Brand new for 2011, Firstgear is releasing three new redesigns of staple jackets in their lineup, two of which are for the men and one for the ladies. The Firstgear Kilimanjaro Jacket has been a perennial contender going toe-to-toe with the multi-season touring and commuting jackets from other leading brands. For the redesigned model, there are significant upgrades and improvements, while the price has remained the same. The very popular Firstgear Kilimanjaro Women's Jacket has received these same updates. The Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket and Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants, a favorite of the all-season all-weather ADV rider, sees improvements over the previous iteration that will please all the dualsporters out there.
With premium d3o molecular-level armor previously only seen in their TPG line, the Firstgear Kilimanjaro right off the bat is lighter and more protective. They've also switched from a 600D polyester shell to a 400D nylon shell with 640D high-density nylon in the shoulders and elbows. The 400D nylon is actually lighter, more abrasion resistant, and more resistant to heat from the sun than the heavier polyester material of yore. Further upgrades include: a more tailored and streamlined fit to combat the "tent" effect that many riders complained of and a redesigned ventilation system with front vents moved to the upper chest and back vents changed to a vertical design to optimize airflow.
Receiving the same upgrades as the men's version yet designed and cut specifically to accommodate a woman's curves and contours, the Firstgear Women's Kilimanjaro represents the same big step forward in features, functionality and comfort as the men's does.
For the adventurer, enduro, or dualsport rider, check out our Firstgear Kathmandu Review:
The Firstgear Kathmandu has seen solid upgrades over the previous iteration of this popular all-season all-weather ADV choice. As with the Kilimanjaro, Firstgear has upgraded the Kathmandu's armor with d3o molecular-level protectors in the shoulders and elbows that are fully adjustable for height to ensure proper placement. This is a big step up over the standard (and uncomfortable) CE armor used in the previous model. The backpad is also upgradeable to the d3o CE back protector for added safety. The venting has been redesigned with the large horizontal back exhaust being replaced by two vertical exhausts to improve venturi-effect airflow. In keeping the price point the same but packing new features, FG hit a home run with this one.
The new redesign of the Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants also touts the same molecular-level armor found in the jacket that bears its name and the Kilimanjaro jacket. In the pants, adjustable d3o armor can be found in the knees and hips for maximum comfort and protection. New pockets have been added to the Kathmandu, including a waterproof cargo pocket and two pass-through pockets that will allow you to access whatever you're wearing underneath. The entry zip configuration has also been changed from the rear of the calf to the side-leg, utilizing two-way YKK zippers and extending above the knee to allow accommodation of bulkier ADV boots. Again, improvements abound but price remains the same.
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