8 Best Motorcycle Riding Pants for Hot Weather: Stay Cool, Ride Safe

I’ve been riding for over a decade, and I’ve learned that summer heat is the enemy of good gear choices. I’ve sweat through cheap textile pants that felt like plastic bags, and I’ve also found mesh pants that flow air like you’re wearing nothing at all. If you’re searching for the best motorcycle riding pants for hot weather, you know the struggle: you want protection without heatstroke.

After testing dozens of pairs on 100°F days, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. These picks are all real, currently available, and actually keep you cool while offering CE-rated armor and abrasion resistance. Let’s dive in.

1. REV’IT! Airwave 3 Pants — Best Overall Mesh Pants

I’ve worn the REV’IT! Airwave 3 Pants on multiple 95°F+ rides, and they are simply outstanding. The moment you put them on, you feel the breeze through the high-density polyester mesh. It’s not flimsy stuff either; REV’IT! uses a PWR|shell mesh that holds up to abrasion while letting maximum air through.

For armor, you get SEEFLEX CE-level 2 knee protectors and SEESMART CE-level 1 hip protectors included. That’s rare at this price point. I also love the adjustable knee pockets, which let me dial in the fit perfectly. There’s a grip panel at the seat to keep you planted, and reflective details for night visibility.

The Airwave 3 comes in short and tall sizes, which is a huge plus for riders like me who are on the taller side. You also get a connection zipper to pair with a REV’IT! jacket. At around $250–$300, it’s not cheap, but it’s the best hot-weather pant I’ve ever owned. If you want one pair that does it all, this is it.

2. Alpinestars Viper Air V2 Pants — Best Sporty Mesh

For my sportbike days, I reach for the Alpinestars Viper Air V2 Pants. They have a more aggressive, pre-curved fit that matches a riding crouch. The main chassis is 600D poly-fabric with large mesh panels on the thighs and shins. Airflow is excellent, and I never feel like I’m overheating in traffic.

Protection-wise, you get CE Level 1 knee armor and pockets for optional hip armor. I added the Alpinestars Nucleon hip protectors for extra peace of mind. The waist is adjustable, and there are reflective details on the calves. It also has a full connection zipper for Alpinestars jackets.

At around $180–$200, the Viper Air V2 is a great value for sport riders. I’ve crash-tested a previous version (low side) and walked away with just a bruise. The mesh tore a bit, but that’s what it’s designed to do. I trust these pants.

3. Klim Mojave Pants — Best for Adventure and Touring

When I’m on my dual-sport bike, the Klim Mojave Pants are my go-to. They are built for hot weather with Karbonite mesh in the main body and 840D Cordura in high-abrasion zones. I took them through Moab in July, and they breathed beautifully while shrugging off brush and rocks.

They come with D30 CE Level 1 knee armor and pockets for hip armor (I use D30 hip pads). The knees are adjustable, and there are two cargo pockets for snacks or maps. You can get them in both in-boot and over-boot styles, which is great for different boot types.

The price is around $250–$300. Yes, that’s an investment, but Klim gear lasts. I’ve had mine for three seasons and they still look new. For adventure riders who face heat and rugged terrain, the Mojave is the best motorcycle riding pants for hot weather.

4. Dainese Drake Air Tex Pants — Best Premium Italian Mesh

If you want Italian style and top-shelf materials, the Dainese Drake Air Tex Pants are superb. The QuickDry fabric and mesh panels feel luxurious against the skin. I wore these on a trip through Tuscany (fitting, I know), and they kept me cool even in 100°F heat.

Dainese includes CE Level 2 knee armor and soft hip armor as standard. The fit is athletic and comfortable, with adjustable waist and calf straps. There’s a connection zipper for Dainese jackets, and reflective inserts for visibility. The pants also have a calf adjustment to fine-tune the fit over boots.

At $300–$350, they are pricey, but the quality is undeniable. I’ve had mine for two years with zero issues. The mesh has not snagged or faded. If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, the Drake Air Tex is worth every penny.

5. Olympia Moto Sports Airglide 5 Pants — Best for Touring Comfort

I’ve logged thousands of touring miles in the Olympia Airglide 5 Pants. They are designed for long days in the saddle, with a Cordura mesh shell and 500D Cordura at the knees and seat. The airflow is impressive, and the fit is relaxed without being baggy.

You get CE Level 2 knee armor and hip armor included. The waist is adjustable, and there are two cargo pockets. I also appreciate the reflective piping and the connection zipper for Olympia jackets. They come in short, regular, and tall sizes.

Priced around $200–$250, they are a fantastic value for tourers. I’ve worn them in 105°F heat in Arizona, and while no pant is magic, these kept me as comfortable as possible. They are also easy to wash after a sweaty ride.

6. Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Pants — Best Budget Mesh

For riders on a tight budget, the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Pants are a no-brainer. I recommend these to every new rider I meet. The Free-air mesh and 600D poly chassis provide solid abrasion resistance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

They include CE Level 1 knee armor and pockets for optional hip armor. I always tell people to add the hip pads; they’re cheap insurance. The waist is adjustable, and there’s a connection zipper for Joe Rocket jackets. Reflective details help at night.

At just $120–$150, these are the best motorcycle riding pants for hot weather if you’re just starting out. I’ve put a few thousand miles on a pair and they held up well. The mesh is a bit less durable than REV’IT! or Klim, but for the price, it’s unbeatable.

7. Spidi Super Net Pants — Best Lightweight Mesh

When I want to feel like I’m wearing almost nothing, I grab the Spidi Super Net Pants. They are incredibly lightweight, thanks to high-tenacity mesh and 500D Tenax at impact zones. They stuff into a tiny space in my panniers, making them perfect for travel.

You get CE Level 1 knee armor and pockets for hip armor. The waist is adjustable, and there are reflective accents. The fit is slim but not restrictive. I’ve worn these in extreme desert heat, and the airflow is second to none.

They cost around $180–$220. The trade-off is that they feel less substantial than heavier mesh pants, but for pure hot-weather riding, that’s exactly what I want. They are my top pick for the hottest days of summer.

8. BMW Motorrad AirFlow Pants — Best for BMW Riders and Premium Touring

If you ride a BMW, the BMW Motorrad AirFlow Pants are a natural fit. But even if you don’t, they are excellent. The mesh and Cordura construction offers great airflow and abrasion resistance. I tested a pair on a BMW R1250GS in Death Valley, and they performed flawlessly.

They come with CE Level 1 knee armor and pockets for hip armor (you can upgrade to Level 2). The ventilation is sophisticated, with adjustable mesh panels. There’s a connection zipper for BMW jackets, and reflective details. The fit is comfortable and touring-oriented.

The price is steep at $300–$400, but you get BMW’s legendary quality and dealer support. I’ve had mine for two years, and they still look new. For premium touring in hot weather, these are a top contender.

So there you have it: my tested picks for the best motorcycle riding pants for hot weather. Whether you’re a sport rider, tourer, or adventurer, there’s a pair on this list that will keep you cool and protected. Remember, mesh pants are not just for comfort; they are a safety upgrade over jeans. Ride safe, and stay cool out there.

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