The best winter cycling jackets

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "The Singletrack jacket is Endura's ultimate Goldilocks waterproof, offering just the right balance of weather protection, breathability and value for money. If you ride (or race) in persistent freezing rain then the range-topping MT500 might be worth saving an additional £100 for, but if not then the Singletrack is the smart buy.

"Don't be fooled by that faint praise, the 10,000mm waterproof rated ExoShell20 fabric means this jacket is going to keep all but the most torrential rain at bay, and really those are the kinds of conditions where it's probably more sensible to leave your bike in the garage anyway. It's also 80% recycled, PFC-free, and treated with a non-toxic water repellent finish.

"The latter makes rain bead up in a way I've never experienced in a coat - it looks more like my car after I had it ceramic coated - which not only reduces the chance of water finding its way in, but also stops the material wetting out, becoming heavy and cold. Waterproof jackets also breathe much better when they're not soaked.

"On this front, I find the Singletrack runs a bit warm, which means you don't need a load of layers if you're going riding in the rain. Huge pit zips massively improve airflow and on the whole it does a good job of keeping you dry from the inside out, but it's certainly not a light jacket to stuff into a rucksack if it looks like it might drizzle.

"The Singletrack does its best work when it's already raining when you leave the house, and in this scenario I've found it virtually faultless. The zip is backed by a stormflap to stop rain penetrating and the jacket is decently long at the back to help protect from rear wheel spray.

"All the seams are taped and the hood is massive, more than big enough to fit over my helmet, with elastic toggles to help cinch it tight and get the perfect fit. You get two big handwarmer pockets and another on the chest, too.

"The standout feature for me is the feel and sound of the fabric - an odd thing to point out, but it's so soft, and practicality silent on the move, unlike some jackets which can have an annoying rustle. The inner lining also feels great against bare skin, although I'd always ride in a long sleeved base layer on colder days anyway.

"Decent waterproofs can be the difference between riding all year round or only during the sunny months. I've got absolutely no concerns with heading out the door into a heavy downpour when I'm wearing this jacket, it feels hugely protective and with a bombproof construction that will hopefully last for years to come.

"Also, I know this is subjective, but I also think it looks really cool. So much so that I wear it all the time off my bike too, including on the sidelines of my son's football matches. And it's not often you get to say that about a waterproof cycling jacket."

Bike-packing is a genre of cycling all of its own and requires specialist kit - some of which, like this down jacket, is equally useful for more day-to-day pedalling too. Light and packable, it's small enough to stash in a backpack until needed, and weighing only 328g means you won't notice it in there either.

Best of all, the 750-fill responsibly sourced goose down keeps the cold out, while a water-resistant treatment keeps drizzle off too.

The hood fits over a helmet (just) and the drop tail protects your back from flicked-up mud and cold tailwinds. Plus, the two-way zip means you can unzip it from the bottom or top to improve comfort.

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "I don't find myself getting cold on the bike unless it's absolutely freezing outside, but that's a different matter the second I stop pedalling, to stop for lunch or to carry out trailside repairs.

"That's where a lightweight and packable down jacket like the Rapha Explore becomes an essential addition to my rucksack. It squashes away into its own pocket and sits alongside my water bottle, without taking up too much space or adding weight.

"When worn the insulation immediately warms up and provides a barrier from the cold on winter days. The hood just about fits over my helmet so I can cover up my head without removing it, and the drop tail covers the awkward patch of back that would otherwise be exposed.

"I've also noticed the cuffs are quite tight to my wrists to stop the wind from penetrating, which makes the jacket a bit tricky to take off, but that's a worthwhile trade-off.

"While riding you can unzip it from the bottom, to encourage a bit of airflow without feeling like it's going to blow off, as jackets tend to do when unzipped from the top. The materials and zip feel very high quality and while I wouldn't invite a crash while wearing it, the Explore feels built to last.

"The outer fabric is ripstop and water-resistant, but if I was going out in the pouring rain I'd want a dedicated waterproof jacket over the top."

A lightweight, windproof and water-resistant jacket made from breathable Gore-Tex Infinium, this is a packable and comfortable top layer with an aerodynamic cut and full-sized hood. It keeps the elements out without the usual boil-in-the-bag properties of a more traditional waterproof jacket, too.

