact Rogue EXP pads, while size Large jackets and size 32 and larger pants will utilize standard EXP padding.
This is the fourth generation of Klim’s Kodiak Jacket and Pants, and from what I can tell, it is a bit of a throwback to the first riding suits that came from the company. The Kodia is a simple yet highly functional jacket and pant combo that can be worn in most climates and conditions, and on just about any motorcycle given its appearance is less ‘technical’ than some of the other offerings Klim has been known to create – I’m looking at you, Badlands Pro!
The Kodiak jacket and pants carry an MSRP of $1,199.99 and $849.99, respectively, and are available in three colorways – Dress Blues, Asphalt and Black.
