Tech: How Klim used NASA tech to take kit to the next level

KLIM turn to NASA materials to build first AAA Gore-Tex product

‘The material is also used in astronaught’s space suits’

Clothing supremos Klim have created the world’s first Gore-Tex motorcycle outfit that also achieves the tough CE-AAA certificate. Called the Badlands Pro A3, the new suit takes the AArated Badlands Pro and builds on it with a brand-new, high-tech outer shell. How have they done it? They looked to outer space. Creating any AAA-rated garment is tough as it is. To pass the CE test at the highest possible level, the main impact zones will be tested against a concrete block at speeds of 74mph, with the secondary zones at speeds of 45mph. Simple enough you may think – there’s a few products out there that have achieved this rating – but that’s not the hard part. The real issue for Klim was incorporating the Gore-Tex layer at the same time as making sure the protection was top-notch. Using a waterproof Gore-Tex Pro membrane is a key component of many of Klim’s jackets and it’s what makes them such versatile adventure garments.

But clothing manufacturers have to meet agreed levels of breathability, waterproofing etc to be able to carry the Gore name. In the case of Gore-Tex Pro fabric, the product must score less than six on what’s known as a Ret test. The test involves simulating perspiration to see how much water vapour will escape and anything less than six on the Ret scale is deemed breathable enough for heavy activity. To create a fabric that was strong enough to pass the CE AAA test but also breathable enough to pass the Ret test meant using a brand new material never before used on bike clothing: Vectran.

Vectran is a multifilament yarn that’s spun from liquid crystal polymers to create a strand that’s five times stronger than steel for a fraction of the weight. It’s found uses in everything from casings on bike tyres to lining the spacesuits used by astronauts. By weaving Vectran with Cordura, Klim were able to create a fabric that’s breathable, strong and light. Compared to the AA rated Badlands Pro, the material is 17% stronger and 10% lighter.

For the final pièce de resistance the high impact areas such as the knees, shoulders and elbows are covered in Superfabric, a special material covered in hundreds of tiny highly abrasion resistant ceramic balls.

All this tech doesn’t come cheap though, with the suit costing well over two grand. Ouch, that hurts.

Strong underneath Inside the jacket there’s also stacks of CE Level 2 D3O Aero Pro armour, as well as chest and back protectors

Nothing for free All this protection comes at a cost: the Badlands Pro A3 jacket is £1500 while the matching trousers add another £900 to the bill Cool inside Even though the fabric is already breathable, there are 14 vents that can be individually opened and closed Keeping you safe Klim also offer a crash protection guarantee – if you have an accident in your Klim gear within five years of buying it, they’ll replace it for free