Klim Traverse GTX 5-Year Review: Still Waterproof?
Jan Marc Staelens
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I never thought this was possible: a lightweight, DURABLE waterproof jacket and pants that actually deliver what they promise: keeping me dry in all kinds of nasty weather!
What’s so special about that, you ask? Isn’t that what rain gear is supposed to do? But what if I told you I’ve worn this set for over five years of demanding dual-sport and adventure riding across several continents, through unforgiving conditions that chewed up and spat out lesser gear? Stick around, and I’ll show you why the Traverse might be the last waterproof shell you ever need to buy.
Klim Traverse Jacket and Pants offer rugged, lightweight protection built for off-road adventure with all-weather performance.
- Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps you dry in all conditions
- Durable 500D Cordura reinforcements for high-impact areas
- Lightweight design enhances mobility and reduces fatigue
- Back protector for jacket sold separately
My Journey to Finding Reliable Wet Weather Gear
I can’t even begin to count how many sets of rain gear I’ve owned in more than half a century of riding. But they all had one thing in common: they never lasted long. Sooner or later, they invariably failed to keep me dry. Whether it was poor design, shoddy workmanship, material failure, prematurely worn out, or damaged by (ab)use, it was just a matter of time before that dreaded feeling of cold water trickling down my crotch, back, leg, or elbow pit would set in.
If you have ever experienced this all-too-familiar miserable feeling, you know how distracting, irritating, and downright frustrating it is. The treacherous trickle of those first glacial droplets is only the beginning of an insidious ingress of cold water bound to make your ride a miserable ordeal. When the floodgates open on a chilly day, leaking rain gear will turn you into a shivering blob of jelly in no time, making you wish you’d taken up collecting postage stamps as a hobby instead of motorcycling.
Typical rain gear for off-road riding almost always consists of a thin, waterproof polyester or polyamide (nylon) shell. Riding on rough terrain requires standing on the pegs, demanding much greater physical exertion than cruising on the road. To help abate fatigue, seasoned dirt riders avoid donning heavy, bulky shells like the yellow PVC ‘oilskin’ rain gear sailors and construction workers wear, even though it’s much more durable than polyester or nylon.
Living by the motto of “less (weight) is more (fun)”, off-road riders favor rain gear made of a thin plastic layer, keeping the shell lightweight, flexible, and compact. Experienced enduro riders know why these interrelated criteria matter. But if you’re new to enduro/dual-sport riding and not sure what to buy, consider that lightweight, flexible rain gear doesn’t weigh you down, aiding mobility and agility and reducing fatigue. Compactness or packability matters too, since rain gear is stowed when it’s not raining or cold. However, its downside is that a flimsy shell lacks strength and abrasion resistance. Hence, it shreds when hooking up on branches or hitting the ground when you suddenly feel the urge to collect soil samples.
I’ve tried it all: dedicated rain suits that felt like wearing a plastic ‘rapid weight loss’ sauna suit, expensive laminated jackets that were too bulky or eventually wetted out, cheap throwaway ponchos that shredded in the wind – you name it. I was searching for that perfect balance, that trifecta of comfort, durability, and functionality that would help to keep enduro/dual-sport riding FUN in inclement weather. Alas, the gear gods never answered my prayers.
Traversing 15 Years
Until the Klim Traverse entered the stage fifteen years ago. It first appeared on my radar soon after its launch in 2010. Although I tend to be a ‘first adopter’ of game-changing gear, I declined the offer as it didn’t tick off all the ‘criteria’ boxes on my wish list. I was already a Klim user long before the Idaho-based brand became a household name in the motorcycle gear industry. I bought my first two Klim off-road pants in 2004 after a friend in the trade introduced me to this brand I’d never heard of. Klim was only known for its snowmobile gear, and their 2004 off-road collection was the brand’s first foray into motorcycle apparel.
I considered buying the redesigned, second generation of the Klim Traverse when it was launched in 2016. But again, I didn’t pull the trigger, as it still didn’t fit all my requirements. The tough 680D Cordura overlays on the high-wear impact areas (elbows, shoulders, knees, and seat of the pants) made the Traverse very resistant to cuts, scuffs, and abrasion. However, that ruggedness made it heavier, stiffer, bulkier, and less packable, which was a deal breaker.
I was holding out for the Holy Grail: a lightweight, waterproof combo for enduro and dual-sport riding that was durable and flexible but still relatively thin and compact enough to be packable. Weight and packability are important as I carry my rain gear in my backpack or strapped onto the bike. The rugged 2016 Traverse catered more to ADV riders, for whom abrasion-resistance matters more in case of a high-speed get-off.
