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Different strokes for different folks, the saying goes, but if you ask any of us at the Bike EXIF HQ, the best riding gear is the stuff that doesn’t immediately look like riding gear. Of course, it has to be comfortable and safe and all that, but we’re just not the type of guys to hop off at the local spot in a snazzy sport bike jacket without developing some serious social anxiety.
The explosion of riding hoodies, flannels and jeans on the market proves that we’re not alone in this belief, and there’s never been a better time to cop some understated riding gear if your brain’s wired like ours. With my old threads looking tired after several summers of leaky old Harleys and dusty dual-sport adventuring, I couldn’t have been happier to receive a package from Klim containing smart and subtle new gear.
Klim Marrakesh Jacket Designed in the U.S. and made in Vietnam, there’s a lot to like about the Klim Marrakesh jacket right out of the package. The chassis feels sturdy, the armor is seamlessly integrated and the jacket could easily pass for everyday street wear. It’s relatively lightweight, and the fit and cut are right on the money (even for a spare-parts assembly like me).
You shouldn’t believe everything (or maybe anything) you read on the internet, but I’m here to tell you that it wasn’t marketing hyperbole when Klim said the Marrakesh “may be the most comfortable motorcycle jacket you ever wear.” The chassis is a tightly woven, four-way-stretch 1000D Karbonite Micromesh Cordura textile, which is a mouthful, but the point is that this jacket has a huge amount of stretch.
That may be a foreign concept in an armored riding jacket, but I’m telling you, it’s a game-changer. The chassis stretches in all the right ways when you move, meaning there’s no awkward pulling from the armored areas, and the jacket tail and sleeve cuffs stay right where you want them to be.
Another standout feature of the Marrakesh comes down to airflow. The woven fabric and perforated inner liner keep you cool and comfortable on warm days, and should the temperature drop, the cut of the Marrakesh easily allows you to toss on an additional layer without adding too much bulk. The dropped tail protects you from any indecent exposure and an adjustable cinch strap along the bottom allows you to tighten things up if need be.
But of course, protection is the name of the game, and the Klim Marrakesh makes use of some of the best armor in the business. Mesh hook-and-loop pockets in the shoulders and elbows are fit with D3O Ghost vented armor, and the back pad is D3O Viper. Some of the smartest armor on the market, these D3O products are exceptionally slim, breathable and flexible, and the non-sacrificial material is proven to stiffen on impact to mitigate injury.
Klim hasn’t gone as far as incorporating Kevlar zone reinforcements or similar features, but the Karbonite Cordura textile does offer exceptional abrasion resistance. Both the D3O Ghost and Viper armor are CE Level 1 rated, and the jacket receives an overall CE AA rating certified to EN 17092-3. Put simply, this is stellar performance for an everyday riding jacket.
It seems they’ve thought of all the right supporting features as well. The Marrakesh has one inside zippered pocket on the chest, an external chest pocket (equipped with a strap for key fobs), two external zippered hand pockets and a forearm ID/stat card sleeve.
That’s the perfect amount for retaining your everyday-carry items with room to spare, and they’re all fit with YKK zippers with sensible pulls for riding with gloves. They’ve also done an exceptional job integrating 3M Scotchlite Carbon-Black reflective material along the arms and shoulders to increase visibility at night.
All that may read a bit like a spec sheet, but it’s these smart features that make the Klim Marrakesh work so well. It’s a spectacular grab-and-go option that fits the bill for cruisers, dual-sports and street riders, and I struggled to come up with anything to gripe about, other than the exposed zipper, which could lead to scratches on sport bike tanks.
It’s best to remain as impartial as possible in these instances, but credit where credit is due—the Klim Marrakesh is probably the best riding jacket I’ve worn.
Klim Outrider Pant In my corner of the globe, Klim became a household name for their technical snowmobiling gear, but they started making massive inroads in the motorcycle gear scene in the mid-2000s. Klim’s moto-focused gear catalog keeps you covered from head to toe these days, and their selection of riding pants is exceptional (including riding jeans, moto pants and full-on adventure gear). Like the Marrakesh, I opted for something with everyday usability, landing on the Outrider pant in a casual brown duck color.
