What type of clothing is good to wear on long distance motorcycle trips to help keep you cool?

ang G: What type of clothing is good to wear on long distance motorcycle trips to help keep you cool?
Going to try an do an IRONBUTT run this summer in July and trying to be prepared for hot weather long distance riding. Need to know what type of clothing will help to not overheat– I know not to wear cotton and am looking into cooling vests also. Other suggestions?

Answers and Views:

Answer by don r
Loose fitting and sun protecting. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving or standing still, the sun still will burn you. Carry lots of water of known good quality. You can dampen your clothes to cool yourself. It will dry off quickly. Pack a tight fitting jacket for unexpected harsh weather. I went through hail one July and it was not fun. Wear sturdy boots, nomatter what.

Answer by molitor
this works

Answer by Freddy C
fieldsheer 4 season pants. love them. they have kept me cool at over 100 F and warm at under 20 F

Answer by Buster Brown
An Aerostich Roadcrafter. Unzip the vents and soak your t-shirt in cold water. The suit will flow enough air to keep you cool while you are moving, and it goes off and on quickly at stops. Check out the riders at any Ironbutt event, and see what they wear.

Leather is even more comfortable over a wide range of temperatures, if it is vented right. But if you run into rain, you face a decision whether to put on rain gear.

Mesh is tempting, and is quite cool and comfortable on shorter rides. But on a hot day, the wind will suck the moisture right out of you.

A hydration bladder is a good idea too, either in a back pack or in your tank bag. Three liters is not too big. I fill mine with ice at the convenience store pop dispensers, then top up with water. Nothing like a nice, cold drink, whenever you want it.

Answer by bluff mike
I wear an armored, vented cotton denim riding jacket all summer. If you wear loose clothing the wind will beat you up with it.

Underarmor works, too.

Answer by Sky Blue
I have yet to try under armor but here it works great. I have bought a lot of jackets I prefer Icon brand yet they can be pricey. I also own a fieldsheer jacket and love it. The first link is to cycle gears page for warm weather jackets, the second is a ad for my feildsheer jacket, and last is icons web site. I wont get into it but I hate leather for a large number of reasons. You will find textiles are stronger, more comfortable, provide better ventilation, keep rain off you better and are safer. I did buy a water bag that rested like a backpack on my back for water. I don’t use it much. it became something awkward to wear. The thing I take into consideration is safety and comfort. I like to take breaks to stay hydrated. it allows me to stay a little more alert. the other thing that is bad about having the water bag is your tempted to drink more and that means your gonna stop any way to pee. I have done more than a few iron butts in my day. Your making me want to do another. most important be safe.

Answer by Mr. Dave
Here’s a list of kit that might help you out. Good luck with the Iron Butt. I look forward to doing one some day myself.

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/hot_weather_gear/