But then, in 2020, the gear gods took pity on me and answered my prayers when Klim launched the redesigned third-generation Traverse, repositioning it more towards the off-road end of the spectrum. This was a welcome move, although some ADV riders who owned the previous two generations lamented the reduced ventilation and abrasion resistance. But that criticism was unwarranted, as Klim offers other combos (e.g., the Klim Badlands Pro and Carlsbad) that cater to the ADV segment.
When Klim returned to the drawing board for the third generation, they revised the Traverse to realign it with its core mission, as it was always intended for off-road use. Engineered specifically for the unpredictable weather encountered during full seasons of dual-sport riding, Klim focused on boosting comfort and cutting bulk.
Thinner, lighter, and more flexible, the third-generation Traverse is the ideal waterproof kit for dual-sport and hard-core enduro riders who ride in all seasons. With its “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” Gore-Tex Performance Shell, the Traverse offers serious foul weather protection while being much tougher than basic rain jackets and pants.
With reduced vents and substituting 500D for the 680D Cordura overlays, the current Traverse’s supple lightweight chassis is less bulky and cumbersome than the previous generation. Its minimalistic shell delivers on the promise of fully protecting the rider against inclement weather, season after season, without the weight and bulk of a full-fledged 4-season ADV suit.
Let me tell you how it held up to that promise over years of abuse.
Putting the Traverse Through Its Paces: Real-World Stories
This gear hasn’t sat in a closet. Over the years, it’s seen deserts, mountains, jungles, and everything in between.
TET France Downpour Nightmare: Riding solo on the Trans Euro Trail across the windswept plains of northern France on a cold early spring day, the low cloud deck grew menacingly dark, and then the sky just opened up. Not rain, but a torrential, freezing downpour mixed with sleet. Slipping and sliding through the greasy mud of the tracks deeply rutted by farming tractors, I grew weary of the ice-cold rain that wouldn’t relent. When I crossed from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region into Picardy, I had enough and veered onto the paved roads, looking for shelter. But I dread to think what a potentially life-threatening, hypothermic ordeal it might’ve been without proper rain gear. Fortunately, I stayed bone dry inside the Traverse. The Gore-Tex just worked, shedding water relentlessly. The only moisture inside the Traverse was my sweat from wrestling the bike through the mud. But that didn’t chill my body, as the Klim Teton Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Shirt and Pants wicked away the sweat, keeping me dry and warm. That day sold me on the shell and layering concept.
Moab Muddy Mayhem: Hitting some slick red rock trails after a rainstorm meant lots of skidding, slipping, and sliding, resulting in frequent get-offs. Picking up a bike laden with camping gear while wearing boots that fail to find traction on the red goo gets old quickly. The 500D Cordura overlays on the knees, elbows, and seat took a beating but showed minimal wear. Hosing off the slimy muck at the car wash in town was surprisingly easy, and it was ready to go the next day. Lesser gear would have been shredded or stained permanently.
Big Temperature Swings on the ACT in the Spanish Pyrenees: Think about those fall rides where you start off freezing, work up a sweat in the afternoon sun, and then freeze again as evening sets in – conditions you might find in mountain regions. Layering up under the Traverse was key for crossing the Pyrenees via the Adventure Country Tracks in late fall. With the vents open (collar, pit zips, front and rear thigh vents), it breathed reasonably well during the warmer parts of the day. When temps dropped, zipping everything up tight and relying on Klim’s technical base and mid-layers kept me comfortably warm. The Traverse shell worked perfectly with the layers; it felt like cheating the weather. When the temperatures plummet, you add mid-layers; when they rise, you simply remove layers and the shell and stow it away.
Torrential Trans-Canada Adventure Trail: It was (too) late in the fall when I rode south along the coast to Vancouver after exploring parts of the Trans Canada Adventure Trail in British Columbia and Alberta for a few weeks. What started as a steady drizzle turned into a deluge when I approached Whistler, which didn’t let up until I reached Vancouver. The Traverse was a true lifesaver that day, as I stayed bone dry riding for hours in absolutely torrential rain. No leaks and no wet-out feeling through the fabric. The cinched collar kept rain from trickling down my neck, and the pant cuffs sealed perfectly over my boots. Although not designed for highway surfing, the Traverse performed its core function flawlessly.
