The Reality of Gear

[98ninja98]

I've been wearing a mesh jacket without the liner during the summer here in California, and have ridden in 100+ temperatures.

I find that its cooler with the jacket on when moving than in just a t-shirt. The hot air hitting you constantly as you're moving is no fun. I couldn't imagine wearing a half or a 3/4 helmet. When its really hot out, it feels like the heat blast from an oven when I open my visor while moving.

[Ronin47]

In AZ, riding in 110+ F weather is not uncommon from July - September. Even in mesh riding gear, it is still pretty darn hot.

The holes in the mesh actually pushed the hot air against me, making me dehydrate faster. It felt hotter in stopped traffic, on hot asphalt, surrounded by running engines, in dark riding gear (black helmet gets REAL WARM). I usually wore a soaking wet t-shirt under my mesh jacket and it kinda helped. Next year, I'm probably buying one of those cooling vests that you soak in water for 15 mins prior to riding.

[Jerrysea]

mesh jacket and mesh pants. T shirt short pants underneath. perforated leather gloves. ankle high boots. Helmet depends I have a half a 3\4 with sheild and a modular. Seems I have been wearing the modular most of the time these days. The heat and humidity here in the summer can be compared to many places in Florida. It can get quite hot while sitting in the traffic. I have not had any sunburn to contend with since I wear the gear.

[Upi]

Originally Posted by infonavigator

I have been looking into ultraviolet reflective clothing hoping to reduce effects of sunlight and heat. I sure wish the protective gear providers would stop using black.

I use cabretta leather gloves I buy at Sam's Club. Cabretta leather gives you good grip.

Most make white as well.

[Upi]

I usually wear mesh gear with running gear underneath, like a spandex/polyester mix from underarmor or champion. They are very light, pull moisture away from the body, and allow moisture to evaporate quickly. Outside of that the only issue is drinking plenty of water.

[KevyzToy]

Originally Posted by sbg8r

+1 keeps the sun from baking, I also wear a cool vest and I have a well vented leather jacket....I ode to the keys 7 hour ride and the last 2 hours I took the jacket off...wish I had wore it...

I too live in S.W. Florida. Across the river from you in Fort Myers. I wear gear all the time. A perf leather jacket in the summer. A regular leather in winter.

If it's too hot to wear gear, it's too hot to ride.

[wildjerseyfiref]

im gonna try to get some good clothes for the summer.

as of right now, im in jeans,boots,(sneakers when im lazy) and a tshirt and jacket(carhartt for the most part unless its warm.)

I dont know what im going to do for the summer yet.

[KZBob]

Here in Vegas, I prefer to wear the Iceberg vest from Fieldsheer under my jacket, and the Camelback bladder slides in nicely in the back armor pouch of my jacket.

Hydration is the key.

[1holegrouper]

Another vote for cooling vests. However, there are 2 kinds out there. The evaporative cooling vest is OK when you are moving but useless when you are stopped. If you are riding stop and go it will drive you crazy and soak your clothes underneath. The other type uses inserts made out of a material that maintains 40 degrees F for up to 10 hours depending upon the brand. This is the type I would recommend. You can then stay cool no matter what the temperature is and no matter if you are moving or stopped. Recharge in a freezer us usually only 20-30 minutes. In ice water half that time. Its amazing how much better you will ride when your body is at a comfortable temperature.

[Chimerix]

Originally Posted by 1holegrouper

The other type uses inserts made out of a material that maintains 40 degrees F for up to 10 hours depending upon the brand. This is the type I would recommend.

That's the sort of thing I've been looking for. Do you have any specific examples of one? A manufacturer or model? I've never come across such a thing in dozens of hours of searching.

[1holegrouper]

Originally Posted by Chimerix

That's the sort of thing I've been looking for. Do you have any specific examples of one? A manufacturer or model? I've never come across such a thing in dozens of hours of searching.

staycoolvest.com, aqualitywater.com (this is what I use, go to the phase change cooling part) Get the neck cooler as well, it doesn't last as long but is great for a commute.

Good luck!

Personal Cooling & Heating Vests, Phase Change Cooling Vests

Personal Cooling Head & Neck Wear, Phase Change Cooling Neck Wrap