Hot weather jacket advice

[Lee Davis]

I need a new jacket for hot summer riding and would like advice on what is available. Something that is good for 90-100 degree heat, but with some reasonable protection in the event of a spill. I want air flow, and I guess mesh is preferable.  I don't really want to pay upwards of $400, but will, I guess, if that is the best. Is there anything in the range of $200-300 that is good?  Thanks

[Kev m]

This thread might grow some legs.

I see two different jackets possible for what you're talking about.

I like mesh, up to a certain temp. But many people will suggest that past a certain temp (your body tries to self-regulate to 98F right?) you no longer want to let the hotter air in and you want to seal up.

So FOR ME I go mesh (I have a cheap Joe Rocket right now, but would like to invest in something better someday) into the low-to-mid 90s, and then I avoid riding.

But if I were to ride in the upper 90s and above I think I'd want something light, but sealed. Probably something light and/or reflective in color and fabric. Probably not leather, still would be textile, maybe a Darien Light.

Anyway, let's see where this goes.

[italia]

I've had one of these for the past few summers.  Really happy with it.  $249.95

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frame-d1-jacket

[normzone]

Interesting. I figured I was going to have to go to mesh, but perhaps for my short commute (13 miles each way) I should stick with my gray/silver colored sealed jacket, and my secret weapon.

Not so secret, really .... I use a couple of the smallest reuseable ice packages (blue ice, or some such trade name, for your lunch box) and put them in my shirt pockets before riding. At destination, they go in the freezer until it's time to get on the road again.

It doesn't solve all the challenges of riding in the heat, but I figure getting cold to the chest area has got to contribute to chilling down the blood flow a little bit.

[tazio]

Mesh jacket w/ ballistics over wet vest.
Re-wet vest a gas stops.

[Kev m]

Not so secret, really .... I use a couple of the smallest reuseable ice packages (blue ice, or some such trade name, for your lunch box) and put them in my shirt pockets before riding. At destination, they go in the freezer until it's time to get on the road again.

It doesn't solve all the challenges of riding in the heat, but I figure getting cold to the chest area has got to contribute to chilling down the blood flow a little bit.

That's a good idea, I should try that.

I think Aerostitch used to suggest you could fill some pockets with ice and the water would evaporate through the gore-tex as it melts, though I think depending on the jacket/pocket in question you might still get wet in the process.

Then again I do use one of those neck tie cooler things you soak with water and it cools as it evaporates. You can get them at Lowes or HD these days (at least that's where I got my latest one).

I have just poured water over myself at a rest stop too when needed.

I sometimes wear lightweight wicking sport shirts and underwear.

But mostly I do tend to avoid days much over the 90 degree mark.

[Lumpy Idle]

Mesh jacket w/ ballistics over wet vest.
Re-wet vest a gas stops.

i haven't sorted out the wet vest or ice cube solutions. i should try that too. yeah, me too - over 90 deg. and i'm out. i have a mesh jacket but i worry about its skid-worthiness. in order to ameliorate that anxiety a bit i swapped out the jacket's crap foam pad armor with some D3O. swapping in D3O or sastech armor is always a good idea.

[tasdisr]

I just picked up one of these. For $79.00 I can live with a red jacket.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/mesh_tex_jacket_2013_red_or_blue_colors.html

[Socalrob]

I've had one of these for the past few summers.  Really happy with it.  $249.95

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frame-d1-jacket

I have had one of those for at least 5 years of daily commuting in LA wearing it maybe 8 months a year.  Works good.

When it's really hot - say 105 or more crossing the desert, I dump water in my helmet and all over my shirt every 50 or so miles and it works a wonder.  Got to get one of those cooling vests.

The water in the helmet is key - works like air conditioning.

Just thought of something.  You could have a camel back that is plumbed so if you blow in it water is squirted on top of your head in your helmet.

[ITSec]

As Kev mentioned, there really are two approaches - let the air cool you (mesh) or keep the hot air off you (shell). A couple of thoughts from someone who rides every day in Las Vegas (even when it's 115).

I ride with mesh most of the time; if I'm riding in the city I'm usually wearing a light polo shirt beneath it. On longer rides, I use a long-sleeved exercise shirt (UnderArmor style, usually the cheap 'Heat-Out' brand from CycleGear). You can get a sunburn through mesh, so long-sleeve is advised.

I do use a shell for longer rides at the hottest temps, but only with a lot of vents open.

I own and sometimes use a cooling vest, but I'm ambivalent about how effective it truly is. To work properly, it has to fit very closely and have plenty of air (i.e., use it under the mesh, not the shell!). It works as long as it's damp enough, which never seems to be long here in the land of low humidity - and it doesn't work at all if the humidity is high, so I can't use it when visiting friends and family in the southeast.

