Klim Switchback pant review 2023
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
The new-for-2023 Switchback pant is similar in concept to its predecessor, but different to it in its detailing.
The Switchback wears fairly loose, in the way that you would expect of an adventure/off-road trouser. With two large pockets on the thighs it is what many would term a ‘cargo pant, but for us the defining feature is that it is not equipped with a membrane, meaning that it is going to work particularly well in hot weather. By contrast, the Switchback will be useless in the rain, so you will need to carry a set of waterproofs with you. And in our world that means a set of Scotts.
The new Switchback pant feels quite a bit more robust than the old version. It is made from a mix of cotton and Cordura which, these days, doesn’t feel particularly exotic, but nonetheless they meet the AA standard under EN17092; and that’s not unimpressive for an off-road pant.
The armour comes courtesy of D3O, and it’s the latest, flat Ghost armour. Now that is going to contribute towards the pant’s comfort, but we have to say that we are not always fans of Ghost in an off-road oriented pant; there is a case for having more fitted knee armour on a pant like this. The hip armour is also Ghost. It is all Level 1.
You get two jean-style pockets at the front, and two more in the seat. But the most obvious ones are the large cargo pockets on the thighs. Down the sides of the thigh pockets run vent zips. Air is going to flow through the chassis of these pants, as they are single layer, but the large vents will allow them to be even more breathable.
At the hem of the pants you get zips that will allow the legs to be worn over most adventure boots, although probably not over the biggest, plastic off-road boots. One thing we do like, however, is the poppered and elasticated adjuster strap that allows you to cinch the hem around the shaft of a boot.
We like the Switchbacks a lot. They are not smart. You wouldn’t wear them into the office. And they’re not going to be as easy to wear, or as comfortable, as a pair of single-layer jeans, but if you are after a highly protective, adventure pant that you can ride off-road in, or tour in in the very hottest conditions, then the Switchbacks might be exactly what you are looking for.
To buy the Klim Switchback pant online, click here - www.motolegends.com/motorcycl...
Why not pay us a personal visit? Click here for directions and opening hours - www.motolegends.com/customer-...
For the latest news and reviews, subscribe to our KZread channel by clicking here - kzread.info...
To follow us on Facebook, click here - / motolegendsuk
To follow us on Instagram, click here - / motolegends_uk
Пікірлер: 24
I just got a pair of these pants and they are amazing. A HUGE upgrade to the outgoing Switchback pants in terms of fit and comfort. The Ghost armor is incredible and so thin that it's hard to believe they are CE rated at all yet they are. If you tighten the cuff, a reflective pop is revealed... a nice touch. Very comfortable material all around as opposed to what I thought was very scratchy materials used in the previous generation. They do fit a bit baggy for me is the only complaint. I wear a 34" waist jeans (American) and bought a 34r Switchback, and might have to see how a 32r fits if/when I can find them. Until then, this size will do. One last thing: I have skinny calves but large size 48EU boots and the cuffs although snug do fit over my Gaerne Enduro boots. I suspect they will fit over most adv type boots no problem.
Super review, thanks. I'll be ordering a pair!
Klim Switchback cargo pant in teak, brought a pair a few weeks back and must say they are comfortable to wear, even during the heat of the day in the hills of brecon... great purchase
These are brilliant pants I couldn’t bare to part with mine when I shrunk out of them so had them adjusted. Will definitely be ordering a pair in teak. Chris could you confirm if they fit true to size as my first pair from America were always oversized compared to uk sizing?
Would you recommend switching the knee armour with something with better coverage? If so, which armour?
Hello Chris, and thanks for you videos!! I have the pre-2023 version of the Marrakesh jacket and pants. I agree with your reviews 100% . I love the jacket. I hate the pants, protections in the wrong place + baggy and loose on the lower leg... I hate them. I was planning on replacing the pants with this 2023 version of the Switchback. Would you say it flows as much air as the Marrakesh pant? My other option is the 2023 Marrakesh pant, since I don't mind it being thin on the lower end. I plan to use it only with low boots. What would you say matches the pre-2023 Marrakesh jacket better Switchback pant 2023 or Marrakesh pant 2023? I live in Spain and I plan to use this in very hot weather here and mainly in Morocco. Thanks a lot, your opinion is highly appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Will halvarssons level 2 armor fit in the pockets?
Hello :) are the legs wide enough to accommodate sidi crossfire Motocross boots?
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know that boot, but I don’t think they would fit over the Sidi Adventure boot if that helps! CP
@FluxExplorer
Жыл бұрын
I have skinny calves but they do fit over my size 48 Gaerne enduro boots. Snug, but acceptable. If you have large calves, they probably will not fit over Crossfires.
@dannythomas1283
Жыл бұрын
Hi mate. I've got a pair of these and they go over my Sidi Adventure 2 boots.
So, comparing with previous version, the new one is: - more heavy - less safe (coz flat ghost armor) - less/better ventilation?
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
Better safety rating under EN17092. More comfortable. Much more reassuring on the road. CP
Ordered these from Motolegends and they came the next working day at 0830hrs. The pants are excellent with a heavy build and quality feel. I'm 5 foot 10 and wear a 34/36 waist jeans depending on how well my wife feeds me. I ordered a 34 regular and they are a generous fit but fit perfectly at the waist. They fit well over my Sidi Adventure 2 boots too. They go well with my Belstaff Brooklands. Also bought from Motolegends. 🐵👍🏾
As with ALL Klim pants, bigger guys need to look elsewhere. Biggest waist on these is 38" with a 34" inseam.
In fact they are gret but they sell for 315 euros that is 279 gbp ... unfortunatly you guys dont price beat or even price match anyone outside your own backyard...
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
And that’s because if you bought in Europe you would be liable for duty and VAT, not to mention the huge cost of returning for warranty issues. CP
Why do you keep calling them ‘pants’? That’s what we wear under our trousers on this side of the water! They’re blooming trousers or jeans.
@gpzfan5272
Жыл бұрын
What do you expect from someone who still can’t even pronounce the manufacturers name correctly
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
@@gpzfan5272 You missed out an apostrophe in ‘manufacturer’s’, and there was no punctuation at the end of the sentence. A question mark would have been the correct grammatical conclusion to your interrogative statement. CP
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
@@jerhughes500 No, you are wrong. We are talking here about a single manufacturer, and so the apostrophe comes before the S, and not after it. I suggest that you don’t give up the day job; unless of course you’re an English teacher, in which case a new line of work might well be in order! CP.
@Motolegends
Жыл бұрын
@@jerhughes500 Once again, you are wrong. An apostrophe can be used in a possessive sense or as a device to show a contraction. Here the apostrophe is being used in the possessive form, ie: belonging to the manufacturer. Literally, the name of the manufacturer. The name that ‘belongs to the manufacturer’. Not sure there is much point in continuing this correspondence because your grasp of basic grammatical concepts borders on the embarrassing. You should probably consult a grown up on this. CP.
@gpzfan5272
Жыл бұрын
@@Motolegends Nibble 🎣 You still pronounce Klim incorrectly.