When the weather is hot and the road is calling, throwing on a riding jacket might feel like the last thing you want to do. But now, with the advent of mesh riding jackets, theres no reason not to. Take it from me—I just returned from two months in Scottsdale, Ariz., where I wore the Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 mesh jacket on multiple 90-degree-plus days. Not only was I comfortable, I felt like I was wearing my own personal air conditioner!
Wearing the Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 made me feel like I had my own personal air conditioner, as the mesh allowed fresh air to flow through the fabric while pushing body heat out. In this photo I’m also wearing Kevlar jeans from Slider, knee armor from Competition Accessories, and Catwalk Leopard gloves from Icon 1000. Well be reviewing all those items on WRN in the coming months.
While I’m not here to educate non-jacket-wearing riders about the value of wearing a jacket on a motorcycle, it’s hard not to include that mantra in this review. After all, on hot days, wearing a mesh jacket is actually cooler than not wearing a jacket at all. I’ll explain more about that later.
Sizing for the Cleo 2.2 seems accurate, as the medium (my normal size) fit me well. The jacket is offered in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 2 Diva.
These three straps across the back of the jacket allow you to customize the fit. In this photo you can also see the outline of the high-density back pad, which can be removed and replaced with a CE-approved back pad. The removable armor in the jackets shoulders and elbows is comfortable and non-restricting.
The inside of the jacket is lined with a silky mesh that’s soft against the skin. The waist zipper, seen here, attaches to any riding pant, including Joe Rocket’s Cleo Pant—handy for preventing the jacket from riding up and exposing your back.
A cinch strap on each forearm has three adjustable snaps to ensure the sleeve stays snug to your arm and the elbow armor stays in place—a nice feature, although more sophisticated jackets offer two or even three cinch straps. The wrist cuff zipper, also visible here, includes a Velcro fastener for an adjustable fit.
The Cleo 2.2 offers a good deal of adjustability, especially for a jacket in its price range. In addition to the three straps across the back, the sleeve cinch, and the wrist closure, theres a zipper on either side of the waist. I like how the Cleo fits to my shape, accentuating my curves instead of making me look like a square sack. Kudos to Joe Rocket for taking the time to get the lines for the female body shape correct, not to mention allowing the jacket to fit a variety of sizes.
The Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 sports a FreeAir mesh outer shell. RockTex, a brand of heavy-duty textile, is used on high-impact areas (those seen in black here), including the elbows, shoulders, ribs, and hips.
The jackets full-sleeved zip-out waterproof liner can be worn independently as an off-the-bike windbreaker or rain slicker. The vinyl liner is boxy and a bit stiff, but it does what it’s supposed to—keep water out. When zipped into the jacket, the liner will prevent summer showers from drenching you. Keep in mind, however, that the Cleo is not a full waterproof jacket, as the seams, neck area, and other openings are not designed to keep water out completely.
It’s worth noting that the Cleo 2.2 is not a 100-percent mesh jacket. For it to be “protective,” the jacket must incorporate some impact-resistant fabric—material that wont tear or shred when it scrapes across pavement. Those panels, seen in black in the photos, are located on areas of the body that typically take the hit, such as elbows and shoulders. Joe Rocket put a lot thought into the design and function of this jacket, incorporating serious protection with a classy sense of style.
The graphics on the Cleo 2.2, appearing only on the right arm, are a “freshened up” version of those from the original Cleo jacket. Not visible in this photograph is the slight, understated sparkle of the graphic, as if gold glitter has been sprinkled on the swirly red lines.
The one interior pocket is roomy enough for a smartphone and a few more items. The two “handwarmer” pockets on the jackets front are deeper than their openings suggest, with each offering enough room for a large glove.
The fabric along the jackets neckline is soft on the skin.
No more tangled cords! If you slip an MP3 player in the pockets interior jacket, the earbud cords be be threaded through this small rubber opening near the jackets neckline.
Now onto the cooling features of the Cleo 2.2. When riding a motorcycle with your skin exposed—that is, without a jacket—your body moisture evaporates quickly. Before you know it, you’re overheated and drowsy because your body is experiencing dehydration, not to mention all the other ill effects of extreme sun exposure. A mesh jacket helps your body retain moisture longer, and when you have moisture in your skin, it helps keep your body temperature level and cool.
