Gear guide
Best mesh motorcycle jackets for hot weather
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
KLIM Induction Pro: D3O CE Level 2, Cordura
D3O CE Level 2 armor at elbows, shoulders and back is included, per the listing
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Most for the money on paper
REV'IT Eclipse 2: CE Level 1 mesh, about $200
About $200, the lowest price in this guide
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Most complete listing
Alpinestars T-GP Plus V4 Airflow: sport mesh, DFS
Extensive mesh panels on a 600D polyfabric chassis, per the listing
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
In Texas, Arizona or Florida summer heat, a closed textile or leather jacket gets miserable fast, and that is when riders start leaving gear at home. A mesh jacket keeps air moving while still holding armor at the shoulders and elbows. The differences between models come down to three things. First, the armor: is it CE Level 1 or Level 2, and is a back protector included or just a pocket for one? Second, the material: how much of the jacket is open mesh, and what heavier fabric like 600D polyester or Cordura covers the areas that touch the road first in a slide. Third, weather: mesh jackets are not waterproof on their own, so plan on a rain shell. This guide compares six hot-weather jackets using only what each Amazon listing states, and marks missing details as not stated.
Compare the picks
- KLIM Induction Pro: D3O CE Level 2, Cordura
- Armor level
- D3O CE Level 2 elbow, shoulder and back
- Material
- Karbonite nylon mesh, 600D and 1000D Cordura, goat leather
- Waterproof
- Not stated
- Alpinestars T-GP Plus V4 Airflow: sport mesh, DFS
- Armor level
- CE Level 1, DFS Lite shoulder sliders
- Material
- 600D polyfabric with mesh panels
- Waterproof
- Not stated
- REV'IT Eclipse 2: CE Level 1 mesh, about $200
- Armor level
- SEESMART CE Level 1 shoulders and elbows
- Material
- 600D polyester with mesh panels
- Waterproof
- Not stated
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air: mesh sport jacket- Armor level
- CE elbow and shoulder protectors
- Material
- 450/600D polyester, mesh torso and arms
- Waterproof
- Not stated
KLIM Induction: Karbonite mesh touring jacket- Armor level
- Not stated
- Material
- Karbonite mesh, 500D Cordura overlays
- Waterproof
- Not stated
Dainese Air Frame 3 Tex: women's, EN 1621.1- Armor level
- EN 1621.1 composite protectors
- Material
- Textile with breathable mesh lining
- Waterproof
- Not stated
| Pick | Armor level | Material | Waterproof | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLIM Induction Pro: D3O CE Level 2, Cordura | D3O CE Level 2 elbow, shoulder and back | Karbonite nylon mesh, 600D and 1000D Cordura, goat leather | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| Alpinestars T-GP Plus V4 Airflow: sport mesh, DFS | CE Level 1, DFS Lite shoulder sliders | 600D polyfabric with mesh panels | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| REV'IT Eclipse 2: CE Level 1 mesh, about $200 | SEESMART CE Level 1 shoulders and elbows | 600D polyester with mesh panels | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air: mesh sport jacket | CE elbow and shoulder protectors | 450/600D polyester, mesh torso and arms | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| KLIM Induction: Karbonite mesh touring jacket | Not stated | Karbonite mesh, 500D Cordura overlays | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| Dainese Air Frame 3 Tex: women's, EN 1621.1 | EN 1621.1 composite protectors | Textile with breathable mesh lining | Not stated | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · KLIM
KLIM Induction Pro: D3O CE Level 2, Cordura
See price on AmazonA premium touring mesh jacket with D3O CE Level 2 pads at elbows, shoulders and back, Karbonite mesh, Cordura overlays and perforated goat leather. For riders who want Level 2 armor all around.
What the listing offers
- D3O CE Level 2 armor at elbows, shoulders and back is included, per the listing
- Karbonite industrial grade nylon mesh body for airflow
- 600D Cordura cuffs and perforated goat leather on elbows and shoulders
Limits to know
- At about $550 it is the most expensive jacket in this guide
- No waterproof layer is listed, so bring a rain shell
Pick 2 · Alpinestars
Alpinestars T-GP Plus V4 Airflow: sport mesh, DFS
See price on AmazonA sport-fit mesh jacket with a 600D polyfabric chassis, extensive mesh panels, CE Level 1 armor and DFS Lite shoulder sliders. Fits sport and naked bike riders in hot weather.
