What To Think About When It Comes To Mesh Motorcycle Riding Pants
There are a lot of riders out there who really believe that wearing jeans is all that they really need to protect their lower body when riding (this is true when they are riding jeans!). And in the hotter climates, there are even a good number of riders who are willing to wear shorts and just try not to think about the consequences of sliding across the hot asphalt with nothing to protect their skin.
We definitely recommend riders ride ATGATT, and riding pants are a big part of the ATGATT equation.
After safety, one of the key factors in selecting any pair of riding pants is that they fit and are comfortable enough for the rider to choose to wear them whenever they are riding. The safest pair of pants in the world will not help you if they are hanging at home in the closet.
Another factor to consider when selecting mesh pants is ventilation. Each rider needs to honestly access the conditions that they will face and select a pair of mesh pants that will provide enough airflow and protection.
The recommendations below are focused on providing riders with some quality choices that offer durability and safety as well as a range of riding styles and uses. This information, along with riders’ personal preferences and intended use, will take the guesswork out of selecting a great pair of mesh pants.
Ride safe!
– Chase
About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry Level Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Priced under $300.
Olympia Airglide 6 Pants
Price: $280-$300
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Airglide 6 pants are constructed from 1000 denier Cordura fabric with Ballistic Airflow mesh panels making these pants tough and comfortable. The removable waterproof rain liner can be worn in the interior of the pant, over top, or by itself to allow complete versatility of a pant that already sets a high bar for utilitarianism.
Key Specs
• Waterproof over or under rain pant
• Full length 2-way zipper
• 1000 denier pre-curved knee panels
• EZ-Hem bottom detail for customized fit with boots on
• Elasticized accordion panels on waist, sides and bottom for maximum comfort
• Waterproof and breathable over/under DWR 2.5 Ripstop fabric rain layer with 10K/10K membrane
• Rain layer attaches with magnetic snaps
• Vision jacket connection zipper
• Two 20cm zip pockets
• Wear rain liner inside pants for slim / straight fit
• Wear rain liner outside pants for relaxed fit
Protection & Safety
• Outer shell constructed in 1000 denier Cordura fabric with Ballistic Airflow mesh panels
• Powertector™ Hex-Pro removable and adjustable knee pad
• 5mm reflective welded tape along seams help keep you visible in low light situations
Sedici Marco Mesh Waterproof Pants
Price: $149.99
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Sedici Marco Mesh pants are a great option for riders who need some waterproofing on a budget. They are perfect for hot summer days, and when the storm clouds roll themselves in, throw the waterproof and windproof removable inner liner for some weatherproofing.
Key Specs
• Durable ultra-flow mesh outer material with reinforced 450D material for comfort and protection
• Airflow mesh inner lining for improved climate control and comfort
• Removable waterproof and windproof liner for protection from the elements
• Reflective details
• Stretch panels above knees and back waist
• Hook and loop adjustable waist
• Side leg zipper opening
• Zippered front pockets
• Short jacket-to-pant connection zipper
• Pocket for optional hip protection (sold separately)
• CE Level 2 armor at knees
Protection & Safety
• Key areas of this pant have been reinforced with 450D poly material for extra slide resistance and durability.
• CE Level 2 armor at the knees and pockets at the hips for optional armor
• For riders who want more hip protection, you can buy optional hip armor to be added to the preexisting pockets at a later date
• The reflective paneling on these pants will keep you visible in lowlight conditions
REV’IT! Airwave 3 Pants
Price: $210
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
With mesh panels, both front and rear the Airwave 3’s are perfect for hot weather riding. They are equipped with comfortable and lightweight CE-level 1 SEESMART™ armor at the knees and hips to keep riders safe and protected. A stylish mix of synthetic leather and high-density polyester 600D, provides excellent protection from slides and abrasion.
Key Specs
• Fit: tour fit, wide
• Adjustability: adjustment straps at waist, adjustment tab at ankles
• Ventilation: ventilation panels
• Features: prepared for Strapper suspenders, YKK slide lock front closure, short connection zipper, elastic at waistband, adjustable protector pockets, easy entrance zipper, grip panel at seat
• Pockets: slit pockets
Protection & Safety
• Outer shell: high density polyester 600D, PWR|mesh, stretch ripstop, PWR|shell stretch
Composition:
• outer shell: 100% polyester
• lining: 100% polyester
• Protection: Seesmart CE-level 1 protection at knees and hips
• Visibility: laminated reflection at thighs and ankles
Best Mid-Range Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Priced $300 - $500.
