The Best Mesh Motorcycle Pants For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on pants that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Devan Martel.
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.
BILT Blaze 2 Pants
Price: Up to $120
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
At a price point that can’t be beat, the BILT Blaze 2 Pants are going to be your best friend on a hot summers days. The ultra-flow-mesh material makes up the shell of the pant, with reinforcing on the knees and seat for abrasion resistance.
Key Specs
Construction:
• Ultra-flow mesh shell
• 600D protection panels
• Airflow mesh inner lining
Ventilation:
• Ultra-flow mesh shell
• Airflow mesh inner lining
Comfort:
• Stretch panels above knees and seat
• Hook & loop waist adjustment points
• Zippered, expandable calf gussets
Pockets:
• Zip entry front pockets
• Other Features:
• YKK zippers
• Short connection zipper
Protection & Safety
• CE approved knee armor included
• Pockets for hip armor (sold separately)
• 600D protection panels in key areas
• Reflective details
Sedici Marco Mesh 2 Waterproof Pants
Price: Up to $200
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
New and improved from one of our top picks last year is the Sedici Marco 2 Mesh Waterproof pants. These riding pants are a great option for riders looking for waterproof pants at a reasonable price.
The Marco 2 Mesh Waterproof pant's main improvement over its predecessor is improvements to the overall strength and reliability of the pant. Fear not, still contains the removable waterproofing and windproof liner that riders loved.
Key Specs
• Construction:
• 600D Dobby chassis improves durability
• Full mesh airflow lining
• Waterproofing:
• Removable waterproof and windproof liner for protection from the elements
• Ventilation:
• 750D Hard mesh at thighs, back of knees and lower legs for maximum airflow
• Comfort:
• 500D HD 4-way stretch at inner groin
• Dual waist adjusters for perfect fit
• Extended lower leg zippers give access to full height boots
• HD hook and snap closure
Pockets:
• 2 Zippered front pockets
• 2 expandable thigh cargo pockets
• Other Features:
• YKK Vislon zippers
• Oversized zipper pulls
• Connection zipper pairs jacket to matching Marco 2 Jacket or other Sedici ADV Jackets
Protection & Safety
• Included low-profile AXIAL AX2 CE Level 2 knee armor
• Pockets for optional AX2 Hip protector (sold separately)
• 3 position armor pockets keep your knee armor where you need them
• 1200D Ballistic reinforcement areas at knees and seat
• Textured rubber panels at knees to protect high-wear areas
• Carbon reflective trim gives 360 degrees of visibility in humanoid form
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
Alpinestars Ramjet Air Pants
Why?
Alpinestars is a name we’ve all grown to know and love. Simply put, they make high-quality gear that the Ramjet Air Pants is no exception.
The multi-panel construction combines 450D and 600D panels with strategically placed mesh for maximum airflow. Alpinestars Jet Ventilation System increases air intake from your legs forward motion for optimal ventilation.
In terms of protection, removable CE approved knee and shin protectors are included in your purchase. The pants come equipped with an attachment for a Nucleon KR Hip protector, but the protector itself is sold separately.
Key Specs
• Accordion textile stretch inserts on back and knees
• Zippered and VELCRO® brand fastener gusseted lower hem
• Full mesh lining and 3D mesh on interior waist for comfort and breathability
• External zippered pockets on thighs for safe, peace-of-mind storage
• Jet Ventilation System (JVS)
• Reflective details for improved rider visibility
• Pre-curved shaping for natural riding position
• D-ring adjustable waist for a secure and personalized fit
• Waist zipper allows connection to Alpinestars leather and textile jackets
Protection & Safety
• Multi-panel construction featuring 450/600 denier panels with strategically positioned abrasion resistant Air-Flow mesh
• Removable CE approved knee and shin protectors
• Attachment for optional Nucleon KR hip protection (sold separately)
Spidi Netrunner H2Out Pants
Price: Up to $360
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
New from Spidi is their Netrunner H2Out Pants. These warm weather mesh pants come complete with a waterproof liner that can be used both inside or overtop the Netrunner Pants. Aside from waterproof, the H2Out liner is both windproof and breathable at the same time.
