Excited to field-test the Artemis, a prototype of Klim latest offering: for women, made by women. With an improving industry standard in women’s motorcycle apparel, Klim product development asked me to scrutinize a size set of this two-piece. As a full-time location independent rider, 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 look good in a suit contoured to a woman’s physique. In the context where female-specific motorcycle apparel is still limited in one of the fastest growing markets of women riders, I’m not demanding too much, am I?

Aesthetics

First impressions upon delivery: very positive. The colours work beautifully together, giving femininity to it without bedazzled in sequins, swirly graphics and sparkle. I couldn’t wait to ride in it.

Articulation on and off the machine

Ergonomically, the suit and the armour work with my body, joints and limbs, offering good mobility in and out of the saddle. The fabric is flexible, and overall, I can’t criticize the fit regarding the articulation on and off the bike. Having spent all day in the saddle and hours up on the foot pegs, the suit presented no manoeuvrability issues.

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 on the road.

Venting

One of the aspects I instantly liked about the Artemis is the optimal placement of ventilation employed. I can vouch that it kept me sweet natured and cool in 75F even in gridlock traffic and foremost, it wasn’t intolerable in temperatures pushing 85F+. I can also attest that it keeps me bone dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Because the jacket has ten vents and two zippered pleats at the side of each hip, it allows for expansion. A favourable outcome supported by the waist’s adjustment sliders, too. The two most prominent outlets are the vent panels at the upper portion of the chest, complemented by two unique cross-core ones below to further enhance airflow. The two large vertical back vents in conjunction with the mindful array on the front, invite more air than I anticipated. Aided by two articulated openings on the forearms and another pair on the biceps.

 

The pant is equally well ventilated where the air is pushed through a pair of front thigh intake vents, and out of two vertical back exhausts, creating a fantastic airflow from front to back. Because the lower leg can also be unzipped and widened, the lower leg can be reshaped into an aerated, bootleg offering as and when desired.

 

Fabric performance

Very little flapping incurred on the ample adjusters and a good fit. Nor does the suit significantly bunch or ride up. During colder mornings, the suit feels cool and once it makes contact with body heat, loosens up. After a few thousand miles in the prototype, it is comfortable now as it was upon wearing it for the first time. There is some 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. Nor have I spotted any deterioration of fabric, snagging or pilling. The jacket and pant never look over-stretched or baggy although there is that expected room in the backside of the pant, which is required to maintain a pleasant riding position.

Water resistance

Like many year-round riders, I’m well seasoned in the colder months thanks to the GORE-TEX shell that’s “Guaranteed to keep you dry”. A technical claim that becomes the standard of weatherproof-bashing layers. Having spent too many days in driving rain through Washington and Oregon’s winters, the two-layer performance shell prevents the invitation of a single raindrop.  

 

Storage

An optimal number of pockets: 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. Conveniently, there are also two zippered cargo pockets on the pant.

 

 

Special features

My two bugbears in former Klim pants worn have been resolved. Firstly with the bottom hem adjustment on the Artemis; adjustable with three snaps and a zippered pleat, my legs remain as insulated when it’s cold, wet and windy. Conversely, are exposed to refreshing drafts in warm conditions. Secondly, the pant now possesses storage on each leg. When off the bike during the ride day, I adore ditching the jacket but still having my keys and wallet in one pant pocket, and GPS in the other. All on my person, which is a fundamental complaint addressed for me. Glorious.

There are certain vents employed that warrant a special mention; the cross-core ones around the lower portion of the chest that are not featured on previous women’s offerings, or the men’s jackets for that matter. In searing temperatures, they permit your chest to stay aerated in a “comfort mapped ventilation” system, which is sublime. I also appreciate the microfleece collar in colder weather; no chafing and it feels cosy around my neck—improved with a polygiene anti-odour liner on top. The two elasticated hooks are also pure genius in warm weather, opening the collar allowing for increased airflow.

Additionally, unlike other suits in this category, the Artemis doesn’t include insulation or waterproof liners, to which I loudly applaud.

 

Developing area

A minor upgrade for me would be to remove or reduce the storm flaps on the pant pockets altogether. No biggy but it would diminish any widening effect of the hips.

Quality

The suit comprises easily identifiable layers. Gore-Tex breathable fabric constitutes the main body. Over the shoulders and outer arms is an abrasion resistant overlay of Karbonite ripstop in the 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. The inside leg offers a hardwearing but soft goat leather to prevent wear against the motorcycle long-term. It also adds tremendous grip on the gas tank when up on the pegs during the more aggressive rides.

 

Colourway

The prototype tested isn’t one of the production colourways. The two combinations available are a mid-grey offering with red accents, and a dark grey and tan with high-vis detailing. Compared to other suits worn, the Artemis is incredibly stylish in its use of colour, and consequently more practical in the heat. The hi-vis on the jacket (available on the tan and dark grey version), gives me a greater road presence, and the darker panels are strategically allocated where I tend to make contact with the ground, especially kneeling down.

Forgive any grandiosity but never have I felt better catered for than in this suit. Especially compared to those predominantly in black. For me, the negatives of black outweigh the positives: 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 where a three-season suit soon becomes unbearable to wear in hot 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

I relish the non-water resistant zippers as much as the water resistant ones, and the rain gutters that accommodate them. Further, I can easily locate the chunky YKK zippers in winter-gloved hands, and none of them have seized or got stuck with sand and dirt. The current employment of Velcro on the jacket is good, although I prefer the use of zippers on the pockets, as Velcro can snag on other fabrics and hair, wear quicker and weaken sooner. That said, the use of interior Velcro works well.

Protection

The protection of the Artemis is one to write home about. Easy to pop in and remove with accessible, meshed Velcro or open pockets, all identifiable by hi-vis trims. The armoured pockets ensure secure placement of each piece, where the CE-certified integrated D30 level 1 and Viper 1 pads are flexible, soft, and have decent ventilation properties, adding minimal bulk.

 

Conclusion

For overall responsiveness, this is the best three-season suit I’ve worn to date. The protective components are better than average; they’re second to none. As KLIM’s flagship suit made by women for women riders, it comes with a selection of cutting-edge materials in a two-piece constructed for three-season capabilities. The result not only offers optimal protection, terrific aeration to boot. It’s also supple, not heavy, so doesn’t sap the energy levels throughout the day.

Ultimately, it’s a high-end product for women that’s built to go the distance. On top, the solution is a beautiful looking suit. It’s striking even. True to size across many shapes and sizes, KLIM has blown all previous offerings out of the ballpark with this back-in-the-net technical piece for female riders. Style meets performance, and for the category of riding, the Artemis is currently trailblazing the women’s arena.

PROs

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

CONs

• A fully featured flagship suit that’s designed to be bought only once does making the considered purchase.

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