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Throttle Closet
Full specification As published
Material600D Cordura textile
WaterproofingHipora waterproof/breathable membrane
ArmorCE-approved shoulder and elbow armor
LinerRemovable thermal quilted liner
WeightApprox. 3.5 lbs (size L)
Mass1587 g as published
Coverschest, back, shoulders, elbows
Bench rank103 of 200 on this site
Jacket · Rank 103 of 200

Firstgear Kilimanjaro Jacket

by Firstgear

An adventure-touring jacket with a Hipora waterproof membrane and 600D Cordura construction, built for riders covering long miles across changeable weather.

4.3 Rider rating 4.3 out of 5 Bench score 56/100
  • Waterproof Hipora membrane
  • Durable 600D Cordura build
  • Adaptable liner system
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Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail
Verdict

The Firstgear Kilimanjaro is a solid adventure-touring jacket built for riders who face varied weather and long miles in the saddle. Its waterproof Hipora membrane, durable Cordura shell and adjustable venting make it a dependable choice for cross-country or ADV riding, though the stock armor may warrant an upgrade for riders seeking more serious protection.

The Firstgear Kilimanjaro is built from a 600D Cordura textile shell aimed at riders logging serious mileage across unpredictable terrain and weather. A Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane liner handles wet conditions, and CE-approved armor covers the shoulders and elbows, with a back protector pocket available for riders who want to add coverage. At roughly 1587 grams for a size large, it is not the lightest jacket in the touring category, but the weight comes from a genuinely rugged construction rather than unnecessary padding. The combination of Cordura durability and a dedicated waterproof liner positions it squarely as a mile-tested piece of adventure-touring gear rather than a fashion-first jacket. rather than a fashion-first jacket for short rides.

Weather adaptability is the core selling point: the removable waterproof liner and a separate quilted thermal liner let the jacket be configured for hot, dry riding or cold, wet stretches without swapping jackets entirely. Adjustable vents pull air through during low-speed or hot-climate riding, preventing the clammy buildup that affects lesser jackets, and when temperatures drop the thermal liner zips back in for genuine three-season use. Multiple exterior and interior pockets provide practical storage, and reflective piping adds a visibility margin in low light. The stock armor at the shoulders and elbows is functional but feels minimal compared with some rivals, and riders wanting serious protection may want to upgrade it.

This jacket suits adventure and dual-sport riders who need one jacket to cover long, cross-country trips through varied weather rather than short commutes. Its roomy fit accommodates base layers well, but the jacket does feel bulky once the liner is fully zipped in, and its 1587-gram weight is noticeably heavier than sport-oriented alternatives. Colour options are limited compared with some touring competitors. For riders prioritising weatherproofing and Cordura durability over lightweight agility, the Kilimanjaro remains a dependable choice, though the stock armor is the clearest area where a budget-conscious buyer might look to upgrade. Compared with lighter sport-touring jackets, the Kilimanjaro trades some weight and packability for genuine cross-country durability and weatherproofing.

What works
  • Strong all-weather protection for touring
  • Durable, heavy-duty 600D Cordura fabric construction
  • Ventilation options help in hot climates
  • Removable liners adapt the jacket across seasons
  • Roomy fit accommodates base layers underneath
What doesn't
  • Feels noticeably bulky once the liner is fully installed
  • Armor inserts feel minimal, may need an upgrade
  • Heavier than sport-oriented jackets at 1587 grams
  • Fewer colour options than some touring rivals
Bench scorecard
Protection61Weather51Airflow53Comfort55Value62

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features
  • Waterproof Hipora membrane liner
  • 600D Cordura textile construction
  • Removable thermal quilted liner
  • CE-approved armor at shoulders and elbows
  • Back protector pocket for an upgrade
  • Adjustable vents for airflow control
  • Reflective piping for night visibility
  • Multiple external and internal storage pockets
Where it sits in jacket
This piece 56 Category median 52 Category best 65

Bench rank 11 of 50 in jacket. The median piece in this category scores 52; the best scores 65.

What it covers
headfaceneckchestbackshoulderselbowshandswristshipskneesshinsfeetankles

Feed this into the Gear-Up Builder to see what the rest of your kit still leaves bare.

Who it fits
  • A steady middle-of-the-road choice: nothing it does badly, nothing it wins outright.
Stack it against
Held Zeffiro 3.0Bench 65 · 4.6 ★
Klim Marrakesh JacketBench 62 · 4.6 ★
Klim Badlands Pro JacketBench 59 · 4.6 ★
Klim Induction JacketBench 54 · 4.6 ★