Most motorcycle gear—leather jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets—is designed for the purpose of protection. During the steamy heat of summer, these pieces get hot quickly. But don’t worry, there are plenty of gear options to help keep you safe and feeling cool—even during the hottest months of the year.
Here’s what you can do to keep cool while riding:
Invest in a venting helmet
Most standard helmets don’t provide venting capabilities, which makes them great for rides during cooler months. That’s why you may want to invest in a venting helmet for summer. This will help your comfort level, while also helping to keep you protected.
To accompany your vented helmet, you can also find tinted visors in various sizes. So, no need to worry about sunglasses, because your face and eyes will be protected from the sun’s hot rays.
Trade out your leather for mesh
While leather is usually the material of choice for riding, there’s no hotter gear to put on in the summer. Luckily, there are a variety of mesh options to stay cool. And most mesh jackets are designed to help keep you protected during an accident. A mesh jacket or pants are great options to help you stay protected and cool this summer.
Try a cooling vest
For the hottest days, a cooling vest can help provide you with the heat relief you long for. The vests are specifically designed to help keep your body temperature lower, preventing overheating. There are a few different types of cooling vests to choose from:
- Evaporative – A light vest that you soak in water, ring out, and then wear to activate evaporation that cools your body for up to two hours.
- Circulatory – Using technology developed by NASA, this vest keeps you cool by circulating cold water through non-kink tubing sewn inside its material.
- Cold pack – This vest comes with pockets, even within its collar, that holds ice pouches to cool you down.
- Phase change – This system relies on cold packs filled with nontoxic liquids that line the vest’s pockets to help you maintain cooler temperatures.
Depending on the climate you’re riding in, one cooling vest may work better than another. We suggest you research the specifics to help you determine which will work best for you. Not only will these keep you cool, but most come in bright colors which will also help ensure you’re seen by other drivers.
Rely on base layers
Sweat is your body’s way of regulating your temperature and keeping you cool. But while sweat has its purpose, no one wants to be drenched in it. You can prevent pooling by wearing a base layer made of synthetic fabrics to help draw sweat away from your body. Most exercise apparel is made of synthetic fabrics that can provide you with an effective base layer for riding.
Purchase a handlebar fan
If you tend to get extremely hot while riding in the summer, invest in a handlebar fan. With many models available, there’s a large selection that can help you stay as cool as possible.
Carry a water bottle
One of the most important things you should have with you on the road other than your safety gear is a bottle of water. When you’re riding in the summer, especially on the highway, you’re exposed to a lot of sunlight. Being in the sun all day can cause you to become dehydrated or suffer heat exhaustion, so make sure you bring water wherever you ride—to help keep you safe, healthy, and cool.
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