Short Answer: The Legendary Deerskin Ventilated Driving Gloves are American-made summer riding gloves built from 100% American Whitetail deerskin with a fully perforated open back panel for airflow. The open-back driving glove profile, combined with deerskin grip and touchscreen-capable thumb and index fingers, makes these the go-to glove for warm-weather riders who want to stay connected without sacrificing feel on the handlebar.
Legendary Deerskin Ventilated Driving Gloves With Touchscreen: Grip and Airflow Made in USA
Why Ventilation Matters in a Riding Glove
Heat is the enemy of long summer rides. When your hands overheat, grip strength drops, reaction time slows, and fatigue sets in faster. Most motorcycle gloves trap heat under the leather because the back panel is solid. The Legendary Ventilated Driving Gloves take a different approach: the entire back panel is perforated, creating an airflow channel that pulls heat away from your hand while you ride.
The open-back driving glove profile amplifies this effect. Unlike a full-coverage glove where the leather wraps the entire hand, the driving style exposes more of the hand's natural surface area while still providing the deerskin palm coverage you need for grip and throttle control. The result is a glove that rides much cooler than a standard full-back design at the same speed.
For summer touring, canyon riding, or daily commutes in warm weather, the difference between a ventilated glove and a solid-back glove is significant — particularly on rides longer than an hour where hand temperature builds cumulatively.
Features and Construction
These gloves are built to the same American-made standard as every Legendary USA product: American Whitetail deerskin, A&E thread, and domestic production. The ventilated driving configuration adds the open-back perforated panel specifically for warm-weather performance.
- Leather: 100% American Whitetail deerskin palm — naturally grippy surface for throttle and handlebar control
- Back panel: Fully perforated across the entire back surface — maximum airflow at speed
- Profile: Open-back driving glove style — less coverage than a full-back glove, more breathable
- Touchscreen: Conductive material on thumb and index finger — full smartphone and GPS access without removing the glove
- Wrist closure: Adjustable Velcro wrist strap — custom fit, easy on and off
- Thumb construction: Keystone thumb design — ergonomic angle reduces hand fatigue on long rides
- Thread: A&E industrial-grade throughout
- Lining: Unlined — maximum feel, keeps the glove cool
- Origin: Made in USA
- Recognition: Featured in WSJ Fashion Magazine
The Deerskin Advantage in Hot Weather
When most leather gloves heat up in summer riding conditions, the leather stiffens slightly and loses some of its suppleness. Deerskin is different. The fiber structure of American Whitetail deerskin remains pliable and soft even as temperatures rise. It doesn't grip your hand or become stiff and uncomfortable the way some cowhide gloves do on hot days. Combined with the perforated back panel, deerskin keeps both the mechanical airflow and the material comfort working in your favor throughout a long summer ride.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Legendary Ventilated Driving | Typical Import Summer Glove |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | American Whitetail Deerskin | Imported cowhide or synthetic |
| Back Panel | Fully perforated | Partial or no perforation |
| Profile | Open-back driving style | Standard full-back |
| Touchscreen | Thumb & index | Varies |
| Wrist | Adjustable Velcro | Fixed or elastic |
| Thread | A&E industrial-grade | Fashion-grade |
| Made In | USA | Overseas |
Who This Glove Is For
The Legendary Ventilated Driving Gloves are built for riders who prioritize airflow and feel above maximum wrist coverage. They suit summer touring, canyon carving, city commuting in warm months, and any riding scenario where heat management matters more than wind blocking. They are also well-suited for dual-sport and adventure riders in warm climates who want hand protection with good sensitivity. If your rides regularly push into temperatures above 70°F, this glove is the right call.
Sizing and Fit
Measure around the widest part of your palm — excluding the thumb — and match to the Legendary USA size chart. The adjustable Velcro wrist closure accommodates a range of wrist sizes within each size bracket, giving you a precise fit without relying on elastic alone. Deerskin gloves conform to your hand over the first few rides without overstretching. These are unlined, so there is no built-in room for a liner layer. If you typically size up for warmth, size true or slightly down for this summer glove.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooler do perforated motorcycle gloves actually run compared to solid-back gloves?
At speed, the perforation across the back panel creates genuine convective airflow that pulls heat away from the back of your hand. On a 90-minute summer ride, riders typically report a noticeable difference in hand comfort compared to solid-back gloves, particularly after the first 30 minutes when heat accumulation becomes significant. The open-back driving profile amplifies this further by reducing the total coverage area.
Is an open-back driving glove safe for motorcycle riding?
The Legendary Ventilated Driving Gloves provide full deerskin palm coverage, which is the primary contact zone for grip, throttle, and impact. The open back reduces coverage on the top of the hand to allow airflow. These gloves prioritize comfort, grip, and feel for riders who do not require armored protection or full gauntlet coverage — they are not rated CE impact gloves. They are the choice for riders who value leather quality, American craftsmanship, and warm-weather performance.
Does the Velcro wrist closure stay secure at highway speed?
Yes. The adjustable Velcro strap on the Legendary Ventilated Driving Gloves is designed to hold position at sustained highway speeds without loosening. You set the closure once and it stays. This is preferable to elastic-only wrist closures that can loosen over time or feel inconsistent between rides.
Can I use these gloves for both riding and driving a car?
Yes. The open-back driving glove profile works equally well on a motorcycle handlebar or a steering wheel. The deerskin palm provides the same tactile grip on leather or urethane steering wheels as on rubber-coated handlebars. Riders who commute by both motorcycle and car often find a ventilated driving glove the most versatile choice.
Are these gloves good for beginners?
These gloves work well for new riders who want quality American-made leather without complexity. The Velcro closure is easy to operate, the deerskin palm requires no break-in, and the touchscreen capability means you can handle your phone during stops without removing the gloves. The open-back profile also makes them easier to put on and take off than a full gauntlet glove.
Why is A&E thread important in a motorcycle glove?
Thread is where most imported gloves fail first. Fashion-grade thread used in cheaper gloves degrades with UV exposure, moisture, and repeated stress at the seams — which is exactly where a riding glove takes abuse. A&E industrial-grade thread is built for commercial and industrial use, where seam failure is not acceptable. Legendary USA uses it on every glove to ensure the stitching outlasts the leather itself.
Where to Buy
Available at Legendary USA — Deerskin Ventilated Driving Gloves with Touchscreen for $119.99. Browse all American-made options in the Legendary USA motorcycle gloves collection.