Summer is on the horizon for our Northern Hemisphere readers, and with hotter weather comes the temptation to wear less gear. But it doesn’t need to be that way—we’re spoiled for choice these days with season-specific gear that you’ll still want to reach for, even when temperatures get toasty. Here are five motorcycle jackets to keep you cool, while keeping you safe.
Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 Armored shirts are a great way to add impact protection under jackets that aren’t already equipped with protectors. But Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 takes the concept a step further. Its shell is abrasion resistant, which makes it a CE approved ‘Class AA’ garment by itself; no jacket required.
The Urbane Pro Mk3’s shell is a combination of heavy duty nylon and mesh sections, with stretch panels in between. It’s designed to sit snug, keeping Knox’s proprietary ‘micro-lock’ elbow and shoulder protectors, and a generous back protector, close to your body. There’s the option of adding a chest protector, a security loop to attach it to your belt, minimal branding and a handful of discreet pockets.
Available in three different colors, the £249.99 [about $312] Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 is a great summer option on its own, or under a lightweight outer layer, if form-fitting gear isn’t your vibe. [More]
Icon Upstate Mesh The Icon Upstate Mesh riding shirt sits in the Portland-based gear company’s Icon 1000 collection, where muted styling reigns supreme. So it’s as casual and understated as it is effective. Available in black, grey or olive green, the Upstate’s shell is mostly mesh, with canvas overlays in impact zones.
D30 protectors at the elbows, shoulders and back offer impact protection. The cut is relaxed and the layout is clean, with two chest pockets, two hand warmer pockets and zippered closures at the cuffs. Subtle Icon branding on the front keeps things casual. [More]
Merlin Shenstone Air If you’re a fan of traditional British waxed canvas riding jackets, the Merlin Shenstone Air is worth a look. Its shell uses Merlin’s own brand of waxed cotton, developed in collaboration with Halley Stevensons. But look closer, and you’ll notice mesh panels at the front and back, to encourage airflow on hot days.
The chest pockets and quilted shoulder and arm panels add all the right style cues, and a full set of D30 protectors comes standard. There’s also a removable waterproof liner for when the weather suddenly turns, and reflective details for added visibility. You can get it in black or olive at Revzilla for $349. [More]
Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air At the other end of the styling spectrum sits the Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air. The only leather jacket on our list, it’s aimed squarely at street riders that like sportier gear. So it features a form-fitting cut, with a mix of solid and perforated leather, air mesh areas and stretch textile panels.
There’s a zip-in body warmer for cooler days, a handful of pockets for stashing valuables away, and solid plastic pucks on the shoulders. Inside, Rev’It! has specced the Hyperspeed 2 Air with their own brand of flexible, low profile armor at the shoulders and elbows. You’ll have to buy the back protector separately, though, and you can get a chest protector for it if you want maximum impact protection.
The Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air comes in black and white, with red accents [above], but also black and red, with neon yellow accents, if you’re feeling loud. Priced at $699 at Revzilla, there’s also a stealthy all-black option. [More]
Fuel Arizona The crew at Fuel Motorcycles in Spain has a thing for riding old bikes in hot places. They organize Scram Africa—a 1,500 mile trip through Morocco on classic and custom scramblers. And they produce some good looking bike gear, too.
The €240.00 [about $264] Fuel Arizona gets its styling inspiration from 1940s American military garments. It’s mostly constructed from abrasion resistant textiles, with mesh panels on the chest, back and sleeves for maximum airflow, and impact protectors all-round. Myriad leather and suede details make the Arizona one of the best looking summer jackets out there. [More]