The Netrunner pants have a jacket-to-pant connection zipper for all-in-one protection in case of a slide. They are the perfect pairing for Spidi’s entire H2Out line of gear.
Key Specs
• Punched mesh fabric
• High tenacity polyester fabric
• High tenacity extra tenax triple twisted Nylon 6.6
• 3M Scotchlite reflective zones for night-riding
• Waterproof, windproof and breathable H2Out garment
• Accordion stretch panels
• Jacket-to-pant connection zipper
• Vents
• Waterproof H2Out liner usable on the inside and outside of pants
Protection & Safety
• Warrior Lite protector certificate EN 1621-1 Level 1 at hips and Level 2 at knees (included)
• PPE protecting clothing for motorcycle use certified Pr En 17092-3:2017 category AA
Best High-End Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Priced over $500+.
Klim Baja S4 Pants
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
• 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
REV'IT! Ignition 4 H2O
Price:Up to $480
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
When leather meets mesh, you’re left with the REV’IT! Ignition 4 H2O Pants. The cowhide main shell provides superior protection against abrasion while the PWR|Shell mesh on the front thigh and outer lower legs effortlessly keeps you cool.
These pants come complete with a detachable waterproof liner for inclement weather. CE level 1 hip armor and CE level 2 Knee armor is included with your purchase certifying these pants to EN 17092-3:2020.
Key Specs
• Features:
Detachable combined Hydratex waterproof liner
Ventilation panels on the upper and lower legs
Reflective areas at the top back and lower knee's
Construction:
Leather cowhide main shell
PWR|shell mesh on front thigh and outer lower legs
PWR|shell stretch on lower back legs wrapping through to the front top
Protection & Safety
• SEESMART RV30 CE-Level 1 hip armor
• SEEFLEX RV14 CE-Level 2 knee armor
• CE certified to EN 17092-3:2020
Firstgear Rogue XC Pro Pant
Price:Up to $500
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesh Motorcycle Pants
What are the advantages of mesh motorcycle pants?
The biggest advantage of mesh motorcycle pants are their ventilation, as they are designed to allow maximum airflow through while also providing protection. They are ideal for riders that live in areas with very hot weather, and through natural airflow and convection help keep you from overheating. If paired with a cooling base layer, it is even more effective at wicking away heat.
Are mesh motorcycle pants safe?
Any pair of motorcycle pants is better than none at all. Mesh pants are safe, but have a lower overall abrasion resistance rating. The chassis is often made of durable material with 500D to 600D abrasion rating, with the large mesh panels rated between 400D to 500D as an average. Most, if not all, mesh pants come with at least CE Level I rated knee armor, with pockets for optional hip and coccyx armor.
What materials are commonly used in mesh motorcycle pants?
The most common chassis material in mesh pants is polyester, while the mesh panels are often ballistic nylon or polyester-wrapped nylon lattice. Some of the pricer mesh pants replace the polyester chassis with Cordura or multi-layer ballistic nylon. Leather can also be used, most often on the inside of the calf as heat protection from the engine.
What are some disadvantages of mesh motorcycle pants?
In general, mesh pants are not water resistant or waterproof due to the mesh areas being designed to allow for maximum airflow. Mesh pants also have a lower overall abrasion resistance as the material used for the panels is not as strong as the material used for the chassis. The biggest disadvantage is that mesh pants are weather dependent, in general being designed only to be used in warm to extreme hot weather, and not suitable at all for colder weather.
How can mesh motorcycle pants be waterproof if they are designed for airflow?
There are many mesh pants that feature a waterproof membrane, but sacrifice some airflow to do so. Other mesh pants can come with a zip-out waterproof liner, allowing for more airflow when it’s not wet. The caveat is that the mesh pants with membranes are often towards the pricier side, often mid-range or better in the budget.
Can I wear mesh motorcycle pants for any type of riding, such as touring or off-road?
The versatility of mesh pants means that they are acceptable for pretty much every type of riding. The only types of riding not recommended with mesh pants are track days and/or motocross/supercross. Both of those activities have pants much better suited for each, such as leather sport pants and motocross pants.
What To Look For In 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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Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
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We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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