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Jacket for warm climate

3K views 24 replies 22 participants last post by  Big B 
#1 ·
I'm taking a trip this summer to places that can be really hot and humid, so I'm looking for some kind of jacket that is basic -- and provides incredible ventilation. Thinking that it would have some mesh holding together elbow/shoulder/back? padding, and not much else. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Olympia Airglide 5. I bought mine last summer and love it. It comes with elbow, back and shoulder armor, a rain jacket that can be worn in or out, and an insulated liner that zips into the rain jacket. I've worn it from 40 to ~104 and in the rain while commuting. Over 95 riding is hot no matter what.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/olympia-airglide-5-jacket

I'm sure ther are other jackets that are just as good or better. I am 100% satisfied with mine though.

Motoport makes Kevlar mesh gear.
 
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#5 ·
I agree with the Air glide 5 Jacket works great in hot weather. If your going to run in to rain the rain liner does not work well in hard rain. I do not use there liners I use a Gerbings electric liner if it is cold and a waterproof rain suit to keep dry. If your going where is no chance of rain all you need is there Jacket and windbreaker there stuff is good....
 
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#6 ·
had klim induction jacket which was pretty good but still a bit hot on really hot days and I did not like the rain liner on the inside…so went to klim lattitude jacket so rain or shine just adjust zippers pretty good but can be hot on really hot days…this summer I will try just a wicking shirt and https://goo.gl/wtJTRs when it is hot along with their elbow protectors…likely the coolest set up...then just a light rain jacket to go over if needed. Klim overland pants have been excellent with good air flow as long as your moving.
 
#9 ·
My Joe Rocket mesh shortie is going on 10 years now and works very well ...I accidentally learned a good trick the other day.

A short rain shower soaked me enough to provide a good hour of cooling after the rain.

I wear AirGlide 3s as well.

My alternative outfit which is cooler is this



I use it without the kidney belt and if too hot I remove the back protector. Very light, very cool, good armor.
 
#10 ·
Olympia gear is fine and very reasonably priced - I use the older Viper jacket and pants which are ballistic nylon and mesh with armor. They also came with liners for rain or cold weather, but it can all get a bit fiddly as the weather changes. Surprisingly, my white Kilimanjaro (3/4 length) isn't bad when all the scoops and vents are open. The secret is keeping the sun off and the air moving through. Here in the Philippines I use a Komine mesh jacket from Japan. Full armor but cool. Great gear.
 
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#11 ·
I also have a Joe Rocket mesh jacket. Has a windproof/waterproof liner. With the liner removed, it's got great ventilation. Took a multi day trip in it across the planes in June where every day temps were in the mid to high 90's and not a cloud in the sky. Worked great. Has shoulder/elbow/back plates.
 
#12 ·
I have had a lot of different brands and types of riding gear. If I were a woman I would have a riding gear closet to rival any others shoe closet!

If price is a strong buying point, I don't think you can beat the Olympia Gear. While still Chinese made, it is built to a higher standard than many other brands. Stuff like the quality of the zippers and how it is sewn together are points to compare. Armor is ok, but that could be upgraded. Even if price isn't the main attraction, I have their Ranger Jacket and Pants. Bought that after looking at KLIM gear. Which is very good but outrageous in price.

If price is not a major concern, and protection is, Motoport Kevlar gear is my standard to compare to. While the Kevlar is outstanding, the armor is absolutely amazing. Makes Aerostich and other brands look cheap in comparison. The coverage of the armor is easily 3 times the area compared to most other gear.
 
#19 ·
While the Kevlar is outstanding, the armor is absolutely amazing. Makes Aerostich and other brands look cheap in comparison. The coverage of the armor is easily 3 times the area compared to most other gear.
Terry, are you using Motoport's tri-armor or quad-armor? I've debated upgrading to the quad-armor, but it seems like it would be too hot to use here in Phoenix.
 
#16 ·
I have been happy with tourmaster sonora air for hot weather over the past few years. i noticed it is now on closeout at Revzilla so you could get a good deal. Longer than bomber style with removeable rain and insulated layers, armoured. I don't use the waterproof layer, just toss a frog togg jacket over. The jacket was fine in hot, humid Florida weather a couple of years back so long as I was moving and it flows lots of air.
 
#18 ·
I wear a Motoport kevlar Air Mesh Marathon jacket and the Ultra II Air Mesh pants (their kevlar GP gloves as well). Custom tailored to fit and the best quality gear I have ever owned. Unless I move somewhere where I need comprehensive wet weather or cold protection (Aerostitch), I don't see myself not wearing Motoport's gear - it's really that good.

I get that the not everyone wants to (or can) spend $1100-$1500 for a jacket and pants. If it's within your reach, however, I'd urge you to make the investment - you'll thank yourself.
 
#21 ·
My 2 warm weather options are

Joe rocket mesh jacket- Reasonable protection and very ventilated. They come with a windproof liner for nighttime. They are very convenient jackets. Roomy fit, solid looks, decent armor.

If its just horrible hot. EVS ballistics Armor with a MX jersey over it. Awesome protection and very ventilated. Only down side is it's not roomy and as comfortable as wearing a jacket.

-Z
 
#22 ·
I bought a mesh jacket with removable liner from Cycle Gear years ago, white with black accents. It was the hottest damn mesh I have ever worn. Got to the RA rally a couple of years ago in 100 degree temps and threw the thing away. Bought another brand at the rally and rode home in the same temps, much more comfortably. I'll have to see if I still have the newer one and post back later if I do with brand.
 
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