Here’s a selection of the best summer motorcycle jackets on the market today. You’ll find our top picks along with features, pros, cons, round-ups and our three winners in this article. And there’s also a handy buying guide for choosing your summer motorcycle jacket.
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Summer motorcycle jackets
Summer motorcycle jackets are designed for one purpose – to be used in high temperatures. But where and when you use them is varied. You might be off-roading in a warm country and need more airflow than your standard jacket, especially if you’re riding hard. Or you could be on a European road tour in the height of summer. Or to a far flung land where sweltering temperatures could easily lead to heat exhaustion in the wrong gear.
Wearing the wrong jacket can quickly turn your trip into a hot, sweaty and miserable mess and affect your concentration. Or could push you to ride without it and risk injury in an off.
We’ve ridden in hot weather including Southeast Asia, Central Asia and temperatures reaching the high 40s Celsius in Death Valley Nevada, Syria and Iraq. And we know the importance of wearing the right gear for the job. So we’ve put this list together to help you find the right jacket for your trip. You’ll find a mini buying guide below and our top 10 summer jackets after.
What makes a good summer jacket?
As jackets designed purely for use in hot conditions, summer motorcycle jackets don’t need to be overly complicated or styled as adventure jackets. They’re generally simple in style, minimal faff and are super lightweight. They often feature plenty of adjustable vents or a full mesh construction to maximise airflow through the jacket. Which one you go for depends on where you’re riding and in what temperatures. Here’s what to look out for.
This is the main attribute of a good summer jacket. If the ventilation’s not up to the job you’re not going to get good airflow around your torso, and you could easily overheat. Traditionally, jackets feature relatively small vents that can be opened or closed via a zip or button. Because the vents can be completely closed, the jacket could also be used in cooler weather as well.
The size of the vents will make a big difference as to how much airflow you get entering the jacket. So if you know you’re only going to be in warm conditions for a little while and want a jacket that can also be used when the temperature drops a little, then a vented jacket is the way to go.
However, manufacturers are now using mesh panels, or sometimes constructing the entire outer layer of the jacket from mesh, to maximise airflow. These mesh jackets are the ultimate in hot weather riding gear and what you want if you’re buying a dedicated jacket purely for hot weather use.
It’s important to note here that when we talk about ventilation, we’re not just talking about the front of the jacket. Cool air needs to enter from the front of the jacket but it must also drive out warm air through the back of your jacket and let the heat your body produces escape through the back. So whichever jacket you go for, make sure there’s plenty of exhuast ports on the back.
Adjustability should be close to the top of your list for any jacket. Good adjustability ensures your armour is in the right place. And importantly, that you’re comfortable. On a hot ride, any minor discomfort is exaggerated. You need to have the arms loose, cuffs that can be undone, a waist that’s not digging in at your sides etc. This will all also help with air flow. Look out for adjustability on the waist, hem, cuff and arms.
This depends on exactly how you plan to use the jacket. If you’re only going to use this jacket on adventures through deserts or hot climates, then you can confidently choose a jacket that features a mesh construction for maximum airflow.
If you’ll be using the jacket in cooler climates and don’t need to go as extreme as a fully meshed jacket, you might want a jacket that features the more traditional zip vents as discussed in the Ventilation section.
However, there are other considerations too. Do you need your jacket to be versatile or to be used in other circumstances? Do you want removable thermal liners? Does the jacket need to be waterproof? You know how you’re going to use the jacket, so you’re the only one that can answer these questions, but just bear it in mind when picking one.
The BEST Summer Motorcycle Jackets
Rev’it Eclipse Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £129.99, mesh construction, flexible armour
If you’re looking for a jacket solely for use in dry, hot climates, the Rev’it Eclipse is one of the best jackets on the market today. The summer jacket features polyester 600D at key impact zones and features large mesh panels throughout the rest of the jacket, including the chest, back and inner arms. These large mesh panels ensure optimum airflow when riding to keep you cool.
The jacket comes with CE-approved Knox Flexiform armour at the shoulders and elbows, and features a pocket for the RV type CE level 2 back protector. There’s adjustment at the arms, cuffs and hips, as well as loops to allow for the attachment of jeans.
