IMO the only stuff that really breaths well is gor-tex...but it's stupid expensive. To much for me to justify for my sledding gear. I like FXR, CKX, etc...for the value it provides. I tried to layer with a shell like I do when I ski but that didn't work for me trail riding. For me an insulated jacket is a must and when I get stuck or am working I sweat....it is what it is I guess.

Good luck, I hope you find the right balance...

 

When I was riding throughout quebec, best jacket I've had was a gor-tex reima, but they're no longer around. I wore the jacket with a good set of choko bibs. The jacket was amazingly water resistant to. Gor-tex as a rule itself isn't all that warm, unless its well insulated, which this jacket was.

 

I like my klim outfit . All insulated, I just layer underneath according to conditions. Most of the time I’m not using any additional layers. It takes near single digits or less to start adding. If you’re stuck digging out I don’t care there is nothing light enough. It’s like many things it’s a compromise.

 

I was recently at Royal looking at gear and I noticed a few things. One was that FXR doesn't seem to be a more economical alternative to gear like Tobe or Klim anymore. I looked at the Renegade jacket which is a floater and was $670! I did notice that it's a two in one jacket so you can remove the inner vest on warmer days and it seems to have a lot more venting than jackets of the past.

CKX seems to be, according to the pricing on their website, a more frugal alternative. Unfortunately there's just not a lot of feedback or reviews of their stuff anywhere.

For me I'm going to hang on to what I have for a few more years.

 

The lighter klim gear would probably be up you alley. Spendy, but really good. Me and my wife spend around $800 total for both of us to get new bibs. We got tired of having cold legs. Klims warmest bibs solved that problem. I don't recall ever having damp legs in any way. Also the best fitting bibs I've ever had too with their tall and short for each size. The built in knee pads are a plus, and my legs are no longer cold!

 

I do like a shell and layering. I ride a little trail with the layers on, go off trail, take of a layer, get stuck work up a sweat, put on the layer and on trail back.
If I would have a insulated jacket, I would be all too warm off trail and sweaty on that trail ride back, meaning I'd be cold. F that! Rather put some time in layering.
But I do have a big box on the back of the sled, so it's easy to have that layer (or even more and/or dry bits) in there.
If I really don't do much trail riding and mostly off trail riding, I don't bother with the extra layer, I will be cold on the trail ride in, but warm while off trail riding and still warm enough (from the work out) on the way back.

BTW, Only talking about the jacket, my pants are insulated.
And I always wear thermal underwear (top and bottom).

 

Picked up Klim Keewenaw jacket and Klimate pants on sale last Royal last year. Warmest, most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn.

 

I checked out a buddy’s Klim Keewenaw jacket and tried it on. Nice looking coat but thought the quality would be a bit better for the price they regular sell them for tbh.
Ended up ordering the Tobe Iter v2 jacket and bibs.
It was an amazing deal on last year's stuff so I got the jacket for about half price. The stuff looks extremely high quality in pictures so I can't wait to see it

 

Been wearing the klim Keweenaw jacket and bib pants, very warm in the coldest conditions along with a layer. Also have the waist high only pants for warmer weather. The only thing I would change is the jackets longer tail length but that’s part of the design I guess.

 

CKX Jacket/Pants

I’m looking to see if anyone on here has experience with/or is currently using CKX branded riding gear. In particular, insulated jacket and pants. I currently own a CKX Mission helmet and love it. Looking for any feedback would be nice. My searches on here turn up mostly helmet posts. I...

www.hardcoresledder.com

Post #10 is my review on CKX gear. I’m not disappointed but you may be looking for something different compared to what I was

 

I was a long time Klim fan, but I have recently switched over to FXR I do most of my riding in Quebec and find that my FXR gear is warmer and more versatile than my Klim gear ever was.
I have the adrenaline coat and pants they are both extremely comfortable and the coat has a removable liner that I only use when the temps get down below zero. Also they have the float technology which is a good thing.

 

FXR is nice stuff.. if I wear my klim out before I hang this sport up I’d buy FXR.