Top Summer Jackets for the Upcoming Riding Season
With the most recent storms blowing through and the sun poking its way through the clouds once more it’s high time to get thinking about the upcoming riding season, which will hopefully be as toasty and dry as it was last year. Not everyone has the budget to have summer specific gear so we’ll be taking a look at jackets that can take large temperature ranges in their stride, as well as some super ventilated gear.
For those looking for a jacket that can take a downpour as well as provide some of the best ventilation possible while still wearing a bike jacket, look no further than the Dainese Hydra Flux – almost entirely made out of mesh fabric this provides the ultimate in ventilation and is available for both men and women. Abrasion and impact protection is present on the shoulders and outer surface of the arms, but otherwise this will let air through like no tomorrow. For when it gets soggy you can put in its removable D-dry liner that’ll keep the water out, as well as providing some windproofing to keep you a bit warmer. Perfect for the British summer – ventilation for when the clouds clear, and waterproofing for when they unexpectedly reappear. Coming in at £219.99 this could sustain you beyond summer with an extra layer or two beneath.
If you’re looking for a jacket that will have your back, no matter the weather, there are few manufacturers to look at beyond Rukka. Their Arma-T Goretex jacket is many things to many people and with good reason. Goretex throughout, a Cordura/Kevlar abrasion resistant outer, closable vents in the shoulders, a removable thermal liner and D3O armour in the shoulders, elbows and back create a jacket that is seriously protective, whether that be from the weather or a crash. Bombproof build quality backed up with a 6 year warranty fully justifies the asking price of £1049.99 if you’re a seasoned rider who does a lot of miles. This jacket will cope with everything British weather can throw at it, keeping you safe, secure and comfortable for many miles.
Moving into more modern and unusual territory, the Knox Urbane Pro offers a summer gear solution that simply didn’t exist in such a sleek package a few years ago. What might look like an armoured shirt is actually a garment you can wear on its own thanks to it being fully abrasion resistant in key places. Crucially for summer this has some serious ventilation thanks to its mesh construction. Knox’s Micro-Lock armour allows for slender but effective impact protection, while arrowmesh and high tenacity nylon will keep things intact in the event of a slide. Unlike the last two jackets this has no weather protection at all, but it allows you wear basically any jacket over the top of it to get some insulation or waterproofing as required. At £229.99 it justifies itself as an extremely flexible bit of kit that ought to work with any jacket you have for colder months.
Some people are after a jacket that is a jack of all trades but has the effortless style of the classic leather jacket – the Spidi Evotourer could be just what you’re after. It won’t quite have the weather protection chops of the previously mentioned Rukka, but for everything but a proper downpour this jacket should be all you need. Coming in at £479.99 this jacket includes a tough, tanned 0.9/1mm cowhide outer with substantial armour in the shoulders and elbows, and space for a back protector. The unique feature of this jacket is the inclusion of both a thermal and a waterproof liner, ideal for using the jacket year-round. Sure it doesn’t have proper ventilation, but the sheer flexibility of the jacket makes up for being a little sweaty on the hottest of days.
Much like the Knox Urbane Pro, new bits of gear come along that weren’t previously possible, and RST’s Lumberjack Armoured CE Textile shirt is a great example of that. Looking, for all intents and purposes, like a normal check shirt this actually has an aramid fibre lining and armour in both the elbows and shoulders, with the option for a back protector. The inclusion of a zip under the main set of buttons fully secures this as a proper bit of gear that looks nothing like proper gear. At £119.99 this costs less than some fancy-pants high street shirts, and while it might not have the big brand appeal it is something you can wear out and about without looking too biker-ish! Like the Knox you can wear waterproofs over the top if necessary, and paired with a pair of aramid fibre jeans and casual style boots you’d hardly need to change if you’re going to a social occasion.
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