The do-it-all dual sport riding kit by KLIM.

The Dakar line has been around for quite a while now, but every year it has improved. This KLiM system is our go-to for almost every type of riding we do, for many reasons. It’s durable, comfortable, versatile, and designed with the rider’s experience in mind.

In its most basic form, the Dakar is a great dirt bike setup. With a set of in-the-boot pants and a jersey over your base layer and dirt armor, you’re ready to take on a day of singletrack, racing, and more while wearing something that can take abuse and keep you from overheating. With the right armor and helmet, this setup also works great as a hot weather dual sport kit.

For a more dual-sport approach, the Dakar jacket comes into play. With much more abrasion protection than the jersey alone, you’ll have a stronger layer between your skin and the pavement. Naturally, a jacket like this will definitely be warmer than a jersey, but the Dakar jacket does an impressive job with ventilation that can be open or closed.

The biggest advantage here is the fact that the jacket can have D3O armor installed directly into it, as well as the out-of-the-boot Dakar pants. Without the need for dirt armor underneath the gear, the suit has a feeling of something in between an adventure riding setup and a dirt setup, which is in essence what dual sporting is all about. Some riders find this more comfortable as it ventilates better and is less constricting, and taking off the jacket alone without walking around with torso armor on can be handy. Just put on a base layer, slip on the pants and jacket, and you’re off.

Our favorite single piece of this lineup is the jacket, because of its versatility. It can also be used over the dirt setup for added protection, colder mornings, and a bit more pockets for storage. The sleeves can be zipped off and stored in a large pocket on the back, and the corners of the collar can be strapped back to let more air in. With two chest vents, four arm vents (the lower of which has a two-way zipper), and two back vents, the jacket lets an impressive amount of air through while moving.

We have received the same question about the jacket many times: “Is it waterproof?”, which, it is definitely not. This is an advantage to the venting of the material. Our solution: the Forecast kit. With the easily packable GORE-TEX jacket, pants, and over gloves, you’ll be able to ride in the rain without getting yourself and your gear soaked.

If you’re a rider looking for versatility and durability in your gear for changing conditions, the 2019 KLIM Dakar layering system is for you.