This season, KLIM placed its trust in me to test the Keweenaw snowmobile gear. They also added a pair of Adrenaline PRO SKI BOA boots and Caribou mitts. I have been snowmobiling for several years and have met many riders who suffered from the cold during their rides. They often complained about the quality of their snowmobile gear. In this article, I explain how to properly choose your riding gear to make your outings more enjoyable, as well as how I test snowmobile apparel. To enjoy the great sport of snowmobiling, two conditions must be met: purchasing a snowmobile, obviously, and selecting gear adapted to winter conditions.
Temperature Conditions Encountered During Testing
Throughout the season, I completed several rides in a wide range of conditions. For example, during a period of extreme cold, temperatures dropped to -42 °C, not including the wind chill factor. The KLIM Keweenaw jacket and bibs, Adrenaline boots, and Caribou mitts were put to the test, finishing under rainy conditions at 0 °C. Here are a few important elements you should consider when making your purchase.
KLIM Keweenaw Jacket and Bibs: Design and Protection
The jacket effectively covers the hips to protect against wind and snow. During fitting, the inner fabric proved to be flexible, while the garment feels lightweight yet durable thanks to its nylon construction.
Just looking at the exterior finish, the stitching and the high quality materials used in its construction say a lot. Gore-Tex products are well known for their durability and lightweight properties.
The materials used have already proven themselves in terms of durability, flexibility, comfort, waterproofing, ventilation, and cold resistance. I appreciated the height of the collar. There is fabric at the end of the sleeves with thumb loops to prevent air from entering. In addition, hook-and-loop closures on the cuffs allow for proper adjustment.
There are five storage pockets, all equipped with high-quality sealed zippers. Under the arms, ventilation zippers with mesh provide good airflow in milder conditions. The discrete-coloured bibs ensure excellent upper-body protection. On each side, hook-and-loop closures allow the waist of the pants to be adjusted.
The knees are protected by a double shell, while the bottom of the pants features stretch nylon with a hook that attaches to the boot, preventing air infiltration. There is also reflective material that is very discreet yet highly visible.
Adrenaline PRO SKI BOA Boots and Caribou Mitts: Insulation and Comfort
These boots have a bulky look, yet they are very lightweight. They are well designed, featuring a durable and lightweight Gore-Tex. The new Michelin sole integrates well with the boot and gives it a sharp look.
After testing, this product proved to be comfortable. The system includes two BOA dials: one at the front and one on the side, allowing the boot to be adjusted precisely to your foot.
Why Choose Caribou Mitts for Snowmobiling
I have always preferred and recommended mitts over gloves, as keeping the fingers together allows them to generate more warmth. That said, this choice remains a personal preference.
Leather reinforces the mitt in areas most exposed to wear. The KLIM logo is clearly visible. Their length prevents snow from getting inside. The interior fits the hand very well, and the construction uses high-quality materials.
Snowmobile Gear Testing Methodology
During the season, I completed approximately 30 rides in very different conditions. Naturally, I put my KLIM gear to the test in all circumstances. All the aspects we consider when purchasing snowmobile gear were outlined at the beginning. At this stage, we verify during our rides whether we made the right choice with the KLIM Keweenaw gear.
Trail Testing: Real-World Riding Feedback
I invite you to do the same as I did: put on your KLIM gear and join me during my testing rides. My main challenge was a three-day ride in Saint-Michel-des-Saints and Manawan at -42 °C. The KLIM Keweenaw gear truly met my expectations. I did not feel any cold; however, it is essential to wear high-performance base layers made from materials that keep your body dry.
While riding, I felt comfortable during manoeuvres thanks to the lightweight nature of the gear. Typically, air infiltrates at the extremities (pant legs, sleeves, collar, bottom of the jacket). Choosing the right gear will help you avoid discomfort and protect you from frostbite in extreme cold.
With a shorter windshield, wind hit my chest directly. Despite that, with KLIM gear, I felt no cold or discomfort. After three days of riding in extreme cold, the Keweenaw set performed flawlessly. The Caribou mitts, combined with heated grips, provided excellent protection from the cold.
Adapting to Changing Weather Conditions While Riding
During a ride at -1 °C, I used the ventilation under the sleeves. The effective ventilation of the Keweenaw jacket made me very comfortable. I was riding in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve. That day, the ride ended in the rain, and my body remained completely dry. The Adrenaline PRO SKI BOA boots offer good height and adjust well to the foot. The Michelin sole also provides solid grip on the running boards. While remaining very comfortable, I did not feel cold at all.
Overall Assessment and Final Thoughts on KLIM Gear
My testing proved to be very positive, and I would not hesitate to recommend the KLIM gear lineup. These garments are of excellent quality, at a cost of approximately $3,000. However, if your goal is to stay warm during your rides, I consider this to be a worthwhile investment that will make your outings far more enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I am confident that, going forward, you will be able to choose the right gear for your future purchases. Have a great snowmobiling season.
