/ Featured Article
What’s the best riding gear for summer?
Make sure to have these in your collection to stay cool on the road this summer.
It’s official: summer’s here and we can all look forward to bright, sunny days for the next couple of months. Apart from being the perfect time to head to the beach, summer is widely considered by most people as the best time to hit the road on two wheels. Staying cool when riding a motorcycle in summer is important for a multitude of reasons. Among these are comfort, safety, and health. It helps prevent dehydration, fatigue, and impaired concentration.
Having said all that, the hot weather is no excuse for us to skimp out on safety gear. As motorcyclists, safety should always be top of mind, and it doesn’t matter what weather you’re riding in. Luckily, nearly all gear manufacturers have products designed specifically for hotter climates such as ours. Let’s take a closer look at the best riding gear for summer weather.
Lightweight, well-ventilated helmet
Let’s kick things off with your helmet. A protective, certified helmet is essential in all types of weather, however, in the summer, it’s best to be prepared with a lightweight lid that’s equipped with a lot of vents. First and foremost, it reduces the strain on your neck and head, making it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Secondly, the ventilation system helps to circulate air and prevent the build-up of heat and sweat inside the helmet, which can cause discomfort and reduce visibility. A cool, lightweight helmet can go a long way in keeping you nice and comfy for longer periods of time.
Mesh jacket
Especially given today’s hot weather, it can be all too easy to forego a motorcycle jacket. Luckily, there are lots of mesh jackets on the market. These are designed to channel air through the fabric, keeping you cool as you move. They’re also usually constructed out of high-quality abrasion-resistant textiles, which provide a vital layer of protection against the asphalt. Of course, these jackets are equipped with all the necessary certified protectors found on the shoulders and elbows, as well as on the back and chest for more premium models.
Breathable gloves
In a similar fashion to jackets, there are also riding gloves that prioritize comfort and breathability, without sacrificing safety and protection. These lightweight gloves are usually designed for road use, and incorporate large mesh panels that allow air to flow freely. These fabrics are usually tactical textiles with abrasion resistant properties. Most premium gloves also incorporate protectors in the metacarpals, phalanges, and knuckles, as well as a slider on the palm for extra protection.
Ventilated riding pants
When out on longer rides on your motorcycle, especially if you ride off-road or frequently hit the expressways, it’s always a good idea to invest in a high quality pair of riding pants. Nearly all gear brands have a selection of riding pants that look just like a pair of regular jeans or cargo pants, however, just like the jackets and gloves we discussed earlier, are made out of high-quality tactical fabrics. More importantly, riding pants are equipped with protectors on the knees and shins, as well as the hips on more premium models.
Textile motorcycle boots
Having breathable motorcycle boots is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to regulate the temperature inside the boots, reducing the build-up of heat and sweat, which can cause discomfort and blisters on long rides. Furthermore, unlike leather boots, textile motorcycle sneakers are much more subtle in terms of their styling, resembling street wear rather than bulky moto-boots. Of course, these kinds of boots are also equipped with all the necessary protective elements to safeguard your feet in the event of a crash or drop. They feature reinforced soles, ankle protectors, as well as dual-density in-soles to provide comfort and safety.
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