The nights are drawing in and the summer heat has faded into a distant memory, and the waterproof cycling jacket is back out. Those of us who enjoy outdoor pursuits have to accept that if we’re going to keep on with the pastimes we love through the autumn and winter months, then we’re going to have to get used to getting a bit chilly and more than a little damp.
One activity that is particularly susceptible to getting a good soaking is cycling. While anyone outdoors has to handle rain at some point, those on bikes have to contend with water coming from all directions. Puddles, road spray and moisture flicking up from bike tyres all add to the deluge suffered by those on two wheels. While a quick shower isn’t a problem, prolonged exposure to rain and thoroughly sodden clothing can quickly sap a person’s energy as the cold starts to set in.
The best at a glance:
Mountain Warehouse Adrenaline Men’s Waterproof Cycling Jacket
Altura Firestorm Waterproof
Decathlon Triban RC500 Rainproof Jacket
The answer to these problems is investing in one of the best waterproof cycling jackets available. These jackets are more than just waterproof shells – they are specially designed, flexible and incredibly lightweight. They have technical materials that simultaneously allow the body to breathe while keeping the rain and wind at bay. They have pockets for gels, zipped access points for jersey pockets and even an extra scoop of fabric at the rear to protect the lower back from spray as the wearer leans forward.
All-in-all, they’re excellent bits of kit. To help you find the best, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best waterproof cycling jackets available, for any price range. These waterproof jackets aren’t just great for road cyclists and mountain bikers, but anyone who uses a bike for exercise or the daily commute. They’re all light in weight and size, meaning that they can easily be tucked away in a backpack until needed.
Here are our picks of the best waterproof cycling jackets.
Related: The best men's waterproof jackets
Related: The best women's waterproof jackets
The best waterproof cycling jackets:
Best jacket for all-rounder with good entry-level features
Pros
- A good, all-round waterproof jacket for cycling, walking and general use.
- The waterproofing can hold up to typical British rainfall, with taped seams and watertight zips also providing an added level of reassurance.
- The jacket is lined with a mesh to help prevent the material from sticking to the skin and cooling the wearer.
- The sleeves can be adjusted via Velcro strips, and the high-vis material is exactly that – highly visible.
Cons
- The jacket does get hot during physical exertion.
Best jacket for breathability
Pros
- Balancing price and performance, the Firestorm is a great choice for commuters and recreational cyclists alike.
- The waterproof and breathability rating are equally as well balanced, with water ingress being hampered while the body is nicely ventilated. The taped seams also place an extra barrier between the wearer and the elements.
- The material is windproof, which helps keep chills to a minimum, and there's dotted detailing that acts as a noticeable reflector (though there is a high-vis version, too).
- It's lightweight and can be stowed into its zippered pocket for easy storage and carriage.
Cons
- There's no adjustment, so the sizing needs to be spot on.
Decathlon Triban RC500 Rainproof Jacket
Best jacket for comfort
Pros
- The Tirban is a great jacket for those who may not want to spend all day out in the rain, but would like enough protection to see them home if they get caught in a downpour.
- The outer-membrane of the jacket has an 8,000mm rating, which is a little less than others on this list.
- The stretch material is very comfortable and helps keep the rider warm.
- A great option for autumnal cycles in damp conditions.
Cons
- The waterproof rating is significantly lessened after five washes, as the waterproofing is a treatment rather than a technical material with in-built properties.
- The jacket will remain rainproof to a degree.
Best jacket for waterproof
Pros
- Hailing from Scotland, it's no surprise that Endura has managed to put together an excellent waterproof.
- The Pro SL ExoShell jacket is a remarkable garment for cyclists of every ilk.
- With a 20,000mm water column rating, the Pro SL will stand up to even the most determined of wind-driven rains.
- The three-layer material is also adept at keeping the wearer comfortable through moisture-wicking and breathability.
- The integration of stretch material also helps the jacket move with the body, adding comfort into the jacket's already compelling features.
- On the rear, there's a zip providing access to rear jersey pockets.
Cons
- Expensive for the causal rider.
Best jacket for being impervious to wind and water
The properties of Gore-Tex have been well-known and well-regarded for many years now. We know going in that it's going to be good, yet it still manages to surprise us. The C5 1985 jacket, which uses SHAKEDRY material technology, is impenetrable to water.
Pros
- Storm-force driving rains don't touch the wearer, with the water simply beading right off of the body.
- Likewise, wind is buffeted away helping the rider keep warm.
- Don't worry about getting too sweaty though – the breathability is also excellent.
- The cut, though formed, is left a little loose to allow a mid-layer to sit underneath making this the ideal winter cycling waterproof.
Cons
- Expensive
So, what’s the best waterproof cycling jacket?
This depends on your intended usage and budget. For the regular cyclist who bikes to work and goes out on the weekend for some recreation, then the Altura Firestorm is going to do you well. For those who are a little more dedicated to hitting the road, no matter the weather, the Endura Pro SL is going to keep you dry and warm.
The ultimate choice is the Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985, but at £250 this jacket’s appeal is going to relegated to only the dedicated few. But it is fantastic.