Klim Baja S4 Jacket Review
As an adventure rider who tends to overheat easily, I was looking for a lightweight, breathable option for riding in the hottest summer conditions.
That’s why I decided to test out the new Klim Baja S4 Kings Motorcycle Gear - jacket and pants. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on impressions after putting this adventure-riding gear through its paces.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the Kings Motorcycle Gear - best mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Baja S4 Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Four-way stretch for mobility
- Mesh Kings Motorcycle Gear - jacket and pants for summer
- Beefy protection for off-road riding
Why I Tested the Klim Baja S4 Jacket and Pants
For context, I currently ride a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Living in Southern California means I can ride year-round if I have the right protective motorcycle apparel.
My go-to jacket for multi-day trips has been the Klim Latitude. But once temperatures start rising, I find myself roasting in all that abrasion resistance.
That’s why I was interested when Klim released the Baja S4 jacket and pants for 2023. Klim bills this gear as a lightweight, air-flow-focused setup made for aggressive off-road riding in hot conditions.
In this review, I’ll cover:
- Key features and technology of the Baja S4 jacket and pants
- Fit, sizing, and comfort
- Protection and capability for off-road riding
- Breathability and ventilation
- Quality and construction
- Value and price
- Who this gear is ideal for
By the end, you’ll know exactly how the Baja S4 performed during my testing and whether it’s the right summer adventure riding apparel for your needs.
Key Features and Technology of the Klim Baja S4
The Baja S4 jacket and pants demonstrate Klim’s expertise in creating high-performance adventure riding gear. Let’s look at some of the core features and technology:
Ultra-Breathable Mesh Construction
The highlight is the extensive use of extremely airy Dintex Kings Motorcycle Gear - mesh throughout the jacket and pants. This is some of the most open and breathable mesh I’ve ever seen from Klim. It allows tremendous airflow while riding to keep you cool.
Strategically placed mesh panels run along the chest, arms, thighs, and back of knees. The rest of the jacket and pants feature lightweight four-way stretch fabric for maximum mobility.
Abrasion Protection Where It Counts
While this setup sacrifices waterproofing for ventilation, Klim still incorporated abrasion resistance in the key impact zones.
The shoulders and elbows are reinforced with durable Superfabric panels. This material uses a layered construction with armored plates that are extremely abrasion-resistant.
Knees are protected by supple leather panels with additional stretch material behind them for comfort.
Armor for Impact Protection
The Baja S4 includes removable CE-rated armor in the elbows, shoulders, knees, and back for impact protection:
- Elbows: Klim dual-density CE Level 1 armor
- Shoulders: Klim CE Level 1 armor
- Knees: Klim CE Level 1 knee armor
- Back: Klim CE Level 1 articulated back protector
The stretch fabric helps keep the armor comfortable while allowing it to stay put during crashes.
Convenience Features
The Klim also added functional touches for convenience during long days of adventure riding:
- Hydration pack compartment with tube routing
- Interior waist belt to secure the jacket
- Hidden internal document pockets
- External water-resistant rear pocket
Next, let’s take a close look at how the Baja S4 fits and feels when riding.
Fit, Comfort, and Sizing
Finding the right size is crucial with any riding gear. Here’s how the Baja S4 jacket and pants fit me:
I’m 6’2″ and 180 lbs with an athletic build. For most motorcycle jackets, I wear a size large. The Baja S4 jacket in a large fit me perfectly in the shoulders, sleeves, and torso.
The generous stretch panels and lightweight materials make the jacket extremely comfortable even in full tuck position. I never felt any tightness or restrictions during technical off-road riding.
For reference, here are the available Baja S4 jacket sizes:
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | WAIST (IN) | SLEEVE (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM | 33.75-37.5 | 30.75-34.25 | 30.75-32.25 |
| MD | 37.75-41.25 | 34.75-38.25 | 31.5-33 |
| LG | 41.75-45.25 | 38.5-42.25 | 32.25-33.75 |
| XL | 45.75-49.25 | 42.5-46 | 32.75-34.25 |
| 2XL | 49.5-53.25 | 46.5-50 | 33-34.75 |
| 3XL | 53.5-57 | 50.5-52.25 | 33-34.75 |
| 4XL | 57.5-61 | 50.5-52.25 | 33-34.75 |
| 5XL | 61.5-65 | 58.25-60.25 | 33-34.75 |
The Baja S4 pants are sized numerically by waist and inseam length. I typically wear a 34″ inseam. The size 34 regular Baja S4 pants fit me well through the legs and waist, with room for knee pads.
One note about the pants – they do not go on over boots. You have to put the pants on first, then the boots. The ankle zippers are not full-length.
