The Knox Honister Mk2 armoured mesh jacket takes the rare concept of an AAA-rated mesh jacket and refines it into a more versatile, layering-friendly package.
It’s part of Knox’s Seasonless range, designed to be worn on its own in hot, dry weather or paired with over-layers for protection from the elements.
The idea is simple: keep all the impact and abrasion protection in the core jacket, and tailor your weather protection as needed.
After several hundred miles across different bikes, here’s how it performed…
Fit & Comfort
The Mk2’s fit feels different from its predecessor — in a good way. I wore a large in the original Honister, but in the Mk2 I sized down to a small and found it more in line with other brands’ sizing.
The arms are notably looser, which helps with airflow but slightly undermines the stretch-fit concept that keeps armour in place. Riders with more muscular builds will likely get a snugger sleeve fit.
The collar is soft with a hint of stretch, and the innovative rivet-secured cuffs and hem adjustment belts allow for some tailoring, though the overall fit adjustment is limited.
Warm weather performance
This is where the Honister Mk2 shines. The large mesh panels at the chest, back, and inner arms channel impressive airflow, making hot-day riding comfortable without sacrificing protection.
The loose arms helped even more, letting cool air travel up the sleeves and keeping things breezy and manageable.
Cold weather performance
On cooler mornings, I simply added a lightweight waterproof over-jacket. If the temperature really dropped I'd look at wearing a fleece mid-layer between the two — both cheap, easy options that transformed the jacket into a wind- and chill-resistant setup.
The Honister plays well with generic kit, but Knox offer their own matching over-layers. The Knox Tor Waterproof Shell and Knox Welbeck Waterproof Overjacket Mk2 do as they promise, and the Knox Dual Pro Over Jacket combines a warm mid-layer with a water-resistant outer shell. If you just want some protection from the cold, a Knox Union Quilted jacket is available. This layering approach works well if you’re happy to mix and match.
Protection
Achieving CE certification to AAA level is almost unheard of for a mesh textile, making the Honister Mk2 exceptional in its class. Knox’s Level 2 Micro-Lock armour covers shoulders, elbows, and back, with an optional Knox Micro-Lock Chest Protector available for an extra £40.
The abrasion-resistant stretch panels and substantial mesh give reassurance, and reflective piping at the collarbones and back aids visibility. This is a jacket built for maximum road-going protection in hot weather.
Conclusion
The Honister Mk2 is a niche but impressive piece of kit — a mesh jacket that hits the highest CE protection level and adapts to different weather via layers.
It’s comfortable in the heat, versatile with over-layers, and beautifully made, though the loose arms and awkwardly placed interior pockets won’t suit everyone.
At £379.99 it’s an investment, but if top-level safety in a summer-friendly jacket is your priority, the Honister Mk2 is in a class of its own.
