Klim 2021 Kodiak Jacket

The sizing on this jacket is offered in European sizes. The sizes relate well to other European sized jackets we sell. Generally speaking, the max US chest size is roughly about 10 points smaller than the European size. (Example: A 52 Euro is about like a 42 US). If you know your European size in men’s clothing, then that will probably be the size you choose, but we suggest you measure your chest and belly and make a selection from the chart below.

The first chart below is the “regular” sizes (for those with average proportions). The also offer “D” sizing, which is roughly equivalent to a “short” or “stout” size. If you look at the chart, you can see the D size gives the same max chest size, but is a bit looser in the belly and the sleeves are a bit shorter.

When you look over the charts, you’ll see that the sizes offered i this jacket start at roughly a men’s Small and end at XL. That means any person larger than roughly a men’s XL or 46 suit coat size won’t be able to wear this jacket.

Here is the “D” size chart (waistline is larger and sleeves are slightly shorter than Regular sizes):

Need help measuring? Get it here.

For 2021 Klim has introduced an updated version of their Kodiak Jacket and Pant. The previous version of the Kodiak was introduced in early 2018. The Kodiak remains their premium touring outfit. Upgrades have been made to the style, cut, and physical mobility. A complete set of D3O armor is included EVERYwhere… back, shoulders, elbows, and chest for the jacket and for the pants, knees, and hips. A removable thermal liner is included with the jacket for cold weather use.

The Kodiak jacket and pants are sold separately (take the link below to view the mate), but I’ll tell you about both Kodiak pieces in this review because of their design similarity. Of course, the jacket and pants can be worn without their mate so feel free to mix either the jacket or pants with other pieces you may own (or buy). The jacket and pants both have zipper connections in the back of the pants/jacket to make a connected suit, but those connections will work with any other Klim gear in their line. They also supply the mating halves of the zips if you want to adapt either piece to your own gear.

The Kodiak is among the very best gear Klim offers to riders. Where many of Klim’s pieces focus on off-road or adventure riding, the Kodiak is styled for touring riders. The basic feature list and price category compares to Klim’s top-end Badlands jacket/pant combo. Off road/adventure riders need more roomy gear which has extremely sturdy materials where the Kodiak offers a bit more style, a bit less weight, and more trim fit. After all, if you are going to drop a couple grand on a touring outfit to see the world, you want to look good doing it, right? I’d say so!

The shell of the Kodiak jacket/pants is solid textile material which is bonded to a Gore-Tex layer to make it waterproof and breathable. This jacket uses a Gore-Tex bonded perforated leather as the reinforcement material on the shoulders and elbows (that contrasts with the Superfabric material used in Klim’s Badlands). The textile leather combination in the Kodiak winds up being noticeably lighter overall. Part of the weight loss is due to the materials, but some of it is due to the more trim cut of this jacket (less material, less weight for equivalent sizes). Personally, I really like the look of the leather on the Kodiak. The pant knees are similarly styled with leather which extends over the inside surfaces of the knee to offer a soft fabric that may contact your shiny motorcycle parts. To compare, more off-road oriented pants have leather that extends all the way to the cuff. Again, the Kodiak, being a touring style doesn’t have that, which gives lighter weight and a more conventional look.

The Kodiak name might give the impression that it is suited for colder weather, but really this is an all-season outfit. The nature of a jacket/pant shell offering the Gore-Tex bonded construction means that, of course, it is waterproof and suitable for wet weather riding, but it also means that the various zippered vents flow through directly to your body. In lesser jackets, the waterproof liner blocks direct flow. Take a look at our photo gallery to see the various vents… sleeve end, bicep, chest and back on the jacket, and rear thigh and hips on the pants (the front hip vent can double as a pocket). For cold weather, the jacket is well equipped. It comes with a trim fit “puffy” jacket to wear underneath, which can also double as a good looking jacket for use off the bike. And the neck comes with a removable and waterproof “storm collar”.

Pockets, pockets, pockets! There are a lot of them, so I won’t list them all, but we’ve pointed them out in our photo spread if you want details, but rest assured you can carry a lot of stuff in this gear! Other nice features worth a mention: The jacket comes with provisions for a Klim kidney belt. That means you can slip the kidney belt through a passage in the liner and it remains with the jacket when you take it off. If you already own a kidney belt, it will likely pass through too; Lots of reflective materials are tastefully incorporated into the jacket/pants for nighttime visibility; Loops are included to hold back the collar tips to hold the collar open in warmer weather; many Velcro adjustment straps are included to make the jacket and pants fit to your liking… waist and arms at two point for the jacket, and at the legs and waist for the pant.

It’s all here folks… when you buy a suit like the Kodiak, you’ve made a very long term investment that won’t disappoint. :: Paul, 01-27-21

Klim says about the jacket: The legendary Kodiak Jacket is a premium touring piece, redesigned and loaded with features ready for grand journeys. The included down jacket is lightweight sleek and ready to add warmth in a cold ride, a night downtown or for relaxing in a mountain lodge. A removable storm collar helps seal out the coldest weather. Major comfort upgrades include comprehensive adjustment features, stretch gussets for mobility and new material layouts to make big rides even more comfortable. Kodiak is the ultimate travel companion for your most epic rides rain or shine, day after day, dusk till dawn – or even longer.

Klim says about the pant: The legendary Kodiak Pant is a premium touring piece, redesigned and loaded with features ready for grand journeys. Major comfort upgrades include comprehensive adjustment features, stretch gussets for mobility and new material layouts to make big rides even more comfortable. Kodiak is the ultimate travel companion for your most epic rides, rain or shine, day after day, dusk till dawn – or even longer.