CKX Snowmobile Gear Season Wrap-Up: A Canadian Icon in Riding Apparel
The CKX brand for snowmobile accessories was introduced in 1991 in Canada. They have evolved as snowmobiling has evolved and expanded their offerings into other markets. But snowmobiling is their origin, and they are very good at it. What I believe is most important is that the people behind CKX are snowmobile enthusiasts. Thus they develop, design, engineer, test and seek feedback from other snowmobilers. To borrow from their own website, “Constantly evolving since its creation, CKX listens to your desires and needs while constantly seeking innovation.” My objective in evaluating the CKX gear I chose for this season was to “test” if this statement was true. Is the brand, in an avalanche of choices, an innovator who listens to us, as snowmobile enthusiasts? So, come with me as I review their Conquer jacket-and-bib kit, Colton mittens, Taiga EVO boots, and Titan helmet with 210 goggles.
Versatile CKX Conquer Jacket & Bibs: Standout Snowmobile Gear
CKX Conquer Jacket Review
The CKX Conquer Men’s jacket is an excellent choice for trail enthusiasts. It works well in all temperatures. It is not perfect, but I came to really appreciate this jacket’s versatility after almost a full winter of riding.
When I chose the Conquer jacket, I decided to go up a size to an X-Large. You may recall, in 2024, I reviewed the Contego 3-in-1 jacket from TOBE in size Large. It was the right fit, but didn’t allow enough room for me to wear my TekVest when the liner jacket was required. This time, I planned for it by sizing up.
While they are sold together as one, this garment is really two; the inner liner is basically another jacket. It can be completely removed, which is becoming an industry norm. That way, you can wear it independently. Although it would be more appropriate for after-hour activities. This really speaks to the marketing of this jacket. I’d qualify it as a true hybrid crossover because of this removable inner jacket. The Conquer Jacket is more than warm enough when they are combined. It is also ventilated efficiently when the inner jacket is not needed. And I was able to wear my TekVest with all configurations, although I had some extra room when the inner jacket was removed.
What Could Be Improved in the Conquer Jacket
Those who know me know that there are two things I keep lobbying for in snowmobile gear.
First, are the removable hoods really necessary on these jackets? Maybe for some. But it is not so evident in Eastern Canada. As I have said before, I’ve never seen anyone, even the younger riders, utilizing the hoods. In my opinion, it’s just a way to catch snow.
Second, while not a majority, some of us are left-hand dominant. Thus, all jackets (and bibs) should be designed to accommodate all riders. Personally, I would love a “left-hand” pocket on the right-hand side of the chest and the right sleeve. Add these pockets, and I see no faults with this hybrid jacket.
CKX Conquer Bib Review
The CKX Conquer Men’s Bib is the most versatile pants I have ever tested or owned. CKX incorporated some unique ideas into the conception. And while some features could be better positioned, in my opinion, the overall design is well thought out. It’s categorized as a hybrid gear, and I would agree with this labelling.
Some of the features that I referred to in my first impressions article bore out to be true. The Codura on the lower legs and on the knees is a real benefit. While we never mean to, we inevitably find ourselves on our knees when loading, unloading, or hooking up our snowmobile trailers. This Codura reinforcement fabric resists wear and tear so much better than just nylon.
The Velcro adjustable leg length system is genius. Many of us find the legs in most snowmobile pants just too long. Well, I adjusted the legs on my Conquer Bibs my very first time out. I ended up leaving this adjustment in place all winter. This simple system works and prevents you from walking on your pant legs. It’s a nice feature to have.
The removable (pant) liner with 100 g of Primaloft insulation is also unique to the CKX Conquer bib. I did, however, find a fault with this system. When the liner is zipped in, it becomes impossible to reach the inside “pants” packets. Thus, the outside pockets go nowhere. This needs to be addressed for future iterations. Being able to remove the liner for warmer days truly makes the Conquer Bib crossover pants. It will be warm in February and comfortable in late March—early April.