It’s priced well, has excellent ventilation, is incredibly popular, has high reviews and is an excellent all-round summer motorcycle jacket.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Inner arms, chest, back
- Protection included: Shoulder and elbow (Knox Flexiform CE)
- Material: Mesh, polyester 600D
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Upper arms, cuffs, hips
- Extra features: Pocket for optional back protector
- Large mesh panels
- CE approved protection
- Loops for connection with jeans
- Plenty of size adjustable straps
- Back protector sold separately
- No removable liner for waterproofing or extra warmth
- Jacket, £129.99 – Silver / Brown / Dark Blue / Silver and Blue / Dark Green / Blue.
- Trousers, £109.99 – Matching trousers in Dark Blue, Dark Green or Black.
- Ladies jacket, £129 – Black / Silver / Brown / Red / Blue
Klim Induction Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £380.00, Karbonite mesh, D3O armour
The Klim Induction is designed to excel in the warmest riding conditions and is constructed from a Karbonite mesh fabric at the front, sides, black and arms, which allows for maximum airflow while also being flexible and providing excellent abrasion resistance.
Klim have also used a low profile collar to maximise airflow and keep the rider cool. 500D Cordura reinforcement features at the shoulders and elbows, while D3O armour can be found at the back, shoulders and elbows.
Four pockets throughout the jacket provide plenty of carrying capacity, while adjustability is taken care of via hook and loop straps at the cuffs, forearms and hem of the jacket.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal and arm
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms and sides
- Protection included: Shoulder elbow and black
- Material: Karbonite mesh, 500D Cordura
- Matching trousers: No
- Fit adjustment: Hem, cuffs and forearms
- Extra features: Low profile collar
- Durable mesh material
- Large mesh panels
- D3O armour
- No removable liner
- Jacket, £380.99 – Navy Blue, Hi Vis, Monument Grey, Cool Grey, Black, Redrock
- Trousers, £265 – Black
- Gloves, £105 – Black
Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air 1.0 Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £169.99, removable waterproof inner jacket, breathable liner
The Oxford Dakar jacket was designed for sports adventure riders who need versatility from their summer jacket. So, Oxford treated this jacket to large mesh panels on the front, back and arms and it also includes a removable breathable liner and removable Dry2Dry waterproof jacket too, as well as the jacket itself featuring a water-resistant coating.
Crash protection comes courtesy of CE level 1 protectors at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector. Adjustability is taken care of via hook and loop straps at the waist, and press studs at the upper arms.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: Yes
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow
- Material: High density polyester and mesh
- Matching trousers: No
- Fit adjustment: Waist and upper arms
- Extra features: Removable waterproof inner jacket
- Removable waterproof inner jacket
- Large mesh panels
- Breathable liner
- No back protector
- Jacket, £169.99 – Green/Silver/Blue/Fluo Yellow/ Camo
Rukka Forsair Pro Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £353.99, knitted mesh construction, highly breathable material
Rukka are known the world over for making some of the most advanced, and highest quality motorcycle clothing on the market, and it’s no different with the Forsair Pro textile jacket.
The jacket is made from a combination of knitted mesh Cordura AFT and AFT+, which combine to create maximum airflow and breathability, making it perfect for hot days.
The jacket also features elastic parts under the arms and on the sides of the jacket to improve flexibility. D3O XTR armour is included in the shoulders and elbows, and there are pockets for both back and chest protectors. A long connector zip allows the jacket to be connected to the matching Rukka trousers.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal (watertight)
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms, sides
- Protection included: Shoulder and elbow (D3O XTR)
- Material: Knitted mesh Cordura AFT and AFT+
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Cuffs and hem
- Extra features: Pocket for optional back and chest protectors, elastic under arms for enhanced movement
- Mesh construction
- Highly breathable material
- Elastic parts for increased flexibility
- Chest protector compatible
- Watertight internal pocket
- Back protector sold separately
- No removable liner
- Jacket, £353.99 – Black
- Ladies jacket, £399.99 – Black
- Trousers, £314.99 – Matching trousers in Black.
- Gloves, £89.99 – Black
Rev’it Airwave 3 Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £189.99, high density polyester construction, PWR mesh panels
The Rev’it Airwave 3 features large mesh panels in all the key areas: chest, back and arms for maximum airflow while riding. The rest of the jacket is constructed from high density 600D polyester, with abrasion resistant Ripstop panels on the chest for added flexibility and reinforcement.
For protection, the Airwave 3 comes with CE level 1 Seesmart shoulder and elbow armour and includes pockets to accommodate optional back and chest protectors. The jacket is adjustable at the upper arms and waist and comes with a short connecting zip for use with Rev’it trousers.
