Gear Up for the Heat: Best Motorcycle Gear for Summer Riding
Don't let the heat stop you from riding. Explore the best summer motorcycle gear — mesh jackets, ventilated helmets, cooling vests, and more — to stay cool and protected all season long.
Summer is here, and for riders, that means long stretches of open road, golden-hour cruises, and… sweat-soaked gear that feels like a sauna on wheels. Riding in the heat doesn't have to be miserable, though. The right summer-specific gear keeps you cool, protected, and comfortable even when the thermometer climbs past 90°F. Here's everything you need to gear up for the season.
Why Summer Gear Matters
It might be tempting to ditch the jacket when it's hot out — but that's one of the most dangerous things a rider can do. Road rash doesn't take the summer off. Fortunately, modern summer riding gear is engineered to protect you and keep you from overheating. Think of it as performance gear, not punishment.
1. Mesh Jackets: Airflow Without Compromise
Mesh jackets are the gold standard for summer riding. Unlike leather or textile options, mesh jackets feature large ventilation panels that allow air to flow directly over your body — a huge difference at highway speeds.
What to look for:
• CE-rated armor at the shoulders, elbows, and a back protector slot (Level 1 or Level 2)
• Stretch panels for mobility and fit
• Removable liner for versatility on cooler mornings
• Reflective detailing for low-light visibility
Mesh jackets pair especially well with a base layer that wicks moisture away from the skin, doubling down on the cooling effect.
2. Ventilated Helmets: Breathe Easy at Every Speed
Your helmet is your most critical piece of safety equipment, and in summer, it's also one of your biggest sources of discomfort — unless you choose wisely. Look for helmets with multi-channel ventilation systems that move air across the crown and out through exhaust vents at the rear.
Top features for summer helmets:
• Chin bar vents that can be opened and closed on the fly
• Moisture-wicking interior liner (removable and washable is a bonus)
• Anti-fog visor for those early-morning rides through humid air
• Lightweight construction — a lighter lid means less neck fatigue on long rides
Full-face helmets offer the best protection, but if you prefer modular or open-face, just make sure airflow is a priority in your selection.
3. Cooling Vests: The Secret Weapon
Cooling vests are underrated and underused. These lightweight garments sit between your base layer and jacket and use evaporative cooling technology — soak them in water, wring them out, and wear them. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from your body, keeping your core temperature down for hours.
Why riders love them:
• Can drop perceived body temperature by 10–15°F
• Lightweight and packable — easy to carry in a tank bag
• Work especially well at lower speeds or in stop-and-go traffic when airflow is minimal
• Reactivate with any water source on the road
Phase-change cooling vests take it a step further with gel inserts that absorb heat — a pricier but longer-lasting option for serious summer riders.
4. Summer Gloves: Grip Without the Greenhouse
Heavy leather gloves are out for summer. Look for short-cuff, perforated leather or mesh-backed gloves that offer protection without trapping heat. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a must if you're mounting your phone for navigation.
Features to prioritize:
• Knuckle protection (hard or soft armor)
• Palm sliders for crash protection
• Breathable mesh or perforated back panel
• Adjustable wrist strap for a secure fit
5. Riding Pants: Don't Skip Leg Protection
Many riders armor up top but forget about their legs. In summer, denim and mesh riding pants are your best friends. Mesh panels on the thighs and knees allow airflow while CE-rated knee and hip armor keeps you protected.
For ADV and touring riders, consider pants with zip-off lower legs for even more versatility when you stop for lunch or walk around town.
6. Hydration: The Gear You Don't Wear
No summer riding kit is complete without a hydration plan. Riders can lose significant fluid in the heat without realizing it, leading to fatigue, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making.
• Hydration packs (like CamelBak-style systems) are easy to integrate under a jacket and let you drink hands-free on the road
• Water bottles in tank bags work well for shorter rides
• Aim to drink water every 30–45 minutes on hot days, even if you don't feel thirsty
Build Your Summer Kit at Motomentum
At Motomentum, we carry a full selection of summer riding gear from trusted brands — from vented helmets and mesh jackets to cooling vests and perforated gloves. Whether you're commuting, touring, or just chasing the weekend, we'll help you stay cool and protected all season long.
Ride cool. Ride safe. See you on the road.
