The Best Mesh Motorcycle Pants for the 2022 Season
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces of Riding Gear Since 2000
Entry-Level
Priced under $300, these mesh pants are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $300-$500, these mesh pants are high quality and offer great protection for the pricepoint.
High-End
Priced $500 and up. This category has the best of what is available when it comes to mesh pants.
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
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Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $300
Best Entry Level Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Olympia Airglide 6 Pants
Price: $279.99
Where to Buy
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.
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
- Vislon 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
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.
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: $199.99
Where to Buy
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.
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
Priced $300- $500
Best Mid-Range Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Alpinestars A-10 Air v2 Pants
Price: $319.95
Where to Buy
Why?
The Alpinestars A-10 Air V2 is a great mid-range mesh pant for riders in hot climates that want a high-quality pant that offers ample protection. These pants are decked out in perforated mesh paneling in key areas for much-needed airflow, in addition to the stretch panels to keep these pants as comfortable as possible.
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
- CE certified pants
Protection & Safety
- Like many pant options, these come fully equipped with CE-rated knee armor with hip armor pockets included. That means if you want to up the protection level of these with some hip armor it will have to be purchased at a later date
- Reflective panels are located on the front and sides to keep you visible in low-light when in a seated position
REV’IT! Tornado 3 Pants
Price: $319.99
Where to Buy
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.
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
Safety Features:
- Unlike many of the other low-mid range pants listed here, this particular option actually comes complete with both Seeflex level 2 CE protection at the knees, AND Seesmart CE-level 1 protection at the hips; meaning you have everything you might need right out of the box
Klim Baja S4 Pants
Price: $449.99 – $469.99
Where to Buy
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.
Specs
Features:
- Abrasion-resistant Schoeller-Dynatec nylon mesh construction
- Karbonite™ Micromesh 4-way stretch zones
- 1000D Cordura impact zones
- Vented D3O CE Level 1 hip and knee armor included
- Adjustable armor pockets
- Air-permeable Superfabric® at knees
- Goat leather lining at the inner leg for bike feel and heat protection
- SCOTCHLITE™ C790 carbon black reflective material in bioform
- 750D Cordura pockets, cuffs, and waist
- Adjustable waist
- Cuff adjustment by zipper and snap, designed to fit over off-road boots
- 2 quick-adjust calf adjustment straps
- Mesh antimicrobial lining for improved airflow
- CE AA certified to prEN 17092-3
- Klimatek™ cooling mesh lining at knee armor pockets
Protection & Safety
- Nylon mesh with Karbonite micromesh stretch, 1000D Cordura on impact zones, 750D Cordura for pockets and waist, and ceramic superfabric across the knees give the best combination of air permeability and abrasion/impact resistance
- D3O CE I hip and knee armor inserts included
- EN 17092-3 AA certification is better than most street pants achieve for rider protection
Rev’It! Ignition 3 Pants
Price: $449.99
Where to Buy
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.
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
Priced $500+
Best High-End Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Rukka 4Air Pants
Price: $649.00
Where to Buy
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.
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
- Includes Rukka D3O Air protectors in the knees and hips
- Rukka D3O Air protectors meet the requirements of CE Norm EN 1621-1 2012
- Warranty is valid for five years from the date of purchase against faults in material or workmanship
