Mesh vs Vented: How to Choose a Summer Motorcycle Jacket
In short: For very hot days, a mesh jacket certified to EN 17092 is the coolest choice; for warm days with changing weather, a vented jacket with closable openings. Either way, look for class AA, abrasion-resistant fabric in the impact zones and low-profile armour.
Summer in Canada can get properly hot, from the Okanagan to the Prairies and southern Ontario. On a 30°C day, a heavy touring jacket turns into a sauna. Mesh motorcycle jackets and vented summer gear are the answer, but they differ a lot in how much air they let in and how much protection they keep. Here is how to choose.
Mesh jacket or vented jacket?
Mesh jackets have large panels of open mesh on the chest, back and arms. Air flows straight through as soon as you're moving. They are the coolest option, but they offer no weather protection, and the mesh areas need to be backed by abrasion-resistant fabric in the high-risk zones to be real protective gear.
Vented jackets are made of a breathable fabric with zip vents you can open and close. They let in less air than full mesh, but you can close them up when the evening cools down or a shower passes through.
What to look for in summer motorcycle gear
- CE certification of the complete garment to EN 17092. Ventilation doesn't mean less protection: look for class AA.
- Abrasion-resistant fabric where it counts: shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and seat.
- Armour that breathes: slim, flexible protectors trap less heat.
- A relaxed fit that lets air circulate, but not so loose that the armour moves.
- Light colours reflect more sunlight than black.
What do the EN 17092 protection classes mean?
EN 17092 tests the complete garment, not just individual materials. It has five classes:
| Class | What it means |
|---|---|
| AAA | Highest requirements for abrasion, tear and seam strength, with impact protectors |
| AA | High protection for touring and all-round riding, with impact protectors |
| A | Lighter protection, mainly for urban riding, with impact protectors |
| B | Abrasion protection like class A, but without impact protectors |
| C | Under- or over-garments that hold protectors, without abrasion protection of their own |
Armour: Level 1 or Level 2?
Impact protectors are tested by transmitted force: how much of an impact still reaches your body. The lower the number, the better the protection.
- Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees (EN 1621-1): Level 1 below 35 kN, Level 2 below 20 kN on average
- Back (EN 1621-2): Level 1 below 18 kN, Level 2 below 9 kN on average
Our warm-weather gear
| Desert Rider | Dryzone | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Short mesh jacket | Vented jacket & pants |
| Airflow | Maximum, through large mesh panels | High, through breathable fabric and multiple vents |
| Fabric | Breathable Cordura® fabrics | Cordura® ripstop |
| CE class (EN 17092) | AA | AA |
| Best for | Hot days, off-road, summer touring | Warm, dry riding, adventure and long days |
The Desert Rider Mesh Jacket is our short, lightweight mesh jacket for the hottest days, in Blue, Black or Coconut.
The Dryzone Jacket and Dryzone Pants are built for warm and dry conditions with a two-way front zip and ventilation panel, mesh lining and room for larger adventure boots in the pants. For off-road, the Rallye Adventure Pants are cut to be worn inside your boots and pair perfectly with the Dryzone Jacket.
Add the lightweight Dryzone Gloves with leather palm and stretch textile for airflow.
Staying cool on hot rides
- Keep covered. Bare arms burn quickly and dry out at speed. A breathable layer is cooler than you think.
- Wear a moisture-wicking base layer instead of cotton.
- Wet your base layer or neck tube at a stop. Evaporation at speed cools you down.
- Drink before you are thirsty and plan breaks in the shade.
- Carry a light rain layer. Summer thunderstorms come fast, and mesh gear won't keep you dry. The packable Swamp Rain Jacket fits over any jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Are mesh motorcycle jackets safe?
A mesh jacket certified to EN 17092 has passed the same garment test as other jackets in its class. Check the class and make sure the high-risk zones are covered by abrasion-resistant fabric, not just mesh.
What is the best motorcycle jacket for summer?
For very hot days, a certified mesh jacket. For warm days with changing conditions, a vented jacket with zips you can close.
Can I wear a mesh jacket in the rain?
Not on its own. Wear a rain layer over it, like the Swamp Rain Jacket.
The bottom line
Summer gear should keep air moving without giving up protection. Choose a certified mesh or vented jacket, match it with breathable pants and gloves, and pack a rain layer for the afternoon storm.
Explore all warm-weather motorcycle gear.
