North face or Columbia gear...anyone use?

[Klim]

I'd like to know how much support Klim actually gives. I'd bet its a very small percentage (it may not be- and if someone can show me then I'll eat my words) But I bet more money would go to snowmobiling if you bought a $200 coat and then joined a snowmobile club/organization than does if you buy a $400 klim coat and then let them donate for you.

Somebody take this bet and go all in. LOL

Again for the record, Klim build's its gear over sea's because we have no other option. Like it or not all of the technology and factories are based overseas. If you only need small quantities you can build in the USA, but you still have to bring in all the textiles and products from overseas. Please consider this. Our headquarters are based in Rigby Idaho. We keep it here because we believe in the USA. We could move to another country and take XXX jobs with us and save 40% on taxes but we believe in US so we choose to stay. When you buy Klim you support a US based company who employees XXX US citizens.

You would be extremely surprised how much money we donate to State organizations and private clubs nationwide. We support and donate to land closure issues in almost every snowmobiling state...enough that I won't let this post go without stating this just for the record.

SH Klim Sponsorship Coordinator

 

[FatDogX]

I know for a fact Klim donates to local clubs and such, as they have donated to us in the past.

Great product, great warranty and great people to deal with.

 

[mr.deeds]

Somebody take this bet and go all in. LOL

Again for the record, Klim build's its gear over sea's because we have no other option. Like it or not all of the technology and factories are based overseas. If you only need small quantities you can build in the USA, but you still have to bring in all the textiles and products from overseas. Please consider this. Our headquarters are based in Rigby Idaho. We keep it here because we believe in the USA. We could move to another country and take XXX jobs with us and save 40% on taxes but we believe in US so we choose to stay. When you buy Klim you support a US based company who employees XXX US citizens.

You would be extremely surprised how much money we donate to State organizations and private clubs nationwide. We support and donate to land closure issues in almost every snowmobiling state...enough that I won't let this post go without stating this just for the record.

SH Klim Sponsorship Coordinator

I have nothing against your company- it is great gear. But you didn't really answer my question (maybe you wont.... but when a selling point of buying Klim is that they donate to protect snowmobiling-- I would like to know what % of a $400 coat is being donated) As I said earlier... I bought a $200 coat- and then at a meeting I donated $50 bucks to a organization that i thought would help. (not that much money.... but I'm still willing to bet.)

I do appreciate what you do... because lots of people will not donate on their own--

 

[Double A]

Klim, there are USA made textiles. In fact they are very well made and could easily be used for the snowmobile gear.
You would be more correct in your statement above to say that a higher percentage of textiles are imported than are actually made in the USA.

 

[MORSNO]

Looks like I may end up riding naked! Good thing I live in Alaska, that way you all don't have to see my nuts hanging in the gas tank. Sorry for the visual!

Girdwood right?

Please get a set of pants/bibs so NONE of us get the visual!

 

[LoudHandle]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LoudHandle
Looks like I may end up riding naked! Good thing I live in Alaska, that way you all don't have to see my nuts hanging in the gas tank. Sorry for the visual!
Girdwood right?

QUOTE=MORSNO;3099303]Girdwood right?

Please get a set of pants/bibs so NONE of us get the visual![/QUOTE]

Actually Valdez, and I have plenty of gear, I was just trying to make the point that all the manufacture's have the ability to produce their products in America by Americans and they have made a business decision solely based on profit margin to have their stuff made overseas and then they try and blow smoke up our as-es and justify it by lying to us and claiming this or that like the Klim post!

 

[snowrdr]

Nope, both company's are supported by environmentalists and working to shut down riding areas.

They don't get a single dime from me. I prefer to give my money to company's like Klim and Motorfist who support the sport I love.

My two pennies.

Essentially, that sums it up. I know I shop carefully and make sure I buy from companies that do not support the 1% for the earth behavior. That rule is difficult to follow when buying fishing gear as well as cycling gear. In fact I bought a Scott road cycle, solely because they make snowmobile clothing, plus its a darn good cycle. I buy Fox gear for mountain biking, solely because without motorcross Fox would not exist. Fact of it is, you can buy excellent quality gear out there and not support, green groups.

While your pointing at snowmobile gear, I would really look into Motorfist, another Idaho based company who's focus is on Snowmobiling. While Klim makes excellent products, no question, they are very focused on penetrating the offroad/ATV racing market and its reasonable to think that the snow market is small enough for them that they may lose focus on making high quality snow gear. Klim is doing a great job promoting the ATV/MC racing program and it is consistent throughout the snow season with more mention of Dakar then snowmobile riders. Have moved all of our riding gear to Motorfist since Klim's diversion to heavy MC/ATV promotion and I am very happy with the Motorfist product and their customer service.

As for the American made label, you know it would be awesome if we could really count on that but for me reality hit, when I was opening boxes of Harley parts and while the bikes are American made, the parts, clothing and most accessories are made in China. So much for American Made Iron and like Klim described in their post, the 40% tax issue is a driving factor in decisions.

 

[CANNONMAN]

Go Klim. There product and warranty is absolutely perfect. I like my sled gear so much I just bought a new jacket and pants for my Sport Adventure Bike. I am glad to see they are branching out into new lines. The more they make, the more happy I am, as it will more than likely keep them in business.

