Looking for some upper body armour that is as cool to wear as possible.

In terms of protection I guess I’m looking for something medium-weight. I don’t need full on DH protection, but I want more than the padded base layer stuff.

Don’t mind if it is short sleeve or long sleeve as I’m happy to wear separate elbow pads if necessary.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Depends on what you value in protection.

When I was taking the downhill bike to the bike park last summer I just used a dainese spine protector and kyle straight knee pads most of the time. I found even lightweight padded baselayers (raceface ambush) too hot and restrictive.

I am keen on getting shoulder, chest and maybe some rib protection.

Have had a trawl through the online shops and I am considering the following:

Troy Lee BP7850
Dainese Rhyolite
661 Evo pressure suit
Blugrass Grizzly D30

Troy Lee looks good to me.
Dainese looks good, although has no lower torso protection at all.
661 suit looks good but appears to lack ventilation.
Bluegrass looks a little light on protection, but I rate D30 (I have D30 knee and elbow pads) so it appeals to me.

Would appreciate any feedback on these, especially on how hot they are. Thanks.

I use one of these
+knee pads, for my enduro mincing exploits
http://www.madison.co.uk/products/cycling/helmets-protectives/body-armour/vertical-ld-top-body-armour-large-black/

Update:
I purchased the Troy Lee 7850 armour.
Have not crash tested it yet, but I’m very happy with it so far.
Seems to provide as much protection as a “soft” armour ever could, and is extremely light and comfortable, and I can’t imagine there is anything similar which is cooler.