Are you tired of motorcycle armor that shifts, chafes, and fails when you need it most?
After years of testing protective gear that promises everything but delivers disappointment, Mike from Dadventure Moto Club finally found the holy grail of motorcycle body armor: Bohn Body Armor Cool Mesh Tights. After 5,000+ miles of testing including some pretty toasty Arizona desert rides and a few embarrassing tip-overs, he's convinced these are the real deal.
His review breaks down why these aren't just another piece of riding gear, but a complete game-changer for serious ADV motorcyclists.
The $300+ Problem Every Rider Knows Too Well
Adventure motorcycling demands gear that can handle anything: scorching desert heat, rocky mountain trails, unexpected crashes, and 12-hour saddle time. Yet most riders struggle with the same frustrating issues:
- Knee armor that migrates during long rides, leaving gaps in protection
- Hip pads that bunch up or disappear entirely when you need them most
- Bulky riding pants that restrict movement and trap heat
- Standalone armor systems that cause painful pressure points and chafing
- Poor ventilation that turns protective gear into a sweat trap
Premium brands like Klim, Rev'It, and Alpinestars charge $300-500+ for ADV pants, but even these high-end options often fail to solve the fundamental problem: armor that stays exactly where it should, ride after ride.
Enter Bohn Body Armor: Protection Done Right
Bohn Body Armor took a completely different approach. Instead of trying to perfect bulky external armor, we created a base layer system that works with your body, not against it. The Cool Mesh Tights represent years of development focused on one simple goal: protective gear that riders will actually want to wear. Think high-end athletic wear, but with CE Level 2 certified armor covering your knees, hips, thighs, and tailbone.
The compression fit means the armor stays exactly where it should. No migration, no bunching, no adjusting mid-ride. It just... stays put. Revolutionary, right?
The armor isn't just slapped on either. Each piece is positioned using anatomical mapping, so the protection aligns with your actual joints and bones regardless of whether you're sitting, standing on the pegs, or squatting to fix a flat tire. The knee armor wraps around for impact and slide protection. The hip coverage hits that critical area most ADV pants completely miss. And that tailbone protection? Essential for off-road riding when you know a tumble is always a possibility.
The best part, we stand up to the hype and back it up with a 90-day guarantee.
Real-World Testing: 5,000+ Miles of Adventure Riding
This isn't a sponsored review or first-impression piece. The Dadventure Moto Club creator has logged serious miles testing these tights across diverse conditions:
Summer Heat Performance (90°F+ Desert Riding)
Challenge: Traditional armor becomes unbearable in extreme heat Result: The mesh construction and moisture-wicking fabric kept him comfortable during full-day rides in Arizona's desert heat. "I actually forgot I was wearing armor," he reports.
Long-Distance Comfort (500+ Mile Days)
Challenge: Pressure points and chafing typically develop after hours in the saddle Result: Zero discomfort or hot spots, even on back-to-back long days. The compression fit eliminated the friction that plagues loose-fitting armor systems.
Off-Road Durability (Rocky Terrain & Crashes)
Challenge: Will the armor stay in place during aggressive off-road riding? Result: Multiple off-road adventures and minor spills confirmed the armor never shifted position. The tights maintained their shape and protection integrity.
Weather Versatility (Rain, Cold, Heat)
Challenge: Seasonal riding requires gear that works in all conditions Result: The base layer design allows easy adaptation—wear under summer mesh pants or winter touring gear without bulk or interference.
Technical Specifications: Why the Details Matter
E Level 2 Certification: This is the same protection level as professional racing gear and is significantly better than Level 1 (or worse, uncertified foam) you find in most ADV pants.
For context, CE Level 2 armor has to transmit less than 9 kN of impact energy, while Level 1 can transmit up to 18 kN. That's a huge difference when you're hitting pavement or rocks. Most mid-range ADV pants use Level 1 or no certification at all—just foam padding that makes you feel protected without actually meeting any standard. Bohn uses genuine CE Level 2 certified armor throughout.
Cool Mesh Technology: Not just marketing speak. This moisture-wicking mesh keeps you dry on multi-day trips, and the fabric holds up incredibly well to repeated washing. After six months of testing, there's minimal pilling or wear, and the elastic retention is still strong.
Our customers wash these regularly, probably every other ride during summer and less frequently in cooler weather. The fabric quality is impressive. Mike's had compression athletic gear that starts looking ratty after a few months, but the Bohn tights still look nearly new.
Sizing and Fit: Getting It Right the First Time
Bohn's sizing runs true to athletic wear standards — think compression gear rather than loose motorcycle clothing.
Key fitting guidelines:
Size Selection Strategy
- If between sizes: Choose the smaller size for optimal armor positioning
- Waist measurement: Most critical dimension, use your jeans measurement
- Length considerations: Tights will sit anywhere from 1-3 inches above your ankle.
