The best weatherproof cycling jackets for winter riding

Warm, rain-resistant and safer in low light, these are the cycling jackets you need to protect against the bite of winter

Best winter cycling jackets
(Image credit: Rapha)

Cold outside? Stop moaning! Just don one of the best winter cycling jackets and hit the roads, no matter the forecast. You'll be toasty, we promise. “The weather outside is frightful, but the bike looks so delightful”… Had Bing Crosby been a road cyclist, the popular festive tune would have been very different, let's face it.

Cycling throughout winter takes a bit of dedication, but in order to reap the fitness and environmental benefits of remaining pedal-powered when things get a bit wet and chilly, you simply have to invest in the right kit, which is where one of the best weatherproof cycling jackets for winter riding come in.

Windproof, rain resistant, warm and often easily packed into a bag or pocket if the sun comes out or you get a bit sweaty, these excellent adverse weather riding jackets keep you cycling harder, longer and further, no matter the weather. 

Better still, there is a jacket to suit most budgets, from basic waterproof numbers to more technical, fleece-lined variants that are guaranteed to keep torsos toasty, as well as sheltered from pesky precipitation.

Pair it with a good set of cycling bibs trousers, winter gloves and a base layer in the form of one of the best cycling jerseys out there and you'll be racking up the miles while others seek shelter. 

Best winter cycling jacket: what to look for

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As with many things cycling-related, this can largely depend on the discipline or type of bicycling antics you get up to on a regular basis. Keen road cyclists will probably want to look towards the tighter, more aerodynamic and technical jackets that compliment the rest of the streamlined kit that makes up a dedicated roady’s wardrobe.

Mountain bikers can get away with a more flattering jacket and are often best served by breathable soft shell numbers that pack a hood (for when hiking to the top of a downhill run), plenty of pockets to carry food and tools, as well as clever panelling to allow for more freedom of movement when busting tricks.

Similarly, commuters will probably want something that’s a little more fashion-led, rather than unflatteringly tight and technical, which is why most of the top brands offer something that can withstand the worst of the weather but still looks good when worn off the bike.

So consider the jacket’s intended use before buying and look out for things like wind-proof fabrics, fleece lining (if you want the extra warmth), the number of pockets, overall styling and even things like reflective properties if you plan to do a lot of low-light or night cycling. Be safe out there, guys and gals.

Best winter cycling jackets

Rapha tops the charts for great winter riding kit

(Image credit: Rapha)

What is the best cycling jacket for winter riding?

The Rapha Core Rain Jacket II (£100) is one of our favourites, simply because this extremely stylish road riding jersey is constructed from clever waterproof and windproof fabric that’s thin and light, so the whole thing can be rolled up and stuffed into the back pocket of a more traditional jersey if the sun decides to shine again. Updates to this favourite sees more ventilation added, as well as improvements in its waterproof properties, so the wind and weather doesn't leak through any of its seams.

Alternatively, we also rate the Endura Urban Primaloft Flipjak II (£199.99), simply because it offers excellent protection against the elements, nice mobility on the bike and the ability to reverse it for a different colour when the mood takes.  

Although not as stylish, the Proviz Men's Reflect 360 Plus Cycling Jacket (£119.99) offers the best visibility of the bunch and is well worth considering if you cycle along particularly dark and treacherous stretches of road or pathway.  .    

The best cycling jackets for winter riding, in order

Best winter cycling jackets: Rapha  Core Rain Jacket II

(Image credit: Rapha)

1. Rapha Core Rain Jacket II

Lightweight, waterproof and very stylish

Specifications

Best for: Serious road riders
Material: Nylon
Features: quaGuard zips, reflective strips, lightweight
Fit: Performance

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of technical features
+
Snug fit for aero gains
+
Looks great

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks pockets
-
Needs a layer beneath for warmth

Buy direct from Rapha

The Rapha brand is coveted amongst keen road cyclists, purely because it was among the first brands to place style, great design and technical fabrics at the very forefront of every product. The updated Men’s Core Rain Jacket embodies much of this original thinking, boasting the latest waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics, as well as a clever lightweight design that makes it easy to pack down and cram into a pocket when not in use.

