Whenever the weather takes a turn, a cycling jacket comes in handy.
It keeps you from water splash of spring or summer light rains, strong gusts, and coldness of the fall and winter conditions, and remains your body protection against other impacts.
However, lots of novices told me that they found struggling while choosing the best cycling jacket on their own because there are too many options and the price range is vast.
Well, I guess it’s time my voice should be out. Based on over 8 years’ experience in this field, here is the top list in 2020 for you to consider.
Top 15 Best Cycling Jackets Reviews In 2020
BALEAF Men’s Cycling Jackets
The BALEAF Men’s Cycling Jacket is my recommendation for those who need an inexpensive yet comfortable and functional option for long road cycling trips.
It is lightweight, breathable, and gives some basic protection from wind or light rain.
During cooler days, its draft flap seals your body heat inside for extra warmth.
The two front hand zippered pockets are handy, and during my personal tests, I had no troubles with any of their hardware. There is, besides, a large back pocket with a flap where you can easily put in a 5.5” smartphone, small wallets, and keys.
A big bonus for the added zipper garage to prevent chafing while using it. The cycling jacket is also impressive for its superbly compact packed dimensions, which is small enough to be stored nicely in a back pocket.
Now is the biggest selling point! This unit is convertible from a long-sleeve jacket into a vest in just a few minutes, all thanks to the shoulder yoke and zip-off sleeves.
Pros
- Provide extra warmth – draft flap
- Convenient – two rear hand pockets & one large back pocket for your essentials
- Chafe-free – zipper garage
- Flexible to use – convert from a jacket to a vest
Cons
- Not for harsh weather conditions
Product Specs
| Materials | Wind-and water-Resistant fabric |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL |
| Highlight features | shoulder yoke and zip-off sleeves; zipper garage; two rear hand pockets & one large back pocket for your essentials; draft flap |
See also:
- Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2020
- Top 11 Best Cruiser Bikes Reviews In 2020
- Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts in 2020
- Top 20 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500: August 2020 Update!
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2020
ARSUXEO Windproof Cycling Jackets
For winter cyclers, this jacket is worth considering!
It is constructed of three layers, an outer windproof weatherproof, a middle waterproof-breathable, and inner warm-up fleece, all are made from 15% spandex and 85% polyester.
One notable thing about the top layer is it keeps stains at bay, and there is high-visible, reflective stripe and logo for more safety while you’re cycling at night.
What I really like about this product is the ultra-long cuffs so that your wrists will get extra coverage from harsh weather conditions.
Besides, it fits great. The secrets? Well, they all lie in its stretch inserts, elastic hem, and drop tail.
Pros
- Ideal for harsh cycling conditions – three-layer construction & ultra-long cuff design
- Safer to ride at night – high-visible, reflective stripe and logo
- Give great fit – stretch inserts, elastic hem, and a drop tail
Cons
- The black part of the jacket is not wind-resistant
Product Specs
| Materials | 85% polyester+15% spandex |
| Number of pockets | 1 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Highlight features | three-layer construction & ultra-long cuff design; high-vis, reflective stripe and logo; stretch inserts, elastic hem, and a drop tail |
Castelli Perfetto Cycling Jackets
If your budget is on the table, I greatly suggest trying this cycling jacket from Castelli. Why?
Because it gives really superior quality and performance to other lower-end models.
The most impressive feature is its kicker for increasing overall aerodynamic performance, and the Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for higher air ventilation, water resistance, and wind-blocking levels.
All the hardware (zippers) of this jacket is also leveraged, using the YKK Vislon for more length and convenient usage. An added silicone gripper at the waist for ride-up prevention.
Regardless, it gives you three rear pockets, a reflective logo, and Storm-flap construction.
Pros
- Give exceptional overall aerodynamic performance – kicker
- Offer higher air ventilation, water resistance, and wind-blocking levels – Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric
- Ride-up prevention – a silicone gripper at the waist
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
| Materials | Nano Flex & GORE Windstopper X-Lite Plus |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | S, M |
| Highlight features | Kicker; Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric; a silicone gripper at the waist |
Gore Men’s C3 GTX Waterproof Cycling Jackets
The Gore Men’s C3 GTX is specifically designed for cool weather conditions, like fall and winter depending on the climate you intend to go cycling.
In general, its windproof and waterproof capabilities are pretty top-notch, in addition to the air ventilation. That’s a big thank you to the GORE-TEX Active Technology and 100% other fibers.
