For 2020, the newly designed Carlsbad gets a lot of improvements over
the previous version. This is a hardcore adventure style with a LOT of
climate control features and very robust protection.
To help me
get a sense of the changes in this new 2020 Carlsbad as compared to the
previous version, I compared both side-by-side. This new version, aside
from a number of
feature changes is generally much more robust in materials. the
overlays on the shoulders and elbows, pockets and the trim around the
inside waist is very tough feeling. The pricing on this new model is
about 10% more than the last version, but it feels like much more.
The
armor in this jacket is all CE level 2 D3O armor (the last version was
CE 1). The level 2 armor provides greater impact protection and is
approx 50% thicker than the level 1. This CE level 2 armor upgrade this year is the same package as in the Badlands jacket, which is Klim’s best.
The
shell of this jacket is a bonded GoreTex construction meaning the
waterproofing is bonded to the backside of the shell, and so there is no
“separate” layer in-between the shell and inner liner. Bonded
construction like this is considered a premium product for a number of
reasons, For example, with the waterproofing bonded to the shell, the
shell itself becomes waterproof. With non-bonded waterproofing, water
soaks through the outer shell and is stopped by the inside liner. Not
having a waterlogged outer shell is a big advantage in comfort. Having a
waterproof shell means the openings in the jacket such as pockets and
vents have to made waterproof with special zippers and stitching, which
isn’t easy… another reason why the premium cost.
Venting on a
bonded shell jacket like this is much more effective too. This jacket
has several zippers to allow airflow… two at the ends of each sleeve,
two on the upper chest and two in back. The two zippered pockets on the
front chest can also function as vents since the pocket liners are made
of mesh material. Zippered venting on the jacket with the bonded
waterproofing means that when the zippers are open, air blows directly
through the jacket to your body… there is no separate waterproof liner
to block the flow.
Pockets, pockets, pockets! Take a look at
the list of pockets in Klim’s spec sheet. There are the “expected”
ones, but also some special ones… for example, the pocket on the front
left chest is made for your satellite mapping communicator. That’s
pretty hard-core, am I right? And on the left sleeve end, is a small
pocket for your medical ID, or a favorite credit card. And inside,
behind the back protector, is your “hidden” pocket for whatever you
can’t lose to the bandits.
A couple of other new features I see
that are nice: the collar can be held back away from your neck in
warmer weather by two loops, which essentially creates another vent and
keeps the collar off your neck in hot weather. The inside liner is set
up to accept a kidney belt so you can leave the belt in place when you
take the jacket off. It’s basically a pass through
in the inside liner to hold a Klim kidney belt (or any brand for that
matter). I really could go on and on about little things like this, but
why don’t you buy one and discover all these little things yourself!
:: Paul, 03-03-20
Klim says: The Carlsbad Jacket has been
redesigned, built to an even higher standard from the chassis of the
proven, highly mobile predecessor. Engineered for excellent mobility and
comfort when riding, the Carlsbad features dramatically improved core
and arm ventilation, greater abrasion resistance, more refined storage
options, and improved impact protection. This is the light and fast, waterproof solution for hard-charging adventure riders.
