Summer on a motorcycle is all about freedom. The open road, the wind, the thrill of riding. But when the temperature rises, that freedom can quickly turn into a furnace under a full-face helmet and thick jacket. Those who ride a lot know that beyond comfort, alertness and safety are at stake. At G-Heat, we have designed cooling motorcycle vests to meet this essential need: to keep your head cool when everything else is heating up. We explain how they work, how to choose the right one, and, most importantly, which one is right for you.
Riding a motorcycle in the heat: a real challenge for the body
Your gear is your best protection... but it can quickly become your worst enemy in hot weather. Jackets, gloves, helmets, back protectors: all of these block heat from escaping and trap sweat. The result? Your body temperature rises, you tire more quickly, and you lose concentration. This is called heat stress.
And it's not just a temporary discomfort: heat can impair your responsiveness and cause you to make mistakes. To stay focused and enjoy riding, you need to help your body manage its temperature. That's exactly what a cooling vest does: discreet, lightweight, and easy to wear under your jacket, it acts like a personal air conditioner, with no wires or batteries.
The cooling vest for motorcyclists: how does it work?
When riding a motorcycle, you can't count on ventilation. You need an active solution that's integrated into your outfit. There are two main technologies available:
- The evaporative vest: activated with water, immediate cooling effect
- The PCM cooling vest: stable cooling effect without humidity
Each has its own advantages depending on how you ride.
Evaporative vest: natural, lightweight cooling
Simple, effective, and quick to activate: the evaporative vest (like our Polycool model) uses an absorbent fabric. You soak it in water, wring it out, and put it on. The water evaporates on contact with the air, and this evaporation produces an immediate cooling sensation.
No batteries, no gadgets, just water. It's the ideal solution for short trips, city rides, or motorcyclists who sweat a lot. And the drier the air, the more powerful the effect.
PCM cooling vest: stable cooling, no moisture
The Phasecool cooling vest works using phase change (PCM) technology. Packs inserted into the vest are recharged in the freezer (approx. 1 hour) and then deliver a fixed temperature (21°C or 28°C depending on the model) for 2 to 3 hours.
The advantage? Constant coolness, without humidity, even if you don't move. Perfect for long distances, humid heat, or motorcyclists who spend all day on the road. And contrary to what you might think, it doesn't get in the way under your jacket: it's designed for that.
How to choose the right motorcycle cooling vest?
Temperature, duration, comfort: the real criteria to compare
- Outside temperature: evaporation (Polycool) if the air is dry, PCM (Phasecool) if the air is hot and humid.
- Duration of the trip: for less than 2 hours, Polycool is sufficient. For longer trips, opt for PCM.
- Type of trip: urban = Polycool, road trip = Phasecool.
- Wearing under your jacket: Polycool can be worn directly on the skin. PCM should be worn over a thin T-shirt to avoid the “direct ice cube” effect.
Wearing your vest correctly with motorcycle gear
Polycool is flexible and lightweight: perfect for direct contact. It should be worn just before departure, once moistened. PCM is more structured due to the packs, but is still compatible with most jackets. It activates when cold, recharges in the freezer, and remains effective for several hours.
Evaporation or PCM? Let's summarize
- Want a simple, fast, hassle-free solution? The Polycool vest is for you.
- Looking for a more powerful, longer-lasting cooling effect without feeling damp? The PCM Phasecool vest is the best option.
In any case, it's not just an extra accessory: it's a smart addition to your motorcycle protection.
Which cooling vest should you choose at G-Heat?
At G-Heat, we design clothing for extreme conditions—both cold and hot. Our two cooling vests for motorcycling are designed to adapt to your use, your riding style, and your environment.
Polycool: lightweight, infinitely reusable
- Dip it in water, wring it out, and put it on: simple and effective.
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours depending on the heat.
- Wear it directly on your skin or with a lightweight technical T-shirt.
👉 Ideal for: short trips, dry heat, frequent movement.
Phasecool: controlled cooling, no moisture
- Recharge in the freezer, ready in 1 hour.
- Stable temperature (70 or 82°F) for 2 to 3 hours.
- Wear over a T-shirt to avoid direct contact.
👉 Ideal for: long distances, humid heat, long-lasting comfort.
Don't forget other areas: head, neck, torso
Heat doesn't just concentrate on the chest. At G-Heat, we also offer:
- a cooling cap to slip under your helmet
- a cooling neck gaiter
- cooling T-shirts to prolong the cooling effect over the entire chest
Each accessory helps to relieve a strategic area and prevent gradual overheating. Put together your outfit according to your needs and stay on top of your game – from head to road.
