Textile vs. leather
Textile vs. leather: Why textile suits are the better choice for adventure and touring riders
When buying a motorcycle suit, many bikers are faced with the question: textile or leather? Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice often depends on individual requirements and the area of use. In this article, we look at the differences between textile and leather suits and explain why textile suits, in particular the Klim Badlands Pro and the Kodiak, are the better choice for adventure and touring riders.
The advantages of leather suits
Leather has a long tradition in the motorcycle world and still enjoys an excellent reputation. The advantages of leather suits are:
1. abrasion resistance: leather is extremely resistant to abrasion, making it the preferred choice for many racers. In the event of a crash, leather offers excellent protection against road damage.
2. durability: High quality leather suits can last for many years with proper care. The material molds to the rider's body over time, providing an excellent fit.
3. style and appearance: Leather suits have a distinctive look and are often associated with a robust, sporty design that appeals to many bikers.
The advantages of textile suits
Textile suits, such as the Klim Badlands Pro and the Kodiak, on the other hand, offer some key advantages that make them the ideal choice for adventure and touring riders:
1. versatility and comfort: textile suits tend to be more flexible than leather suits, making them particularly comfortable for long rides. They offer greater freedom of movement, which is a particular advantage on adventure rides in rough terrain.
2. waterproof and breathable: Modern textile suits, such as those from Klim, are often equipped with high-tech membranes such as Gore-Tex. These offer both excellent protection from the rain and high breathability, keeping the rider dry and comfortable, whatever the weather.
3. ventilation systems: Textile suits often have integrated ventilation systems that allow optimum air circulation. This is particularly beneficial on long rides in different climates.
4. adaptability: Klim's textile suits can be individually adapted using modular systems. For example, protectors can be removed or added as required and their position can be changed, which is a great advantage for different riding conditions.
5. ease of care: Compared to leather, textile is easier to clean and maintain. Dirt and stains can often be simply wiped off and Klim textile suits are machine washable, which makes maintenance much easier.
Why textile suits are the better choice for adventure and touring riders
While leather suits are unbeatable on the race track, textile suits offer clear advantages for adventure and touring riders. The Klim Badlands Pro and the Kodiak are specifically designed to meet the needs of riders who cover long distances and encounter a wide range of weather conditions. Here are some reasons why Klim's textile suits are the better choice for adventure and touring riders:
1. adaptability: whether it's hot desert tracks or cold mountain passes, textile suits like the Klim Badlands Pro, Latitude, Artemis, Altitude, Carlsbad and the Kodiak are designed for a variety of climates and conditions. They offer protection and comfort where leather suits might reach their limits. The Marrakesh and Baja models in particular are primarily made of mesh and are super ventilated for midsummer, for example.
2. modularity and versatility: The ability to change different layers or protectors depending on weather conditions or personal needs makes textile suits particularly flexible. This is a great advantage, especially on long, varied tours.
3. weather protection: Adventure and touring riders are often exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions for hours on end. Thanks to their waterproof and windproof properties, textile suits offer better protection against unpleasant weather.
4. maintenance effort: textile suits are easier to maintain and clean, which makes them particularly attractive for riders who are often on the road and want to have their equipment ready for use again quickly and easily.
Conclusion
For adventure and touring riders who cover long distances and encounter a wide range of weather conditions, textile suits such as the Klim Badlands Pro and the Kodiak are the superior choice. They offer an unbeatable combination of protection, comfort and versatility that leather suits cannot match in this area of use. With a textile suit, you are ideally equipped to enjoy your next adventure in maximum comfort and safety.