The vents on the inside thighs just add to the CKX Conquer bib’s versatility. If you only ride trails, you may never open them. But for those of us who like to ride off trail, especially in the spring, this is a welcome feature.
Warm Performance of the CKX Colton Mittens
Yes, the CKX Colton mittens are warm. I found them very comfortable right from the first time I wore them, and they just got more comfortable with every ride. Unlike a new pair of gloves, these mittens do not have to be broken in. They come with a pre-shaped design. Their 100% goat leather confection is instantly soft and pliable. As for their warmth, the combined 533 g of insulation from Primaloft and Thermoshield provide sufficient protection from the cold. This is more than double the insulation of many other brands. And they are unisex!
Then, I was unexpectedly pleased by the goggle wiper near the left index finger. Again, not all gloves or mittens have this feature. In my opinion, they all should. This wiper is quite essential for all types of helmets, whether they’re equipped with a visor or goggles. Kudos to CKX for incorporating this feature into their mittens.
My testing objective was to report if these were warm compared to the competition. In short, I have no doubt as to their consistent warmth. I wore them more than I planned too because they were just so comfortable. I always choose a size up because I believe an air pocket is necessary for good insulation. Thus, I tested the Colton mittens at a size 2XL. CKX offers seven (7) size options for this product. Even if I do not wear them every day in the future, I will carry them with me on every ride. They are that impressive.
Obviously, gloves offer better dexterity than mittens. But they are not the ideal choice for extremely cold weather. I love the various gloves I own, but I believe many riders should switch to a good pair of mittens to better enjoy their riding days. And, personally, the CKX Colton mittens are a great choice for this.
If you cannot see yourself riding with mittens, I strongly recommend you still purchase a set. Carry them in your day bag. Trust me, there will be days when your hands are just not as comfortable with gloves. Or you get wet, or you get stuck, or someone else gets cold hands. You will not be disappointed any time you or a riding partner slip these mittens on.
The beauty of choosing CKX Colton mittens, compared to riding gloves, is that your hands will always stay warm. Always.
Comfort and Warmth: CKX Taiga EVO Boots Review
First, yes, these boots are very warm. However, the CKX Taiga EVO boots are a compromise, and that is not CKX’s problem, but mine.
Like the CKX Colton mittens, I chose the Taiga EVO boots on purpose. They aren’t the newest boots on the market, and they don’t incorporate the latest technology or all the high-end materials available. In other words, they are not what the “cool kids” would choose. So why did I choose these boots? Well, I chose them because I had never worn a pair for an entire winter. For some reason, they seem to be quite popular on the trails and at warming huts. Evidently, the Taiga EVO boots have been a gear of choice for men and women snowmobilers for more than a decade now.
Take note that the Taiga EVO boots I am reviewing are different than the Boreal EVO Boots. I say this because while the differences are not obvious, they become evident when put side by side. The most obvious, to me at least, is that the Taiga EVO boots are much warmer. Both models have a removable liner, which is key to starting a day with no residual from previous rides. However, the Boreal EVO boots are insulated with Thermoshield, where the Taiga EV have 200 g of Primaloft insulation. While both are “ultralight”, the Taiga is warmer, rated to -121 ºF (-85 ºC).
Warm feet are always important, and the Taiga EVO boots pass this test completely. I was never cold. It was one of my objectives, but not the only reason I wanted to review them. These boots are also extremely comfortable and light. Almost like your favourite slippers at home. Maybe that speaks to their popularity? This is where my compromise becomes noticeable.
I have two feet that are different sizes, quite different. The NATS-based CKX boots allow me to compensate for my uniqueness in foot size. However, I would not want to have to walk very far in deep snow or off the trail. These boots are not easy to secure on your feet tightly. The mid strap is adequate for trail riding and is mostly designed if you just ride with your feet on your running boards. It certainly is no BOA system, which can be found in higher-end riding boots. Another potential issue is that these boots are not going to be watertight.