It’s essentially designed to sit over a more typical riding jersey and offer a long sleeve waterproof layer when the weather turns ugly. The lack of rear pockets means it might be unsuitable for this who want to ride in one garment and one garment alone, but it works extremely well for the more enthusiastic road cyclists keen on keeping up with the peloton, no matter the weather.

Recently updated, it features reflective elements on the arm and body, as well as a new elasticated cord around the hem for a snug fit. The offset front zip is also a nice touch, as it prevents draughts leaking through to the base layers.

Best winter cycling jackets: Endura Urban Primaloft Flipjak II

(Image credit: Endura)

2. Endura Urban Primaloft Flipjak II

A reversible jacket for toasty commuting

Specifications

Best for: Regular riders
Material: Polyester and Elastane
Features: PrimaLoft insulation, highly reflective, zipped hand-warmer pockets
Fit: Relaxed

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely warm
+
Two jackets in one 
+
Well made

Reasons to avoid

-
Not racy enough for road riders
-
Reflective logos look naff

Buy from Wiggle

As a more practical alternative to the aforementioned Rapha jacket, this incredibly warm number from Endura offers great on-bike fitment with outstanding insulation and weatherproofing. Although designed primarily with the commuter in mind, it would also suit a keen trails rider or mountain biker, as its soft shell allows for plenty of upper body movement, while its construction makes it easy to fold down small enough to stuff into a bag or large pocket.

Neat design elements include zipped hand-warming pockets, reflective logos on the arms and lower back (we’re not so keen on the look of latter) and a reversible design, so you can opt for a bright orange colour way or a more subdued grey when the mood takes.

The clue is in the name with Endura kit, because it really is built to last, with sturdy zips, tough fabrics and properly weatherproof shells that are carefully selected to withstand the rigours of the daily ride.

Take a look at our Endura discount codes to see if you can save on your order. 

Best winter cycling jackets: Gore C7 Shakedry Stretch Jacket

(Image credit: GORE)

3. Gore C7 Shakedry Stretch Jacket

Fast drying jacket for fast riders

Specifications

Best for: Road cyclists
Material: GORE-TEX
Features: Waterproof, shake dry, reflective details
Fit: Relaxed race

Reasons to buy

+
Sculpted fit breathable fabric
+
Easily packable
+
Fast drying and very waterproof 

Reasons to avoid

-
It’s very pricey
-
Rear waterproof pocket is small

Buy from Evans Cycles

There are jackets that suggest they are waterproof and then there are jackets from Gore, which protect from the elements like little else on sale. This innovative material is stretchy, comfortable against the skin but, above all else, cuts out the wind and stops cold, wet rain from soaking into base layers.

Rain droplets don’t have chance to penetrate the surface layer, yet sweat quickly wicks away from the skin. Better still, the latest GORE-TEX technology means this jacket is just an aggressive shake away from being bone dry. No more packing away sodden jackets into a bag or back pocket

Pearson Streets Ahead Mens Navy

(Image credit: Pearson)

4. Pearson Streets Ahead Jacket

The perfect commuter jacket

Specifications

Best for: Commuting
Material: 100% recycled Polyester
Features: HH waterproof rating, storm flap
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrostatic waterproofing
+
Reflective features
+
Beautifully made

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price

Buy from Pearson

British bike maker Pearson has been making cycles for a very long time, but they also have some excellent apparel up for grabs. This Pearson Streets Ahead jacket is a prime example and it's ideally suited to anyone who has to tackle a daily commute. It offers comfort and performance thanks to ground-breaking waterproof fabric, which breathes efficiently, so you avoid getting sweaty. 

There's a 10,000 hydrostatic head (HH) waterproof rating, a rear storm-flap to protect your seat and a drawstring hood that fits under a helmet with ease. You'll also be seen when you're wearing this too, with reflective Pearson artwork plus the shoulders and forearms also carry high-impact, reflective strips. 

Adding to that, the sleeves boast reversible hi-vis/reflective cuffs, while an additional reflective logo is located on the chest. Rounding it out is two zipped side pockets for easy storage of phones, wallets and anything else you want to keep safe and dry.