REV’IT! Tornado 3 Pants
Price: $340
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
REV’IT!’s Tornado gear line is aimed at keeping riders comfortable and dry in a variety of conditions. This is the most recent iteration, and instead of having two separate inner liners, REV’IT! opted for a 2 in 1 liner system to minimize bulk and maximize usability.
Key Specs
Protection Features:
• Outer shell: polyester rib, PWR|shell mesh, PWR|shell 750D, PWR|shell stretch, PWR|wax 500D
• Insulation: detachable 2-in-1 thermal liner & membrane
• Waterproofing: detachable hydratex | Lite 2-in-1 liner
• Breathability: detachable hydratex | Lite 2-in-1 liner
• Composition: 82% Polyester, 18% Polyamide
• Protection: Seeflex level 2 CE protection at knees, Seesmart CE-level 1 protection at hips
• Visibility: laminated reflection at thighs and ankles
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: Tour fit, regular
• Adjustability: adjustment straps at waist, adjustment tab at ankles
• Ventilation: ventilation panels
• Features: prepared for Strapper suspenders, YKK slide lock front closure, short connection zipper, stretch lips at back and knees, elastic at waistband, the stretch panel above knee protector pockets, easy entrance zipper, grip panel at seat, adjustable protector pockets
• Pockets: slit pockets
Protection & Safety
• Full cowhide leather on the sliding bits, dynax mesh with PWD 500D rating combines to give you a pant that will keep you cool as well as give you excellent abrasion resistance
• Seeflex CE II armor at the knees and Seesmart CE I armor at the hips protect against the most common impact areas of the lower body
Klim Baja S4 Pants
Price: $500-$520
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
For those riders who live in particularly arid environments such as Phoenix, Southern California, or the face of the Sun, well-ventilated mesh riding pants are a must. Klim’s Baja S4 pants are built tough, with ceramic superfabric, 750D and 1000D Cordura, and Karbonite fabric to ensure incredible abrasion and impact resistance while allowing unrestricted airflow to your legs to keep you cool.
As Klim states, these pants are meant to be worn while crossing deserts, and they seem absolutely ready to do so.
Key Specs
• Premium leather main chassis constructed from 1.3mm genuine bovine leather
• Accordion leather stretch zones above the knee offer improved flexibility
• Extended high rear waist construction provides greater overlap with the riding jacket
• Large stretch panels on calf and crotch area for improved fit and feel
• Pre-curved leg construction helps reduce riding fatigue and improves fit
• Zippered ventilation for air cooling
• Jacket-to-pant connection zipper allows attachment to Alpinestars riding jackets
• Hook and loop ankle adjuster
• Internal mesh lining with stretch panel inserts work in conjunction with outer stretch zones for freedom of movement
• Pocket for optional hip protection (sold separately)
• Internally reinforced seat area
• CE Level 1 Alpinestars GP-R protection on knee
• Replaceable Sport knee sliders for excellent impact and abrasion resistance
Protection & Safety
• The main bovine leather component of the Alpinestars Missile v2 pants is internally reinforced in the seating area to offer added abrasion protection and durability
• Alpinestars GP-R knee protection, which is CE Level 1 certified, is included, and riders can opt to add replaceable sport knee sliders for excellent impact and abrasion protection
• Pockets are located in the hip area for added impact protection as well (if the rider chooses to purchase it separately)
Rev’It! Ignition 3 Pants
Price: $470
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
While not purely mesh, the Ignition 3 pants are nonetheless some of the best pants you can get in this price bracket. Combining the airflow of mesh with the abrasion resistance of leather into a sport riding pant, there is also a removable hydratex liner for waterproofing and wind-breaking when it’s cooler.
Key Specs
Protection Features:
• Outer shell: Monaco Performance cowhide, Dynax mesh, PWR|shell 500D stretch, wax polyester, Lorica
• Waterproofing: detachable hydratex |3L
• Protection: Seeflex CE level 2 protection at knees, Seesmart CE level 1 type B hip protector insert version RV33, safety seams
• Visibility: reflection
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: Tour fit, regular
• Adjustability: Adjustment straps
• Ventilation: ventilation panels
• Features: stretch lips, stretch panels, short and long connection zippers, adjustable protector pockets, hook-and-snap front closure, calf zippers
• Pockets: slit pockets
Protection & Safety
• Full cowhide leather on the sliding bits, Dynax mesh with PWD 500D rating combines to give you a pant that will keep you cool as well as give you excellent abrasion resistance
• Seeflex CE II armor at the knees, Seesmart CE I armor at the hips protect against the most common impact areas of the lower body
Best High-End Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Priced over $500+.