The “Drop Test” in Northern Thailand’s Himalayan Foothills: Lots of spills on the hard-packed jungle tracks in the mountains of northern Thailand. Usually, it’s due to the rear wheel coming around when accelerating out of a corner or the front end washing out, resulting in shoulders, elbows, and hips taking the brunt of the impact. The Traverse shell slid across the slick soil numerous times but never wore through. Scuffed the Cordura a bit? Sure. But no holes or tears, and the armor underneath did its impact protection job. It proved the shell material was tough enough for typical dual-sport spills.
What I Like About the Klim Traverse (After 5 Years)
- Bulletproof Gore-Tex Waterproofing: This is the main event. Klim’s implementation of the Gore-Tex Performance Shell is simply outstanding. It works. Period. The crotch stays dry, the cuffs seal well, and the gusseted fly, adjustable cinched collar, and bottom hem keep water out. The Traverse has been utterly reliable compared to countless other jackets and pants that claimed waterproofness but failed after a season or in sustained rain. “Guaranteed To Keep You Dry®” isn’t just marketing speak here.
- Surprising Durability: For a relatively lightweight shell, it’s tough. The main body fabric holds up well and the strategic placement of the rugged 500D Cordura in high-wear/impact areas (shoulders, elbows, forearms, knees, seat) makes a huge difference. It survived slides, snags on branches, and general trail abuse far better than I expected. It’s a noticeable step up from the typical cheap, flimsy, rain gear. The 500D Cordura overlays endured numerous spills unscathed on treacherous trails in the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, and the Himalayan foothills.
- Effective Ventilation (for a Shell): Let’s be realistic: no waterproof gear breathes like mesh. But for rain gear, the Traverse has generous vents. The jacket sports two waterproof 13-inch/33-cm zippered pit vents and a velcro collar tab retainer, keeping the collar open without letting it flap in the wind. The pant has four waterproof YKK zippered vents on the thighs: two 10-inch/25-cm intake vents and two 6-inch/15-cm exhaust vents. They flow a decent amount of air when moving, significantly extending the comfort range compared to non-vented rain shells. They make dealing with changing temps and exertion levels much more manageable. And when temperatures rise beyond the vents’ cooling capacity, you simply take it off and stow it.
- Great Fit for Active Riding: Klim apparel’s cut is known to be generous. The Traverse shell offers a roomy “active” fit designed to go over body armor and mid-layers without bunching up or limiting movement, whether standing or sitting. Its generous cut offers more articulation in the elbows and knees, even with separate body armor and knee braces. The flexible nylon fabric chassis feels less bulky and cumbersome than laminated adventure suits.
- Relatively Lightweight & Packable: Compared to Klim’s more feature-heavy ADV gear like the Badlands or Carlsbad, the Traverse feels significantly lighter and packs down smaller (though not as small as the typical flimsy ‘sheet’ rain shells). Its minimalist shell makes it great for trips where space and weight are a concern.
What I Don’t Like (The Tradeoffs)
The Included Armor: To avoid creating the wrong impression, there’s nothing wrong with the D3O protective armor in the high-impact zones. If you’re new to dual-sport or ADV riding and don’t have any protective gear yet, you’ll certainly want the impact protection that comes with the Traverse jacket and pants. The soft, flexible, ventilated D3O® LP1 Limb Protectors are inserted in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips lining pockets. (LP1 means level 1 impact protection certified to CE safety standard EN1621-1:2012).
As every dual-sport and enduro rider knows, falling (frequently) is part and parcel of trail riding. To prevent bruises or worse, I would opt for the highest impact protection level, requiring substituting the LP1 pads with the more protective LP2 pads. But the problem is that, when stashed in your backpack or strapped to the bike, the inserted D3O pads (LP1 or LP2) add volume to the Traverse, making it bulkier and unwieldy to pack.
But that’s not my main gripe. The disadvantage of inserted protection pads is that you’re unprotected when your rain gear is stowed away. Like most enduro/dual-sport riders, I wear a separate ‘stand-alone’ body armor system, which offers better impact protection and maximizes ventilation and breathability. Donning body armor allows the removal of the D3O inserts, keeping the shell light, compact, and packable. Over the years I’ve reinserted the D3O impact pads only a handful of times when riding my Honda NSS 300 Forza scooter on a rainy day.
Since I don’t need them, I would prefer Klim to make the D3O pads optional, as they do for the Klim Raptor GTX Overshell, allowing for a small price reduction of the Traverse.
