Klim Apex Air Jacket

The chest sizes listed in the chart below are from Klim’s chart and I’ve double checked the actual jackets against the chart and it is accurate. But be careful… while the size Large is exactly what you’d expect with a 44 max chest, the smaller sizes are a bit smaller than normal and the bigger sizes are bigger than normal. For example, a men’s size Medium usually is styled with a 42 max chest and Klim’s medium is a 40” max chest. Same goes for larger sizes… an XXL is typically a 48” max chest, but Klim’s is a 52” max chest.

Given the variation from “normal” for smaller and larger sizes, I’d highly recommend you measure yourself and/or measure a jacket that fits you well (take the link below on how to do that). Then choose a jacket that is big enough for your chest. It’s generally OK if the jacket is a bit bigger than your measured chest, especially in a mesh style since the wind blows right through (in solid textile jackets, being oversize is a bit more of a problem due to possible ballooning at speed). Also, an inch or two of room will be welcome if you want to layer under the jacket. Belly sizes are generous, but if you have a belly, you’ll want to make sure the jacket size you choose will accommodate your belly sizes as well.

Overall sleeve and torso lengths are generous and will work for most average height or taller riders. Those of shorter stature may find the sleeve and torso lengths to be longer than ideal.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Apex Air jacket is a combination textile and leather jacket so it’s built for maximum crash protection and durability, but it’s engineered with a great deal of venting features, so it will be useful in a wide range of temps. First off, I’m a fan of the leather overlays on this jacket. The leather is thick and soft… just what you’d expect in riding gear, but the surface is unique looking. I can’t say exactly how it is done, but the surface looks like it was laser etched in a tight diamond pattern. It gives the leather a high tech, sporty look (see our close-up picture to see what I mean).

As I said, the venting is EXTENSIVE. First, there are very long arm zipper vents. You can open these up from either direction and you’ll have about a foot and a half long vent on each sleeve. And then there are two large mesh intake panels on the upper chest. These vents have zip down panels (one behind each vent) inside the jacket. You can lower those down for full air flow or zip them up when it is cooler. And finally, there is a similar type vent in back. A panel zips down and stows in a pocket down by the waist leaving a very large mesh area.

Other features are common to most other Klim jackets… the usual assortment of pockets for storage including the medical ID pocket on the sleeve and the hidden inside “passport” pocket. This jacket has a zip to attach to Klim pants with the mating zipper too. Klim leaves it to you to use your own layers under the jacket. The Zephyr Wind Shirt is sold separately (see below) as the ideal thing to block wind in cooler weather and to provide a water resistant barrier. The only feature of this jacket I don’t much care for is the snap arrangement at the sleeve. There are three snaps, and the first one is easy, but it’s kind of a pain to try to use the center snap or the most snug snap. This probably won’t be an issue for most people but it could have been designed better. .

Aside from all the features, this Apex Air model is quite heavy duty feeling. And the armor is a full set of CE level 2 D3O armor which is quite substantial (most other jackets come with level 1). If you’ve been looking for something that will flow a lot of air, but are wanting a bit more jacket than most full-mesh jackets provide, this might just be the ticket! :: Paul, 04-11-17