By the way, this fabric is machine washable.
It also provides you with front and rear zippered pockets to keep your essentials, adjustable waistband for a better fit, and extended back for extra coverage.
A great plus is the ergonomic bike-specific cut, keeping the jacket hugging more to your body but has room for layering. In other words, it allows for layers on a normal body, not to form fit a string bean.
Pros
- Good windproof and waterproof properties, able to bear light to normal rains – GORE-TEX Active Technology
- Convenient to maintain – machine-washable fabric
- Optimal fit but still have room for layering – the ergonomic bike-specific cut
Cons
- Zippers seem to be small for the jacket type
Product Specs
| Materials | 100% Other Fibers |
| Number of pockets | 2 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Highlight features | GORE-TEX Active Technology; machine-washable fabric; ergonomic bike-specific cut |
Sponeed Men’s Windproof Cycling Jackets
For a men’s cycling jacket in mid-tier pricing, this is a nice try.
It features a full open zippered design, thermal-lined with a 100% polyester fleece interior internal layer, and the latest windproof technology. Easy to guess, you hardly beat this cycling jacket for its heat retention and wind resistance to use for mild wintry.
Some customers even said that they didn’t wear as much clothing inside as they used to with other jackets.
Now, how about its breathability?
In my opinion, it is very good. A good proof is I am a heavy sweat guy who even gets sweating during winter cycling trips, however, it didn’t happen when I wear this, thanks to the breathable middle layer on jersey back.
All-in-all, this is a nice try for cyclists of all levels, especially during fall to mildly cold winter.
Pros
- Good heat retention and wind resistance – full open zippered design, thermal-lined with a 100% polyester fleece interior internal layer, and the latest windproof technology
- Prevent you from sweating during the ride – breathable middle layer on jersey back
Cons
- Require extra effort to maintain it
Product Specs
| Materials | 100-percent-polyester-jacket fleece |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Highlight features | full open zippered design, thermal-lined with a 100% polyester fleece interior internal layer, and the latest windproof technology; breathable middle layer on jersey back |
Pearl Izumi – Ride Pro Cycling Jackets
While the Sponeed is a good choice for daily rides during the winter, this is my reliable pick for longer trips based on its superior warmth and weather protection.
It keeps me toasty warm when it is around 38 to 40 degrees F, wearing just a wicking t-shirt underneath and no jersey.
For colder conditions, I usually put on an additional vest and thermal jersey for a one-hour riding trip.
The P.R.O. Pursuit softshell jacket makes me feel peace in mind when cycling in harsh weather because it highlights a 3-layer membrane softshell combined with thermal material in key splash zones.
Besides, its moisture-wicking thermal panels and windproof zippers play a nice role in keeping coldness at bay.
The good news for those who don’t prefer washing their cycling jackets manually, this one is machine-washable.
Pros
- Ideal for long cycling trips in cold winter – a 3-layer membrane softshell combined with thermal material, moisture-wicking thermal panels and windproof zippers
- Easy to clean it – machine-washable fabric
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specs
| Materials | Polyester 39%/Nylon 36%/Elastane 13%/Polyurethane 12% |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Highlight features | a 3-layer membrane softshell combined with thermal material, moisture-wicking thermal panels, and windproof zippers; machine-washable fabric |
Castelli Alpha ROS Rain Cycling Jackets
I do appreciate the extended length of this cycling jacket, which is down to the rider’s hip for more coverage against the weather.
It is form-fitting and particularly created for winter usage with an emphasis on 10,000mm waterproof rating and Gore Windstopper 150 Fabric for windproof properties.
For souped-up weather protection, it features raw edge wrist cuffs, raw-edge waist, YKK Vislon zippers, and the seam sealing on shoulders for rain protection.
Making it stand out from the rest is alpha construction which separates its water/wind protection layer from the insulated fabric one to hence leverage the apparel’s sweat evaporation and air ventilation to extreme.
From that point, I find Castelli Alpha ROS Cycling Jacket to be the best option for cold to freezing conditions.
