The new Klim Badlands Pro pants are in their fifth generation. The latest version is enhanced for riders who spend serious time on a bike and need gear that works across changing weather and mixed riding conditions. At 4.5 pounds and an MSRP of $900, these are serious adventure pants aimed at riders seeking protection, durability, and comfort in all weather conditions.
The Gore-Tex 3-Layer Pro shell, heavy Cordura construction, Superfabric reinforcement in the knees, leather on the inner knees, and the new Klim Rogue EXP CE Level 2 armor on the hips and knees, all contribute to the protection provided by the Badlands Pro pants.
Riders looking for minimal bulk or maximum airflow may find the Badlands Pro pants heavier than expected, a trade-off for a level of protection that lighter gear simply can’t provide. These pants are not simply designed to survive in the real world of riding in harsh conditions. They also meet CE AA EN 17092-3 standards for pants, which is just one level below track-ready riding pants. This will help you come away from get-offs better protected than lighter-weight versions.
These are the first riding pants that didn’t hang me up somewhere near the knee due to loose liners or an insecure knee pad pocket when sliding in my boot-socked foot. Once both legs are in, the Klim size 34 waistband, which measures as a 36-inch opening, slid comfortably into position above my hips. The Velcro-adjustable waist straps suck in an inch on either side, though not much more. If I had a 33-inch waist, I would probably use suspenders. So, know that size 34 is generous and will fit a 36-inch waist.
The Klim Badlands Pro pants come in shorter length (28-40 waist), regular length (28-42 waist), and tall length (32-40 waist), with the regular length being perfect for me with its 32-inch inseam. The waist adjustment range allows the pants to be dialed in securely over different base layers. Zippers, snaps, and closures all feel robust and designed for repeated use rather than minimum weight. There are 4 color options available: High-Rise – Monument; Dress Blues – Red Oxide; Asphalt – High-Vis; Black.
The interior features a soft, moisture-wicking, breathable, and antimicrobial mesh liner with mesh armor protection behind the zippered vents. According to Klim, the black mesh armor is there to protect your skin from abrasion in a get-off when the zippered vents are open. All the glove-friendly exposed zippers have their own easy-to-slide-into Hypalon garage to ensure the rain stays out. The boot gusset closes with an 8-inch zipper. Once zipped, you can select from 3 adjustment snaps to get the perfect hem fit around your ankle. The knees have quick-adjust straps that I haven’t felt the need to move from their fully open position.
Also new for 2026 is Klim’s own CE Level 2 Rogue and Rogue EXP armor. It provides improved performance with more coverage in the EXP models, more airflow, less bulk, and lower weight. The new armor is backward-compatible with previous generations of Klim. The standard Rogue armor is compatible with other manufacturers’ textile gear, but the EXP line is not. Klim claims the new armor is 27% thinner and has over 350% more airflow, while the EXP models have 44% more coverage.
Klim deployed the Rogue EXP hip pad in the Badlands Pro pants, and it wraps farther around than typical hip pads. The knee pads are also the EXP version. While I usually feel knee pads when sitting, the new Rogue EXP knee pads mold more uniformly to my knees and riding position. The EXP versions are asymmetrical in design, providing additional padding for added protection.
The comfort is real, on and off the bike. The articulated cut works well in the riding position, especially when alternating between seated highway miles and standing off-road. The new Rogue armor stays in place, eliminating rub points during the 10 hours of my longest test days. The cut allows for throwing a leg over the 37-inch-high seat of the Ultimate Motorcycling Honda CRF300L Rally Project Bike without pulling in the crotch. The pants move better than their heavy-duty construction would suggest.
Ventilation is great for windproof, waterproof pants. There are two 11-inch vertical YKK zippered vents in the front thighs and two angled 7-inch YKK zippered vents under and to the outside of each butt cheek. When standing, the front vents open wide, allowing a free flow of air to circulate around the thighs and out the back. At boot-top height are two angled 9.5-inch YKK zippered front vents. I was quite surprised to feel real airflow there. I mostly wear waterproof MX boots that generate considerable heat as the day progresses. The breeze flowing over my shins felt great!