Klim recommends combining the Traverse shell with the Klim Tactical Pro Armored Long-Sleeve Shirt and Tactical Pants. Apart from body armor, I always wear knee braces when riding off-road.
Alternative: If you want a lightweight rainproof shell with more abrasion resistance, consider the Klim Raptor GTX Overshell Jacket and Pants. The Raptor shell features the ultra-abrasion-resistant SuperFabric on shoulders, elbows, and knees, and thicker, more durable 840D Cordura on the inner knee, boot panels, and seat of the pants. However, these reinforcements make the Raptor GTX Overshell thicker, bulkier, and less compact when packed than a Traverse without the D3O pads.
The Price Tag: Klim gear isn’t cheap, and the Traverse is no exception. However, the price tag includes the lifetime Gore-Tex “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” warranty. That’s worth a lot, especially compared to other brand shells. Given its proven multi-year durability and performance, the cost-per-wear becomes much more reasonable than replacing cheaper rain gear multiple times every year. Think of it as an investment that yields annual dividends over many years. The REV’IT! Component H2O and Mosko Moto Rak Pullover are comparable shells at similar price points and functionality.
Limited Pockets: It has the basics (hand pockets, chest pocket, internal pocket), but fewer than you’d find on a touring or ADV jacket. However, fewer pockets mean fewer seams and zippers, reducing potential failure points for water ingress and keeping the design cleaner and lighter. You can also supplement with a backpack (like the Klim Arsenal Backpack series) or a Mosko Moto tank bag or tail bag if you need to carry more stuff.
Can Still Get Warm: Despite the vents, in slow, technical, high-exertion riding in hot, humid weather, you will sweat. It’s a waterproof membrane, after all. However, it’s still vastly better than wearing a non-vented rain suit in those conditions. You can also just take it off and stow it!
Need-to-Knows & Fun Facts
- Sizing: Generally follows Klim’s typical “American” cut – generous and designed for layering. Check the Klim Size Chart. Tall and short pant sizes are usually available.
- Layering is Crucial: This is a shell, not an insulated suit. Your comfort across different temperatures depends entirely on your base and mid-layers. Plan accordingly.
- Gore-Tex Care: To maintain performance, wash it periodically with a tech wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash) and tumble dry on low/medium heat to reactivate the DWR coating. Don’t use regular detergents or fabric softeners!
- Minimalist Design: The lack of some features (like tons of pockets and vents) is a deliberate choice to keep it light, flexible, compact, and leakproof for its intended dual-sport/off-road use.
How Does it Compare
VS Mosko Moto Rak/Basilisk
Mosko gear is known for extreme toughness and innovative features, often with a different design philosophy, fit, and characteristics. Choose Mosko Basilisk if you prioritize maximum abrasion resistance and unique features; choose Traverse for proven, straightforward Gore-Tex performance and reliability.
The Basilisk IR Jacket is a minimalist, high-performance shell built for serious off-road adventure.
- CE-Level 2 impact protection
- Waterproof yet breathable shell
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Limited availability due to import changes
The Mosko Moto Rak Pullover (name derived from Anorak) sells for the same price ($479) as the Traverse Jacket, its Klim equivalent.
The Basilisk IR Jacket is more expensive ( $721) due to its large area of SuperFabric, making it extremely abrasion-resistant.
VS REV’IT! Component H2O
The REV’IT! Component 2 H2O offers a slimmer, more European fit and uses its proprietary Hydratex waterproofing. Compare long-term waterproof durability reviews carefully against Gore-Tex’s track record.
The REV'IT! Component 2 H2O Jacket is a lightweight, waterproof shell built for serious off-road riders who demand comfort and protection.
- Waterproof Hydratex 3L membrane keeps you dry in harsh conditions
- Stretch ripstop fabric offers flexibility and comfort on rugged trails
- SEESMART CE-level 1 armor provides lightweight impact protection
- Runs small and may require sizing up for proper fit
VS Klim Carlsbad
The Klim Carlsbad is the Traverse’s more expensive ADV sibling, featuring integrated D3O armor, more pockets, and slightly different venting/materials. Choose Carlsbad if you want an all-in-one armored Gore-Tex suit; choose Traverse if you prefer a lighter, simpler, more compact shell.
The Klim Carlsbad Jacket and Pants are built for adventure riders seeking rugged, weather-resistant gear with excellent mobility and protection.
