Klim Jackson pants in monument grey and petrol

The Jackson pant is not CE-approved, but as something that is designed for riding off-road, it perhaps doesn't need to be. Now, actually, we had always been of the belief that if a motorcycle trouser came with pockets for armour, it needed to be tested under EN 17092 for abrasion resistance. But it would appear that there is perhaps a grey area as far as off-road clothing is concerned. And what that means is that the abrasion resistance of the Jackson pants has not been tested. 

 

Now, when you're riding off-road, abrasion resistance is not, in truth, usually a consideration. You'll normally be riding across softer terrain, and if you come off you're unlikely to slide very far. The reality, however, is that many people will still find themselves riding on the road, in order to get to the trail head, as it is known. Of course, nobody is obligated to wear protective clothing at all. The only mandatory component is a helmet, but if you buy these pants you need to understand their limitations. Hit the deck at seventy, and the Jacksons won't put up much of a fight.

 

This having been said, the outer chassis of the Jackson pants is a respectable, 500 denier Cordura. A stretch canvas fabric is used for the pockets, the knees, the waist and the seat. You get goat leather up the insides of the legs although, in truth, this is not so much about protection as about helping you to get extra grip on the tank.

 

The adjustable armour pockets are designed to take D3O. Now you could use Ghost, but we wouldn't go down that route; it will move about too much. We would, at minimum, go for shaped armour, but if you're really going to be hitting the rough stuff we'd opt for Endura's D3O knee socks, or something like Rukka's RPS AFT pants.

 

In terms of detail, you get two incoming vents on the fronts of the thighs, and two, exhaust vents on the backs. You get two, jean-style front pockets, and two, gusseted cargo pockets that fastens with zips and poppers. The waist band has loops to take a belt. There's also a Velcro adjuster on elastic to tighten the fit if you don't want to wear a belt.

 

Listen, pants like the Jackson's are not our stock in trade, although we have increasing numbers of customers who are riding in conditions where pants like this are required. We think the Jacksons are lovely. They are well put together. They are lightweight. They will be cool to ride in. And they look the business. Just be aware of what they are, and what kind of riding they have been designed for; and you'll be fine!