KLIM Artemis

Field-tested: KLIM Artemis

Brimming over with excitement to field-test a prototype of KLIM’s latest offering, the Artemis: for women, made by women. With a high industry standard already ascertained for men’s motorcycle apparel, KLIM product development asked me to scrutinize a size set of this women’s specific two-piece from neck to ankle.

For me, and I’ve been on the road as a location independent rider for four years now, that means employing an unparalleled level of protection; daylong comfort in the saddle—on as much as off-road; a weatherproofed ride come rain, hail or shine; and the ability to actually look good in a suit contoured to a woman’s physique. In the context where female bike gear is still limited in one of the fastest growing markets of women riders, I’m not demanding too much, am I?

Aesthetics

First impression when unpacking

Very positive, the colours work beautifully together, giving femininity to it without looking bedazzled with sequins, swirly graphics and sparkle. Foremost, it doesn’t resemble the astronaut image of some suits; ideal in developing countries where attracting any unwanted attention is unfavourable. I couldn’t wait to get it on and wear it.

Does product work during the ride?

Very well. One of the things I immediately liked about the Artemis is the thoughtful placement of ventilation features. Noticeably advantageous when fully fastened in freezing temperatures near Skagway, Alaska or wide open amid 85F in the sandy desert of Southern California. Taking me comfortably in the suit on pavement, hard compacted dirt, rock, loose gravel, and sand—from 83 miles per hour, slow speed off-road riding, to stationary in gridlock traffic.

My bugbear in former pants worn has been resolved with the bottom hem adjustment on the Artemis. Adjustable, my legs now remain as warm and insulated as my upper torso when it’s cold, wet and windy and exposed to cooling drafts in warm conditions. Glorious.

Articulation on and off the machine

Ergonomically, the suit and the armour work with my contours as much as my joints and limbs, offering maximum mobility in and out of the saddle. The fabric is not too stiff, and overall, I can’t fault the fit in relation to articulation in and out of the saddle.

Comfort levels

The comfort achieved in the suit is excellent, particularly with every vent wide open in hot weather. The articulated elbows and adjustments at the biceps, forearms and waist, combined with KLIM’s female-centric tailoring make the Artemis a joy to wear for long miles in the saddle. As I knew it would be, it was comfortable from the outset with no break-in required. The outer fabric is pliable and soft right out of the box.

Function

Unlike other suits in this category, the Artemis does not include insulation liners or waterproof liners, to which I applaud. Due to the positioning of an over-the-boot adjustable boot cuff, makes for a straight leg fit on the pant if desired. To my mind, this is the most desirable cut for a woman’s riding pant; it prevents cold gusts of wind seeping up one’s legs.

Maneuverability

Having spent all day in the saddle or up on the foot pegs, the suit presented no maneuverability issues in either scenario.

Overall responsiveness

Very good. As elaborate as it sounds, this really is about as nice as a motorcycle suit gets. With far more protective elements than average, it is a safety-conscious woman’s dream. As a full-time motorcycle traveller with no room to carry armour and mesh for summer time use, I can attest that it kept me cool and sane in 70F+. Although hot inside the suit at slow speed in 85F it wasn’t unbearable and refreshingly ventilated back on pavement. Indeed, I can also vouch that it kept me warm and dry when bad weather intersected with my route.

Venting  

How does it work?

KLIM has boldly attacked the ventilation design on the Artemis: a good ventilation system on previous models worn, compared to a great one on the Artemis. Particularly brought home to me in the warmer temperatures of Southern California’s dry desert.

Because the jacket alone has a total of ten vents and two zippered pleats at the side of each hip, allowed for expansion. A favourable outcome supported by the waist adjustment, too. The two most prominent outlets are the direct vent panels at the upper portion of the chest, complemented by two cross-core ones below to further enhance airflow.

The two large vertical back vents in conjunction with the mindful array of vents on the front, import more air than I imagined. Aided by two articulated openings on the forearms and another pair on the biceps.

The pant is equally well ventilated where air is pushed through a pair of front thigh intake vents, and out two vertical back exhausts, creating optimal airflow from front to back. At first glance the front diagonal vents when fully open make the pant look more like a pair of jodhpurs, but after five minutes riding in 80F+ temperatures, are sensational. Additionally, because the lower leg can be unzipped and widened, the lower leg can be reshaped into an aerated, bootleg offering as and when desired.

