I am looking to replace my aging Joe Rocket ballistic 5.0 this winter, and have decided on either the new Kilimanjaro or the Kathmandu, both from First Gear.

There seem to be alot of good reviews on the kili, but not many on the new Kathmandu, It appears that there is only 30 dollars difference between them.

Does anyone here have any first hand experience with the kathmandu?

Either choice will be the gray/black version

Firstgear

Firstgear

I have also found this TPG first gear teton on closeout at motorcycle gear

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...le_jacket.html

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05 DL1000

I have th Kili. Hard to beat as a touring jacket. Waterproof, warm when it is cold, decent venting and comfortable. Good to about 80 degrees and then start to get hot. But I have mesh for then. I also have a Firstgear Rush jacket. Waist length and good for around town. A friend had the Katmandu. He seemed to like it as well but recently went all Klim. Will you ever use the hydration bladder? You can't gp wrong with the Firstgear stuff, good bang for the buck.

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I have just finished my first season of commuting with the Katmandu set. I think it's great. Waterproof and windproof, take the liners out when its warm and use them below 40 degrees. I rode 50 miles round trip from May through October here in SW Montana.

This is the first set of good riding gear I have ever had and now I can use the bike for my main transportation for a good part of the year. I have an office job and have to wear nice cloths.

I have come to believe that good gear is the first farkle a person should put on his bike.



06 Wee, now resting comfortably for the winter

Thanks for the reply dgiem,

I am leaning more toward the Kathmandu, based mostly on the looks. The bladder will likely not get used at all.

The Teton has a nicer liner that can be worn by itself, but Im scared the light colour will get very dirty.

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05 DL1000

the Kilmanjaro liner can also be worn independently

I came from JR Ballistic myself, you will be happy, one day wearing the Kili, I realized the JR was a turd from day one

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About 2 weeks ago, I left the east coast on the heels of the storm. I rode in rain for @7 hours wearing the Kathmandu suit and it worked flawlessly. I have put a ton of miles on it and it still works. Having said that, my next suit will be Gore-Tex just for the peace of mind.

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2007 DL650 Blue (regretably gone)
2011 DL650A Black

Are the Kili pockets waterproof? The Kat says theirs are.

Does either have a spine protector? If so, it is likely a thin foam pad, so consider an upgrade, either the d3O like the shoulder & elbow, or SAS-TEC, or Knox.

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Manage the unavoidable.
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I have the Kat and had to send the first one back, too small, they have a trimmer fit than a Kilm. also not as long as the kilm. the kat has a billion pockets and you will lose your bike key for a week. I use the chest pocket and have made a concerted effort to remember which one. very embarrassing to have lost your key in your own coat. by the way I had a older pair of the matching pants. a seem pulled in the crotch and were no longer waterproof. I called the 800 number on the label. 3 day later I had a replacement pair. No fuss, best service I've ever had.

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03' yellow dl1000 Rich's seat, custom built racks with ortieb drybags
givi crash bars, powercommander,mm spacers,SV slipper clutch
43t sprocket, speedohealer custom 04'+MpDesigns/madstad windscreen

i was looking at the kat but went with the tourmaster epic. i wanted the bladder but i'm really pleased with the price of the epic. been commuting a few weeks in sub freezing temps and it keeps me warm and happy. fwiw.

Well funny you asked about both jackets, I just sold my Kilimanjaro to a riding buddy because it was one size too small and it was getting pretty tight on this old body. As far as the jacket goes it was a great jacket, warm, water proof, and all those features that we want in a jacket. I replaced the Kilimanjaro jacket with the Kathmandu jacket and pants set that I got last week from Motorcycle Closeouts. I haven't used them yet, but may ware the jacket tomorrow if I go for a short ride. I went with the Kathmandu set on the recommendation from a friend who last year went from Ft. Worth to Canada and back and was totally happy with his Kathmandu set. He rode two day in the rain and stayed dry, said it was the best set of riding gear that he has had and he's had a lot at age 74. I've had good luck with Firstgear and have several other jackets, gloves, etc. I purchased the Kathmandu jacket and pants from Motorcycle Closeouts where I have purchase just about all my riding gear from. They have the 2011 jacket on sale for $199.00 and the pants for $149.00. If you want the 2012 stuff you will pay much more for it and the only difference is the pattern on the jacket and pants. Good people to deal with, never had a problem with anything they sell. Motorcycle Closeouts

John

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2011 650 V-Strom (white)
2013 CRF250L