Fit Checkpoints
- Knee armor alignment: Should graze the top of your kneecap
- Hip coverage: Armor should sit over the greater trochanter (hip bone prominence)
- No bunching: Fabric should lay flat without excess material
- Movement test: Full range of motion without armor shifting
Integration with Existing Gear:
One of Bohn's biggest advantages is gear compatibility. These tights work seamlessly with:
Summer Riding Setup
- Mesh overpants: Klim Badlands, Rev'It Sand, or similar ventilated pants
- Casual riding: Denim or khakis with armor protection underneath
- Track days: Under leather or textile racing suits
Cold Weather Configuration
- Heated gear: Wear under heated pants without interference
- Layering systems: Add thermal layers over the tights, under outer pants
- Touring setup: Perfect under traditional ADV touring pants
Off-Road Applications
- Enduro pants: Provides protection where lightweight dirt bike pants fall short
- Adventure touring: Full lower body protection without bulk
- Dual sport riding: Street-legal protection that handles dirt
Cost Analysis: Value Beyond the Price Tag
At $199, Bohn tights cost less than most premium ADV pants while delivering superior protection and versatility––and what's more you can wear them with any pants you already have.
Traditional ADV Pants Cost Comparison
- Klim Badlands Pro: $449+ (Limited ventilation, armor shifts)
- Rev'It Sand 4: $399+ (Good ventilation, but knee armor migrates)
- Alpinestars Andes V3: $329+ (Decent protection, poor hot weather performance)
BOHN Value Proposition
- Lower upfront cost: $199 vs $300-500+
- Multiple pant compatibility: One base layer works with various outer pants
- Durability: Quality construction reduces replacement frequency
- Versatility: Four-season use across riding styles
- Repeat use: If you crash or fall on the pads you don't need to replace them
The Minor Drawbacks: Honest Assessment
No gear is perfect, and Bohn tights have a couple of considerations:
Adjustment period: If you're used to loose gear, the compression fit feels weird at first. Give it a couple rides to adapt. The first time he put them on, he thought "these feel too tight." By the end of that first ride, he realized that was actually the point—they're supposed to fit snugly to keep armor positioned. Now, loose-fitting gear feels sloppy by comparison.
Care requirements: They're durable but need air drying to maximize lifespan. Not a huge deal, but worth noting. He hangs his to dry after washing, which takes maybe 4-6 hours. Small price to pay for gear that lasts!
Not standalone: You still need outer pants for weather protection and abrasion resistance. These are base layers, not replacements for proper riding pants. In a serious crash with major sliding, you need abrasion-resistant outer material. The Bohn tights handle impact protection, but you're pairing them with appropriate outer wear for complete protection.
Installation and First Ride:
Pre-Ride Setup
- Put them on like compression tights: Step into them and pull up gradually
- Check armor alignment: Ensure each piece sits properly before adding outer layers
- Movement check: Squat, stretch, and simulate riding positions
- Outer pant compatibility: Verify no bunching or interference with your riding pants
First Ride Impressions
Most riders report immediate positive feedback:
- "I forgot I was wearing armor" - The comfort factor surprises everyone
- "My knee pads finally stayed put" - No more mid-ride adjustments
- "Cooler than my regular pants" - Better temperature regulation than traditional gear
After 6+ Months of Use
The armor is still in perfect shape. The fabric shows minimal wear despite frequent washing. The compression hasn't loosened up. And honestly, our reviewer reaches for these before any of his expensive ADV pants now.
They've become his default setup for almost every ride. Quick trip to the store? Bohn tights under jeans. All-day adventure ride? Bohn tights under mesh pants. Cold weather tour? Bohn tights under heated gear. The consistency is what he appreciates most—he knows exactly what protection he's getting every single time.
Who Should Buy Bohn Body Armor Cool Mesh Tights?
You're an ideal candidate if you:
- Cover long distances in varied conditions
- Ride in hot climates and hate overheating
- Have never found armor that stays in place
- Want protection for daily commuting without the bulk
- Prefer gear that adapts to multiple riding styles
- Do multi-day tours where comfort matters
- Mix street riding with off-road adventures
Maybe skip them if you:
- Only ride in cold weather and prioritize insulation over versatility
- Hate anything snug-fitting and prefer loose gear
- Need the absolute cheapest protection option
- Want standalone pants, not a base layer system
- Never have issues with armor shifting in your current setup
Final Verdict: A New Standard for Motorcycle Protection
After extensive real-world testing, the Bohn Body Armor Cool Mesh Tights represent a fundamental shift in motorcycle protection philosophy. Instead of trying to make bulky armor more comfortable, Bohn has reimagined what protective gear could be.
At $199, Bohn tights cost less than premium ADV pants while solving problems those expensive pants can't fix. The armor actually stays where it should. They're comfortable enough to wear all day. And they work with gear you already own.
For riders tired of fighting with shifty armor and sweltering in bulky pants, these are worth every penny. They're not just another piece of gear—they're a better approach to motorcycle protection.
After testing them through desert heat, mountain cold, long highway slabs, and rocky trails, Mike from Dadventure Moto Club is convinced this is how motorcycle armor should work. The compression fit, CE Level 2 protection, and versatility make these an essential part of his riding setup. His expensive ADV pants are gathering dust in the closet.
Ready to experience armor that actually stays put? Use discount code ORDER15 for 10% off your order over $150 and discover why serious ADV riders are making the switch to Bohn Body Armor. (coupon active until 12/31/25)
