Last year, KLIM released the Ripsa Vapor monosuit, a high-performance mountain shell designed for aggressive mountain riding. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go and try it out for an entire season. KLIM’s idea behind the Ripsa Vapor’s design is to combine the very popular Lochsa and Ripsa to create a one-piece suit that has some of the best features of both. The Lochsa is known for being KLIM’s most vented and durable, while the Ripsa is known for being a bit more budget-friendly with a very free-flowing design with a mid-weight and low bulk package. By combining the two, they created the Ripsa Vapor. Let’s take a look and see how this new product stacks up against KLIM’s brothers of the one-piece suits, the Lochsa and the Ripsa.
Ripsa Vapor’s Core: GORE-TEX Shell and Performance
At the core of the Ripsa Vapor one-piece is the three-layer GORE-TEX performance shell. This feature has all three layers of fabric laminated together to assist in breathability. Thus making it less bulky and allowing the rider to move around very easily. The Ripsa only has two layers in its performance shell membrane with a hanging liner. As for the Lochsa, it has a three-layer GORE-TEX Pro shell, being the most ventilated and breathable one-piece suits. I’ve now ridden in all three suits for an entire season each over the last three years. After riding in the Ripsa Vapor, last season, I can say that KLIM did a good job hitting a perfect blend of both the Lochsa and Ripsa. While it is less stiff and slightly less ventilated than the Lochsa, it has more ventilation and durability than the Ripsa.
Enhanced Durability & Ventilation in the Ripsa Vapor Monosuit
The Ripsa Vapor one-piece boasts enhanced durability, thanks to its nylon knee and inner boot panels, as well as reinforced knee pads. These features match those found on the Lochsa mono, making the Ripsa Vapor just as resilient as its counterpart. This added durability ensures a longer lifespan compared to the original Ripsa model.
In terms of ventilation, the Ripsa Vapor has two complete underarm pits, similar to those found on the Lochsa. The Ripsa does not have the thigh vents, but does have the side leg zips that can double as vents.
AMP Pocket with Aerogel Insulation: Keep Your Gear Safe
The Ripsa Vapor also has an AMP electronics pocket that’s highly water-resistant. This pocket uses aerogel insulation to protect electronics from water and cold. Aerogel is a material that is used on space shuttles to reduce the transfer of heat. It’s indeed very good at preventing the cold from penetrating the AMP pocket.
Of the three one-piece suits from KLIM, the Ripsa Vapor is the only one to have this feature. I tried it out a few times, and it did seem to keep my phone warmer, thus helping with battery life. I generally keep my phone in an inner pocket under the Atlas Air Bag vest to provide an extra layer of warmth and protection. With the AMP pocket, I’m not sure that’s needed.
Ripsa Vapor: KLIM’s Lightest One-Piece Suit
I compared the weight of my size-large Ripsa Vapor to its brothers in the equivalent size. It is 12% (or approximately 0.5 lb) lighter than the standard Ripsa, and 22% (or just under 1 lb) lighter than the Lochsa. It’s currently KLIM’s lightest monosuit available with more breathability and ventilation than the Ripsa.
The Cost Breakdown
The cost difference of KLIM’s one-piece suits isn’t split evenly between all three models. However, I do feel they did a good job with pricing each model individually. Considering each monosuit’s performance, GORE-TEX layering, longevity, weight, and features, I feel their respective prices are appropriate.
- Lochsa: US$1,000.00 (CA$1,389.95)
- Ripsa Vapor: US$900.00 (CA$1,249.95)
- Ripsa: $700.00 (CA$969.95)
What are You Looking for in a Monosuit?
If you’re looking for the ultimate in durability and ventilation, I would recommend the Lochsa one-piece suit. If you’re wanting a little extra mobility, you want to watch the budget, and aren’t as concerned about venting and longevity, then go with the Ripsa monosuit. But if you want added ventilation, durability, and to have the lightest monosuit KLIM makes, give the Ripsa Vapor a try.
Final Verdict: Why the Ripsa Vapor Monosuit Earns My Approval
I found Ripsa Vapor one-piece comfortable, durable, and very breathable. Indeed, I really enjoyed riding in this high-performance monosuit all season. Therefore, it gets my seal of approval! In short, I recommend this high-performing shell to anyone looking for a great all-around one-piece suit for backcountry mountain riding.
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