Comfortable jacket for hot-weather scooter riding?

June 11, 2009 6:12 AM

Where can I find a good jacket to wear while commuting on my scooter? I'm in Texas so I'm looking for something that's both safe and cool.

So I just got a sweet scooter. It's pretty awesome. I've got a good helmet, I'm signed up for the next basic rider course in town, so now all I'm missing is a good jacket to keep me from losing my skin in the case of a wreck.

Here's the thing, I live in southern-central Texas, and so it gets hot and humid, and I'm trying to find a jacket that will cover me up without baking me, if at all possible. I don't look forward to showing up to things soaked in sweat either. I've tried looking at some websites at the "mesh" jackets but they look pretty heavy still.

So is there anyone else who motorcycles/scooters in hot weather? Are mesh jackets cool enough or should I be looking for something different? Does anyone have any recommendations that also won't break the bank? Thanks!

posted by internet!Hannah to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

You're really not going to get both cheap and safe. The nylon mesh jackets are typically made of 100% Polyester with a 100% Polyurethane coating. Slide on the road in one of those and it will literally melt onto your skin... nasty stuff.

Kevlar is a safe way to go, but a jacket is going to cost you somewhere in the $300 to $400 range.

Check craig's list, eBay, etc... lots of folks buy bikes and sell them quickly, and also need to get ride of the expensive clothing....
posted by HuronBob at 6:23 AM on June 11

I bought a jacket similar to this for my first summer weight jacket from New Enough (who I can't speak highly enough of, they were very helpful and courteous) for my hot weather commuting In South Carolina summers. I can't comment on well it would handle a skid, but it keeps me reasonably cool at 30mph traffic.

Not cheap, but perforated leather and kevlar are generally considered to be better in abrasion resistance if not air flow.

Ask yourself, how often will I be riding, and how comfortable do I want to be, and then decide if taking the plunge on a $500 jacket is worth it (hint, if you're riding every day, yes, it is). A good helmet will make a huge difference too. The airflow of the some of pro-level helmets is light years away from the cheap models. If you're going to be wearing the equivalent of a styrofoam cooler on your head, make sure it lets as much air through as possible.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:10 AM on June 11

I ride a motorcycle in Austin, and I love my Olympia Airglide 2 jacket. It has a zip out liner which came in handy on morning commutes during that cold front a week ago, and when the liner's out it lets lots and lots of air through. It's honestly cooler wearing that jacket than going in short sleeves, since it keeps the sun off of me as well.

It has armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. If you want to try them on, Lonestar BMW in Austin is where I bought mine. They come in subdued colors, but I went for the crazy bright dorky hi-viz neon yellow version.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:49 AM on June 11

I was in a fairly serious accident on my scooter last fall, and my Joe Rocket jacket (and my helmet) probably saved my life. This is my jacket. Get the spine protection. Trust me. Its not just your skin the jacket will protect. Its also your joints and your spine. Oh, and be sure and get gloves, too.

Don't be afraid to go to a local bike shop and try some stuff on. But trust me, I'd rather be a little sweaty than dead or paralyzed, which I would have been had I not had that jacket on.
posted by anastasiav at 8:00 AM on June 11 [1 favorite]

If you don't want to look like a Power Ranger, you might check out Corazzo's stuff. I have the men's 5.0 in red (to match my Vespa) and it's terrific. There's no insulation and it has lots of vents to keep me cool.
posted by jdfan at 8:19 AM on June 11 [1 favorite]

Rev'it makes a nice summer jacket at a very competitive price.
posted by tumble at 8:21 AM on June 11

I live in San Diego, and it gets pretty hot here too in the summer. I would look for the following things in a jacket:

good internal armor/pads

zip venting in the arms, back, and sides

zip out liner

light color to reflect sunlight (black will absorb it and make you hotter)

Also, if you haven't ridden much before, it's important to note that as long as you're moving, you won't be too hot. I actually get pretty chilly on my bike, even in the summer, when I'm riding on the freeway. The time you'll start to feel overheated is when you're idling and stopped at a light, so just avoid stoplights when you can and lift the face guard on your helmet when you're stopped to get some more airflow. Have fun!

posted by booknerd at 9:19 AM on June 11

2nding Rev'it. They are one of the best bang for your buck companies in the market and their mesh jackets are really, really good.
posted by thekiltedwonder at 9:33 AM on June 11

Try a brand called Tucano Urbano. Everyone in Italy who rides a scooter has something by this maker, it seems.
posted by Zambrano at 9:40 AM on June 11

Well I was going around to all the stores in town looking at a lot of the brands people had recommended here when lo and behold I found an ad on craigslist selling a never worn womens M alpinestars summer jacket for $50. Apparently it was meant to be a pre-breakup gift for an exgirlfriend. His heartbreak but my gain. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
posted by internet!Hannah at 8:01 PM on June 22