This only works for about an hour, so only good for short trips, but... what I do for a daily 40 minute commute in the summer heat in Florida, USA every day is I made a front/back sort of sandwich board vest of large freezer packs by Revix on Amazon. Three on thr back, two on the chest, straps over my shoulders. Sits in a freezer all night, then I wear it to work with the shell of a winter coat over it to keep the cold in. People must look at me like Im insane, sitting in heatwaves 95f mid day at stoplights wearing a winter coat and full riding gear. But Im actually iced down like a fish in a boat. Mesh gear is fine if youre moving but I have some stoplight crawls on the way as well so thats how I manage the summers. It feels pretty good into the mid 90s and if its 90 and. below its awesome. No more sweating.
A few months ago in the middle of our West Australian summer I had to bring my daughter's 250 Kwaka back home for her, a 100 km ride on the freeway in 42C heat. Popped a frozen bottle of water inside the jacket (I'd removed the liner), between that and the cotton tee-shirt. Yes, it was a bit of a hot ride, but not unbearable as the humidity in Perth is generally low. Got home, drank the water; easy as! Up at Onslow on the same day it was 50.5C... Now that is hot! I also ride here in Philippines - just a little 150, quite sufficient for local conditions - but although the actual temperature today (July 25) is only 35C, the feels-like is 44C, due to the high humidity in the wet season. With traffic speeds here generally below 40 kph - and frequently below 20 kph - jeans, tee-shirt and a thin cotton jacket, plus combat boots, helmet and gloves makes me overdressed compared to most of the locals.
Purchased the Klim Marrakesh jacket for a recent European trip to Italy, temperatures 35/38 absolutely loved it . Top review inspired me to invest in it 👌
A suggestion to make the Marrekesh even more versatile: I love my Marrekesh jacket with all its layering abilities (could be the only jacket you ever need - see ML vid). However, it doesn’t match heritage/retro bikes like my Thruxton. I overcame this by buying a overshirt in XL to fit over my Medium jacket. If you can afford it & want to keep with Klim, they make a great overshirt with vents, but there are cheaper versions out there. Either way, I have been able to ride in the recent hot weather & still look cool(ish). Some people have commented about my apparent lack. of protection, as the Marrakesh is such a slim & flexible jacket, until I show them. Just another flexible use of a great jacket. Love it!
The Marrakesh is a good one. I have been using it for a couple years. When it gets crazy hot here in Atlanta Georgia USA I use the Knox Urbane Pro MK2.
Going back to when I got my first bike nearly 44 years ago, I on occasions did not wear any bike gear and I am still here yet? after covering very, very many miles abroad Ireland and the UK. Though I do not suggest to other bikers, Not to do this. I do have all the gear and more and do use it. But when it gets quite hot. I also have a push bike and it goes really fast.
I got a Weise Scout recently, that's an AA rated mesh jacket with a back protector for £130! Not sure how they did it and it won't be as good an AA as the Marrakesh I guess. Not a bad jacket for just over 1/3 the price of the Klim though. I have some of the Dainese Classic Regular trousers for my lower half but they're still a fairly dark colour so absorb a lot of heat, something like the Klim Outrider might do a better job I suspect. Good job on bringing in more non-waterproof boots too, above a certain temperature your only hope with a membrane is that your feet being wet cools them down a bit...
I am feeling very smug having bought a Marrakesh jacket from you a while a ago. It is brilliant for high summer and - with the right layers - spring, autumn and winter. It is the most comfortable jacket I have ever had too: stretch material and very light, even with full armour. Your focus on rider personal comfort is critical to safety. It is no good having umpteen rider modes and n-dimensional ABS on your bike if you are too hot, cold or wet to concentrate.
Wet and wring out your t shirt and neck tube, they keep you cool as wind evaporates water. I commute only 30 miles but a lot of filtering. Is dry by time i get home, bit of a shock if you use ice cold water.
Klim marakesh is theeee best jacket by far. Cold winter I use a kiess heated jacket, warm days a tee shirt, rainy days a waterproof over jacket, it's probably the best jacket I have ever bought, and the only one you'll ever need, I've had all sorts over 40 yrs on reflection.... Rubbish.
The Marrakesh pant will flow more air than a jean, and because of its wicking properties a lightweight Merino pant would not, in my view, change the position. So yes, the Marrakesh will be the cooler option. CP.
