Cycling in the rain is, for many of us, an unpleasant experience. However, for some riders (myself included) it’s oddly satisfying. You needn’t go so far, so fast, or so high to get the same feeling of having achieved something when you step out into a downpour. Whether you love it or just endure it, one thing that will surely improve your experience is throwing on one of the best waterproof cycling jackets.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather,” stony-faced riders will say while looking wistfully out of a window into a storm, “only bad equipment”. While this isn’t totally true, as evidenced by the existence of things like the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol and, y’know, buildings, there is certainly a spectrum of levels of protection and comfort offered by waterproof cycling jackets. Most will keep you dry for a time, but the best will keep you dry more or less indefinitely, allow you to move freely, and regulate your temperature through breathable fabrics and strategic vents.
The list below is our pick of the best waterproof cycling jackets, not just for fast days on the road, but also if you’re venturing off the tarmac or even just commuting to work. Bear in mind though that even the best waterproof cycling jackets can only keep the areas they cover dry. Given your legs are the generators of heat most riders opt for the best winter bib tights even when it’s raining to save from overheating, but there are cycling-specific waterproof trousers on the market too if you’d rather be completely enclosed.
Keep your extremities comfortable with the best winter cycling gloves and, if your overshoes aren’t cutting the mustard, get your feet in a pair of the best winter cycling shoes too. Last but not least, a set of road bike mudguards will stop more water than you might imagine getting onto your body, and also save your riding buddies from getting a face full of spray too.
There are a fair few buzzwords to cut through when it comes to waterproof cycling jackets; Gore-Tex, Pertex, membranes, taped seams, moisture transfer etc. etc. If you’re confused by anything you see on the list just scroll to the bottom of the page and we’ve put together a handy guide that should answer any questions you may have. We’ve spent countless hours riding through grim conditions in both incredible and substandard kit to help you pick the best from the rest, so rest assured anything on this list we’d be happy to ride in for the price.
The best waterproof cycling jackets you can buy…
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