Utah Riding Gear | Summer Edition
- Sean Good
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Summer weather has arrived in Utah, which brings unparalleled riding opportunities and landscapes from high mountain passes to red desert canyons. But with this diverse landscape comes a wide range of temperatures and conditions, making smart gear choices essential for both comfort and safety. Depending on where you ride, you may find temperatures in Utah swinging from the 50°F overnight to over 100°F during the day.
In this "Summer Edition" guide to Utah riding gear, we'll break down what you need to know about choosing the right protective gear, mid and base layers, and some other accessories we bring with us based on our past experiences. With the right equipment, your Utah adventure will be comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Outer layers
When gearing up for a summer ride in Utah, prioritizing airflow in your outer layers is paramount. Effective sweat evaporation the key to staying cool.
Mesh: This material offers maximum airflow, but the airy material can sometimes mean reduced abrasion resistance. Consider upgrading internal padding with Level 2 impact protection, especially a back protector, to compensate. If you expect cooler evenings or nights during your trip, you may want to pack an insulating mid-layer.
Synthetic textiles: This is our choice for versatile 3-season gear as many jackets and pants made with nylon, Cordura, or other proprietary materials provide adjustable venting through strategic zip panels. We highly recommend selecting lighter colors (whites, grays) as they significantly help reflect sunlight and keep you cooler. While they might show dirt, dust, and bugs more readily, the comfort benefit under the sun is well worth it.
Gore-tex: While brands like Klim, Rev'it, and Alpinestars offer fantastic waterproof protection, these aren't always ideal for Utah's dry summer heat unless they feature substantial, well-designed zippered air vents. Summer rain isn't common, and without proper venting these layers may trap heat making for an uncomfortably warm ride. That being said, Klim is Idaho-based and is familiar with mountain west climates. Therefore we'd suggest testing these before purchasing them to make sure they are comfortable for you.
Leather: Leather offers unbeatable abrasion protection in a fall. For summer, we strongly recommend perforated or heavily vented leather gear, which can provide airflow comparable to many synthetic options. This allows you to enjoy a classic look and superior protection without overheating.
Rain gear: As mentioned, Utah summers are generally dry but afternoon thunderstorms can quickly form over mountain ranges, leading to brief, intense downpours. Instead of fully waterproof gear, we suggest carrying a lightweight, removable rain layer that can be easily stowed when the skies clear. Nelson-Rigg and Frogg Toggs are good options. For short storms, I'll even continue riding to let my gear get wet for that extra cooling effect when the sun comes back out!
Mid-layers
More essential in spring and fall, there are a few mid-layers options we recommend for summer riding dependent on your travel plans.
Cooling vest: This is your secret weapon for Utah's hot, dry days. Thanks to our low humidity, evaporative cooling vests work well here. Just soak the vest in cold water and wear it between your base and outer layers for effective, portable air conditioning that helps regulate your body temperature.
Zip-in rain layer: Some 3-4 season gear will include zip-in mid-layers to add protection from rain or cold temperatures. These can be helpful for unexpected storms or if your route takes you into cooler, higher elevations. Consider the potential weather on your route when deciding whether to pack these.
Insulated layer: Don't underestimate Utah's desert nights! Even in summer, temperatures can plunge into the low 50s or even high 40s. A packable insulated layer, whether down or synthetic, will be a game-changer for evening rides or staying comfortable around the campfire.
Base layers
This layer is most critical for managing sweat evaporation and preventing chafing against your skin. Quality base layers will also reduce skunky smells after a long day, or multiple days, of wear. Look for high-performance synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon blends (often labeled as "performance," "technical," or "moisture-wicking"). Lightweight merino wool is also an excellent choice, as it's highly breathable and naturally odor-resistant.
Avoid cotton as it absorbs moisture and stays wet, leading to discomfort and chafing.
Uppers: I used to prefer short-sleeve tops, but have since transitioned to long sleeves. It provides a consistent wicking surface across your arms, reduces the feeling of being "wind-whipped" on long rides, and protects against sun exposure when you are exploring off the bike.
Lowers: I like to wear a wicking performance base layer under my riding pants for similar reasons to the above, and particularly to prevent sweat chafing. UnderArmour has a large selection of leggings that work great.
Socks: I recommend wicking socks that rise above the top of your boots to prevent chafing around your calves. Synthetics or lightweight merino wool will wick sweat away from your feet, prevent blisters, and reduce feet stank.
Accessories
Here are a few additional gear items that we've found make summer riding more comfortable.
Neck buff: We've found these exceptionally helpful for keeping our bodies cool while riding. In addition to keeping the sun and wind off our necks, you can soak these in water for a cooling effect
Water storage: Due to Utah's incredibly low humidity, your body will work hard to stay cool, and sweat evaporates almost instantly – meaning you might not feel soaked, but you're still losing significant fluids. During the heat of the day, your body can lose between 0.5-1.0 liters of water per hour. For day trips or multi-day adventures, prioritize continuous hydration - drink before you feel thirsty. Hydration packs like CamelBaks are easiest for riding, but for wild camping you'll need to pack additional water storage (e.g., external hydration bladders, Roto-Pax, etc). And remember, ample water is crucial for fully extinguishing campfires before bed Do not skip this step.
Electrolytes: To replenish the essential salts lost through sweating and to prevent headaches and cramping, electrolytes are a fantastic addition. You'll find many tab, powder, or chewable options at outdoor recreation stores like REI.
Sunscreen: Unless you want a ridiculous tan lines, don't forget to wear sunscreen under your helmet, on your neck, and on your wrists (if you wear short-cuff gloves)
Chapstick: Visitors to Utah often mention how quickly their skin and lips dry out upon arrival. Keeping chapstick handy will prevent chapped or cracked lips as you acclimate to the arid climate. Hand lotion can also be a comfort.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gear is paramount for a comfortable and safe summer motorcycle adventure in Utah. By thoughtfully selecting your kit for airflow, protection, and hydration, you'll be well-prepared to tackle Utah's diverse temperatures and stunning landscapes.
At Utah Touring, we understand that remotely dialing in your gear setup for a summer trip can feel like a puzzle. If you have any questions about packing, specific gear recommendations, or just want to chat about your preparations, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're always happy to share our experience and ensure you arrive as prepared as possible.
As a reminder, when you rent one of our motorcycles or use one of our services, we can help arrange your transport from airport, including bike delivery, and you can store your spare luggage with us while you are away. Bring the essentials with you, and leave the rest with us!
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