Mesh jacket recommendations

[Rednaxs60]

Bought another Olympia mesh jacket - Alpha jacket slate colour. Had one before but the cut was not quite right. This jacket fits well. The one feature that I really like is the rain liner can be worn inside the jacket or overtop of the jacket. It doubles as a wind break when worn over top of the jacket.

 

[RayBJ]

Just to state the obvious, Jackets fit differently across and within brands. Pretty much everyone makes a mesh jacket so the FIT is 1st. Armor is 2nd and features like rain and warm layers are 3rd. Price range is very wide with Rukka probably at the top. If there are bike dealers within reach, TRY THEM ON.

 

[RayBJ]

. A fully soaked evaporative vest worn under a mesh jacket will keep you about 20° cooler for about two hours in 100° heat. If you plan to ride all day in the heat, it's wise to put a 2 gallon zip-lock bag in a saddlebag or trunk to re-wet the vest occasionally when you are unable to find a convenient water source.

My experience with evap jackets in high heat is 20 minutes before dry. Odd as it may sound, I found that wearing my solid jacket and light merino wool base gear when temps are +100 works best at maintaining my body temp. What's the logic of having a hair dryer (+100*) blowing onto your 98.6* body?

 

[Rednaxs60]

Just to state the obvious, Jackets fit differently across and within brands. Pretty much everyone makes a mesh jacket so the FIT is 1st. Armor is 2nd and features like rain and warm layers are 3rd. Price range is very wide with Rukka probably at the top. If there are bike dealers within reach, TRY THEM ON.

Agree. The Olympia mesh jacket I bought is a 4XL, and I am not a 4XL at 6'2" and 230 pounds.

 

[cruisinTX]

My experience with evap jackets in high heat is 20 minutes before dry. Odd as it may sound, I found that wearing my solid jacket and light merino wool base gear when temps are +100 works best at maintaining my body temp. What's the logic of having a hair dryer (+100*) blowing onto your 98.6* body?

This makes me have to ask a few questions.

1. are you wearing it over a jacket or inside?

2. are you using with a mesh or solid jacket?

3. are you using the vest only over a shirt of some type?

4. how long do you allow it to soak in water before use?

5. are you using a quality vest from industrial safety sources of one purchased from a motorcycle dealer? There are different levels.

Just for reference, I always soak mine for at least an hour before use and always wear it under the blue mesh jacket with the tightest weave (smallest holes). I tested that a few times by having it in the water in a large zip-lock bag in my saddlebag and donned it right after work as described then kept a close eye on the time while taking the long way home. This was done the first summer I had the vest and I wanted to ascertain a good timeline. I picked days to do this based on forecast highs of 95 or more and came up with same results here in the Texas Panhandle where summer humidity is typically less than 10%.

Not wanting a debate; just adding to knowledge base for myself and others.

 

[RayBJ]

I wore the motorcycle version from Techniche (gray outer, blue inner). Soaked for 20 minutes 1st use but in under 30 minutes it was dry. Re-wetting on the road doesn't leave time to sit and wait long periods. I wore an Olympia mesh jacket at the time with base layer of light merino wool. I'm fine with temps up to high 90s with mesh but solid jacket to keep the environment out works best at 100+ for me. Last trip I left the mesh home and was comfortable in my 1st Gear 37.5 Goretex jacket. Temps from 50 to 102. We all have different levels of comfort, wear what works for you.

 

[Rydernow]

I bought the cheapest mesh jacket from Cycle Gear. I think it was on sale for under $80. It has a removable liner and liteweight armor plating that is also removable. Pretty darned comfy in the summer and winter.

 

[Motorcycledave]

I’m a new rider. I am looking for suggestions for summer protection and from the summer heat in NM? I just been riding in a long sleeve shirt. I have everything else.

Thanks for any advice.

WHAT SIZE ? I have a First Gear Mesh like new size XXL
Make an offer 209-887-3283

 

[cwhowardjr17]

Haze, I live in ABQ