- Gore-Tex performance shell offers guaranteed waterproofing
- Abrasion-resistant fabrics and CE Level 2 armor enhance durability and safety
- Multiple vents provide adjustable airflow for varying climates
- Premium pricing may be out of range for budget-conscious riders
VS Klim Raptor GTX Jacket
The Klim Raptor GTX Overshell Jacket and Pants are a step up from its lighter sibling, the Traverse. Also part of Klim’s off-road catalog, the Raptor GTX is a more rugged rainproof shell, upgraded with SuperFabric reinforcements on impact zones to make it more abrasion-resistant.
The Klim Raptor GTX Overshell Jacket and Pants offer elite weatherproofing for serious adventure riders.
- Gore-Tex Pro shell for waterproofing
- Superfabric for abrasion resistance
- Fits over armored layers
- No built-in insulation
The Final Verdict: Is the Klim Traverse GTX Worth It?
After five years of intensive (ab)use, covering thousands of miles across tricky terrain and in unforgiving weather, my Klim Traverse suit is still intact, waterproof, and with all zippers fully functional. It looks surprisingly good given the harsh treatment my riding (mis)adventures have inflicted upon it. Its durability has exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for rain gear whereby reliable waterproofing, flexibility, packability, and durability are paramount, don’t look any further. It’s not flashy and doesn’t have every bell and whistle, but it does its core job – keeping you dry and protected from the elements – exceptionally well, year after year.
This gear is PERFECT for:
- Serious enduro/dual-sport riders tackling tricky trails in inclement weather.
- Riders who prioritize bombproof waterproofing and long-term durability.
- Those who prefer to customize their protective armor system separately.
- Multi-season riders who understand and utilize layering systems.
This gear is NOT the best fit for:
- Primarily street/ADV riders who need a higher level of abrasion protection.
- Strictly budget-conscious buyers (though consider the long-term value).
- Touring/Street/ADV riders who need more built-in storage (internal and external pockets) and creature comforts.
- Riders in hot climates who rarely see rain (for whom mesh is better).
Is it worth the investment? Absolutely! At least if your riding demands gear that won’t let you down when the weather turns nasty. It might not make you ride like a champ, but when that mother of all rainstorm hits, you’ll be glad you’re wearing it. It just works.
Klim Traverse GTX Jacket & Pant Key Features
Jacket:
- Shell/Construction: GORE-TEX PERFORMANCE SHELL (Guaranteed To Keep You Dry®), 500D Cordura® overlays on shoulders/elbows/forearms, 3M™ Scotchlite™ carbon black reflective material.
- Armor System: Removable vented D3O® Level 1 armor in shoulder and (adjustable) elbow pockets. Pocket for optional back protector (compatible with D3O® Level 1 & 2 – back protector sold separately).
- Ventilation: Two 13-inch/33-cm-long armpit vents (with mesh and dual waterproof YKK zippers), velcro collar tab retainer to keep the collar open for ventilation and prevent it from flapping in the wind.
- Storage: 2 large waterproof YKK zippered hand pockets, 1 large waterproof zippered chest pocket, 1 large internal zippered chest pocket with headphone port.
- Fit/Comfort: Breathable mesh lining. The chassis is longer in the back for comfort and mobility, articulated fit, adjustable collar with elastic cinch pull cord and velcro tab retainer for ventilation, bottom hem cinch cord, and adjustable velcro cuffs.
Pants:
- Shell/Construction: GORE-TEX PERFORMANCE SHELL (Guaranteed To Keep You Dry®), 500D Cordura® overlays on knees/seat/lower leg, heat-resistant leather panels on inner knees. 3M™ Scotchlite™ carbon black reflective material.
- Armor System: Removable vented D3O® Level 1 hip and (adjustable) knee armor (upgradable to Level 2 – sold separately).
- Ventilation: 2 frontal intake vents and 2 rear exhaust vents on the thighs, with mesh and waterproof YKK zippers.
- Storage: 1 waterproof YKK zippered large cargo pocket.
- Fit/Comfort: Breathable mesh lining, adjustable waist velcro cinch straps, articulated seat and leg profile for rider position, over-the-boot adjustable cuff design with 3 velcro strips, waterproof zippered gusset fly, and double snap button closure.
You can find the Klim Traverse Klim Traverse GTX Jacket and Pants here.
Klim Traverse Jacket and Pants offer rugged, lightweight protection built for off-road adventure with all-weather performance.
- Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps you dry in all conditions
- Durable 500D Cordura reinforcements for high-impact areas
- Lightweight design enhances mobility and reduces fatigue
- Back protector for jacket sold separately