Pros
- Ideal for freezing weather conditions – 10,000mm waterproof rating, Gore Windstopper 150 Fabric, raw edge wrist cuffs, and raw edge waist
- Great rain protection – seam sealing on shoulders
- Provide exceptional sweat evaporation and air ventilation – alpha construction
Cons
- A bit small
Product Specs
| Materials | 90% polyester, 10% elastane liner 100% polyester face fabric Windstopper 150 membrane |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL |
| Highlight features | 10,000mm waterproof rating, Gore Windstopper 150 Fabric, raw edge wrist cuffs, and raw edge waist; seam sealing on shoulders; alpha construction |
Endura Pro SL Cycling Jackets
The Endura Pro SL is designed in combination with Movistar – the world’s top team in manufacturing weatherproof cycling jackets so, it’s undoubtedly a shining candidate for pro cyclists.
It is made from high-stretch windproof material to create an athletic fit.
Added to its insulation are the stretch thermal rear panels, thermal lining on the sleeves and front, and extended cuff design.
It also features external rear gripper to keep the apparel from riding up unwantedly. My most favorite part is its three pockets with full-length front zips for extra ease of use, and they keep my important stuff secure inside, no matter the weather conditions.
For safety when riding in the darkness, it has high-visible reflective trim.
Pros
- Reliable – designed in conjunction with Movistar
- Give an athletic fit – high-stretch windproof material
- Good insulation – stretch thermal rear panels, thermal lining on the sleeves and front, and extended cuff design
- No riding-up issues while cycling – external rear gripper
Cons
- Wish there were more color options
Product Specs
| Materials | High stretch, windproof fabric |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Highlight features | designed in conjunction with Movistar; high-stretch windproof material; stretch thermal rear panels, thermal lining on the sleeves and front, and extended cuff design; external rear gripper |
INBIKE Cycling Jackets
Not just cycling, the INBIKE Cycling Jacket is versatile enough to suit other outdoor sports activities, such as jogging and running.
Wonder why?
Because it is designed with customers’ needs in mind. While providing you with subzero 10-degree thermal and windproof capabilities, along with decent breathability, it is very soft and comfortable to wear.
Its construction includes an inner fleece lining, a polyester ripstop shell with mesh pockets, all are made from high permeability materials.
Keeping all the elements out is the elastic binding and drop tail hem. It also has a zip garage for neck irritation prevention and full zipper design to provide extra room for layering.
Of course, it is added with a reflective back logo and front stripe for high visibility in darkness.
Pros
- Versatile – perfect for cycling, jogging and running
- Provide subzero 10-degree thermal and windproof capabilities – high permeability materials, an inner fleece lining, and a polyester ripstop shell
- Neck irritation prevention – zip garage
- Allow for extra layering if wanted – full zipper design
Cons
- No elastic at the sleeve end
Product Specs
| Materials | 100% Polyester |
| Number of pockets | 1 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Highlight features | high permeability materials, an inner fleece lining, and a polyester ripstop shell; zip garage; full zipper design |
GORE WEAR Men’s C5 Cycling Jackets
The GORE WEAR Mens C5 is guaranteed to boost your cycling performance to the extreme regardless of weather conditions.
It boasts GORE-TEX Active SHAKEDRY Technology, which is known as a permanently pearling upper fabric with highlights in top-notch breathability, windproof and waterproof properties. Additionally, it is machine-washable.
The stretch fabric and ergonomic bike-specific cut give it nice form-fitting, in combination with an all-black design, it looks cool and attractive.
When not in use, just roll it over. The jacket is able to be packed to a super-small size that you can easily put it in the back pocket.
One thing to take note of is that it isn’t suitable to be worn with a backpack.
Pros
- Top-notch breathability, windproof and waterproof properties – GORE-TEX Active SHAKEDRY Technology
- Simple maintenance – machine washable
- Packable – a small packed size
Cons
- It flaps at high speeds
Product Specs
| Materials | 100% Other Fibers |
| Number of pockets | 1 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, |
| Highlight features | GORE-TEX Active SHAKEDRY Technology; machine washable |
Proviz Pixelite Softshell Cycling Jackets
To be honest, one of the initial reasons I decided to try this cycling jacket was its origin, Italy, where the manufactured products are all known for its unrivaled craftsmanship and durability.
And, glad that my purchase was right.
The highlight point of this jacket is a soft-stretch mix of brushed thermal microfiber, elastane, and polyester, combined with three-layer construction for decent breathability and windproof.
This material blend also gives you stretch fit and superb comfort.
There is PixElite fabric (commonly found in high-end garments) on lower back, shoulders, sides, and arms for high visibility when riding in low light conditions, enhancing your safety.
Some other noteworthy features are zip garage for chafing prevention, 2” elastic cuff design for windproof and higher insulation levels, and lock-zip pockets. Ah, did I tell you that is machine washable?
