Best waterproof cycling jackets | Cycling Weekly – Tailoring Timeless Tranquility

Spend much time on a bike and you are very likely to experience rain, especially in the UK or Pacific Northwest of America. Getting wet and cold on a bike is no fun at all, especially if you are a long way from home, so investing in a decent waterproof jacket should be high on the priority list for most riders.

As cyclists, we ask quite a lot of our waterproof clothing; it must protect us from the rain, allow moisture vapour in the form of sweat to escape so we don’t get damp and it needs to pack up small enough for a jersey pocket when not in use.

Even with the drive to reduce environmentally harmful PFAS (polyfluoroalky substances), there are a bewildering number of options when it comes to jackets, with most claiming to be waterproof and breathable despite the huge disparity in prices. By and large, you do get what you pay for, so whilst the cheapest jackets will probably keep the rain out they will suffer in terms of breathability and packability. Of course, this isn’t always the case, and you need to decide which factor you prioritise for your use and budget. Furthermore, whilst the fabric is a crucial part of the garment’s performance, even the best material won’t make a good cycling jacket if the cut is wrong, so cycling-specific clothing is always better than more generic products.

Table of Contents

MAAP Atmos rain jacket in green Best overall

1. MAAP Atmos rain jacket

Rapha Core rain Jacket II in green Best Value

2. Rapha Core Rain Jacket

Castelli Tempesta Lite in silver with red zip Best for breathability

3. Castelli Tempesta Lite Jacket

Velocio Ultralight rain jacket Best for pocket access

4. Velocio Ultralight jacket

Pas Normal Studios Mechanism rain jacket Most packable

Castelli Slicker Pro rain jacket Best for warmth

Maap has kept the design relatively simple. Cuffs are handled with an elastic band that partially extends around each wrist – this keeps the fabric from bunching up too much, which I found to be great for comfort. The waist too features an elastic lining which keeps it tight to your body. It doesn’t offer the same level of adjustability as the jackets that feature an adjustable drawstring, but it never rode up during riding – so no worries there!

Rapha’s Core Rain Jacket II is one of the cheaper jackets here and its performance at this price point makes it incredibly good value for money. It is constructed using a 2.5-layer nylon fabric which means it’s comprised of nylon face fabric with a chemical hydrophobic spray (DWR), a laminate layer, and a printed layer. Rapha has also included a YKK AquaGuard® water-resistant zip and an elastic cord around the bottom of the jacket to adjust how tight it fits around your waist. It’s certainly a performance cut – fitting closely (but not too tight) around my shoulders and torso, with good length too.

We found the breathability to be excellent, and the fabric copes well with sweaty conditions, although the cut is likely to mean that it is more of an endurance rider’s garment rather than a racer’s jacket. In part, this is because the cut is a little looser as the fabric doesn’t have a lot of stretch in it. It is also less packable than some options, and although it will fit in a jersey pocket it takes up a fair bit of room.

As for packability, the Ultralight weighs 176gram (S), and packs down pretty small to around a Coke can in size, though not as small as the likes of the Rapha Core Rain Jacket II. The Velocio provided a great fit too, and certainly aimed more at aggressive riding positions. The cape has a long tail and is narrow at the front when standing, meaning it stays a close fit when you are in a riding position.

When Gore announced the retirement of its Shakedry fabric, Castelli set out to create its own new waterproof membrane to replace it. They worked with a manufacturer to come up with a 2 layer Microshell fabric. Due to the fabric not having loads of stretch, different materials can be found on the side panels and shoulders to ensure a non-restrictive jacket. It’s also the only jacket on test to feature three jersey-style pockets at the rear, which is useful, although they are not zipped, so are no place to store a phone or other valuables.

Once again, I can’t fault the fit, in fact, Castelli does it best. The Slicker Pro has a nice high neckline, tight yet comfortable cuffs, and the longest tail on the test. This design certainly helped it out on the road where it provided great coverage. The jacket was also one of the warmest on test – it still breathed well, but the slightly thicker build was noticeable when it came to wind chill factor. It’s not quite as packable though, and weighs a touch more than most at 209 grams.

Storage-wise, there is only a single, zipped rear pocket so it isn’t ideal for carrying winter paraphernalia unless you use a jersey underneath it or carry a saddlebag. The price could also be an issue for some – £295/$305 (£320/$270 for the male version), although if it is versatile enough to be worn frequently then this does improve its value-for-money rating, and the hoodless version is a fair chunk cheaper.

What are the key elements to a waterproof cycling jacket?

