There are a lot of decent ones out now, anything from Alpinestars is great.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...s/mesh_jackets
Pants too.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/pants/mesh_pants

 

I have a joe rocket phoenix 2.0 Jacket. I've been using it for 5 years+ for hot weather climate. It offers less protection than a full leather. I've read reviews from those that have had to test it, that it does not rip or the like. The padding in it seems pretty sturdy as well.

The benefit is that on hot days, it's like you're wearing a t-shirt only.

 

On really hot days, you can wet down your shirt and let the evapoative cooling make the ride that much better.

 

+2 on the Joe Rocket Phoenix. I have had 2 other mesh jackets, HD and cheapo, and find the Phoenix to be superior to both. The HD looked good but I think the mesh was slightly thinner than the Phoenix and the armor was extra cost and did not seem as protective as the phoenix. Phoenix has adjustments for waist and elbows to keep elbow armor in place in case of a surprise meeting with the pavement.

It flows air very well when moving, even in our muggy Va summers and I have worn it in 100 degrees and was fine as long as we were moving. It may actually be better than tshirt alone as there is some sun protection. Standing still is hot when it is 95 and muggy no matter what you have on. One negative is that the back armor plate tends to ride up when riding and rubs against the back of my 3/4 helmet. Also the back armor is hotter than the rest of the jacket. It is removable but you do lose some protection but in very high temps it may be worth the chance.

The removable rain liner is a plus and I use that on cool mornings on the ride in to work or on the way home if the evening temps drop.

Overall a good jacket and I would buy again.

 

+1 for the HD switchback....while crusing its nice and cool

 

quick tip. if you're not going anywhere special, put a wet t shirt on under the mesh jacket.

 

I wear a Tourmaster Intake over a Bilt cool vest. A cool vest works much better than a wet cotton shirt in locales with lower humidity.

 

+2 I have the same. I'm still tempted to ride without a jacket at all, but I force myself to stick to wearing the gear.

 

+1 on the Joe Rocket Phoenix, I have the 4.0 one that I have been wearing for years. It has a waterproof zip out liner and the jacket is cool as long as you are moving. It is also great for keeping the sun off of you as well.

 

It was 102 here today.I ride with a t-shirt and jeans. i think even moving with mesh jacket on i would fry