Klim has announced what they are calling a “major leap forward in rider-focused innovation” with the introduction of its new Rogue Armor system. The company explains their latest innovation didn’t begin with a breakthrough—it started with frustration. When the Idaho-based gear maker set out to find armor pads that were thinner, lighter, and more breathable without compromising impact protection, the search came up empty. 

After extensive market research and testing, no existing solution met their demands, so Klim chose to build its own. Over the next five years, the company invested heavily in a new Rapid Prototyping Lab and Hard Parts Department, running hundreds of impact tests across countless compounds and structures. The result of that massive in-house effort is Rogue Armor, an all-new proprietary system that aims to deliver thinner, lighter, and more breathable pads without sacrificing impact absorption. 

Beyond Standard CE Testing

Motorcycle armor is typically certified under CE standards that require impact absorption tests in ambient and wet conditions. Optional hot and cold tests exist, but many products on the market do not undergo them. Klim’s Rogue Armor is designed to exceed those limitations, passing all four CE conditions—ambient, wet, hot, and cold. For riders who regularly encounter extreme environments, this broader certification could translate into more consistent protection across temperature ranges.

Level 1, Level 2, and EXP Options

The Rogue lineup includes both Level 1 and Level 2 pads, with Klim noting that its new Level 2 limb protectors are as thin as the company’s previous Level 1 pads. This reduction in bulk is intended to improve fit and comfort while maintaining higher protection standards. Breathability has also been emphasized, with the new design allowing better airflow and improved function of waterproof membranes such as GORE-TEX.

For riders seeking maximum coverage, Klim has developed Rogue EXP Level 2 pads. These expanded protectors cover more surface area than standard CE pads and are molded in asymmetrical patterns to balance impact absorption, flexibility, and ventilation. The EXP pads also pass all four CE test conditions, positioning them as a solution for riders tackling extreme heat or cold. Compact sizes will be available for smaller garments in Klim’s Badlands Pro, Badlands Pro A3, and Kodiak lines, ensuring fit across the size range.

Integration and Compatibility

Rogue Armor will be standard in all redesigned Klim outerwear beginning in the 2026 season, and offered as a standalone upgrade for existing gear. Importantly, the pads are backwards compatible with prior generations of Klim gear, allowing riders to retrofit existing jackets and pants. Most Rogue pads follow standard CE dimensions, meaning they can also be used to upgrade adventure suits from other brands, though Klim advises riders to confirm fit with customer service before purchasing. The EXP pads, however, are proprietary in size and tailored specifically to Klim’s lineup.

The Rogue Armor launch coincides with Klim’s overhaul of its Adventure and Touring collections. The 2026 gear features refined GORE-TEX construction, improved mobility, updated pocket layouts, and streamlined ventilation systems. The integration of Rogue Armor is intended to reduce overall garment weight and bulk while enhancing comfort and protection. 

Klim’s Rogue Armor represents a significant step in the company’s push to control more of its protective technology rather than relying on third-party suppliers. For ADV riders, the promise of thinner, lighter pads that still meet expanded CE standards is compelling, though real-world performance will ultimately determine whether Rogue lives up to its billing. With availability slated for spring 2026, riders will soon have the chance to test whether Klim’s years of development deliver meaningful improvements on the trail.

List of Rogue armor coming Spring 2026

• Level 1 & 2 Knee
• Level 1 & 2 Elbow
• Level 1 & 2 Shoulder
• Level 1 & 2 Hip
• Level 1 & 2 Back
• Level 1 Split Chest
• EXP Level 2 Knee
• EXP Level 2 Hip
• EXP Level 2 Elbow
• EXP Level 2 Shoulder