Best Summer Motorcycle Jackets

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

Until somebody invents motorcycle AC, these are how you stay cool

Summer, as in hot weather. So hot it’s tempting to take the car instead of the bike and turn up the AC. Don’t fall into that trap. From there it’s a short trip to sloth and gluttony, followed shortly by despair. It’s always going to be tough to stay cool when you’re stopped, but once rolling, the miracle of convective cooling means you can remain reasonably chill even when the temperature starts climbing into triple digits – if you’ve got the right gear. The key is being able to adjust the airflow around your body, staying hydrated, and using your built-in cooling system to convect heat away from yourself. Here’s a quick sampler of the right stuff.

Beat the Heat: Riding Gear for Hot Weather

Table of Contents

Merlin Shenstone Air D3O Jacket

Introducing the highly anticipated Merlin Shenstone Air D3O Jacket, the ultimate choice for café enthusiasts. At long last, riders can revel in the perfect blend of style and functionality with this jacket that complements their TT-inspired looks. What sets the Shenstone Jacket apart is its dedication to its English heritage, featuring genuine Halley Stevensons Cotec fabric in its abrasion-resistant chassis. The jacket takes a traditional approach and elevates it to new heights.


With generous panels of perforated mesh, airflow is maximized, keeping riders cool and comfortable. Even the D30 LP1 shoulder and elbow armor incorporate perforations, effectively reducing the impact of high temperatures. As an added bonus, Merlin includes a D30 Viper Stealth back protector for comprehensive protection.

When faced with rainy or cooler conditions, simply install the Reissa liner to shield yourself from wind and water. The Merlin Shenstone Air D3O Jacket ensures you stay cool and protected throughout your ride.

REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket

Building upon the reputation of its predecessor as a top-tier lightweight summer jacket known for its outstanding airflow, the REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket takes customer feedback and experience to the next level. With an aim to refine the jacket even further, it boasts extensive mesh panels that ensure optimal cooling during scorching summer temperatures. Rest assured, as the jacket incorporates CE certified armor at the shoulders and elbows, providing the necessary confidence on your adventures (with the option to add a separate back protector, sold separately). And let's not forget about the matching pants that complete the ensemble perfectly. Stay cool, protected, and stylish with the REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket.

REV'IT! Stratum GTX Jacket

Drawing inspiration from the layers of rock it's named after, the Stratum GTX Jacket lives up to its reputation as an adventure jacket. This 2-layer system ensures unmatched comfort throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions. When spring and summer arrive, the class AA CE-certified air mesh layer makes your rides a breeze, providing excellent airflow and breathability. Additionally, the jacket features a convenient back pocket designed to accommodate an optional hydration pack, allowing you to easily stay hydrated on the trails.


When the weather takes a turn for the worse—the Stratum GTX has got you covered. Its Gore-Tex shell can be effortlessly added on top of the air mesh jacket, delivering maximum protection against rain and harsh elements. To keep you comfortable even during unexpected showers, the jacket includes ventilation zippers strategically placed on the front, back, and upper arms, allowing you to regulate airflow to your body when the sun emerges once again.


Basically a two-for-one deal, with the Stratum GTX Jacket you can confidently take on any adventure, knowing you're equipped with a versatile and dependable companion that adapts to changing weather conditions. Stay comfortable, protected, and prepared for whatever nature throws your way.

Klim Baja S4 Jacket

The Baja S4 Jacket is a true desert-crossing companion, featuring the remarkable airflow properties of Schoeller-Dynatec nylon mesh. This high-quality mesh is intricately woven with an open weave design, allowing air to circulate freely across its entire surface. For enhanced mobility, stretch zones are incorporated using Karbonite™ Micromesh 4-way stretch material, guaranteeing a full range of motion during your adventures.


With the utmost focus on protection, the jacket is reinforced with Superfabric at the shoulders and elbows, offering exceptional abrasion resistance on the road. Additionally, the included D3O armor is fully vented, ensuring both safety and ventilation go hand in hand. The Baja S4 Jacket is the ideal choice for those seeking unparalleled airflow, durability, and protection in their desert expeditions.

Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket

Designed specifically for the warmer riding months, the T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket combines lightweight construction with versatility for sport-riding enthusiasts. This jacket is the ideal companion when you need ample airflow during your rides. Thanks to its large mesh panels at the torso and inner arms, it allows a massive volume of air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable.


To ensure optimal protection, the jacket comes equipped with Nucleon Flex Plus impact armor for the shoulders and elbows. These provide reliable defense against impacts while maintaining flexibility for ease of movement. Adding to its protective features, the jacket includes hard external sliders at the shoulders that not only enhance its appearance but also offer additional resistance against abrasion.


For riders seeking a complete gear setup, the jacket can be paired with Alpinestars riding pants, forming a seamless riding suit. This is made possible by the full circumference waist zipper, allowing for a secure and integrated fit.

Aerostich Darien

It’s light, tough, simple, and practical because that’s what works best, says Aerostich. Tough HT200D Gore-Tex breathable/waterproof outer fabric is far lighter than normal Cordura yet retains most of the abrasion resistance. Removable hard shell TF3 foam elbow and shoulder armor protect from impacts, adjustable anti-flutter sleeve tabs keep it snug, removable magnetic collar clasps let you leave the front open for max airflow, while big underarm and back vents let hot air out. When things cool down, various optional fleece liners are standing by, with vent zippers that line up perfectly and work like they were made for the Darien. Which they were. Available in custom sizes and an array of colors.

Icon Mesh AF CE Jacket

When the temperatures rise and it's scorching hot outside, the Icon Mesh AF CE Jacket is your ultimate companion. This jacket is designed to combat the heat with its large panels of mesh, ensuring optimal airflow to keep you cool during your ride. Not only does it prioritize breathability, but it also incorporates textile reinforcement for excellent abrasion resistance, enhancing your safety on the road.


The Icon Mesh AF CE Jacket comes fully equipped with a comprehensive set of D3O armor for the elbows, shoulders, and back, right out of the box. This ensures that you have the necessary protection without any additional hassle. It's a jacket that is ready to perform from the moment you put it on.


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Motorcycle.com Staff
Motorcycle.com Staff

Motorcycle.com presents an unrivaled combination of bike reviews and news written by industry experts

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2 of 5 comments
  • 12er 12er on Mar 26, 2019

    Im still going with my Roadcrafter... Can't say I'm a fan of Mesh gear, its great if you're stopped but moving, you're just as hot as it is outside. Stich blocks the sun, lets me sweat a bit and gives a nice swamp cooler effect cooling my entire torso whenever I do the funky chicken (allowing the pit vents to ram air). Personally tested from 18 - 113f, mesh gear sits in the closet...

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    • David K David K on Jul 11, 2023

      I always thought mesh was the best all-around for heat whether moving or not. That has been my experience though I have never ridden with a leather based jacket.



  • Thojo Thojo on Jul 13, 2023

    I was really hoping you’d actually give advice other than just to BUY something. A real tip for keeping cool is to wrap a wet buff around your neck and keep it wet

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