As long as the majority of your riding happens on trails, it is my opinion that these boots perform excellent. The Taiga EVO boots were certainly designed for it, and they fulfill that purpose extremely well.
Top-Tier Protection with the CKX Titan Helmet & 210 Goggles
In 2025, I decided to go for the CKX Titan Original Carbon helmet with the Trail and Backcountry Trak. It also included the CKX 210 goggles in amber with Dual Lenses.
I chose this specific helmet for three reasons. First, I wanted to find out how warm the helmet was compared to other brands’ helmets that fit over goggles. Second, I wanted to see if riding with a carbon-constructed helmet was noticeable at the end of a full day of riding. Last, I wanted to evaluate if this CKX helmet was as versatile as advertised. How does it perform on groomed trails versus off trails?
Warmth and Thermal Performance
The CKX Titan Original Carbon helmet is, by a large margin, the warmest helmet with goggles that I have ever worn. It performs as advertised.
The included face guard and long chin curtain offer the best possible configuration for riding trails in cold weather. You can also remove them to improve the ventilation immediately. In my opinion, when CKX was designing the Titan helmet over a decade ago, this was likely the piece of equipment they most fully embodied their company’s mission. It was the beginning of their recommitment to lead the industry in aftermarket garments. To be clear, they did not say this; this is my opinion.
Lightweight Carbon Construction
This helmet is light. Officially, it is listed at 1,500 g (give or take 50 g) without the goggles. I can assure you, in all my riding, I never felt any fatigue from wearing it. For context, I wear a helmet year-round, often upwards of 70 days a year between snowmobiling and motorcycling. My point is that I am used to wearing helmets. For a newer rider, often after a first ride, the most tired part of their body will be their neck. This is because of the weight of their helmet. With the CKX Titan, you will be pleased you spent the extra money for the carbon construction.
Adjustable Versatility for All Riding Styles
The versatility of the Titan Original Carbon is notable. This helmet can be worn comfortably for trail riding and most definitely for off trail. It has been designed this way on purpose.
The number of interchangeable parts is almost too high to count. First, there’s the aforementioned face guard. I have never seen this in any other helmet designed for goggles. There are also multiple insulation plugs, chin guards, liners & cheek pads, a rubber breath guard, a neoprene breath guard, and a nose guard. This is before the pages of goggle options with their unique 210-degree field of vision. Note that I did not get to test multiple goggles with my Titan helmet. But I was completely satisfied with the goggles that came with my helmet. No air, no leaks, no fogging… I am a happy snowmobiler.
Overall, the CKX Titan Original Carbon helmet is a superior product. I believe it is so innovative and versatile because it was developed by passionate designers who listened to snowmobile enthusiasts. As I am writing this review, CKX has just introduced a new CKX Titan with AMS technology to the market. The new Titan AMS is now available for the 2026 season.
CKX Snowmobile Gear Performs as Designed—For Maximum Fun
My overriding objective in the 2025 season was to establish if the CKX snowmobile gear I chose performed as it was designed too. Did the garments come to market because CKX listened to its customers?
I have told you what I like about CKX gear. In short, I like these products a lot. I have also strived to be objective. This means writing about the components I feel should be improved or changed in the future.
CKX (and Kimpex) has been on a roll in the past decade. This is obvious to me as someone who was employed in the snowmobile industry. They are clearly listening to snowmobilers. It is also apparent to me how CKX has snowmobile enthusiasts advising them, testing for them, and designing their gear.
Almost every product in their multiple collections—helmets, jackets, monosuits, pants & bibs, mittens and gloves, boots, underwear, etc.—is well thought out, if not industry leading. CKX gear performs as required. Is that not the most important feature when you spend your money to have fun? It always was, for me at least.
I am pleased to recommend CKX riding gear. And the fact their gear is designed and produced entirely in Canada makes it just that much more important.
I would like to thank CKX and Kimpex for entrusting us to test, demonstrate and evaluate their various snowmobile gear. We are grateful for your continued trust in us.