Here are the available pant sizes:
- 30-36 regular or tall
- 32-40 regular or tall
- 34-40 regular or tall
- 36-40 regular or tall
- 38-40 regular or tall
- 40 regular
Overall, both the jacket and pants allow free movement in any riding position while providing excellent airflow. Now, let’s get into how well they perform for off-road.
Riding Protection and Performance Off-Road
During technical single-track and high-speed desert riding in Baja California, Mexico, I tested the Baja S4 gear on my KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Here’s how the jacket and pants stacked up for protection and performance:
Impact Protection
During my testing, I had a few minor spills on the trails. The CE-rated armor absorbed impacts well and prevented any bruising.
The coverage area of the shoulder and elbow pads could be larger for maximum protection. But overall, the armor offers suitable impact absorption for the intended riding.
The articulated back protector also stayed in place. However, I’d recommend adding a chest protector for more complete upper body protection when riding aggressively off-road.
Abrasion Resistance
The Superfabric held up well during my crashes over some sharp rocks. I inspected the jacket closely and couldn’t find any tears in the material.
The leather knee panels also prevented the pants from getting ripped or damaged. Klim gear is typically quite durable for off-road use, and the Baja S4 continues that legacy.
Ventilation and Airflow
Here’s where the Baja S4 really impresses – the ventilation is phenomenal!
The extensive mesh areas flow tremendous air while riding, keeping you cool even in near 100°F heat. I didn’t overheat at all wearing this gear in the Baja desert during summer.
Moisture wicks away rapidly, so you don’t get that soaked feeling. This is some of the most airy and breathable adventure riding gear I’ve worn. The ventilation exceeds offerings from Klim and RKA.
Quality and Construction
Overall, the Baja S4 jacket and pants are very well-made and designed for rugged riding. All the seams and material connections are solid. The YKK zippers operate smoothly and stay aligned even after crashes.
The fabric has some slight stretch but is still quite durable for off-road use. The mesh feels sturdy enough to resist tearing when brushing against branches on the trail.
Klim’s quality and construction give me confidence in the longevity of this gear. Based on my experience with other Klim products, I expect to get at least 2-3 years of hard off-road use from the Baja S4 jacket and pants.
Who is the Klim Baja S4 Designed For?
The Baja S4 hits the sweet spot for aggressive dual sport and adventure riders who:
- Ride in hot, humid conditions
- Need maximum airflow and ventilation
- Demand protection for off-road technical riding
- Seek lightweight gear that moves with the rider
It’s purpose-built for those epic summer ADV trips through the desert and technical single-track.
The Baja S4 isn’t ideal for riders who:
- Require waterproofing and greater abrasion protection
- Ride in cooler weather
- Prefer street-oriented adventure touring
The Klim Latitude or Carlsbad are better options for those needs that balance airflow and protection.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
After putting the Klim Baja S4 jacket and pants through hundreds of miles of testing this summer, I can confidently recommend them for hardcore dual sport and adventure riders.
The ventilation and airflow are simply unmatched. This is now my go-to ADV riding gear for hot weather exploration.
Klim also backs the Baja S4 with a 1-year manufacturer warranty against defects.
So, if you push your limits in the dirt and need maximum cooling power, the Baja S4 deserves a spot in your adventure riding gear bag!
This detailed review helps determine if the Klim Baja S4 summer jacket and pants fit your needs. Ride safe out there and enjoy the adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of material is the Baja S4 made from?
The Baja S4 uses a combination of extremely lightweight and breathable Dintex mesh, flexible four-way stretch fabric, and abrasion-resistant Superfabric. This provides maximum airflow along with mobility and protection.
How does the sizing run?
Based on my experience, the sizing runs true to size. Refer to Klim’s size charts and consider your usual jacket and pant size in other brands. Or contact RevZilla to get personalized sizing recommendations.
Is the Baja S4 fully waterproof?
Unlike other Klim gear, the Baja S4 is designed specifically for breathability and ventilation in hot weather. It is not waterproof like the Latitude or Carlsbad.
Can you wear knee braces under the Baja S4 pants?
The pants will work with thin knee braces, but the fit may be snug. I recommend removing the included knee armor and trying on your knee braces before riding with them.
How long will the Baja S4 jacket and pants last?
The durable construction makes the Baja S4 gear suitable for multiple seasons of aggressive off-road riding. Expect at least 2-3 years of hard use with proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
The Klim Baja S4 jacket and pants excel at providing cooling airflow for summer ADV riding without completely sacrificing protection.
This lightweight gear stands out with its extremely breathable Dintex mesh and well-placed abrasion-resistant panels.
Riders who want ventilation and mobility from their motorcycle apparel for conquering technical trails in the heat need to look no further than the Baja S4.
Comments
Post a Comment