We have tested the Rev’it Airwave 2 Ladies jacket and trousers while riding through Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Although it’s the 2 and not the updated 3, many of the features are the same and you can still get a feel for it’s performance with this review if you’re interested in reading more.
READ MORE: Rev’it Airwave 2 Jacket Review
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow
- Material: 600D polyester, PWR mesh and Ripstop
- Matching trousers: No
- Fit adjustment: Hips and upper arms
- Extra features: Chest protector compatible
- Durable Ripstop material
- Large mesh panels
- Chest protector compatible
- No removable liner
- No back protector – must be purchased separately
- Jacket, £189.99 – Black, Grey and Black, Grey and Anthracite, Silver and Black
Klim Marrakesh Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £400.00, hydrophobic coating, wicking inner liner
Unlike all the other jackets on this list which feature mesh panels, the Klim Marrakesh instead uses a stretchable, woven fabric that is fully porous to allow air to flow through.
The material has a hydrophobic coating which repels water and dries fast, making the Marrakesh more than just a hot weather jacket. Back, elbow and adjustable shoulder armour comes courtesy of D3O, while adjustability comes in the form of upper and lower arm straps and a waist gusset.
Klim have also gone to great lengths to make the jacket comfortable. As well as the stretch fabric construction, the Marrakesh also features a brushed micro polyester material at the collar and cuffs, and a moisture-wicking mesh liner.
We tested the Klim Marrakesh through Central Asia including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan and loved it. Here’s our review if you want to read more.
READ MORE: Klim Marrakesh Jacket Review
- Mesh panelling: No
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Entire jacket
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow and back
- Material: Stretch woven 1000D Cordura
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Lower and upper arms, waist
- Extra features: Comfort collar and cuffs
- Stretch material
- Moisture-wicking liner
- Waterproof coating
- Wind guard
- No removable liner
- Jacket, £400 – Black/ Grey/ Olive
- Trousers, £350.00 – Black/ Grey
- Gloves, £90 – Brown/Grey
- Ladies jacket, £369 – Black
RST Pro Series Ventilator-X Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £183.99, waterproof, removable thermal liner
RST have made a name for themselves making high quality and reasonably priced equipment, such as the Pro Series Ventilator-X jacket. Made from durable Maxtex material, the jacket features large K300 mesh panels on the front, back and arms of the jacket to let in cool air.
The RST jacket is the first on this list to feature a removable waterproof and thermal liner, which will certainly come in handy in unpredictable climates. Protection is provided courtesy of CE level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows, and a CE level 2 back protector. The Ventilator-X also features a full length connecting zip for use with matching trousers.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: Yes (thermal and waterproof)
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow and back
- Material: Maxtex and K300 mesh
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Arms and waist
- Extra features: Strong Max zips, fixed internal mesh lining, bonded nylon triple-stitched seams
- Back protector included
- Removable thermal and waterproof liner
- Large mesh panels
- Hardwearing Maxtex construction
- Neoprene comfort collar
- Minimal pockets
- Jacket, £183.99 – Black, Silver
- Trousers, £137.99 – Matching trousers in Black or Silver
- Gloves, £39.99 – Black, Silver
Macna Velocity Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £129.99, ripstop and mesh construction
Much like the Rev’it Eclipse, the Macna Velocity is built purely for keeping you cool on hot days. The extensive mesh panelling allows a huge amount of air through, keeping you cool on even the hottest days. The parts of the jacket that aren’t completely mesh are made from polyester ripstop.
The Macna Velocity comes with armour at the shoulders and elbows, as well as a pocket for an optional back protector. The Velocity is a short, sports-style jacket, but features loops so it can be attached to a belt. The back of the jacket features reflective details for riding in low visibility.
We used this jacket in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in extremely high temperatures and muggy conditions. Here’s our review.
READ MORE: Macna Velocity Review
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder and elbow
- Material: Polyester ripstop and mesh
- Matching trousers: No
- Fit adjustment: Hips and cuffs
- Extra features: 12mm EVA back padding, belt loops
- Highly ventilated and breathable
- 12mm EVA back padding
- Large mesh panels
- Adjustable hips
- No removable liner
- No back protector
- Jacket, £129.99 – Light Grey
- Jacket, £149.99 – Olive Green, Black, Black and Camo, Dark Grey
- Ladies jacket, £149.99 – Light Grey
Spada Alberta Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £129.99, Full CE armour, 600D Polyester PU coated construction
Don’t be fooled by the budget price of the Spada Alberta, as a vented summer jacket it ticks all the boxes. It’s got large mesh panels, CE approved armour at the shoulders, elbows and back, plenty of adjustability and a durable 600D polyester outer.