Pros
- Offer decent breathability, windproof properties, and insulation – a three-layer construction & a soft-stretch mix of brushed thermal microfiber, elastane, and polyester
- High visibility when riding in low light condition – PixElite fabric
- Convenient to clean it – machine-washable fabric
- No neck chafing during the use – zipper garage
Cons
- Wish there were color choices
Product Specs
| Materials | 100% Other Fibers |
| Number of pockets | 3 |
| Sizes available | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 |
| Highlight features | a three-layer construction & a soft-stretch mix of brushed thermal microfiber, elastane, and polyester; PixElite fabric |
Outto Mens Winter Cycling Jackets
This regular-fit cycling jacket from Outto is my suggestion for any cyclists in a tight budget. It is priced around $20 to $25, but the quality appears to be excellent.
A good example is its triple-layer design, including a windproof coating layer, water-resistant membrane, and a fleece lining. It prevents water splash, resists strong gusts, and keeps you warm pretty well.
A big bonus is it doesn’t flap at high speeds, all thanks to the added silicone gripper on the back hem and elasticated waistband.
For increased wind protection, the jacket is also added with elastic sleeve cuffs and collar inner flap.
If you’re about to go cycling on those days forecasted to have light rain, wind, and coldness, this is a great selection.
Pros
- Affordable – priced around $20 to $25
- Prevent water splash & resist strong gusts well – triple-layer design, elastic sleeve cuffs and collar inner flap
- Not flap at high speeds – silicone gripper on the back hem and elasticated waistband
Cons
- Not for weather below freezing
Product Specs
| Materials | Stretch Fabric: 85% polyester, 15% elastane Shell: 100 % polyester |
| Number of pockets | 5 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, |
| Highlight features | triple-layer design, elastic sleeve cuffs and collar inner flap; silicone gripper on the back hem and elasticated waistband |
Louis Garneau Cycling Jackets
Next up is the Louis Garneau Cycling Jacket!
It has three-layer construction, with the main one made completely of high-quality polyester and the secondary from 8% spandex by 92% polyester.
There’s also one extra layer of Light Mesh Airdry® to wick moisture away fast, leaving your skin always dry and comfortable.
I love it for the ultimate practical design, comprising of a rear zippered pocket, a neck zip garage, a full-length zipper with internal flap, and a soft elastic cuff and waistline.
The apparel is very breathable, comfortable, and moisture controllable in my opinion. The secrets lie all in its various ventilation inserts at the back and wind-breaking material at the front. From that point, this is a flawless option for cool weather conditions.
To ensure your safety when riding at night, it is inserted with some reflective accents throughout the design for 36-degree high visibility.
Pros
- Wick moisture fast – Light Mesh Airdry®
- Practical design – a rear zippered pocket, a neck zip garage, a full-length zipper with internal flap, and soft elastic cuff and waistline
- Breathable and wind-breaking – ventilation inserts at the back and wind-breaking material at the front
Cons
- Give little room for extra layering underneath
Product Specs
| Materials | Diamond Air 2.0 light, ripstop fabric |
| Number of pockets | 1 |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, |
| Highlight features | Light Mesh Airdry®; ventilation inserts at the back and wind-breaking material at the front |
Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Cycling Jackets
Introducing to you another reliable jacket for cyclists – the Showers Pass Elite 2.1.
It is a favorite pick of many pros, like the Cross-country Skiers, Kayakers, everyday commuters, and Katusha Pro Russian Cycling team, due to its thoughtful construction for long-distance rides.
It offers the user a trim fit that you can wear an additional layer of jersey or t-shirt underneath.
Long sleeves with elastic cuffs offer extra wrist coverage and windproof capability. On those summer days, don’t worry, it has six venting options for enhance airflow inside, keeping you cool.
About storage space, it gives you a chest pocket and a large one on the back where you can put in many essentials, such as a smartphone, flat repair kit, and energy bars.
It also has 3M Reflective trim as well.
Pros
- A favorite pick of the Cross-country Skiers, Kayakers, everyday commuters, and Katusha Pro Russian Cycling team
- Provide rooms for extra layers underneath if wanted
- Perfect for all-year usage – Long sleeves with elastic cuffs for windproof and insulation; six venting options for airflow
Cons
- The price is high
Product Specs
| Materials | 100% Nylon |
| Number of pockets | 2 |
| Sizes available | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, |
| Highlight features | Long sleeves with elastic cuffs for windproof and insulation; six venting options for airflow; |
Sportful B1101135 Cycling Jackets
For those who don’t know, Sportful B1101135 is in its 5th generation of the do-it-all Hot Pack series cycling jackets that keep setting the standard.