Shimano Element Jacket

(Image credit: Shimano)
Best quality all-weather cycling top

Specifications

Best for: All-weather types
Material: Poly
Features: Snug fit, great pockets
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Nicely made
+
Fits like a glove
+
Practical pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Can get sweaty

The Shimano Element Jacket oozes style and quality in equal measure. This is a jacket that’s serious about keeping you warm and dry, while also feeling lightweight enough to work in less extreme conditions too. 

The quality of the Shimano brand is easy to see, and feel, while the healthy range of sizes and two different colour options makes it a practical solution for cyclists of all shapes and sizes. It also underlines why it really is worthwhile spending a little more on a quality jacket, as opposed to something from the local budget barn.

Best winter cycling jackets: Nukeproof Outland Insulated Jacket

(Image credit: Nukeproof)

6. Nukeproof Outland Insulated Jacket

Seriously warm and robust jacket for hitting the trails

Specifications

Best for: MTB, trail or gravel
Material: Nylon & polyester
Features: Insulated, hood under helmet, reinforced zips
Fit : Relaxed/Commuter

Reasons to buy

+
Three-piece hod
+
Nice fit

Reasons to avoid

-
It's almost too warm 

Buy from Wiggle

If the skin-tight MAMIL outfit isn’t your thing, then look towards something like this insulated number from mountain bike brand Nukeproof. Packed to the gunwales with 60gsm of PrimaLoft insulation, it’s perfect for those cold days or it can be layered up with a base layer for proper frigid sessions on the trails. But bear in mind, this thing is warm when the heart rate rises. 

A three-piece hood makes it easy to wrap the face and ears up warm underneath a helmet, while DWR water repellent coating to the outer fabric ensures it sees off moderate rain showers and even snow.

Like its bikes, the Nukeproof jacket is hardy and tested to withstand tough off-road conditions, so it will happily take on the regular commute during the week and then dominate some downhill at the weekend.

Madison Roam 2.5L Waterproof Jacket

(Image credit: Madison)
Best for beating the elements

Specifications

Best for: Battling the elements
Material: Poly
Features: Hood, snug-fit cuffs
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Super comfy and durable
+
Decent ventilation
+
Hood and dump pocket

Reasons to avoid

-
Mainly polyester

Anyone needing a more versatile cycling jacket option will warm to this really practical coat. The Madison Roam 2.5L Waterproof Jacket is very well made and boasts plenty of features to make the life of a cyclist that little bit more bearable. It’s certainly well-suited to wet weather usage, with a fold-away hood and snug-fit cuffs. 

There’s plenty of storage space on-board too, while the fact that it can be packed away with ease also makes the Madison Roam 2.5L Waterproof Jacket a good solution for anyone who, say, commutes to work and doesn’t want something too bulky when they arrive.

Best winter cycling jackets: Proviz  Reflect 360 Plus Cycling Jacket

(Image credit: Proviz)

8. Proviz Reflect 360 Plus Cycling Jacket

Clothing for the safety-conscious

Specifications

Best for: Night riders
Material: REFLECT360 reflective
Features: Ultra-reflective, waterproof, tailored for cycling
Fit : Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely bright at night
+
Lightweight and breathable
+
Tailored to protect lower back from rain

Reasons to avoid

-
Gets sweaty
-
Not particularly flattering 

Buy from Amazon UK

Cycling at night can be a daunting prospect and even with the best bike lights panther market, remaining visible to other road users should be a priority for any cyclist. The Proviz REFLECT360 technology was and still is the best on the market for soaking up any light from street lamps and headlights and beaming it back to drivers.

During the day, the jacket is a modest grey, but shine a light on it and it turns brilliant white, standing out on even the darkest roads. Waterproof, windproof and machine washable, it’s a great addition to the commuter kit box and new improvements, including a fleece-lined collar and improved zips, ensure it’s warmer and more robust than ever. 

HUMP Signal Water Resistant Jacket

(Image credit: HUMP)
Best waterproof for casual cyclists

Specifications

Best for: Casual cyclists
Material: Waterproof poly
Features: Elasticated cuffs, zip pockets
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight but robust
+
Pockets have zips
+
Elasticated cuffs

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one colour option

Being seen and staying safe is a great idea, even if you’re not on your bike. So, the HUMP Signal Water Resistant Jacket is a really practical, all-weather casual jacket that is most notable for its reflective silver finish and bold exclamation-mark-on-the-back styling. 

