Weather can change and can change quickly on your motorcycle. Just recently we were on a trip to Jasper and in the evening the weather was 23C (73F), in the morning when we woke up it was -1C (30F). The gear that seemed hot the night before would seem inadequate the next morning. As space on a motorcycle is always at a premium, I always pack different clothing that can be worn in layers so I can add or take off when the weather changes.
The Klim Torque Jacket is a lightweight insulated mid-layer that fits under my motorcycle jacket and over my t-shirt. The best part is that I can throw into a compression bag on the bike and pull it out when the weather changes. The jacket claims to tuck into one of the pockets but I haven’t tried it out.
Initial Impressions
It is very light and the attention to detail and quality seems excellent. It comes with a hood that removes and can be easily tucked away in one of the two side pockets.
The jacket comes with 3 pockets two large side pockets that you can keep your hands warm and a chest pocket for your cell phone or passport.
The jacket looks stylish and can easily be worn on its own exploring the town. Saves you having to pack an extra jacket.
On The Road
I decided to test this jacket out on our road trip to Jasper Alberta. We decided to start our road trip after work and try and get 2 to 3 hours of riding in and get partway to Jasper. We live in a valley so to get almost anywhere we have to cross a mountain pass which is known for sudden weather changes (I have been snowed on in June) so this seemed like I might get to test the jacket. About an hour into the trip out came the Klim jacket. My first impression was that it fits nicely under my jacket without me feeling like the Michelin man. Better the jacket kept me nice and warm through the cold wind, rain, and hail we rode through that night.
Over the weekend I would put it on in the morning and it would keep me nice and warm. As the temperature changed could just slip it off and put it into a side bag. Crumple in a small space but as soon as you bring it out you can wear it around town without looking like an unmade bed.
Pros
- Good quality
- Warm without bulk
- Packs small
Cons
- Expensive