Key elements to look for in a waterproof jacket are waterproofing, breathability, fit and packability. The best waterproof cycling jacket for you will perfectly match your priorities for your style of bike riding. We’ve got in-depth details of all these features below – but as a quick summary:

Waterproofing: There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof will normally come with a claimed waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm, be multilayered fabric with a perforated membrane, have taped seams and storm-proof zips. Water-resistant will usually have a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating and be lightweight, making it more packable.

Breathability: It’s a tricky balance between staying dry from rain and staying dry from sweat. Breathability can also be rated and claimed ratings of above 10,000g will help prevent you from boiling on the inside. Generally speaking, the more waterproof a fabric is, the less breathable it becomes, although there are some expensive exceptions to the rule. Jacket design often takes account of breathability with the inclusion of more breathable fabrics under the arms, or additional ventilation.

Fit: It’s horses for courses, or in this case: jackets for jockeys. Fast riding or racing will require a tight-fitting rain cape, which minimises fabric flap to maintain your aero performance, while slower all-day affairs may be more comfortable with a looser fit for layering up underneath. Other fit details, such as a long tail to keep your backside dry or thumb loops will appeal to some, but not others.

Packability: If conditions are changeable, then it’s likely you’ll want to be able to stow the jacket in a rear pocket. Waterproof jackets tend to be heavier and bulkier, and don’t often pack down small enough for a rear pocket, while water-resistant options can usually be scrunched into a ball the size of a fist, but the technology has come a long way since the original Gore-Tex days. Take a look at our guide to the best packable rain jackets if that’s better suited to your needs.

How do I keep my jacket waterproof?

Even the best waterproof cycling jackets will tend to become less effective over time, with reduced waterproofing and/or breathability. That’s due to a combination of the build-up of dirt on the outer surface and oil residues from sweat on the inside, as well as the loss of the outer DWR layer.

It’s important to wash your waterproof jacket correctly to retain or restore breathability; take a look at our pieces on how to wash a waterproof jacket and the best products to use to learn how.

What do cyclists wear in the rain?

Clearly the most important thing you want to know about any waterproof cycling jacket is how waterproof it is. There are plenty of jackets out there that claim to be “water-resistant” (usually meaning that they have a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating applied to the fabric), but these will only keep you dry through showers and relatively light rain. If you want a proper waterproof cycling jacket for real wet weather riding, then you’re going to want something with a little more protection.

The good news is you can get some idea of how waterproof a jacket is by doing a bit of research into any prospective purchase, with an increasing number of manufacturers stating the waterproof rating of their waterproof cycling jackets.

“But what’s a waterproof rating!?” we hear you cry. Well, it’s basically a number, and the higher the better. The number is calculated on the basis that if you put a 1cm x 1cm square tube over the fabric, how high could you fill the tube with water before it starts to leak through?

For the best waterproof cycling jacket, you’re going to want something with a waterproof rating north of 10,000mm, although there are a number of jackets on the market that claim to offer more than this. However, “claim” is the keyword in this sentence, with no central body set up to test these figures, and manufacturers generally doing the testing of their own products.

It’s also not all about the fabric when it comes to making a waterproof cycling jacket waterproof, with other features playing an important role. Most crucial of all is the seams. You can make a waterproof jacket out of the most waterproof material in the world, but if you then stitch a load of tiny holes in it, it’s not going to do its job very well.

The solution to this is taping the seams, a process which covers the seams with a waterproof material, helping to keep the water out. All of the best waterproof cycling jackets will have this feature, although some will only have taped seams in crucial areas such as the shoulders and back, rather than across the whole jacket.

The other area where water is likely to get in is through the zip. This is particularly the case if you’re riding in the wet in a group, where water is constantly being sprayed up onto your chest by the back wheel of the rider in front. Unsurprisingly the solution is a waterproof zip, which has tightly meshing teeth. It may have a storm flap either on the outside or on the inside too.

Take a look at our 11 tips for riding in the rain and our advice on how to dress for wet weather cycling to improve your wet-weather riding experience.

How is breathability measured?

For all that, probably the major factor that distinguishes a good waterproof cycling jacket from a bad one (or at least a great one from a good one) is breathability. If you’re working hard (as we hope you are!) then you’re going to be building up quite a lot of heat inside the jacket, so a good degree of breathability will allow sweat to escape.

As with waterproofing, it’s possible to put a number to breathability, and again it’s a case of the higher the better. In this case, the number refers to the weight (in grams) of water vapour that can pass through a 1m x 1m area of fabric over a 24 hour period. So if you have a jacket with a 20,000 breathability rating, 20,000g of water vapour can escape through the fabric in 24 hours.

Again, for the best waterproof cycling jacket, you’re going to want that number to be more than 10,000 (g), but as with the waterproof rating, you should always be a sceptic, with manufacturers carrying out all the testing rather than an independent body, and the testing for the fabric only.