However, the design makes it ideally suited to casual bike riders who might have other things on their mind for the day than just staying in the saddle. If you need a jacket with secure, zippable pockets and the ability to fend off wind and rain, the HUMP Signal Water Resistant Jacket is therefore a great place to start.

(Image credit: Chrome Industries)

10. Chrome Industries Candlestick

The most stylish cycling offering out there

Specifications

Best for: Stylish riding
Material: Waterproof Poly
Features: Waterproof, stretch fabric, reflective elements
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Looks good off the bike
+
Waterproof internal pocket
+
Reflective 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not performance orientated

Buy now from Chrome Industries

Many of the jackets on this list focus on technical elements and forget that some riders just want a jacket that looks good and keeps the body (and a select few items) dry when on the bike.

Chrome Industries has long been the go-to brand for fashion-conscious riders that respect technical elements but don't want skintight race wear for the daily commute. This Candlestick - a coach-style, waterproof daily jacket - is highly weatherproof and comes with neat reflective elements, an internal waterproof pocket, zipped side vents for improved airflow and a high wind collar to protect ya' neck, but it looks properly sharp off the bike too.

The branding is on point here and although it is not the warmest jacket on the list, is is definitely the coolest. 

Stolen Goat Meckon

(Image credit: Stolen Goat)

11. Stolen Goat Mekon Climb & Conquer Jacket

Insulated cycling jacket when it's really cold outside

Specifications

Best for: Winter rides
Material: Tempest Protect
Features: Insulated, windproof, waterproof
Fit: Performance

Reasons to buy

+
The warmest cycling jacket you can get
+
Lots of personality
+
Performance fit

Reasons to avoid

-
It will be too warm for temperature over 5 degrees Celsius

• Buy the Stolen Goat Mekon directly from Stolen Goat for £149

We would recommend the Stolen Goat Mekon Climb & Conquer Jacket for those absolutely hardcore cyclists who really can't be bothered to ride indoors, even when the temperature is near freezing point. This insulated, wind- and waterproof cycling jacket will keep your arms and torso warm, no matter what's how cold is it outside.

According to Stolen Goat, the jacket was designed for when temperatures head below 8 degrees and indeed, the Mekon is the warmest cycling jacket from Stolen Goat. Actually, it's probably the warmest cycling jacket, period. For the same reason, if the weather is a bit milder than that, wearing the Mekon might be a bit too much, especially when riding uphill.

This performance fit jacket comes equipped with three pockets in the rear for your snacks/water bottle plus a little zip pocket, also on the back, to hide valuables in. Not a 50-inch flat screen TV but keys, phone etc. Don't let the cold weather prevent you from practicing your favourite pastime activity, get the Stolen Goat Mekon Jacket today!

Madison Roam Packable Jacket

(Image credit: Madison)
Best lightweight all-weather gear for gravel fans

Specifications

Best for: Gravel/Mountain biking
Material: Poly
Features: Lightweight, packable
Fit: Everyone

Reasons to buy

+
Showerproof
+
Windproof
+
Packs into its own pocket

Reasons to avoid

-
No bright colours

The Madison Roam Packable Jacket turns out to be a real winner if you’re looking for a cycling jacket that isn’t a hassle to take with you on a day out. It’s great at keeping out rain and wind, with zippable pockets and an elasticated hem. 

At the same time, it’s so lightweight that you hardly notice wearing it when you’re on the bike, although it can also function just as nicely as a casual jacket when you’re not on two wheels. Best of all though is the way it packs down into its own pocket and can be stored just about anywhere when you don’t need it.

Leon Poultney

Leon has been writing about automotive and consumer tech for longer than he cares to divulge. When he’s not testing the latest fitness wearable and action camera, he’s out in a shed fawning over his motorcycles or trying not to kill himself on a mountain bike/surfboard/other extreme thing. He's also a man who knows his tools, and he's provided much of T3's drills coverage over the years, all without injuring himself.