Tried and tested by Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie: "I've been wearing this jacket in all weathers over winter and it's been absolutely flawless. I was initially a bit worried about the "extremely water-resistant" rating - I don't like to take chances when it comes to staying warm and dry on a rainy ride, but it turns out I had no cause for concern.

"For a start, it blocks the cold in a way a jacket this thin and light has no right to. It honestly feels like my bike has a windscreen. When it comes to rain protection, I've been on some truly sodden rides (as you can see for yourself in the gallery pictures) and not once has water penetrated the jacket's outer layer. I've even been pressure-washed at the end of a muddy ride and stayed dry.

"The hood stretches easily over even my largest enduro helmet and the elasticated cuffs fit tightly over my gloves to keep the weather out. The inner material is something called C-Knit and it feels incredibly soft against skin. This is the first weatherproof jacket I've been able to wear with a short-sleeved t-shirt, usually they make my arms uncomfortably hot and sweaty.

"On that note, the material is supremely breathable and maintains a nice internal temperature despite not having armpit zips. I do miss these a bit when wearing a rucksack, which blocks a large section of the jacket's material and reduces how much heat and perspiration it can disperse, but otherwise it's perfect.

"Downsides? It doesn't have much in the way of pockets, but I don't find carrying stuff in my jacket very comfortable anyway, so I'm not bothered. It's much lighter and more packable due to not having a load of stiff zips to contend with and as a result means I'm more likely to actually bring it along in case of downpour."

The Perfetto ROS Convertible Jacket comes from Italian industry-leader Castelli. It carries a great sense of ingenuity, with multiple materials and techniques being brought together to create a very versatile cold-weather cycling jacket. The front of the jacket uses a light Gore-Tex fleece to keep in heat, and a stretchy back panel to offer breathability and flexibility. There are zipped side vents for extra ventilation. The Gore-Tex materials are water-resistant. For warmer conditions, the sleeves can be removed to just above the elbow. According to Castelli, this jacket is recommended for temperatures between four and 16 degrees Celsius.

The dhb Aeron Deep Winter Softshell Jacket is a remarkable offering for those who can't help but hit the roads and trails, no matter the weather. By combining softshell fleecing with a wind and waterproof membrane, the jacket offers riders protection in weathers as low as -2 degrees Celsius. This protection doesn't sacrifice flexibility, as the materials all stretch. Extra effort has been made around the bottom hem, cuffs and YKK zip to ensure that the cold weather is blocked at all times.

We're big fans of Endura's waterproof SL ExoShell. It turns out that this high-esteem can be carried over to the brand's winter jacket, too. The SL Thermal Windproof will protect the wearer from cold temperatures and wind chill using a great synthetic outer-shell with a thermal and windproof lining. The high-collar prevents cool air from rolling into the jacket when leaning forward, and the cuffs have extended cuffs that can be tucked into gloves for additional protection. The athletic cut negates drag. The jacket is rated for use in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius, so ideal for deep winter rides and chilly morning cycles.

By bringing Polartec's NeoShell material to this jacket, Sportful has created a fantastic and reliable garment that'll help cyclists throughout winter and autumn. NeoShell is a remarkable material, being waterproof and windproof as well as breathable and heat regulating. So, the jacket protects you from Mother Nature's harshest weather while allowing you to maintain optimum performance and comfort. The fabric is also very flexible, allowing the rider to position themselves with ease. Suitable for temperatures as low a 5 degrees Celsius.

The standard Gore Wear C5 Shakedry is a favourite of ours and an international best-seller. This insulated variation of the C5 has all that there's to love about the original but with, you guessed it, insulated. The jacket uses SHAKEDRY material technology which is impenetrable to water, with even wind-driven rains simply beading off of the body. Likewise, wind is buffeted away. This exemplarily Gore-Tex waterproofing is reinforced by Polartec Alpha insulation, which is specially designed for heat-regulation during physical activity and is hydrophobic, breathable and extremely lightweight. For those heading to wet climates with a temperature of around five degrees Celsius, this is going to provide comprehensive protection.