If you’re a fan of pockets, Spada have got you covered. There’s two on the front, internal pockets, and a big pocket at the back for slightly larger items. The Alberta is a short-style jacket but features plenty of adjustability at both the upper arms and hem of the jacket.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, back, internal
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow and back
- Material: 600D polyester and mesh
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Hips, cuffs and upper arms
- Extra features: Double-stitched seams
- Back protector included
- Large mesh panels
- Good adjustability
- Large rear pocket
- No removable liner
- Jacket, £139.99 – Blue, Grey, Black
- Trousers, £129.99 – Grey, Black
- Waterproof over jacket, £39.99 – Blue, Black
- Gilet base layer £39.99 – Black
Rev’it Cayenne Pro Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £359.99, Seeflex armour, Teflon coating
The Cayenne Pro is a summer motorcycle jacket made from just a single layer of highly breathable polyester and mesh. The mesh panels take up a large amount of real estate on the front and back of the jacket, as well as featuring on the inside of the arms for maximum airflow.
The jacket is equipped with Seeflex CE level 2 protectors at the shoulders and elbows, a Seesoft back protector and a detachable kidney belt. As a jacket built for adventure, the Cayenne features lots of adjustment for fit, and plenty of pockets, including a large expandable pocket on the back.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: No
- Pockets: Front, internal, back
- Ventilation: Chest, back, arms
- Protection included: Shoulder, elbow and back
- Material: 750D polyester and mesh
- Matching trousers: Yes
- Fit adjustment: Waist, lower and upper arms
- Extra features: Document pockets, detachable kidney belt
- Highly breathable polyester construction
- Large mesh panels
- Chest protector compatible
- Lots of adjustability
- No removable liner
- Jacket, £359.99 – Light Grey, Green
- Trousers, £255.99 – Black, Sand, Light Grey and Black, Green and Black
- Gloves, £119.99 – Black, Green, Silver
Richa Airstream 3 Waterproof Summer Jacket
Quick info: from £249.99, Four season jacket, chest protector compatible
If you want a jacket that can keep you cool in the hottest temperatures, but also keep you warm and dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the Richa Airstream 3 could be the jacket for you. The jacket features a good amount of mesh panelling on the exterior, but also includes removable thermal and waterproof liners.
The Airstream 3 comes with a CE approved back protector as standard, and can also accommodate a chest protector. The jacket can be adjusted at the waist, upper arms and cuffs, and also features accordion stretch panels at the elbows and back.
- Mesh panelling: Yes
- Additional removable liners: Yes (waterproof and thermal)
- Pockets: Front, internal
- Ventilation: Sides, arms
- Protection included: Back, shoulder and elbow
- Material: High abrasion textile and mesh
- Matching trousers: No
- Fit adjustment: Waist, upper arms and cuffs
- Extra features: Stretch panels, chest protector accommodation
- Ventilation in key areas
- Stretch panels
- Storm flap
- Large mesh panels
- Removable thermal and waterproof liners
- Trouser connecting zip isn’t full length
- Jacket, £249.99 – Black
The Best Summer Motorcycle Jacket Winners
The Best All-Round Summer Motorcycle Jacket: Rev’it Eclipse
Large mesh panels, 600D polyester at key impact zones, CE approved Knox armour, plenty of adjustments and pockets, it can be attached to matching jeans and is reasonably priced all make the Rev’it Eclipse our pick for the best all-round summer motorcycle jacket.
The Best Features Summer Motorcycle Jacket: Klim Induction
We’ve awarded the Klim Induction jacket the best features award because of the quality of its features. It was a tough call, but the Induction is made using high quality materials, the mesh panelling sizing allows massive amount of air flow, there’s numerous pockets (7), plenty of adjustment, a moisture wicking internal mesh liner and it has excellent crash protection.
The Best Budget Summer Motorcycle Jacket: Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air 1.0
It’s no surprise to see an Oxford product win Best Budget title. The British brand has a long history of creating quality products at low prices. The Dry2Dry jacket features large mesh panels for airflow, but also packs in a breathable waterproof inner jacket and water-resistant coating all for a very low price tag.
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Let us know what you think of this Best Summer Motorcycle Jackets guide in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions or use any of these jackets.