 

[snowww1]

Klim is the way to go. I have owned North Face and Columbia. Klim is the best made and most well thought out clothing I have ever used.

Columbia is junk.

Northface is good for climbing and skiing, but not designed for snowmobiling.

Klim has the best product, best warranty and best customer service. That's why so many people are wearing it.

Mike Duffy
Avalanche1.com
Avalanche education for mountain riders.

 

[xrated]

Can I just point out that Gore-tex donates to Siera Club, etc...........




















You know since you all want to support American companies that support our sport.

 

[xrated]

I used to think I should really focus my meager spending cash on companies that support motorized use. Then I realized I would be better off beating my head against a wall.

I sled, but I also fish, hunt and enjoy water sports. Which means I use products from lots of companies and those companies often support tree hugger and green groups. Anyone own board shorts that aren't elastic waist with netting inside? Guess what you just threw money at environmental groups.


Sometimes if you want the best quality stuff it isn't gonna jive with every ideal you hold. And if you want to stick you your guns you better not buy Gore-tex or other quality items.

 

[Klim]

Klim, there are USA made textiles. In fact they are very well made and could easily be used for the snowmobile gear.
You would be more correct in your statement above to say that a higher percentage of textiles are imported than are actually made in the USA.

This is a correct statement. We use a lot of components made in the USA.

Thanks Double A

 

[Jaynelson]

On a side note:

I have a pair of Klim gloves that work very well. I had a warranty issue and they took care of it without issue. I also appreciate that a rep is on the site responding to comments/questions from all of us dorks. Regardless of whether the answer is EXACTLY what you're looking for....I believe that type post-purchase service distinguishes a company that gives a damn vs one that doesn't.

 

[KAWGRN]

Im looking for gear that stands up to Snowbiking, cuz you really get snow on you?? Im thinking E-vent which means Motorfist??? I too am tired of Black or Black or that other color,, Black

 

[Leaf27]

I have nothing against your company- it is great gear. But you didn't really answer my question (maybe you wont.... but when a selling point of buying Klim is that they donate to protect snowmobiling-- I would like to know what % of a $400 coat is being donated) As I said earlier... I bought a $200 coat- and then at a meeting I donated $50 bucks to a organization that i thought would help. (not that much money.... but I'm still willing to bet.)

I do appreciate what you do... because lots of people will not donate on their own--

Why do you want to know the exact numbers? Do you feel that $400 is to much to pay for a winter coat? You keep refering to the $400 price tag, let me tell ya $400 is the going rate for a good winter jacket regardless what brand your purchasing. A $200 jacket is not in the same class as a $400 jacket.

Lets just assume Klim does not donate $$ to promote our sport (even though Klim has posted in this thread saying that they do, along with a couple other members) at least I know that they are not donating $$ to shut down our sport.

If you snowmobile you should be purchasing a membership to your local snowmobile club regardles of what gear you purchase.

 

[Matte Murder]

mr.deeds Klim is not going to share their numbers with you. No matter what he said it would never sound like enough to a guy like you. Number One priority for any business is to make a profit. Number one by far. Everything else is driven by profits. Microsoft does an enormous amount of charitable giving and matches funds that their employees donate to charity. The Gates on their own give billions. BILLIONS! But far and away the best thing Microsoft did was make 1000s of millionaires. The economic benefit of that is massively more important than charity. BTW, there is absolutely no way Klim could donate $50 for every jacket made and stay in business. If they donate 5% of net profits to our cause that would be a massive number.

 

[LoudHandle]

......... Number One priority for any business is to make a profit. Number one by far. Everything else is driven by profits.......

True enough in the modern age when bean counters and wall street dictate all the decisions big business make. This country and other have really stepped on their di-k by endorsing that mind set. It has led to an disposable economy and a lot of needed well paying jobs going oversees.

I miss the days when businesses were founded to provide a needed service and the profit / shareholder dividend was not the overriding factor in every business decision! They still did well, kept the money in this country where it cycled thru the economy numerous times benefiting the masses.

Now the majority of the money you pay goes straight to the CEO's bank account and does next to nothing for our economy. Shame on us for not caring until it is / was too late to save ourselves.

 

[bdoe22]

Traverse...

Im looking for gear that stands up to Snowbiking, cuz you really get snow on you?? Im thinking E-vent which means Motorfist??? I too am tired of Black or Black or that other color,, Black

How about the Gray Traverse pant from KLIM? heat shielding so they dont get burned by the exhaust....gore tex to keep you dry, and klim warranty to boot!

 

[polarisfornow]

I've had HMK boots and pants and both were good quality. The boots made my feet sweat because they were so warm. Tried wearing a $300 columbia jacket sledding once. That was a mistake. Seems like oil just wanted to stick to it. I also have a burton jacket that I agree for the money is an awful nice jacket.

 

[Matte Murder]

The one thing that really stands out for me about Klim is how much they value their customers. I too have had a great warranty experience with Klim. A jacket and pants/bibs from Klim can approach $800. They really look out for customers who make that kind of investment in their gear. I have been looking at their motorcycle gear and some jackets cost almost $900. Based on my prior experience I won't have any fear buying any of their products.