Mesh is an ideal material for a warm-weather riding jacket, as the fabrics tiny holes act as entry points for cool air and little portals through which body heat can escape. Because the material is constantly bringing in cool air and expelling body heat, wearing a mesh jacket while riding can actually leave you cooler than wearing no jacket at all.
If you type “women’s mesh motorcycle jacket” into Google, you’ll find that the Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 is priced on the higher end of mesh jackets available for women. However, remember that this is not a pure mesh jacket. Those costing less likely do not have the Cleos impact-resistant textile panels, waterproof liner, or pre-installed armor—items I place a high value on and that make the Cleo worth the extra $20 to $40. When you go up from the Cleo in price, you start to get into the textile jackets that come with more sophisticated features, such as zipper pulls, vents, more pockets, and more adjustability.
In addition to the red/black color Im wearing, the Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 comes in blue/white (left), pink/purple (center),black (right),and white/black (not pictured).
For all that this jacket offers, it’s a bargain starting at $179.99 (Diva sizes are priced at $194.99). The well-constructed Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2will get you through the hottest of summer days while giving you the confidence that comes with wearing a protective jacket.
Visit JoeRocket.com to learn more and find a dealer near you.
I have this jacket and wear it every time I ride. Great article. Good job at showing features! They also have riding pants that zip into this jacket. I wear compression shorts underneath. Very comfortable!
I was thrilled to see this great review on a jacket I had already purchased. Hadn’t worn in yet and I’ll be truthful I bought it mainly for the cool blue/white/black color combo that matched by new bike.
I’ve been wearing my old Joe Rocket mesh jacket for four years now. It is light blue with no graphics and a short stand-up collar. When it gets a little cool, I just insert the heavy liner. This is the best jacket I’ve ever owned! I think this year I may treat myself to the pretty red and black you are wearing, although I try to steer toward lighter colors here in Florida.
Good review. I have one of these jackets and I love it. It works perfectly for the summer months. It is much safer to wear a jacket than just go bear arms. When riding you can still feel the air circulate through your core, so you do not overheat. Kudos to Joe Rocket for designing a jacket that fits the female body, so you can look and feel “cool” when you ride.
Good article. I do not have this jacket but have been wearing mesh for some time. I have been wearing an Olympia Air Glide 3 jacket for three years. I definitely believe keeping the sun off your skin makes a huge difference. I also have a cooling vest for days over 95 degrees. I have ridden on 100+ degree days and have been comfortable.
I have this jacket and wear it every time I ride. Great article. Good job at showing features! They also have riding pants that zip into this jacket. I wear compression shorts underneath. Very comfortable!
I was thrilled to see this great review on a jacket I had already purchased. Hadn’t worn in yet and I’ll be truthful I bought it mainly for the cool blue/white/black color combo that matched by new bike.
I have this jacket and I love it! It is comfortable to wear, and the added features make it unbeatable.
I’ve been wearing my old Joe Rocket mesh jacket for four years now. It is light blue with no graphics and a short stand-up collar. When it gets a little cool, I just insert the heavy liner. This is the best jacket I’ve ever owned! I think this year I may treat myself to the pretty red and black you are wearing, although I try to steer toward lighter colors here in Florida.
Good review. I have one of these jackets and I love it. It works perfectly for the summer months. It is much safer to wear a jacket than just go bear arms. When riding you can still feel the air circulate through your core, so you do not overheat. Kudos to Joe Rocket for designing a jacket that fits the female body, so you can look and feel “cool” when you ride.
I love my new Joe Rocket Cleo. I wasn’t sure I would, but it is awesome. Best jacket I’ve ever worn in Arizona (“Arid-Zona”)!
Good article. I do not have this jacket but have been wearing mesh for some time. I have been wearing an Olympia Air Glide 3 jacket for three years. I definitely believe keeping the sun off your skin makes a huge difference. I also have a cooling vest for days over 95 degrees. I have ridden on 100+ degree days and have been comfortable.