It is known for unparalleled packability, lightness, ventilation, water resistance, and wind protection.
The unit has high visible reflective screenprint, back ventilating options, inner stuff compression sack, and high collar. The cuff design, on the other hand, has thumb holes for a better fit, ride-up prevention, and wind resistance.
A big bonus for its minimal seaming on the front to keep water splash, drizzle, and rain from entering.
At the price range of $80 to $90, this is an unbeatable option for cyclists.
Pros
- Extremely good water repellant ability – Schoeller NanoSphere fabric & minimal seaming on the front
- High windproof properties – cuffs have thumb holes
Cons
- The sleeves could be a bit longer
Product Specs
| Materials | Schoeller NanoSphere water-repellent fabric |
| Number of pockets | 0 |
| Sizes available | XS, S, L, XL |
| Highlight features | Schoeller NanoSphere fabric & minimal seaming on the front; cuffs have thumb holes |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Cycling Jackets In 2020
Materials
From the review list above, you might realize that almost each cycling jacket is made of specific material blends or signature fabrics, which appears to be overwhelming.
It makes us wonder that which is the best material for a cycling jacket or which one is better. Well, after years of testing and experiencing, I can confidently tell you that cycling jackets are commonly made of three main materials:
- Nylon
- Lycra
- Polyester
If a manufacturer lists their products are made of something sound strange, believe me, it is just a variation of one of them.
What you need to pay attention to are its waterproof and windproof properties. In fact, you can’t have it in both ways, meaning that a high-windproof jacket can’t offer top-notch waterproof performance, and vice versa.
So, determining your needs and choose the most balanced compromise between the two of them.
In other words, considering when and where you will most often be using your new jacket is important.
Fit
There are two common types of fit (also known as cut) when choosing a cycling jacket – regular/loose fit and form-fitting, depending on the degrees of your performance.
For example, most cyclists choose a regular-fitting cycling jacket for mounting biking while a form-fitting is favorited by road-cycling people.
Why?
Road riding is usually at high speeds and a form-fitting jacket will hug their body nicely without flapping like the regular-fitting design, hence, it causes less wind fraction, keeping you move faster.
Besides, it minimizes body heat loss during the ride.
Pockets
While many novices ignore this element when looking for a cycling jacket, it is in fact an important thing for your convenience.
Without it, where you intend to keep your hands in for warmth? Where to store your smartphone, wallet, and other essentials? Not only do I highly recommend choosing a cycling jacket with pockets but this feature also should be carefully considered.
Based on which stuffs you intend to bring along, choose jacket pockets whether with waterproof capability or not.
You also should think about the closure levels of these pockets.
Look for those jackets with two rear hand pockets, and a larger one for your stuff. It could be fully open, closed by a zipper, Velcro strap, or a bit stretch at the top.
FAQs
What is the best rain jacket for cycling?
My recommendations are:
- BALEAF Men’s Cycling Jackets
- Gore Men’s C3 GTX Cycling Jackets
- Castelli Alpha ROS Cycling Jackets
- Outto Mens Winter Cycling Jackets
- Sportful B1101135 Cycling Jackets
How should a cycling jacket fit?
It should fit your cycling styles. For example, a loose fit jacket for mountain biking and a form-fitting for road riding.
What is the best winter cycling jacket?
I suggest:
- ARSUXEO Cycling Jackets
- Gore Men’s C3 GTX Cycling Jackets
- Sponeed Men’s Windproof Cycling Jackets
- Pearl Izumi – Ride Pro Cycling Jackets
- Castelli Alpha ROS Cycling Jackets
What is the best waterproof cycling jacket?
I highly recommend:
- ARSUXEO Cycling Jackets
- Gore Men’s C3 GTX Cycling Jackets
- Castelli Alpha ROS Cycling Jackets
- GORE WEAR Men’s C5 Cycling Jackets
- Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Cycling Jackets
Conclusion
Preposterous price, a huge number of models, and deceptive marketing claims combine to make cycling jacket shopping a daunting task.
My in-depth testing process and meticulous rounded-up list aim to crack the code for this product based on your cycling styles, budget, and other needs. Hopefully, this ultimate buying guide has keyed you into the best cycling jacket. Happy cycling!