One of the questions I'm asked more than almost any other is, “What riding gear do you wear in the summer?” — especially after people see photos from my motorcycle tours across Europe in the height of summer.
Everyone has their own preferences, and what works for me may not work for you. After many years of touring and tens of thousands of kilometres in temperatures reaching 38°C, I've found a setup that keeps me comfortable while still providing the level of protection I want.
This isn't a guide to the "best" riding gear on the market — it's simply what has worked for me over many years of touring. Hopefully it gives you a few ideas for your own adventures.
My Helmet
As I'm usually touring during the summer months, I prefer wearing a flip-front helmet.
I enjoy the convenience of being able to flip the front open when stopping for fuel, taking photographs or chatting with other riders. In some countries, fuel stations ask you to make your face visible before filling up, so it also saves having to completely remove your helmet every time.
When you're stopping several times a day, those little conveniences really make a difference.
Base Layers
My base layer is deliberately simple. I wear a white long-sleeved cotton T-shirt, cotton briefs and long riding socks.
Some riders swear by modern technical base layers, but I personally prefer cotton. After a long, hot day in the saddle it's comfortable, easy to remove, and I simply rinse the T-shirt out most evenings so it's fresh and ready for the next day's ride.
The long riding socks provide gentle compression, which I find helps during long days on the bike, while the white cotton shirt prevents the sun from beating directly onto my skin. Combined with the mesh jacket, it helps keep me cooler and prevents sunburn on my arms.
Jacket
The heart of my summer riding setup is the Knox Urbane Pro jacket.
Technically, it's the protective base layer used beneath many of Knox's outer jackets, but throughout the summer I wear it on its own.
It's a close-fitting mesh jacket fitted with full CE-approved armour, providing excellent impact and abrasion protection while allowing a huge amount of airflow. Because it fits snugly, all of the armour stays exactly where it should if the worst ever happens.
The Knox Urbane Pro — worn on its own through the height of summer.
For me, it's one of the best pieces of summer motorcycle clothing I've ever owned. It offers a reassuring level of protection without feeling bulky or restrictive.
Riding Jeans
For my lower half I wear Trilobite riding jeans.
They feature ventilation zips with mesh panels that allow cooling air to flow through when the temperatures climb, while still offering solid protection thanks to their Kevlar lining and CE-approved hip and knee armour.
They're comfortable enough to wear all day, whether I'm riding mountain passes or wandering around a village looking for somewhere to eat.
Boots
On my feet I wear Alpinestars CR-X Drystar boots.
They're lightweight, comfortable enough for walking around viewpoints and towns, yet still provide the protection I want when touring. They strike an excellent balance between riding performance and everyday comfort.
Gloves
I finish the outfit with a good pair of lightweight summer gloves that provide plenty of airflow while still giving me confidence and protection on the bike.
Wet Weather Backup
I always keep a lightweight showerproof jacket in my top box — or sometimes in a roll bag — along with a set of bright, high-visibility waterproofs.
The showerproof jacket is ideal for those unexpected summer showers or when climbing into the mountains, where temperatures can drop surprisingly quickly. It packs away neatly and can be slipped over my Knox jacket in seconds.
If the weather really turns against me, I have the full waterproof suit ready to go. Besides keeping me dry during prolonged heavy rain, the bright colours make me much more visible to other road users when visibility is poor.
That said, after spending hours riding in temperatures approaching 38°C, it can actually be quite refreshing to reach a mountain pass and feel the temperature drop. Sometimes it's nice to cool off naturally before continuing the journey.
At the Pasterze Glacier, reached via the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
The photograph above was taken at the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, beside what remains of the Pasterze Glacier. It perfectly captures my typical summer riding setup and serves as a reminder of one of Europe's most spectacular motorcycle roads.
Final Thoughts
This combination gives me a relaxed, uncluttered look while still providing the protection I consider essential for touring.
For me, it's comfortable in temperatures up to around 38°C, as long as I'm moving and getting plenty of airflow. It proved itself perfectly during my recent five-week tour of Europe, where I experienced everything from scorching valleys to cool alpine summits.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to riding gear, and there's no single right answer. The important thing is finding equipment that keeps you comfortable, protected and focused on enjoying the ride. If you're uncomfortable, you're more likely to become tired and distracted, and that can affect your riding.
If you have any questions about my gear or would like me to review any of the items in more detail, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to share what I've learned from years of touring across Europe.
