If you like your Klim gear, that's great. Just like with motorcycles, different strokes for different folks.
Early on, I bought TourMaster gear. Money was tight, and I didn't give Klim and the other high end pricey clothing lines more than a passing thought. Somewhere along the way, I stumbled on Olympia gear. The more I looked at it, the more I liked it. It ran about the same price as the TourMaster gear, just a few $$ more...but seemed very high quality and had the thoughtful touches that gear $150-200 more had. The only reason I sold my AST2 jacket, was because the upgraded model was on a clearance. I thought it might be smart to get the newest version and get more years out of a great jacket. I think I actually liked the AST2 better.
Then Olympia's owners sold out to a holding company that almost decimated it. Anything I buy now though, always has the Olympia gear as the standard I compare it to.
Klim gear to me has always made me shake my head in wonder. With my Olympia gear, I got a wind/waterproof liner that could be used when I took off the main jacket. Wear it into church. Wear it around the campfire. Wear it into the hardware store. It didn't leave you standing out in a rainy cold parking lot and getting wet and cold if you left your riding gear at the bike. Plus, there was an insulated liner that could be used separately also. That was really thoughtful.
What do I do with Klim gear? I spend $750 for a jacket that has no liners. None. Nada. I guess I'm supposed to go to REI and buy a waterproof liner or windbreaker for another $100+. And get some kind of insulated liner for cold weather.
It just seems like I pay more for less...and I'm supposed to be happy.
The HWK gear (like the Klim gear) also has less bulk than the Olympia Dakar pants I have. Olympia was very proud of using Cordura, which by nature is bulky. Someone earlier said the HWK gear held up well in a get-off. But what really bums me out, is HWK went through a price increase. It's absolutely outrageous! I think I bought my first HWK pants for $50 and they've gone up to ...wait for this...a whopping $60!!! Can you believe that kind of price gouging???!!! But at least they still have a lifetime warranty.
I can afford anything I want. I'm blessed in that way. But I feel like I want to get the value for the gear I buy. In the case of Klim, I personally feel like a lot of the money you pay...is for the name.
For those who will dismiss HWK gear as being made in China...look to see where your higher priced item is being manufactured? It's probably also China. So where does the extra money go???
Chris