Jackets Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket?

Gustave

Joined
May 7, 2010
Messages
27
Location
Maine
Bike
2006
Considering this:
Kilimanjaro Jacket from Motorcycle Gear
as a replacement jacket for what I have right now.

The price is about right. I'll be getting it in neon yellow. And I plan to use it at least 3 seasons, probably four. I'm replacing a black leather jacket, which isn't waterproof.

Anyone have any experience with this jacket, or have a recommendation for something else in neon yellow? I have a pair of FG HT overpants, which I like, so I was trying to stay with Firstgear, but if you have a good recommendation, I'll take it. I'm looking for a 3/4 season jacket (for Maine) that can handle the cold. And rain, so if you know about that, too, it'll be helpful.

The jacket has some nice features, and Revzilla has a video of the jacket being worn and torn down and examined.

Suggestions appreciated. More than $300 isn't going to happen right now, though. I use it for commuting, and touring.
 
fnmag said:
The Kilimanjaro jacket is a very good one.
Click to expand...

+100 on that!!!
Have had mine over 10 years now, still going strong. Not completely waterproof of course,,, but with a regular spray of silicone, it will turn a LOT of water before you get wet. Pockets galore,,,, maybe TOO many,,, cause I've found stuff in them I forgot I put there! With the right layers, I've been good down to 26 degrees. Really hot weather is not good in it,,, but anything under 80-85 should be OK.
300 sounds a little steep,,, have you checked around?
 
Do the folks that have it like it in the rain?
I have the Jute which is supposed to be waterproof. It is for about 40 minutes.......of my 50 minute commute.

fwiw the highliter yellow kilimanjaro is polyester the other colors nylon.
any thoughts on abrasion resistance and melting in a slide?
 
Thanks for the quick replies! I hadn't expected that!

scootac said:
With the right layers, I've been good down to 26 degrees. Really hot weather is not good in it,,, but anything under 80-85 should be OK.
300 sounds a little steep,,, have you checked around?
Click to expand...

I've already had a ride at around 26, or a bit lower, with my leather jacket. I'm wondering if what I have is actually better cold weather. It's just a quilted liner, and I do fine with a fleece underneath.

The jacket is 255 on a few sites (on sale right now). I can't find lower in my size, although there are clearance items lower, from past seasons (again, not my size).

I hadn't thought about the neon being polyester. It does note that on the page I linked, too. I figured I'd be replacing any jacket (and helmet) I'm using after an accident. I'd hope it was good enough for one slide, though. Um, maybe?

edit: It's been pointed out in a faq that I read that the Neon yellow does not actually have the updated cloth that the other jacket colors have (read: improved protection), as has already been pointed out. So you're paying for upgrades that the jacket doesn't have if you get yellow. A bit disappointed with that. The gray one is nice, too, and if I need high rez, I can get a vest I suppose. Any additional thoughts on this?
 
If you've never had a new textile jacket in winter you'll find out the textile beats leather many times over in stopping the cold and wind.

Raymond
 
I have a Kilimanjaro jacket. It's a good cold weather jacket with the liner installed, and tolerable to about eighty degrees with the liner out and the vents open.
MotorcycleGear (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ckets/first_gear/kilimanjaro_jacket_2012.html) has them for $255, with a $15 gift card.

You might also want to look at the Tourmaster Transition II. (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ition_series_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html) I wore one of these previoiusly, and I think I'd seriously consider it if I needed to replace the Kilimanjaro. About $65 less than the Kilimanjaro, at $189, and just as good a jacket (in my opinion.)

I've ridden in a lot of rain with the Tourmaster, and found it pretty dry, more so than the Kilimanjaro. (I think it has to do with the fit around the neck.)
 
FWIW, I've had Kilimanjaro jackets since 1999. I wear one jacket from 20 degrees to over 100 and used to LOVE this jacket. In my opinion the newer models are not as good as the older ones. I've swithed to Olympia and am much happier.

I returned my last Kilimanjaro and had it replaced at no cost. It still didn't hold up like the prior one. Steve also has one. He doesn't wear it very much. The jaceket has about 20,000 miles on it. The shouler pads are fraying and all the velcro is shot. It's being sent back shortly.

I hate to be negative about a jacket that I used to really, really like. But, this jacket just isn't what it used to be. :(
 
I've had a Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket for over three years and have been quite pleased with it. I've ridden in extreme downpours and have stayed fairly dry with just a bit of leakage at the neck (which isn't uncommon for any jacket). I'd buy one again. Temp-wise, I'd agree with the previous posters - 80?F and lower.

Steve
 
Mary-Anne said:
FWIW, I've had Kilimanjaro jackets since 1999......... In my opinion the newer models are not as good as the older ones.

But, this jacket just isn't what it used to be. :(
Click to expand...

