Keeping cool and safe while riding during Southern California summers isn’t an easy task. Leather jackets are hot and sticky, but very abrasion resistant and protective, while full-mesh jackets breathe well but sometimes lack the strength needed in the event of a high-speed crash. REVIT has released an answer that attempts to remedy both issues with its Air jacket. We recently got our hands on a REVIT AIR Jacket to find out.

The aim was to integrate both a textile and mesh outer shell with high-end inner armor to give ideal ventilation while still providing an adequate level of crash protection. This was achieved by using a PWR mesh in the chest, back and arms, while the rest is textile with SP outer shoulder protectors. Inside Knox CE-certified shoulder and elbow protection is employed. An EVA foam back guard that runs much the length of the back rounds out the padding. For visibility, reflectors are in the shoulders and the logo on the chest.

To aid in fit REVIT uses snap-type adjustment straps at the hips and adjustment tabs at the upper arms and cuffs. This allows one to slightly tailor the fit on the unit depending on body size. It also features a jeans loop, for connection to pants, a host of outer and inner pockets and stretch paneling at the top of each elbow of freer movement.

We found the fit to be very comfortable both on and off the bike.We found the fit to be very comfortable both on and off the bike.

First thing we noticed was the light weight of the jacket, feeling more like a heavy sweatshirt than a riding jacket. This was nice when off the bike, allowing for easy movement. They sent me a size Small and at 5’6” and 140-lbs the fit was well suited to my slim frame, very European in its sizing. The jacket’s adjustability allowed me to better suit it to my body, though all that was really needed was some slight cinching in the hips. Once adjusted it was time for the real test – riding.

How did it do? For a sub-$200 jacket I was very impressed with the Air. The zipper did come undone on me a couple times, but nothing that couldn’t quickly be fixed. Otherwise, the fit and finish was good and the ventilation was excellent, making for a great choice any time the temperature was above 80 degrees.

The jacket sits well in both the tucked and upright riding positions, making for a comfortable ride at all times. I did have some issue with the way the ends of the sleeves fit over some gloves. They have just enough of an opening to fit over medium-sized gloves, but a full road race glove has to go over the cuff and in that case the excess fabric bunches up.

The slim fit and style of the jacket is probably its shining point, as it looks good and is comfortable. As for the protection, luckily I haven’t tested that. With a jacket of this kind some compromises have to be made and the sheer lack of weight does concern me ever so slightly. Enough to not wear it, though? No.

In all, the REVIT Air jacket proved to be a great riding jacket for any hot summer day, especially for the $189.99 retail price. Available in four different color schemes (Black, Grey/Black, Light Grey/Black and Light Grey/Red), sizes range from XS-4XL.

REVIT AIR Jacket
MSRP: $189.99