Klim PowerXross Pullover

What it is

• Klim's snow product that transfers over for moto use.
• Gore-Tex waterproof and designed to fit right.

Made from a Gore-Tex Performance shell with 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Reflective insets and YKK zippers, the Klim PowerXross Pullover is a snow or winter sports item that crosses over well into moto use. It is guaranteed to keep you dry with a lightweight shell that boasts, using a moisture wicking liner and giving maximum mobility. Being a pullover is has a generous upper front and a side zipper to allow easy entry and maximum adjustability. The hoodie is adjustable and can be rolled and strapped closed. The sleeve cuffs are velcro adjustable with a thumb-hole gaiter. There are side vents and hand-warmer pockets that have a strapped key clip on one side and a goggle chamois in the other. There are four colorways and sizes from XS to 3XL. The retail price is $299 and $329 for the 3XL. You can get the info at: https://www.klim.com/Powerxross-Pullover-3572-008

How it works

• Lightweight, durable, functional and well though out.
• Fit is generous but not floppy or too baggy.
• Works for more than just riding.

I was complaining, as usual, about some piece of Klim gear that went away or changed-- the PowerXross Pullover was suggested as an alternative. “It may not be the same, after all it is a snow piece, but give it a try,” I was told. And am I glad I did. This is the secret weapon of multi temperature, changing weather conditions riding gear. For me, where I like to have the ability to be aggressive with my riding but not be uncomfortable in my gear, the PowerXross is a winner. 

https://youtu.be/_I22d1g5rLA

First it is lightweight but not flimsy and fragile. The shell material is robust and can take dragging across branches and the usual abrasion with minimal damage, an important consideration in a jacket at this price level. The fit is just loose and roomy enough to allow free movement but not be too floppy or baggy. With the cinch straps at the waist and in the hood you can “lock-down”--along with the sleeve cuffs--the fit to your body but not be restricted in movement. The cut of the sleeves is awesome in that the movement of shoulders and arms is unrestricted and unbinding and the gauntlets really keep the elements from getting inside. Some riders hate these, especially when the temperatures go up, but these were loose enough that when not extended out using the thumb holes they were not so noticeable.  It is like the pullover floats on top of you, keeping you warm and dry but without you noticing it. 

Waterproof is a tough claim and this piece pulled it off repeated times in everything from drizzle to driving rain to snow. In pouring rain I actually put the hoodie on, cinched tight under my helmet, tighten down the waist strap and have never been dryer when arriving home aside from a full-on one piece rain suit. With the gauntlets you can double layer at the wrists too.

For warmth the shell keeps the wind out and holds a fair amount of heat in. There is no insulation to speak of. Properly combining layers, like Klim’s 1.0 Aggressor shirt could take me from the high 30s to the high 60’s with some vent openings when it warmed allowing aggressive riding and not freezing or burning up. The ease of opening the front zipper and side vents allowed plenty of air flow quickly if needed and additional layers could be used if the temps were not going up that high. The Gore-Tex does breath and it seems to have gotten better than 10-years ago but I can still sweat myself wet if I’m really working and have the jacket all closed up. The cut is generous enough to allow even a heavy sweatshirt level underneath if needed. On the adventure bike with sustained wind blast layers were more important but the protection from elements was as good as anything.

When you don’t need the pullover it’s lightweight ( 1lb. 12 oz.) and can be balled up inside the hoodie and stuffed into most backpacks. It compresses into the size of about two grapefruits. When you don’t want the hood flapping around it has a strap that ties to a hanger strap on the neck so it stays rolled up and out of the way.

The hand warmer pockets are in the right spot, fleece lined and generous for carrying things as needed.. It was nice to have the goggle cloth as a nice touch. I even added a goggle cloth to another of my favorite jackets (such a good idea) but without the attachment strap, it vanished. Also with the side zipperbeing able to open from the bottom and the center zippper all the way open, you can get the PowerXross on and off over a helmet.

It went in the washer machine and came out like new every time. It took stints in the dryer with no trouble either. After a more than full season of use my pullover looks basically brand new, even the brush bashed sleeves. The zippers are robust and took mud and lots of sand without a glitch. 

As a dirt bike and adventure bike riding only jacket the PowerXross excelled. What gave it even more value was I was wearing it as a causal and functional piece more than a riding jacket. It was the one I threw on when going out first thing in the morning. It was in the truck in case of a rain shower. It was there for when it got cold in the evening. It’s style is no more out of place than any normal hoodie in reality. Klim calls it “Maximum Minimalism” and I prefer to think of it as Maximum Useage. It goes way beyond just a snow piece but I may have also found my new snowboard/ski shell too. 

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