The Gore-Tex shell eliminates the hassle of stopping to install rain liners when conditions change. In cold or wet weather, that setup becomes one of the Klim Badlands Pro pants’ biggest strengths. The pants stay comfortable and weatherproof without adding extra layers or soaking up water in the outer shell. 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Reflective stripes in the front and back add safety anytime you’re around traffic after dark, on or off the bike.
Like most heavily armored waterproof adventure gear, the Badlands Pro pants can feel warm during slow technical riding or in high humidity. Riders spending most of their time in extreme summer heat or tight off-road terrain may prefer mesh pants. However, for riders covering long distances in varying conditions, the balance between protection, weather resistance, and comfort is well-balanced.
Storage is practical, thanks to two voluminous cargo pockets. The cargo pockets are not easy to access with gloves on due to the Velcro securing the flaps covering the 8-inch YKK zippers. Regardless, it’s not prudent to be fumbling around in a pants pocket while riding. The best way I’ve found to access these vertical openings is to use my left hand for the right cargo pocket and my right hand for the left pocket. In addition to being cavernous, the left pocket has two “organizer” compartments for a pen and smartphone. I normally carry my wallet in the left cargo pocket and my Garmin inReach Messenger in my right.
During testing, I discovered that two full-size sports drink bottles or a spare tire inner tube will fit in each pocket. Although it wouldn’t be comfortable standing with three pounds of sports bottles on your thigh, you can do it in the Badlands Pro pants.
The Klim Badlands Pro pants are equipment designed by people who understand long days on adventure motorcycles. Although the pants have a strong price tag, it is reflective of the high-quality and extensive R&D that went into them. Riders who prioritize durability, weather protection, and all-day comfort will find the pants deliver a level of practicality that becomes more appreciated the more you ride in them. If you are going to circumnavigate the globe or ride the forest roads in your backyard, the Klim Badlands Pro are worthy of consideration if you value excellence over price.
Klim Badlands Pro Pants Fast Facts
Sizes
Reg: 28-42
Short: 28-40
Tall: 32-40
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 3-Layer Pro Shell
Armor: Klim Rogue EXP CE Level 2 (hips, knees)
Certification: CE AA EN 17092-3
2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R + BTR Build Off Winner + Brian Bentley and the Ducati 916
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
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Have you ever wanted to ride a real MotoGP track? Well, here’s your chance! Leod Escapes does all sorts of amazing European tours, including the incredible Munich to Mugello tour at the end of June, or you can try the Core of Catalunya or the Portimão Andalusia trips, both in October. These are incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer, as well as riding these amazing tracks on brand new BMW S1000RRs. So for the trip of a lifetime, visit LeodEscapes.com, now!
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In our first segment, Nic de Sena tells us all about his recent trip to Spain to ride the new 2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Suzuki did a slightly different spin on this particular launch where they split the journalists into teams of 3, and had a 6-hour endurance ‘race’ to see how well everyone fared. Nic gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to the new Gixxer and for such long track sessions!
Rider Market from just outside Orlando, Florida, is the winner of the recent Royal Enfield BTR Build-Off competition in the Road Race category. Brian Koster is the Parts Director at Rider Market and he tells us briefly about the machine and parts he selected that made this retro-looking Royal Enfield stand out and take the trophy.
Our guest for this episode is Brian Bentley. A few years ago, just prior to Covid, Brian had a chance to buy a Ducati 916. He’s always been a major fan of the bike ever since it launched in the early nineties. He’d actually been looking for a 748 for a while, but when this great example came to his attention he couldn’t resist. The only snag was that it was completely disassembled. So, Brian did what any reasonable bike-fanatic would do: he loaded all the endless boxes of parts into the trunk of his SUV, headed home to Daytona Beach, and started the build. Brian recounts the story of this incredible machine and what eventually happened to it in the end.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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