I've wondered about this. Bought mine in '99 also,,, at the BMWMOA Rally in Rhinebeck NY. Jackets I know are newer don't seem as 'heavy',,, as far as the material used. Anybody know if this is true???
 
scootac said:
I've wondered about this. Bought mine in '99 also,,, at the BMWMOA Rally in Rhinebeck NY. Jackets I know are newer don't seem as 'heavy',,, as far as the material used. Anybody know if this is true???
Click to expand...

They have changed the padding in them to be lighter. Looking for the link I'll post it up when I find it. Got it.

http://www.firstgear-usa.com/TPG/CSSd3oArmor.html
 
roginoz said:
MotorcycleGear (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ckets/first_gear/kilimanjaro_jacket_2012.html) has them for $255, with a $15 gift card.

You might also want to look at the Tourmaster Transition II.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. That's where I've seen the jacket and I'm still pondering it at this point. Thanks also for the info on the other jacket. It looks interesting, as well.

reggie2349 said:
I just received the 2011 model for $169.99 with free shipping from here. Ron
Click to expand...

Thanks for that link. Unfortunately, they don't have it in my size. I like the new 2012, too, but was just disappointed with the cloth downgrade because of the Hi Vis option.

Mary-Anne said:
FWIW, I've had Kilimanjaro jackets since 1999. I wear one jacket from 20 degrees to over 100 and used to LOVE this jacket. In my opinion the newer models are not as good as the older ones. I've swithed to Olympia and am much happier.

I returned my last Kilimanjaro and had it replaced at no cost. It still didn't hold up like the prior one. Steve also has one. He doesn't wear it very much. The jaceket has about 20,000 miles on it. The shouler pads are fraying and all the velcro is shot. It's being sent back shortly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on their jackets. I'm not sure what to make of that, actually. I had been looking at the Olympia AST 2 jacket, too. It looks really nice, comes in the hi viz yellow, but was slightly above my price range of $300, and really $75 more than what I'm looking at now. Price makes a difference, but so does durability. I might take another look at it. Especially if anyone has something positive to say about it.

edit: I've just watched revzilla's video on the Olympia AST2 and really like that jacket. It doesn't compromise. I'm highly interested in this jacket now. Figures.
 
Last edited:
I ordered both a Kili and an Olympia AST2 last June. Returned the Kili and kept the AST2. It just seems to be the more versatile jacket, and fit me better.

It passed the rain test up in Canada at WeSTOC last June, although I hear some over on ADV riders have had leak issues with the zippers.
 
I picked up a Kathmandu, which is the next model up this fall. Used it a little and I think I will like it a lot. Trying to get waterproof gear, for traveling.

The Kathmandu I believe is a heavier fabric and has even MORE pockets (who needs saddle bags), and comes with a nicely integrated camelback hydration bladder. I have used it from about 80 down to the 30's and it seemed well suited to those temps. Kacket quality is good.

Sorry to throw another option in the mix.
 
roginoz said:
You might also want to look at the Tourmaster Transition II. (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...ition_series_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html) I wore one of these previoiusly, and I think I'd seriously consider it if I needed to replace the Kilimanjaro. About $65 less than the Kilimanjaro, at $189, and just as good a jacket (in my opinion.)

I've ridden in a lot of rain with the Tourmaster, and found it pretty dry, more so than the Kilimanjaro. (I think it has to do with the fit around the neck.)
Click to expand...

+1 on the Transition2. I love mine for the colder weather and it keeps the water out too.
 
Thanks for all the followups on the AST 2. I'm pretty much decided on that one at this point. I've read other reviews on it as well, and the water proofness seems to come down to the zippers. Some people say it's water proof in hours long rain and other are saying it leaks within an hour. What that means to me is, I just have to be careful with the zipper covers!

FOG said:
I picked up a Kathmandu, which is the next model up this fall. Used it a little and I think I will like it a lot. Trying to get waterproof gear, for traveling.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the vote on the Kath. I have actually already looked at this jacket and decided to not get it because it didn't come in the Hi Viz color option I wanted. Thank you, though!
 
My kili leaked bad. However it was one of the "waterproof" sheltex ones. Perhaps they've changed them. The features on mine were nice, but when I was feeling like a drowned rat the extra pockets didn't factor into my evaluation much. There was no warranty for the leaks so FG didn't stand behind their product or claims. The leaks were a deal breaker as far as I was concerned.
 
I have a FG jacket similar to the Kilimanjaro, but I think it has been discontinued. It's a GREAT winter jacket, and the only complaint I have about it is that the neck is a bit too tight for me. It gets a bit too snug when I wear my balaclava. Oh, and the other thing was that it only came in black. I got it on closeout from newenough for about $150, so it was a great deal. Luckily I won't have to replace it any time soon.
 
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