Textile gear has long been the solution to hot-weather riding for motorcyclists, and while traditional mesh jackets do offer ample ventilation, they afford relatively little protection from slides. Knowing this, the crack team of moto gear gurus at Icon 1000 has created a new warm-weather jacket dubbed the Upstate Riding Shirt that allows for the best of both worlds: solid airflow; and proper protection.
Boasting a field jacket-esque silhouette and sporting a loose, comfortable fit, the Upstate is constructed from the Portland brand’s Iron Weave Mesh, a proprietary material that offers stellar flexibility and abrasion resistance while still lightweight and extremely breathable. And, on top of Cordura canvas overlays on the elbows and shoulders, the jacket also packs a full suite of D30 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and at the spine. There’s also high-visibility reflective elements incorporated in the design to make sure you’re seen at night. And while it provides solid protection on the bike, the thing looks great off the bike too, with its shoulder panels, dual, snap-secured breast pockets, and snap secure main closure. Offered in a black on black scheme or in an olive and black colorway, the Icon 1000 Upstate Riding Shirt has been priced at $225.