What fit should I get?

As with any piece of cycling clothing, making sure your waterproof cycling jacket fits properly is a crucial part of the equation. However, it’s not a case of one size fits all, with different cuts being better suited to different types of riding and riders.

If you’re using a waterproof jacket for fast rides, such as heading out for the local chain gang regardless of the weather, then you’re going to want a relatively slim-fitting jacket which won’t flap too much in the wind or descending, holding you back with its poor aerodynamic performance. However, you don’t want it to be too tight, just in case you want to add extra layers underneath in really cold weather.

For everyone else, a slightly looser fit might be more suitable, giving the possibility for bulkier layers underneath and possibly greater comfort too, especially if you’re looking for the best commuter cycling jacket and need to fit non-bike wear underneath. If you’re riding in cold conditions, then check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets, which often incorporate some water resistance as well as insulation.

That said, watch for a loose-fitting collar and cuffs that could also undermine an otherwise very waterproof cycling jacket, acting like a bucket for rain beading off your helmet or sleeves.

Does a waterproof jacket need to be packable?

If you’re riding in changeable conditions, then packability is an important thing to look for in a new waterproof cycling jacket. If the sun comes out after it’s chucked it down for the first two hours of your ride, then you’re going to want something that will stuff down small enough to fit in a rear pocket. Don’t forget you’ll also be packing spares and ride snacks – so make sure you have space for it if you are starting out your ride with it on.

However, in general, waterproof cycling jackets that offer good waterproof protection are fairly bulky, so the majority will not pack down that small. Although new technology is making smaller jackets ever more waterproof it should come as no surprise that if you want a jacket that will both keep you dry in heavy, persistent rain and will pack down small enough to fit into a jersey pocket, you’ll pay dearly for it.

Other fit details such as thumb loops are probably the most common extra feature found on many waterproof cycling jackets. These are designed to stop the sleeves from riding up, creating a gap between the cuffs of the jacket and your gloves, but are a love or hate feature, as some riders find this interferes with radial grip.

To keep your derriere dry from wheel spray it’s also worth looking for a waterproof cycling jacket with a drop tail (or bumflap). However this isn’t a case of manufacturers just adding an extra bit of material at the bottom of their jacket, and it’ll need to have some silicone grippers or other devices to prevent it from riding up. It’s also worth considering fitting mudguards for when the temperature drops, as rain in the cold is far worse than a summer shower. Fenders will keep the majority of spray off your backside, but consider fitting extra long ones to be courteous to riders behind.

If you’re on a long ride, then you’re also likely to need to access the rear pockets of your jersey in order to get at any energy bars or gels you might have stashed in there. With this in mind, many waterproof cycling jackets will have some sort of opening at the rear. If yours doesn’t then it’s easy enough just to lift up the tail of the jacket to access your pockets that way.

Finally, it’s also worth looking for a waterproof cycling jacket that has some sort of soft fabric on the insides of the cuffs and collar. This will really help with comfort, feeling much nicer against the skin than the cold, crunchy material found on the inside of most waterproof cycling jackets.

How much should I pay?

With the advent of new fabric technologies and new manufacturing techniques, wet-weather bike gear has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years, making the best waterproof cycling jacket a must-have piece of kit for any rider.

The sky really is the limit when it comes to buying a waterproof cycling jacket, with some options from certain premium brands nudging north of £300 /$400. However, the good news is that you don’t need to spend nearly that much to get a great jacket for you.

In general, however, you really do get what you pay for in rainwear, as ticking all the boxes of breathability, fit, size and waterproofing means some serious technology.

If you’re looking just to keep the worst of the weather out while not going flat out, then breathability isn’t a massive issue (for example, if you’re just using the jacket for commuting to and from work) and you are willing to do a bit of shopping around, then you can easily pick up a really good waterproof cycling jacket that will keep you nice and dry for less than £50/ $50.

For something that will offer better breathability, more features, and probably a closer fit, then you are going to have to spend a little more money. You don’t need to get the market leader, but expect to spend somewhere between £100-£150 / $120-$200 price range, as this will offer a whole host of options without getting you in too much trouble with your bank manager.

This helped prove that you perhaps shouldn’t buy a rain jacket solely on its waterproof rating. Our seam testing shows how manufacturing processes and quality control can seriously affect the performance of a jacket, particularly over longer rides in the rain. Zippers too make a huge difference. Although the zip won’t take the full brunt of the rain in a normal riding position, the spray from your front wheel, or even water ingress over time can often lead to your core getting soggy – and that’s how you get cold.

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Best waterproof cycling jackets | Cycling Weekly

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