What the listing offers
- Extensive mesh panels on a 600D polyfabric chassis, per the listing
- CE Level 1 armor plus integrated DFS Lite shoulder sliders
- Chest and back compartments allow armor upgrades
Limits to know
- Chest and back armor are optional upgrades, not listed as included
- Sport fit with pre-curved sleeves may feel tight sitting upright
Pick 3 · REV'IT!
REV'IT Eclipse 2: CE Level 1 mesh, about $200
See price on AmazonA value mesh jacket with mesh on the front, back and inner arms, SEESMART CE Level 1 armor and a pocket ready for a SEESOFT Level 2 back protector. Good first summer jacket.
What the listing offers
- About $200, the lowest price in this guide
- Mesh panels on front, back and inner arms for steady airflow
- Adjustment tabs at waist, cuffs and biceps, plus a jeans connection loop
Limits to know
- The back protector is a preparation only and is sold separately
- Listing does not describe abrasion panels beyond the 600D polyester
Pick 4 · Alpinestars
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air: mesh sport jacket
See price on AmazonThe previous-generation T-GP Air with extended mesh on the torso and arms, a 450/600D polyester shell and CE elbow and shoulder protectors. Often a lower-cost route to an Alpinestars mesh jacket.
What the listing offers
- Extended mesh panels on the torso and arms, per the listing
- Abrasion-resistant 450/600D polyester outer
- Chest pad and back compartments ready for added protection
Limits to know
- The listing does not state the CE level of the elbow and shoulder pads
- This listing is a size Small only, so check stock in your size
Pick 5 · KLIM
KLIM Induction: Karbonite mesh touring jacket
See price on AmazonThe standard Induction with Karbonite industrial grade mesh, 500D Cordura on shoulders and elbows, stretch panels and YKK zippers. For touring riders who want the mesh without the Pro price.
What the listing offers
- Karbonite high-strength mesh body, per the listing
- 500D Cordura overlays on shoulders and elbows
- Stretch panels on sides, shoulders, biceps and forearms aid movement
Limits to know
- The listing does not state what armor, if any, is included
- About $100 less than the Pro but loses the stated D3O Level 2 armor
Pick 6 · Dainese
Dainese Air Frame 3 Tex: women's, EN 1621.1
See price on AmazonA women's warm-weather textile jacket with removable EN 1621.1 protectors, a breathable mesh lining, a pocket for a G1 or G2 back protector and a jacket-pants zip.
What the listing offers
- Removable composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1, per the listing
- Pocket for a Dainese G1 or G2 back protector
- Jacket-pants fastening system for matching Dainese pants
Limits to know
- Women's cut in EU size 54 on this listing
- The listing mentions a mesh lining but does not describe outer vent panels
Read before you buy
- Back protector inserts for motorcycle jacketsWhy many motorcycle jackets ship with a foam back pad, what CE Level 1 and Level 2 back protector inserts mean, and how to choose and fit one.
- CE armor levels and EN 17092 jacket classesWhat CE Level 1 and Level 2 mean for motorcycle armor under EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2, and how EN 17092 AAA, AA, A, B and C jacket classes are rated.
- Leather vs textile motorcycle jacket: abrasion, weather and upkeepLeather vs textile motorcycle jackets compared on abrasion, weather, armor, ventilation and care, with real jackets from Alpinestars, KLIM and REV'IT!
- How to clean textile and leather motorcycle jacketsStep by step cleaning for motorcycle jackets: remove the armor first, wash and reproof textile jackets, and clean and condition leather jackets without damage.
- How should a motorcycle jacket fit?How to measure chest and sleeve for a motorcycle jacket, read EU and US sizes, and check that the armor sits on your shoulders and elbows in riding position.
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Lid & Visor chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.