Collar 

Fit/function/comfort

I appreciate the micro fleece collar in cooler weather; it prevents chafing and feels cozy around my neck—improved with a polygiene anti-odour liner on top. The collar is a fairly low profile one, which is welcomed in warmer weather, and come the rude temperatures, I tuck a neck gaiter into the collar up to the helmet around my lower face making it a non-issue. The two elasticated hooks were pure genius in warm weather, opening the collar allowing for maximum airflow.

Fabric performance

Fabric/trim flapping during testing

Very little flapping incurred on the suit due to a good fit and ample adjusters. No bunching, nor did the suit ride up. During colder mornings, the suit feels cool but stays loose. After a few thousand miles in the prototype, it is comfortable now as it was upon trying it on. The inner liner made of cooling mesh is even soft against bare skin. There is enough stretch to slip in and out of the suit sat down in the tent or stood up by the roadside without an ounce of struggle.

Stretch recovery

Overall, the jacket and pant never look oddly stretched or too large. There is that expected room in the backside of the pant, which is needed to maintain comfort while in a riding position. Neither pieces look misshapen, they look actively used. I have regularly donned a base-layer, mid-layer and a heated liner beneath the jacket, and the jacket always recovers to its original size.

Deterioration of fabrics

No, the fabrics in use have not snagged. Or pilled.

Breathability

In temperatures pushing 80F, the jacket and pant remained breathable.

Water resistance

Like many year round motorcycle riders, I’m fairly well-seasoned in the colder months, embracing inclement weather as it comes, but only because I am wearing a suit of appropriate quality. Namely, a GORE-TEX shell that’s Guaranteed to keep you dry®: to my mind, five star treatment of weather thwarting layers. Having spent full days in driving rain through Washington and Oregon, the two-layer performance shell prevents the ingress of a single drop. With the jacket and pant properly fastened: I. Did. Not. Care. The suit protected me with 100 percent effectiveness, and I remained dry inside the suit.

Storage

To few or too many pockets?

An optimal number: two zippered and Velcro hand pockets, two zippered chest pockets, a large one on the rear, a handy upper arm pocket, and internally, three stash compartments and a concealed document pocket behind the back. Gloriously, there are now two zippered cargo pockets on the pant. When off the bike during the ride day, I adore having the storage feature on the pant to house my keys and wallet in one pocket, and GPS in the other. All on my person even when the jacket has been removed, which is a fundamental complaint addressed for me.

Pocket size/positioning

Yes, I’m able to amply stow all the items I like to carry on my person without issue. The billowed pocket on the upper right arm is perfect for a few pairs of earplugs. The lower front pockets on the jacket are ideal for tissues, lip balm and a helmet lock. The rear cargo pocket is a good compartment to store my neck gaiter, and I thank you for omitting the feature to accommodate a 3-litre hydration pack in the back—a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle is not what most women desire. I think riders will also appreciate the asterisked pocket on the arm for ID/medical info.

I relish the internal stash and secret pockets where important items remain secure and within quick reach.

Embellishments on the product

Developing area

Personally, a minor upgrade would be to reduce the storm flaps on the pant pockets or remove them altogether. Namely, to add greater harmony to the lines and diminish any widening effect of the hips.

Quality/durability

The sample suit was delivered with the various layers easily identifiable in their different colours. The main body of the suit is constructed of Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable fabric. Over the shoulders and outer arms is an even more abrasion resistant overlay of Karbonite™ ripstop in the targeted high abrasion zones.

The high impact areas at the back of the pants, knees and lower leg at the back is more of the same. Designed to offer better sliding attributes than nylon, leather, or polyester. This reduces potential injury, as sliding is always preferred over tumbling in the event of a get-off. The inside leg offers a hardwearing but soft goat leather to prevent wear against the motorcycle long-term.

Accommodation of base layers

Yes, although on cooler rides, keep to thinner layers, so the fit stays snug, not tight. In cold weather riding, I don a warm neck gaiter tucked into the collar of my fleece, beneath which I wear a technical quick-dry short sleeve top. Above the fleece, I don a 12V heated jacket liner when temperatures dip below 50F.

Conveniently, there are two individual waist adjustment straps on sliders, which can be moved left or right for optimal fitment. The pant is roomier compared to the jacket when accompanied with under layers; in cold riding temperatures, I wear warm thermal leggings, tucked into knee-length riding socks. Thus, the pant works well in any clothing configuration, and again, the sliding adjustments work well to give the rider optimal fitment and wind-proofed legs.

Special features

Pant

I particularly appreciate the low waist pant; it is especially flattering for my shape. The jacket offers excellent coverage in cooler climes without feeling bulky, and the side adjusters keep the jacket trimmed and close to the body.