Fans of Carhartt, Dickies and so on will find themselves right at home in the Outrider. They’re made in Mexico with a regular canvas construction, double-layered on the cuffs and knees. You won’t find any fancy abrasion-resistant textiles in the single-layer construction, but I wouldn’t expect to for the price, and the Outrider is somewhat breathable with a slight amount of stretch. Branding is perfectly subtle, consisting only of a leather tag on the beltline and a custom button.
They feel a whole lot like regular duck canvas work pants, but the fit runs big in my experience. They’re longer and baggier than my standard fit, and I’d probably suggest sizing down if you don’t typically ride with a base layer. The fit is an important consideration with riding pants because it affects the way the knee protection sits relative to your body.
On the topic of armor, Klim equips the Outrider with sewn-in mesh pockets at the hips and knees, loaded with D3O Ghost armor. The flexible armor measures just 0.65 cm in thickness, making it effectively invisible. The hip armor is integrated so well, you don’t feel it at all, but you do notice the extra layers at the knee. As equipped, the Outrider has a pending Level A CE rating (EN 17092-4), which we feel is fitting for the price and casual cruising.
While the hip armor loads like a standard riding jacket, the hook-and-loop pocket for the knee armor is nestled between the double layers and is accessed from the outside. That means you could easily ditch the knee armor without undressing after the ride is through.
Other mindful features of the Outrider include reflective strips on the cuffs that are revealed only when you roll them up, increasing visibility after dark. In addition to your standard pockets, Klim built in a cellphone pocket on the right thigh and a coin pocket within the right pocket for keys or other small items.
This might be going out on a limb, but I also suspect that the riveted hand pockets are cut a bit higher and tighter on the Outrider, which would do a better job holding onto any items left inside during the ride. Another smart addition is a stretch zone in the crotch, and I appreciated that there are no metal features in the entire lap and inseam area that could lead to scratches.
Available in black, desert sand and brown duck, the Outrider is a stylish option for cruisers, standards and more, all at a great price point—just make sure you double-check the sizing guide. And one more tidbit: if your rides frequently get messy like mine, I’d opt for the black. Bonus points awarded if you can spot the fresh stain from the oil bag on my mid-’70s XL Sporty.
Klim | Images by Jeff Bruss
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Every August, hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend on the Black Hills of Sturgis, South Dakota. Founded in 1938 as the Black Hills Classic, the 10-day rally is now one of the biggest rallies in the world, seeing over 470,000 motorcycle riders in 2024.
With a year-round population of just over 7,000, campgrounds like the Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon take up a bulk of the visitors, providing rally goers with cabins, RVs and most of all, tent camping. Anyone who has spent the night shivering in their tent can attest that camping is not for the faint of heart.
In conjunction with a good shelter, a quality sleeping bag is an essential part of motorcycle camping. For those who find sleeping bags too restrictive or too expensive for occasional use, there are options. These alternatives can be easier to pack, more versatile, and less costly. Here are five alternatives to sleeping bags we’d consider for our next camping trip.
1. Baja Leather Falsa Blanket Serape blankets hold a deep-rooted place in Mexican culture. Their bold patterns and sturdy weave offer more than just visual appeal—they’re tough, multi-functional, and can be easily strapped to handlebars or saddlebags using high-quality leather straps. For riders who value tradition, utility, and a touch of personality in their gear, the Baja Leather Falsa Blanket offers a timeless alternative to conventional sleeping options.
Baja Leather’s Falsa Blanket is a modern interpretation of the traditional Mexican serape, blending cultural heritage with rugged practicality for motorcycle camping. Handmade in Mexico and measuring 80″ x 52,” this blanket is crafted from a durable mix of acrylic, polyester, and cotton. While it may not pack down as small or insulate as well as a technical sleeping bag, its resilience and versatility make it a useful and stylish layer around camp or as a ground cover. [Baja Leather]
2. Abel Brown Alpha Blanket For motorcycle campers who sleep warm or dislike the restrictive feel of a sleeping bag, the Abel Brown Alpha Blanket is an excellent alternative. Designed with versatility in mind, this camping quilt features corner snaps that let you wrap it around yourself like a cloak or even ‘taco’ yourself on colder nights. With a generous full size of 80″ x 51″ and weighing just 1 lb 6 oz, it strikes a great balance between comfort and packability.
