Hot weather gear

[Swampy]

I have to admit that over the last couple of years I have been riding with half helmet and T-shirt around town here in SE FL - the heat is too unbearable otherwise. Bad habit to get into - time to improve my safety without dropping 5 pounds of sweat every time I ride.

I have a couple of questions for fellow hot climate riders:

1) Anyone try the BMW fully vented helmet (saw them in europe) - have steel mesh inside openings in the helmet?
2) What padded mesh-type jackets are you wearing? Feedack? (I can only break out my leather jacket in N FL)
3) Any recommendations on above ankle boots that are not too hot but still protect?

Thanks all!

[john66]

I've worn my Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket in addition to my Fieldsheer iceberg vest while in Utah when it was 100+. It creates a sort of swamp cooler effect that will keep you cool as long as you keep moving. The downside is that when you soak it with water, plan on having wet pants or shorts (if you wear riding pants over shorts). As for boots, I bought Vega's Nitro boots for about $60-70. They are vented and comfortable almost like tennis shoes. They come up to mid-calf. The Phoenix is well padded/ armored.

[dark_isz]

I've been enjoying the Tourmaster Intake mesh jacket for the hot & humid weather in Charleston this summer.

linky

I have found that wearing wiking/under armor type shirts, socks and shorts under riding gear helps keep me cooler than regular cotton products. YMMV.

[CafeTBird]

Don't forget a nice cooling vest... works wonders, and keeps you comfy for about 3 hours before a refresh is needed...

Thank God cooler weather is finally arriving!

[hig4s]

I have to admit that over the last couple of years I have been riding with half helmet and T-shirt around town here in SE FL - the heat is too unbearable otherwise. Bad habit to get into - time to improve my safety without dropping 5 pounds of sweat every time I ride.

I have a couple of questions for fellow hot climate riders:

1) Anyone try the BMW fully vented helmet (saw them in europe) - have steel mesh inside openings in the helmet?
2) What padded mesh-type jackets are you wearing? Feedack? (I can only break out my leather jacket in N FL)
3) Any recommendations on above ankle boots that are not too hot but still protect?

Thanks all!

I wear a Tour-Master Intake jacket all year.. mesh with rain liner, and a second insulated liner that goes inside the rain liner. And I have a pair of Core-Tec pants the same way.

[Wockman]

I have a set of Firstgear MeshTex jacket and pants, they keep me comfortable well into the upper 90s or so.  Great quality and they come in tall sizes.

Jacket
http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/mesh_tex_3_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html
and pants
http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/mesh_tex_2_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html

[hig4s]

As far as boots, what type of bike?  I have a pair of AGV Sebring race boots. They are not too expensive and let a decent amount of air in, but are crap for walking. But I can't wear them at all on my cruiser because of the design. So far on the cruiser I still have not found a pair I really like. Right now I just wear Sketchers hiking boots.  

[85V65]

I wear a Tourmaster Cortech GX Air jacket - has worked well up to 100+ degrees and high humidity. For boots, I wear Tourmaster Solution boots - very comfy, but still get pretty warm in the hot weather.

85V65

[hottrodd]

I wear a Fieldsheer Mach 4 for hot weather riding.  It is a pretty good all around jacket, comes with hard plastic armor in the shoulder and elbow, CE armor in the back, and lightweight leather on the shoulder.  And the rain jacket it comes with is also nice for rain or when the weather cools down.