Waterproof Jackets

6 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets For 2016/2017

Want to go for a bike ride, but don't want to get wet? Take a look at these waterproof cycling jackets.

Those of you who love riding your bike in the great outdoors, will know just how important a good waterproof cycling jacket can be. Without proper protection from wind and rain, a bike ride can lurch quickly from being a joyous experience to an absolute nightmare.

Of course, different types of bike rides require different types of waterproof jackets. And while not all of the jackets mentioned below are as versatile as one another, they do all combine fantastic protection from the elements with a recommended level of breathability.

Paramo Men’s Ciclo Jacket

We did a review on the Paramo Ciclo jacket back at the start of 2015 and concluded that it was a pretty good waterproof cycling jacket. Over a year and a half later and we’re still of the opinion that this jacket is a great option for people who like cycling in bad weather.

The sizing is generous on this product so you might need to step down a size for one appropriate for your body shape, but once you do this you’ll find yourself wearing a waterproof cycling jacket with a decent bike-friendly cut

Other features on this jacket include a hood that’s useful when it rains without being obtrusive when worn with a helmet. The fabric system is quiet, protective, and should keep you warm when you’re out and about. Factor in the clever, and easy-to-use, adjustable vents and you’ve got yourself a product that ticks a number of the boxes you want it to.

Paramo Ciclo Jacket | Reader Review

It’s non-adjustable hem and relative heaviness means it’s not perfect, but despite these minor issues we still think you should get this one on your shortlist asap. Ideal for cycling in winter.

Back to top

Alpkit Balance Mens Waterproof Jacket

Alpkit are the type of outdoor clothing brand that’s impossible not to love. They offer great multi-purpose gear at acceptable prices, and hardly ever put a foot wrong in terms of product quality. The Balance is a perfect example of this.

Weighing in at between 305g and 355g, depending on the size you go for, this nicely weighted jacket certainly won’t be weighing you down when you’re pedalling here, there, and everywhere. What’s more, it’s also highly breathable, waterproof, durable, and has a great cut that’s suitable for whatever your outdoors life throws at you.

Alpkit Gravitas Jacket | Review

Adjustability is the order of the day when it comes to the hood and hem, and there’s a wicked little internal zip flap and chin guard perfect for when you’re under siege from a bad weather onslaught. Ventilation is obviously so important when you’re doing strenuous activities, like cycling, and smart features like the pockets with a part-mesh lining highlight the level of thought that’s gone into its design.

Whether you’re into cycling, hiking, scrabbling, or paddling; this breathable waterproof has got you covered. In the same way that Leonardo da Vinci was so much more than a painter, this waterproof jacket is the ultimate “Jack of all trades.”

Back to top

Rab Flashpoint

While Rab Flashhpoint might sound like the lead singer of a hair metal band from the 1980s, it’s in actual fact a brilliant all-round multi-sport jacket that’s as comfortable on the torso of a mountain biker as it is on the body of flatland hiker. We reviewed it last year, and absolutely loved it.

There’s enough room under this thing to get all your additional layers in, and the hood is helmet compatible. The fabric is waterproof and breathable, and the jacket is actually one of the lightest of its type around. Despite how light it is though, this jacket is a real tough nut in crappy weather. Features like the high collar, adjustable cuffs, adjustable hem, and full seam taping help to keep the wearer dry no matter how bad the conditions get.

Best Waterproof Shell Jackets Reviewed 2016

Sometimes though it’s the little things that can make a real difference and in this product’s case, bonus points have to be awarded for the tidy stuff sack that comes with it. Whatever your game, we reckon you’ll definitely appreciate what the Flashpoint has to offer.

Back to top

Endura MTB Waterproof Jacket II

When Danny MacAskill becomes an ambassador for your brand, it does sort of make people sit up and take notice. The man of a thousand tricks, and star of internet melting video edits such as The Ridge and Imaginate, MacAskill became a representative for Endura in 2015. With an endorsement from someone like that, it’s clear the brand know a thing or two about bike wear.

The Endura MTB Waterproof Jacket II is a cracking option for outdoors people who love nothing more than ripping their bikes down mountain trails. It’s made from an exceptionally breathable fabric, offers superb underarm ventilation, and is backpack compatible. The reflective hood, cuff, and back are cool additions; as are the front pockets that double up as additional vents.

It’s unlikely that you’ll immediately start riding a bike like MacAskill if you get this waterproof coat, but with the Scottish foundations at its heart you can virtually guarantee that it will hold up in the rain.

Back to top

dhb ASV eVent Waterproof Jacket

If you’re looking for a waterproof cycling jacket that will light up a room with different colours of the rainbow, this isn’t the product for you. If, however, you’re looking for a lightweight waterproof cycling jacket that not only does the job it was designed for but does it to an A+ standard you’re going to have a whole lot of love for the dhb ASV eVent (not the catchiest of names, we’ll admit).

With a colour selection choice limited to just grey and graphite, the jacket’s manufacturers clearly don’t care much for giving the customer a variety of colours to choose from; Henry Ford, springs to mind. Instead, this product is all about substance over style.

This is a highly technical piece of kit, made with the professionals and hardcore cycling enthusiasts very much in mind. Constructed from superior, cutting-edge, fabrics and shaped to have optimum aerodynamic potential this is a waterproof cycling jacket made for people who enjoy pedalling along in the kind of aggressive riding position that wouldn’t look out of place on the Tour de France.

Back to top

CASTELLI TEMPESTA WATERPROOF RACE JACKET

While producing the Tempesta, Castelli asked themselves how they could improve the basics of a road-based waterproof cycling jacket. The Castelli Gabba, of course, already had a big fanbase with the type of cyclists who’ll go cycling whether the sun is shining or the rainclouds are pouring. However, as good as that product was, the makers felt it didn’t offer riders complete protection during bad weather.

For the Tempesta, Castelli brought in a new fabric that was waterproof, breathable, and ultra-light. They also went to town on the bum flap, meaning that your derrière is extremely well protected from spots of rain and puddle splashes. The zipper is completely waterproof, and the sleeves have pull cords to help keep the outside out and the inside in. There’s also two rear pockets that are as easy to access while riding as they are when walking.

The manufacturers are keen to point out that this jacket is all about high performance on roads, rather than standard commutes or mountain biking. It’s by no means a cheap option but if you consider yourself a serious cyclist, this deluxe waterproof jacket might be just the thing you’re after.

Back to top