Hot weather riding gear.

[FreepZ]

I have an Icon leather jacket with a removable lining that is perfect for both cold and warm weather riding.

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=3428&id=11936

I have the non-perforated one. Love it!

Speaking of warm weather (which is going to show up, along with my Empluse!), out here in Florida it turns into a sauna during the summer, but since "it's not if you fall, but when you fall", I've been wearing a leather jacket and sweating up a storm.

What would you recommend wearing when it gets hot (and humid)?
Are textiles cooler, and do they protect as well as leather?
How does leather hold up to the rain? (My leather jacket would bleed color into whatever shirt I was wearing under the jacket. )

[Shinysideup]

Best I've found, both for protection and coolness, is a Motoport Kevlar air mesh.

http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/_catalog_106903/Air_Mesh_Jackets

It's about the same as riding with a T-shirt and works well for me until temps get over 100F, then I add a water-soaked cooling vest, or just pour water down the neck!

As to safety:

http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/save-your-hide

[Brammofan]

I have a Field Sheer mesh jacket, about $70 with armored elbows and shoulders. It works for me. Have worn it home on days over 100° and was no warmer than if I hadn't worn a jacket at all.

I just remembered this one day last summer when it was a choice between visor up (hot air dryer directly into face) or visor down (head in oven). That was a particularly challenging ride.

[gecko164]

I like the Revit AIR jacket .... It is great for summer without sacrificing protection. 

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/21075/ITEM/REVIT-Air-Jacket.aspx

[Shinysideup]

I like the Revit AIR jacket .... It is great for summer without sacrificing protection. 

Not so sure about not sacrificing protection:

       500 denier polyester tears at 8 lbs of force, 180 cycles to failure

       Air Mesh Kevlar tears at 1260 lbs of force, 1800 cycles to failure

[gecko164]

valid argument........ I should have just said "some protection" ..... Thanks