My favorite place for riding clothes in motorcyclegear.com (mentioned in another post). I have had good experiences with mesh jackets from Joe Rocket, Tourmaster and First Gear. My suggestion is to look for a mesh jacket that has a zip-off shell on the outside (not the one on the inside usually intended as a rain shell). An example is the Tourmaster Flex, currently on sale ($159) at http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/flex_series_3_jacket.html - I own one of these and it has been very good, though my Joe Rocket Phoenix does flow more air.

[Dilliw]

I have a full perforated leather jacket that I use in the summer for around the house.  I like it better than my old mesh jacket (as long as your moving) because it's stiff and sort of stands off your skin allowing a nice flow of air inside.  It's not as good in traffic, however, as it is pretty heavy. 

Mine was an old Teknic closeout but I think AGV makes a shirt styled per'd.

[GRGuzzi]

Hi I'm living in Greece, summer is very hot for my taste (30 to 38 deg Celsius).
I use this jacket, http://www.stelpet.gr/gr/en/products/mpoyfan-mixanis-kalokairino-vester-kielo,
as long as you move, you don't feel wearing it.
Very cheap, cordura , made in: I don't know, not tested yet in a crash (with the amount of brain I carry soon will be tested).

[Ncdan]

I use a brand name mesh jacket with padded armor. Probably only good for lower speed crashes but better than wearing nothing because it's so hot outside. I also wear breathable glovers because I value my fingers as much as my arms and legs.

[wavedog]

Living in Florida where it is hot and humid is a bit different than the great South West. When I used to live and ride in Arizona I followed advice from longtime desert riders. Solid Jacket with vents when it was really hot (above 95f and up) and a mesh during cooler months (70 -90f) then back to the solid for the four weeks of winter. Lots of hydration- more than you think you need - will help. The last time I rode thru the desert was a couple of years ago in August. I wore my 3/4 length touring jacket with the vents open to create a micro climate. Lots and lots of water. It was actually comfortable and enjoyable. Kept the sun off of me and kept me relatively cool at speed. I see you are in New Mexico. Beautiful place to live and ride.

[calfruit]

I have been riding with an Olympia Moto Sports Air glide jacket and pants for years. Works well for me. On very hot days I also wear a cooling vest, get the pants wet. This will cool me for about one hour.

[sidecarnutz]

I have a cheap mesh jacket from Cycle Gear I got on sale for $40. Had it a couple years now. Great to let breeze in and keep sun out! Only gripe is the zipper starts on the wrong side. It has elbow and shoulder armor.

[Lcarlson]

Anytime it's 70 F and up, I wear my Vanson "Breeze" jacket: Fully perforated competition weight leather (we don't need no steenkin' armor). Being Vanson, it isn't cheap, but I've undoubtedly put more miles on it than any other jacket I've owned. It's a discontinued model, but if it was destroyed, I'd pay Vanson the extra Custom charge to make me another one.

[Testarossa]

Interesting. I figured I was going to have to go to mesh, but perhaps for my short commute (13 miles each way) I should stick with my gray/silver colored sealed jacket, and my secret weapon.

Not so secret, really .... I use a couple of the smallest reuseable ice packages (blue ice, or some such trade name, for your lunch box) and put them in my shirt pockets before riding. At destination, they go in the freezer until it's time to get on the road again.

I use Norm's method. White or silver mesh jacket to reflect heat, with as many freezer packs as you can stuff into the various pockets. Works for me when the air is above body temperature. Otherwise, hot air blast merely warms the skin and underlying flesh, leading to dehydration and quickly reduced brain function. I become a hot tub idiot at 104 degrees F.

[decotriumph]

I've been using Joe Rocket Ballistic Mesh jackets for over 15 years. They are actually more comfortable in the sun than bare arms because they offer some sun protection, too.

[kingoffleece]

The IBA has a rather long article on high heat riding and protection.
None of those folks recommends mesh over 93 degrees. 

Our own Moshe Levy will, as I understand it, be coming along with a review of the LD comfort system which receives top marks from competitive riders world wide.

[Lannis]

I have a cheap mesh jacket from Cycle Gear I got on sale for $40. Had it a couple years now. Great to let breeze in and keep sun out! Only gripe is the zipper starts on the wrong side. It has elbow and shoulder armor.

Yep, those "Bilt" jackets are mighty good value for the little bit of money you pay.   That "girl's" zipper is hard to get used to.   Mine's probably 3 years old and a lot of miles and I'm thinking about a successor ....