Rukka 4Air Pants
Price: $649
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Constructed of free-flowing Cordura AFT, the 4Air Pants offer the highest level of abrasion resistance possible in a fully ventilated summer riding pant. To extend the riding season and turn these pants up a level, the detachable waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner can be layered in and block the wind and keep you dry.
Key Specs
• Detachable 3-Layer Gore-Tex inner liner with Outlast temperature regulation
• Connecting zipper for jacket
• Option to attach suspenders (sold separately)
• Rukka AirCushion and Rukka Antiglide system of Keprotec in the seating area
• Waist closure with 2 adjustable straps
• Two pockets
• Knitted Cordura AFT
• Knitted Cordura AFT in two layers on knees
Protection & Safety
• Rukka D3O LP1 knee/shin and hip protectors, CE Level 1 EN 1621-1 2012, are included in these pants
• Rukka suspenders, which are sold separately, can also be added for additional comfort and security when stretching your legs after a long ride
• Warranty is valid for five years from the date of purchase against faults in material or workmanship
Firstgear Rogue XC Pro Pant
Price: $600
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Something of a unicorn in the mesh pant segment, Firstgear’s Rogue XC Pro Pant offers complete waterproofing, abrasion resistance, comfort and breathability. This could be the one pant to beat them all.
The Rogue XC Pro features Fidlock magnetic thigh intake vents, moisture repelling vent storm flaps and ballistic nylon construction. Leather knee panels offer enhanced grip, as well as comfort. Adjustable armor pockets enable further tailoring of the pants for maximum comfort and usability. Generous intake and exhaust vents allow maximum airflow.The Rogue XC Pro is also designed to seamlessly integrate with your FirstGear heated gear.
Key Specs
• Constructed with 100% waterproof materials and seam sealed construction
• Ballistic nylon construction with reflective weave
• Designed for seamless integration with first gear heated gear
• Integrated boot gaitor
• Hook and loop adjustment on calf and waist for secure fit
• Ergonomic jacket to pant zipper interface
• Intake and exhaust zip vents with moisture repelling vent storm flaps
• Fidlock magnetic thigh vents
• Leather knee panels with stretch panels for max comfort and movement
• Adjustable pant cuffs
Protection & Safety
• SAS-TEC level 2 knee and hip protection
• Adjustable armor pockets
Other Motorcycle Pants Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
A Quick Guide To Mesh Motorcycle Riding Pants
The climate that you ride in and the type of riding that you enjoy can have a huge impact on the type of motorcycle riding gear that will best meet your needs.
For riders in a hot climate, mesh pants can be one of the greatest pieces of gear that you will ever wear. They offer the protection needed for your lower body but they also allow for great airflow and much needed natural cooling of your body through evaporation.
As a desert dweller, I know that it doesn’t take very long to overheat when riding and begin to dehydrate which can be life-threatening to a motorcycle rider as you could become dizzy, have trouble breathing, become confused, faint, or become unconscious. But a quality pair of mesh pants can greatly increase your body’s ability to naturally cool itself and keep you focused and safely able to operate your bike.
Equally important to maintaining your body temperature is the ability to protect your skin in the event of an accident. Sliding on any paved surface is not a fun experience, but the damage caused by hot pavement can be even worse than a conventional abrasion burn to the skin.
When the air temperature is 100-degrees, it is not unheard of for the pavement to reach literally a blistering temperature of 138-degrees. To put that into perspective, second-degree burns occur with just short term contact to an item that is 131 degrees. The prolonged contact with pavement in excess of 131 and the added issue of abrasion from a slide can easily cause burns through the skin as well as other tissue including muscle.
Avoiding the potential for significant injuries from hot pavement and abrasion burns is one of the main focuses of mesh pants. The addition of textile, armor, and Kevlar in strategic locations provides the durability that riders need to walk away from a nasty slide with his or her skin intact.
Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews of motorcycle cruiser boots and other great products for riders.
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