Summer Riding Jackets
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Jul 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2024
You will see a lot of riders in tee shirts and jeans when the weather gets hot, foregoing all the protection offered by wearing the proper gear. A riding jacket is one of the key elements in rider's safety. Even when the temperature rises, you should have a summer riding jacket for safety. So, we are going to look at some of the top performers in lightweight and breathable jackets that still offer the protection we need as riders.
Fox Creek Leather Summer Riding Jacket
The Summer Riding Jacket from Fox Creek Leather is a real full grain leather jacket that offers traditional stylings. This is my top choice for a warm weather jacket. I love the simple look and stylings of the jacket. The main reason this is my top choice is the quality of the jacket. It is made in America by skilled craftsmen. Fox Creek Leather is known for offering quality products and this jacket is no exception.
The Summer Riding Jacket is not insulated like many riding jackets and offers a mesh liner to promote air flow. You also have several vents that are discretely located. Like many riding jackets you may get a little warm if sitting in traffic, but once you are moving and getting air flowing through the jacket, it is very comfortable.
The jacket also has an action back, which makes it much more comfortable on a motorcycle. It eliminates the pulling feeling across your back, like you experience with a standard jacket. There are also zippers on the sleeve to allow a snug fit around your wrist but make it easy to take the jacket off. You also get side zippers to customize the fit. This is a big plus in a riding jacket, as you can unzip the side to make it more comfortable when seated on the bike.
There are the standard zippered pockets on the left and right of the jacket as well as interior pockets as well. One has a snap and the other is a zipper. Obviously, pockets are always useful. The Summer Riding Jacket does offer a concealed carry pocket that is set up for a right handed rider. Fox Creek Leather is great to work with. If you need a left hand carry, just let them know when you order the jacket. You will need to contact them, as there is not an option when actually placing the order.
There are armor pockets in the shoulder, elbow and back. The jacket does not come with armor, but most standard CE 1 and 2 armor works well. According to Fox Creek Leather, some armor must be trimmed to fit properly.
The Fox Creek Leather Summer Riding Jacket is one of the more expensive options on the list, but it's worth it. A good quality riding jacket will last for year, if not decades, making it worth the initial investment. In fact, this jacket qualifies for Fox Creek Leather's Lifetime Guarntee!
REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Summer Riding Jacket
The Eclipse 2 is a mesh textile jacket that is actually designed to keep you cool. There are two huge mesh panels on the front of the jacket. This same mesh is found on the inside of the arms and the main back panel. All of this mesh is designed in increase air flow around your body. This directed and controlled air flow and lightweight design of the jacket is what keeps you cool while riding. The rest of the jacket is made of 600D Polyester that is abrasion resistant. This material is placed in key areas to provided added protection.
This Jacket offers REV'IT!'s new SeeSmart shoulder and elbow armor. The new SeeSmart armor is lightweight and flexible and offers CE-Level 1 protection. There is a pocket for their back protector, but it must be purchased separately.
The many adjustable straps allow a custom fit for the jacket to ensure comfort for most any rider. I really like the plain and simple look to this jacket. Regardless of what color you choose, it is all one color. This jacket is available in 5 different colors to fit your unique style. A lot of jackets in this category can be a little loud for my taste. Because of the simple design, the Eclipse 2 looks right at home on about any style of motorcycle.
This jacket would be a great addition to your riding gear and is a great value, coming in under $200.
Bilt Nomad Air Summer Riding Jacket
I tend to gravitate toward traditional styling, so I love the Nomad Air Jacket. It has the traditional leather biker jacket look with the cooling functionality of mesh panels. The shoulders, arms, and trim are covered with a thin layer of cowhide leather. This gives the jacket a very traditional and well fitting look. All other panels of the jacket are mesh to maximize air flow through the jacket and around your body. The Nomad Air Jacket also offers a quilted detachable full sleeve lining. So, it gives you versatility to wear this jacket through spring and fall, not just the dog days of summer. If you are a fair weather rider, this might be the only jacket you need.
The Nomad Air Jacket does offer CE-Level 1 armor at the shoulders and elbows. Additional back protectors can be added as well. The Jacket also offers subtle blackout reflective piping to improve visibility. The jacket also features accordion stretch panels at the elbows and shoulders to ensure a comfortable range of motion. The side panels are adjustable to ensure proper fit for most riders. I do really like the zippers at the wrist cuff, as I find it easier to manipulate with gloves on than a snap closure. The removable liner for this jacket really makes it a great value and worthy of checking out.
REV'IT Ignition 4 H2O Jacket
The Ignition 4 H2O Jacket might just be the most versatile jacket on the market. This is technically an all season and weather jacket. I'm including it here, as it performs great as a summer jacket as well. This jacket is actually comprised of three layers. The base layer is the thermal liner. This portion of the liner is not just a vest, but does include the sleeves as well. with this layer installed you can stay comfortable at cooler temperatures. The next layer is a waterproof liner. REV'IT calls the material hydratex. This breathable layer is designed to keep water out if you get caught in the rain. Finally, is the outer shell. The outer portion of the jacket is made from a combination of cowhide leather and mesh. The leather covers the outside of the arm, shoulders and side. The mesh panels, which optimize air flow are at the front and back of the jacket. REV'IT uses what they call PWR Shell stretch panels at the inner arm and elbows. This material provides abrasion resistance while allowing for flexibility. This jacket, like a leather jacket, does require some break in for comfort. The Ignition 4 H2O Jacket offers CE-Level 2 protection in the shoulder and elbow. It does also have a pocket for the options CE-Level 2 back protector.
I would describe the style as urban traditional. It is a brawler style jacket, but the design, from a styling stand point, is fairly simple. If you are looking for a great looking summer jacket, that is more than a summer jacket, you should check this one out for sure. There are no compromises here.