Lannis

[Mark Harpell]

I've been using Joe Rocket Ballistic Mesh jackets for over 15 years. They are actually more comfortable in the sun than bare arms because they offer some sun protection, too.

Thats what I have...$15 at Goodwill..full armor and liner....i use it when its over 70, which isnt very often around here.....it is comfortable though...

[wavedog]

My Joe Rocket silver/black accents mesh jacket is my go to for most of the year in Florida. I put in some better back armor. My first Joe Rocket mesh stood up very well in a high speed get off. It held together, protected my skin,spine and elbows but not the ribs or collar bone. It did succumb to the medics' scissors. I still can't believe they cut that thing off me. So my next one was a newer generation of J.R. mesh jacket and is built a little more stout. It is comfortable and offers good protection which I hope to never test.

[Kev m]

I'm glad to hear these positive reviews of the JR mesh products.

I got mine on the cheap ($50) from Newenough.com because it was a Honda branded jacket, but the Honda patches came off easily.

[Vagrant]

I've been using Joe Rocket Ballistic Mesh jackets for over 15 years. They are actually more comfortable in the sun than bare arms because they offer some sun protection, too.

I'm over 10 years on mine now. pull the protection toss it in the wash and it still looks new at 250000 miles at least. mine was before they did liners. i use a Gerbing heated liner when it gets cold. if it gets colder i put a $10. Wal-mart super thin nylon jacket over it. if it is in the 20 F. range the jacket goes over the outside of the J.R. Phoenix.
I tested mine at about 70MPH. can;t tell it happened. the week after I got mine I watched a woman slide down the Blue ridge pky. at about 60. got up and was fine. after several minutes of looking it over i found a tiny bit of frey on one arm. unbelieveable. if you don't have a windbreaker with a rain suit top works fine. I do have another similar brand but the sleeves aren't full mesh and you can sure tell the difference in 90+ heat. a cooling vest is the answer for 95+ using the cheap nylon over it to slow evaporation.

[Darren Williams]

I wear a Scorpion Eddy I got from motorcyclegear.com on close out.  On my second one as the first went down in an 80 mph crash after 3 years. Jacket was destroyed but the ballistic nylon kept all the armor in place and other than a sore shoulder from a hard impact, I was fine. They are one sale for around $100 to $150, don't remember exactly, but have used them in some serious heat and they are as good as any. When temps get cooler to cold I will wear a heated jacket liner (tourmaster) underneath it. It is my 3 season choice. I estimate I have ridden well over 1000 hours in that jacket.

They are a sport cut with no collar which I find more comfortable than some others I have where the wind pushes the collar against my throat causing irritation over the hours. In cooler temps I use a neck gator that solves that issue.

[Lannis]

I guess that in different parts of the country, both the "cold" parts and the "hot" parts, we have different standards as to when we ride and when we don't.

If I decided I'm not going to ride if it's over, say, 90 degF, I won't get much riding in during the summertime.   Or on a long trip somewhere .... if it's anywhere between May and September, almost no matter where you are going, you're potentially going to hit 95+ degree temperatures.   

For me, it's a combination of mesh and water to get you through.    I will say that the closest I ever came to "heatstroke" was on a ride in 90+ degree weather through Virginia and Pennsylvania where I mis-managed my water intake while wearing a mesh jacket and a light cotton shirt.    I took along only a pint water bottle for a 5 hour ride on the old BSA, and it wasn't near enough.   You lose a LOT of sweat keeping cool in mesh, and you need a LOT of water ....  I literally needed help from my buddies when I got to where I was going in order to get back right again.

But it's just like managing cold.   Hypothermia and frostbite can get you just as hard as heatstroke and sunburn .... !!

Lannis

[blackcat]

Anytime it's 70 F and up, I wear my Vanson "Breeze" jacket: Fully perforated competition weight leather (we don't need no steenkin' armor). Being Vanson, it isn't cheap, but I've undoubtedly put more miles on it than any other jacket I've owned. It's a discontinued model, but if it was destroyed, I'd pay Vanson the extra Custom charge to make me another one.

I have one of those and the Vanson mesh jacket for when it's blistering hot. I hate hot, and given the choice between hot and cold, I'll take cold any-day.

[Lannis]

Now that we've touched on the subject of pricey leathers, has anyone ever tried or used a "Schott" leather jacket?

My Mom gave me a Schott leather vest years ago, which I've never been able to fit into but am headed that way soon, and it's a really nicely made piece, although little or nothing to do with riding.

Just wondered if they are anything besides nice-looking and stylish in anyone's experience .... ?

Lannis

[kirkemon]

I've had one of these for the past few summers.  Really happy with it.  $249.95

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frame-d1-jacket

:1:
I also wear this one. Fits well, and good up until 90