In the past, Klim used to be some of the best gear you could buy.
It had the molecular D3O armor that you would have to buy separately in most other gear. It had the thickest most protective material.
I recently looked at the newest version of the Latitude jacket. Most of the gear now has level 1 armor (this may be the same as in the past) whereas most manufacturers are now including level 2 molecular armor in their jackets.
Klim advertises the newest version of the latitude jacket as 'less bulky' and it's now 800 smackaroos...
So:
- less than average armor now compared to other more affordable jackets
- 'less bulky' = 'we can use cheaper material for the same product - and we can charge more'
I decided a Tourmaster Transition jacket at 1/4th the price and ce level 2 armor - but did have to buy a better back protector for $20, it actually fits better. No, it's not goretex which is a nice thing to have but rain gear is fine for me and even stuff w/goretex has to be treated.