New Klim Traverse vs Aerostich Darien

[Frank]

Long story short, I am between buying a newly released Klim Traverse jacket and a Aerostich Darien Jacket. -and eventually the pants to go along with whichever I purchase. I would like some input.

My father in law is a serious adventure rider, lives by Aerostich gear. He of course says not to even consider Klim when Aerostich is available.

Reading about this new Klim is highly talked about. Reading a few articles its compared to the Darien as its competitor. The new Klim also has a little over two years R&D sunk into it. On the other hand, the Darien is proven.

The two appear to have different fitments. The Darien is a bit bulky and the Traverse is more form fitting.

Each appear to be made of the same materials; Cordura and Gore-tex.

Each have vents

Each have 3M reflective material

The Klim does not have pads with it but can be purchased for an additional $50-

From Touratech :
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/PN-4050/Klim-Traverse-Jacket
Available in Black or Grey
Heavy-duty GORE-TEX[r] fabrics and
840 denier CORDURA[r] overlays in high-wear areas designed for off-road riding
Storm flap covered zippered hand and chest pockets
Bottom hem shock-cord and adjusters
Soft micro-fleece lined collar
Adjustable armpit and back vents with zippers
Inner cuff gasket
Adjustable velcro cuffs
3M Scotchlite[tm] reflective panels
Shoulder and elbow pad pockets
Moisture wicking mesh liner
Glove-friendly zipper pulls
Sewn-in pockets for protection pads
CE certified pads sold separately

Aerostich
http://www.aerostich.com/darien-jacket.html
Exclusive features include 500 Denier Cordura® GORE-TEX® outer fabric, removable hard shell TF3 foam elbow and shoulder pads, and generous 3M Scotchlite™ reflective areas. The fully lined, reversible TLTec insulating jacket is perfect for cool mornings.

The price is a matter of about $150; $447 from Aerostich $300 for the Klim from Touratech...and that seems to be the price anywhere. Purchasing pads for the Klim adds $50- making it a difference of $100 total.

 

[Frank]

Found a great thread on ADV...

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=580957&highlight=Klim+Traverse&page=38

 

[RR1]

I think you are comparing apples to oranges. The Klim Latitude looks more like the Darien. Not out yet though, this fall I hear...

http://www.klim.com/en-us/shop/moto/men/jackets/5046-660


I have been using Klim for a couple years now, very happy with their products.
I am more of a hard core trail rider than a slab pounder, Aerostich doesn't make anything for the type of riding I like to do.
At least nothing to my knowledge...

Gore-Tex® 2-layer performance shell
Guaranteed to Keep You Dry®
CE-rated integrated armor system
840D Cordura® laminate exterior used throughout
High-mobility active fit patterning
Max flow ventilation: 5 ports
2 arm and 2 pit zips intakes
1 back exhaust
6 external pockets [2 long chest “map” pockets, 3 cargo pockets, 1 sleeve i.d. pocket}
4 internal pockets [2 zippered, 2 open stash}
1 secret internal pocket
Mesh comfort liner
Jacket-to-pant zipper integration system
Zippered waist/hip expansion panel
Adjustable waist cinch straps
2 sleeve adjustment straps
Lined comfort collar
Velcro adjustable wrist closures
Industrial grade 3M Scotchlite™ reflective panels and trim

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Klim is probably a nice suit, but riders get a decade+ and 100,000+ miles out of the Darien. And for what it's worth the Darien and the Stitch are made by Americans, given the times supporting a domestic producer has an appeal.

The Darien may be a bit warm in some climates, but mine as kept me warm when it was frosty and dry in all day rains. Something that I can't say for other jackets I've had.

Jim