Part of the pant at the back can zip to the corresponding part of the jacket—further rude ingress of draughts in cold/wet/windy weather is prevented. That said, I tend not to use the feature; the idea of having to undo something else when I’m in a hurry to alleviate a full bladder isn’t convenient, which is more often in cooler climes as I’m perspiring less.

Jacket

There are certain vents in attendance that deserve a special mention; the cross-core ones around the lower portion of the chest, which are not featured on previous women’s offerings, or the men’s jackets for that matter. In searing temperatures, to permit your chest to stay aerated in a “comfort mapped ventilation” system, is beyond wonderful.

Colourway

There is much and more that I cherish on the Artemis. Not least being the combination of colours used. It’s worth noting that the prototype tested isn’t one of the production colourways. There are two combinations available: a mid-grey offering with red accents, and a dark grey and tan suit with high-vis detailing. Compared to other suits worn, the Artemis is stylish in its use of colour, and to my mind, consequently more practical in the heat. The use of hi-vis on the jacket (available only on the tan and dark grey version), gives me a greater road presence day and night, without looking lit up like a fluorescent Christmas tree. The darker panels are strategically allocated where I tend to make contact with the ground a lot, especially kneeling down.

Never have I felt more of a well catered for female than in this motorcycle suit, which is noticeable against all previous suits worn to date—certainly those featured in black. The negatives of black outweigh its positives for me: black doesn’t pop from a photographic perspective; my road presence is diminished; and black is too similar to the men’s gear. I’m a woman rider and want other road users to recognise that. Foremost, black keeps absorbing heat and in a three-season suit, soon becomes unbearable to wear in warmer climates. Although flattering for the fuller figure and far better at hiding the dirt, I’d sooner be cooler in a suit that doesn’t hide the dirt as well, than suffer my own personal summer inside a cleaner looking two-piece. Thanks to KLIM’s product development team, the Artemis goes beyond making the woman rider look good, it makes her look great!

Closures

 Velcro and zippers

I relish the non-water resistant zippers as much as the water resistant ones, and the rain gutters that accompany them. Further, the large YKK zippers are easy to actuate in gloved hands, and don’t easily clog or jam when inundated with dust and grime. The current employment of Velcro on the jacket is good, although I prefer the use of zippers on the pockets, and adjustment sliders over Velcro on other exterior fasteners, as Velcro can snag on other fabrics and hair, wear quicker and become shabby sooner. That said, the use of interior Velcro works well.

Protection

Practicality of installation of armor

No fuss, easy to install and remove with highly accessible, meshed Velcro or open pockets, all easily identifiable by hi-vis trims. The armoured pockets ensure secure placement of each piece and promote optimal integration.

Comfort

Is a given, even in cold weather. The full coverage back protector (with improved ventilation) along with all the armour in fact is pliable and comfortable in all temperatures. Correctly positioned, too.

Does it cover the body location sufficiently?

The protection afforded by the Artemis is impressive. The CE-certified integrated D30® level 1 and Viper 1 pads are flexible, soft, have excellent ventilation properties, and add minimal bulk.

Overall conclusion

As KLIM’s newest flagship suit made by women for women riders, it comes with a selection of cutting edge materials in a jacket constructed for three-season capabilities. It provides some of the most complex safety features that I’ve seen packaged in a women’s jacket and pant combo. The result is a jacket that not only offers optimal protection, the entire suit has impressive air pass-through. It is also supple and not stiff making it feel less bulky and in turn—less hot. Foremost, it’s not heavy so doesn’t add to your fatigue through the day.

Ultimately, it’s a top tier product for women that offers superb protection, and performance in and out of the saddle. For me, the Artemis feels unwilling to sacrifice fit, features, function, or even form. And gloriously, the solution is a beautiful looking suit. True to size, KLIM has trumped all previous offerings with the most technical piece for female riders to date, is designed for a lifetime of use and bound to captivate legions of loyal fans alongside countless new ones in one of the fastest growing markets today. Style meets performance, and for its category of riding, is giving the women’s arena a serious run for its money.

PROs

• Unprecedented ventilation system tailored to the female form.
• A gender-specific adjustable fit that works well in practcially all conditions.
• Improved storage on the pant and ample compartments throughout the jacket.
• No need for liners, the GORE-TEX suit is permanently waterproof.
• Uniquely striking and stylish in equal measures. 

CONs

• Loaded with features on a suit that’s designed to last a lifetime, requires a somewhat pricey investment.

 

KLIM | Jacket Size Small-2X, $699.99 | Pant Regular Size 4-16, Tall 6-12, $549.99-$569.99