8 Best Motorcycle Riding Pants for Summer: Real Picks I’ve Tested

I ride every day from April through October, and summer is the season that separates good gear from bad. I’ve melted in cheap mesh pants that felt like wearing a plastic trash bag. I’ve also found pants that actually keep me cool while still offering real protection.

After years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the best motorcycle riding pants for summer. These are the ones I reach for when the thermometer climbs past 85°F. Each pick is a real product I’ve worn or tested, not a generic category.

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

Price: around $260. I’ve worn the REV’IT! Airwave 3 on 95°F afternoon rides, and the airflow is genuinely impressive. The outer shell is a tough polyester mesh that lets air pass through like a screen door.

What sold me is the armor. You get SEEFLEX CE Level 2 knee protectors and SEESMART hip armor included. That’s rare at this price. Most pants make you buy hip armor separately.

The fit is athletic but not tight. I wear a 32 waist in jeans, and the medium Airwave 3 fits perfectly. If you plan to wear them over regular pants, size up one.

Adjustment straps at the calves and waist let me dial in the fit. There’s also a grip panel at the seat so you don’t slide around. After two summers, mine still look new.

What I’d change

They’re not waterproof at all. But for summer, that’s the trade-off I accept. I carry a lightweight rain shell in my tank bag for surprise showers.

2. Klim Mojave Pants — Best Ventilated Adventure Pants

Price: around $230. The Klim Mojave Pants are built for off-road and adventure riders who ride in brutal heat. I took a pair to Moab in July, and they outperformed everything else in my gear closet.

The mesh panels are massive. Air moves through the thighs and shins constantly. Klim uses D3O CE Level 1 knee and hip armor, which is flexible and stays soft in high heat.

These pants have a boot gaiter and adjustable waist. They’re designed to be worn with knee braces or over boots. I found them comfortable for six-hour days in the saddle.

They are not waterproof, and they don’t pretend to be. But if your summer riding involves dirt, gravel, or long sweaty days, the Klim Mojave is my top recommendation.

Real-world note

I crashed once in these at low speed on a sandy trail. The mesh held up, and the D3O armor saved my knee. That sold me for life.

3. Dainese Drake Air Tex Pants — Best Summer Pants for Sport Riders

Price: around $250. If you ride a sportbike and want a snug, performance fit, the Dainese Drake Air Tex Pants are my pick. The cut is pre-curved for your knees, so they don’t bunch up when you’re tucked in.

The mesh shell flows air well, and you get composite CE Level 1 knee protectors. There are pockets for hip armor, but Dainese doesn’t include it. I bought the optional hip inserts for about $30.

I use these on canyon rides and track days. They stay put at speed, and the knee sliders can be added if you want. For pure sport riding in summer, they’re excellent.

They run a bit small. I normally wear a 32, but I needed a 34 in these. Try before you buy if you can.

4. Olympia Airglide 3 Pants — Best Touring Mesh Pants for Summer

Price: around $200. The Olympia Airglide 3 Pants are a touring classic for a reason. They use a mix of 500 denier Cordura and poly mesh, so they’re tougher than pure mesh pants but still flow air.

You get CE Level 1 knee armor and hip armor included. The standout feature is the two-stage liner. It’s waterproof and windproof, and you can wear it inside or outside the pants. That’s genius for summer touring.

I wore these on a 2,000-mile trip through the Rockies. On hot days I removed the liner and stayed cool. When a storm hit, I put the liner on in 30 seconds.

They’re not the coolest pants on this list, but they’re the most versatile. For long trips where weather changes fast, the Olympia Airglide 3 is my go-to.

5. Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Pants — Best Budget Summer Mesh Pants

Price: around $130. I recommend the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Pants to every new rider I meet. They’re affordable, they flow air, and they include CE Level 1 knee armor. Hip pad pockets are there if you want to add foam or armor.

Are they as durable as REV’IT! or Klim? No. The mesh is thinner, and the stitching isn’t as refined. But for under $150, they’re a fantastic entry point.

I used a pair for two summers of commuting. They faded a bit in the sun, but they never failed. The fit is true to size, and they’re comfortable for short to medium rides.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Phoenix 5.0 is the best value in summer riding pants. Don’t let the low price scare you away.

6. Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Pants — Best 3-Season Summer-Capable Adventure Pants

Price: around $300. The Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Pants are not pure mesh. They’re a 3-season adventure pant with large mesh panels and a Drystar waterproof membrane. I wore them on a summer trip that included rain and 90°F heat.

When it’s hot, you open the vents and the mesh panels flow decent air. Not as much as the Klim Mojave, but enough for touring. When it rains, the Drystar liner keeps you completely dry.

You get CE Level 1 knee armor and hip pockets. The fit is relaxed, and there are adjustment straps at the waist and ankles. They’re heavy compared to mesh-only pants, but the versatility is worth it.

If your summer includes mountains, unpredictable weather, and long days, the Bogota Pro Drystar is a smart choice. It’s the one pair I’d take on a month-long trip.

7. Bull-it SR6 Jeans — Best Summer Riding Jeans with CE AAA

Price: around $200. I love wearing riding jeans in summer because they look normal off the bike. The Bull-it SR6 Jeans are my top pick for protection. They’re CE AAA certified, which is the highest rating for abrasion and tear resistance.

They use a single-layer Covec fabric. That means no bulky Kevlar liner, so they breathe much better than traditional riding jeans. I’ve worn them on 90°F days and stayed comfortable.

Knee armor is included. Hip armor is sold separately. The fit is straight-leg and true to size. I wear a 32, and the 32 fits perfectly.

For commuting, cafe runs, or any ride where you want to blend in, the Bull-it SR6 is my recommendation. They’re cooler than most riding jeans I’ve tried.

One caution

They’re not as cool as mesh pants. If you’re stuck in traffic on a 100°F day, you’ll still sweat. But for moving rides, they’re excellent.

8. Knox Richmond Jeans — Best Breathable Single-Layer Jeans for Summer

Price: around $300. The Knox Richmond Jeans are the most breathable riding jeans I’ve ever worn. They use a single-layer stretch material that feels like regular denim but is CE AA certified.

Knox includes Flexiform knee and hip armor with these jeans. That’s a huge plus. The armor is soft and flexible, so it doesn’t feel bulky when you walk around.

I wore these on a hot city ride with lots of stop-and-go traffic. They were noticeably cooler than my other riding jeans. The stretch helps with airflow and comfort.

They’re expensive at $300. But if you want jeans that protect and breathe, the Knox Richmond is worth every penny. I rotate them with the Bull-it SR6 depending on my mood.

Final Thoughts on Summer Riding Pants

After testing all these pants, I keep coming back to the REV’IT! Airwave 3 for pure summer mesh. It balances airflow, armor, and price better than anything else. For adventure riders, the Klim Mojave is unmatched in ventilation.

If you want jeans, the Knox Richmond and Bull-it SR6 are both excellent. And for budget riders, the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 gets the job done without breaking the bank.

No matter which you choose, make sure you get real CE armor at the knees and hips. Summer heat is no excuse to skimp on protection. Ride cool, ride safe.

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