Hot weather cooling vest

[ScooterWolf]

Today was the hottest day of the year so far in Philly. Rode into town wearing my Corazzo riding jacket and a short sleeve shirt underneath. Needless to say I was pretty sweaty when I parked the bike, despite having all of the vents open.

I've been looking into some cooling vest online. Sorry, finding it hard to believe any customer reviews since it could be someone from the site writing them.

Anyone have any experiences with cooling vest, and do they really work?

-Wolf

[Syl]

ScooterWolf, I purchased a Shift Rcing, Backdraft Mesh Jacket (White) for several reason's. It is White (black Trim), liner (can be in or out), much padding all over and exactly as named (Mesh). Well, I bought it not knowing much better being I was very new but I feel good putting it on every time I ride. Soon as you start moving, the air goes through the mesh and is exactly what I need. I weigh 245-50 and want protection and something safe and cool. I rode at 38-39 degree's with the line in and it work's (much warmer). The Jacket isn't light but I don't even notice that anymore. I also wear a no sleeve (green) new color vest (pourous) over top for visual. Further....I also have a pair of the Shift Glove's. By the way, when the sun is out..hot, my white jacket and silver helmet aren't sucking up that hot sun! Good Luck with your search.
http://www.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,110151.html?AFF=690PGR&gdftrk=gdfV2585_a_7c688_a_7c4345_a_7c1036258

[oldcoastie]

I also have a mesh jacket - Tourmaster Air Intake in hi vis yellow... it is beefy with padding and in the hot weather, very nice and cool.

It also serves well in colder weather (I'm in So Cal, so we never really freeze) - I put on the liner (I just wear it like a windbreaker - too much bother to attach it), and I'm surprised how warm I can stay.

I do worry a bit that the mesh is not enough in a crash but we broil too much out here.

I'm also thinking of adding a ventilated white leather jacket eventually (but I sure like my hi vis - many less intrusions).

[klaviator]

I have crash tested a mesh jacket.  I hit a deer going about 65MPH while wearing Joe Rocket mesh jacket and pants.  I slid and tumbled to a stop on the pavement from 65 MPH and the only injury I recieved was some road rash on one elbow due to the jacket sleeve riding up.  My pants were trashed but did their job.  The jacket was unscratched.  Had the jacket fit better or had a better retention system I would have been unscratched.  I have since bought a new jacket and pants that fits better.  The JR jacket was really designed for someone much heavier than me.  The lesson here is to get something that fits well, don't get something with a loose fit because it may not stay in place.

[oldcoastie]

good to know about the fit... I've lost about 25 pounds since I bought the mesh jacket and noted this year, it is a bit loose - especially when I don't wear the liner...

seems a shame to give up a perfectly good jacket but I wear it to protect me...

replacing the jacket is certainly cheaper than a skin graft.

also extremely good to hear it held up in the crash (and glad you are OK!)

[ScooterWolf]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I'll be looking into the recommendations.

Thanks,

-Wolf

[klaviator]

good to know about the fit... I've lost about 25 pounds since I bought the mesh jacket and noted this year, it is a bit loose - especially when I don't wear the liner...

seems a shame to give up a perfectly good jacket but I wear it to protect me...

replacing the jacket is certainly cheaper than a skin graft.

also extremely good to hear it held up in the crash (and glad you are OK!)

You may be able to modify the retention system on the jacket so it will still work.  Usually I add velcro to the wrist closure so I can close it snugly.  Also, if there are straps on the sleeves, you may be able to modify then so the can be tightened more.  These things will work as long as the jacket is not real loose fitting.  It is also possible for jackets to ride up from your waist, exposing your torso to road rash.  That's why jackets can usuelly be zipped to your pants if the pants also have a zipper attachment.  My experience with protective gear is that if it stays in place, it will work pretty well.  I have crashed a number of times off road and have only gotten scratched up when my gear did not stay in place.