Filled with Abel Brown’s synthetic down, the Alpha Blanket offers impressive loft and insulation while drying significantly faster than natural down if it gets wet—an important feature when weather conditions are unpredictable. Its ability to compress down to a compact 8″ x 6″ size makes it ideal for space-conscious travelers. These features make the Alpha Blanket an excellent minimalist option, well-suited for two-wheeled adventurers seeking a cozy but flexible sleep setup. [Abel Brown, Photos by Mark Kirkland]
3. Rumpl Deep Ember Blanket Rumpl’s Flame Puffy Blanket is a standout option for those who enjoy winding down by the fire after a long day on the road. Featuring a proprietary EmBarrier ember-resistant shell, this full-sized blanket offers a layer of protection that traditional synthetic camping gear lacks. While not fireproof, the shell is engineered to resist most stray sparks and embers, making it ideal for cozying up near fire rings or bonfires without the worry of melted holes.
Weighing just over 3 pounds and packing down to a compact 6.3″ x 14.2,” the Flame Puffy is larger than some options, but still manageable for motorcycle panniers. It includes thoughtful features like a hands-free cape clip, paracord corner loops, and a zippered stash pouch, combining performance and practicality. With a 100% post-consumer recycled liner and insulation, plus easy machine-wash care, it’s a rugged and responsible companion for chilly nights under the stars. [Rumpl]
4. Down Pants and Jackets An often overlooked alternative to a traditional sleeping bag is the use of down jackets and pants. This modular approach offers excellent thermal insulation while significantly reducing bulk. Unlike a sleeping bag, which is typically a single-purpose item, down clothing can serve multiple functions—keeping you warm during cold evenings at camp, boosting your sleep system’s insulation, or acting as emergency layers during early starts or unexpected weather changes. With modern advancements in fabric and insulation technology, down apparel is now warm enough to serve as the core of a lightweight sleep setup.
For example, the Rab Argon Down Pants are filled with premium 800FP hydrophobic down and designed for warmth without weight. They feature a Pertex Quantum shell, an insulated two-way front fly, and pack down small enough for any expedition. Paired with the Rab Mythic Alpine Jacket, which uses 900FP European goose down and breathable, durable 10D Pertex Quantum fabric, you have a versatile upper body layer that’s both ultralight and extremely warm. Together, this combo provides the insulation equivalent of a high-end sleeping bag while offering the freedom and adaptability needed in cold, fast-changing environments. [Rab]
5. SOL Emergency Blanket Not every camping trip starts as a camping trip. Incidents like inclement weather or breakdowns can quickly turn a day trip into an overnight. Solutions that can pack down small and are budget-friendly provide an alternative for riders who don’t intend to camp but want to be prepared. Designed to reflect up to 90% of body heat, the SOL Emergency Blanket offers essential warmth in unexpected overnight situations.
Made from tear-resistant, vacuum-metalized polyethylene, it’s far more durable than standard mylar blankets and won’t shred when punctured. At just 2.9 oz and packing down to the size of a deck of cards, it’s small enough to stash in a tank bag or handlebar pouch without a second thought.
Despite its minimalist footprint, it provides reliable windproof and waterproof protection from the elements, and opens to 56″ x 84,” offering ample coverage for one person. While not a long-term solution, it’s an excellent emergency or ultralight option for riders who prefer to travel lean but prepared. [Survive Outdoors Longer]
While a traditional sleeping bag remains a solid choice for many riders, it’s clear that there are several compelling alternatives for motorcycle campers seeking versatility, packability, and performance. Having a sleep system that matches your needs can make the difference between a cold, restless night and waking up ready to ride.
This article contains affiliate links, which means Bike EXIF may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we referenced.
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