Don’t let freezing temperatures get in the way of your riding consistency. Get the best jacket for winter cycling and paddle your way through those colder days. While some people think cycling vests are uncool, the best jacket for cycling in winter is an essential piece when you want to improve your cadence during the stormy seasons or want to take a quick ride around November.
Whether it’s commuting to work or an intense training session, the best cycling jacket for winter will help you stay comfortable in your saddle. While your feet generate some heat, your hands and body will remain toasty, allowing you to gain better control of your velocipede.
Below we’ve reviewed some of the best cycling winter jackets around. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can head straight to our tips section for some guidelines on choosing your own best jacket for winter cycling.
Table of contents
- Castelli Alpha ROS
- Vaude Posta V
- Aruxeo Winter Warm Up
- Pearl Izumi Versa
- Rockbros Softshell
- Gore Men’s C3 GTX
- Showers Pass Elite 2.1
- Baleaf Hardshell
- Arc’teryx Gamma MX
- Gore Wear C7
- Proviz Nightrider
- Maks Thermal Cycling Jersey
- GoreBike Wear Phantom 2.0
- How to Choose the Best Jacket for Winter Cycling
- What Should I Wear Cycling in Winter?
- Do Cycling Jackets Keep You Warm?
- Is it Bad to Bike on Cold Weather?
Castelli Alpha ROS
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Castelli Alpha ROS doesn’t come cheap, but you get what you pay for. It’s the best jacket for winter cycling with a waterproof rating of 10,000mm. That should be more than enough to keep you warm, even on the coldest of days. Bearing the name of the legendary Italian brand, Alpha ROS is also equipped with quality zippers. They glide on smoothly when you need to put on or take off the gilets. Apart from that, the surface has a special coating to protect you from some light showers.
Alpha ROS allows you to get the best ventilation, thanks to its exquisite design. The wind/water protection layer is completely separated from the insulating layer, resulting in better overall breathability. As for fitting, this jacket is made of stretch fabric. It gives you just the right amount of tightness without restricting your movement.
- What We Love:
- The best jacket for winter cycling with a waterproof rating of 10,000mm
- Pros:
- Membrane material
- Waterproof
- Smooth zippers
- Great fitting
- Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive
Vaude Posta V
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When it comes to the best jacket for cycling in winter, it’s hard not to include the Vaude Posta V in the conversation. This latest offering from the German brand is one of those apparel that most cyclists can only dream of wearing. It’s composed of polyester as outer protection and polyurethane as insulation. The combination of the two results in an impressive wind blocker and cold shield.
Being a versatile cycling jacket, the Vaude Posta V features a close-fitting cut. This allows it to work well with various saddle positions and riding styles, including mountain bikers and roadies. Its fabricator components include spandex fabric, which is known for its elasticity and flexibility. Get the perfect amount of mobility, even under freezing temperatures.
When it comes to winter cycling, you may want to get a unique shoe designed to deliver high-performance in cooler temperatures. Don’t forget to check out our best shoes for winter cycling.
- What We Love:
- A versatile cycling jacket. Suitable for mountain bikers and roadies.
- Pros:
- Two back pockets
- Low cut back
- Machine wash
- Imported
- Cons:
- Minimum rain protection
Aruxeo Winter Warm Up
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When you want the best cycling jacket for winter but don’t have much to spend, the Aruxeo Winter will be your best bet. This 35 bucks jacket has a handful of features to satisfy most casual cyclists. It offers a sturdy surface that’s both wind and water-resistant. Meanwhile, the black section is spandex, a great stretchy material for any sporting activities.
But before you get too excited, please note that Aruxeo has some records with quality control. Several shoppers on Amazon said they received jackets with failed zippers and inaccurate colors. However, don’t let it deter you, as Aruxeo has an excellent warranty policy. You can send it back whenever you receive a defective unit, and they’ll give you a new one!
- What We Love:
- A decent cycling jacket available at an affordable price
- Pros:
- 85 percent polyester
- Two storage pockets
- Drop tail
- Stretch inserts
- Cons:
- There’s a slight issue with quality control
Pearl Izumi Versa
10
Can’t decide between style and performance? The Pearl Izumi Versa Quilted Hoodie Cycling Fleece will give you the best of both worlds. This jacket is perfect when you want to have a quick ride to dinner at your friend’s house without looking like a Christmas tree! It’s made of smooth, wrinkle-resistant polyester. From a distance, this jacket looks like a casual outfit. But inside, you get great, above-average insulation.
There are internal pockets to store some of your belongings. Meanwhile, the arms are designed in such a way to keep you comfortable while holding on to your handlebars and maneuvering around. However, this hoodie’s lack of insulation is not ideal for extreme-temperature riding. But if you’re looking to put in a few miles during the afternoon, this is the best jacket for winter cycling you’ve been looking for.
- What We Love:
- Strikes a great balance between style and performance
- Pros:
- Warm and protected
- Breathable
- Water resistant
- Drop-tail hem
- Cons:
- Not suitable for extreme-temperature riding
Rockbros Softshell
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Here comes another cheap-but-reliable product that’s well worth your time and money. The Rockbros Winter Cycling Jacket is a multi-functional fleece that can be yours for as cheap as 43 bucks. But don’t let that fool you, because this is the best jacket for cycling in winter has a lot of tricks under its sleeves. First of all, it’s made of a blend of 8 percent spandex and is both waterproof and windproof. This makes it perfect for commuting cycling under some light rain.
Thanks to its internal fleece lining, this jacket will keep you toasty under temperatures up to 30F. There’s a reflective stripe to add visibility while you’re on the road. And in case you want to make your riding more exciting, put your portable music player in one of its three front pockets and listen to your favorite tunes!
- What We Love:
- It has a front pocket with an audio jack, perfect for listening to music while you’re on a ride
- Pros:
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Water resistant
- Reflective stripes
- Cons:
- The zippers could be better
Gore Men’s C3 GTX
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When it’s freezing out there, but you can’t resist the urge to put a few miles on the crank, the Gore Men’s C3 GTX is your best friend. This best jacket for cycling in winter is built for high performance. It’s capable of keeping you toasty under 30F, allowing you to complete those consistency challenges, even during stormy seasons. Meanwhile, its waterproof coating will make light rain feel like nothing. However, it’s not recommended to wear this jacket during rainstorms.
One of the most significant selling points of the Gore Men’s C3 GTX is its weight. It’s incredibly lightweight, especially compared to most of the best jackets for cycling in winter out there. If you want to stay insulated without putting some significant weight on your saddle, this is the jacket you’ve been looking for.
- What We Love:
- Extremely lightweight and provides great insulation. Available at bargain prices.
- Pros:
- Versatile
- Comfort fit
- Gore-tex technology
- Extended back
- Cons:
- You need to be a little careful with the sizing
Showers Pass Elite 2.1
7
When you’re looking for the best jacket for winter cycling, the Shower Pass Elite 2.1 is something you won’t want to miss. Also available in a women’s version, this three-ply jacket will give you optimal protection against wind and moisture. It has a DWR coating to ensure there isn’t a single drop of water seeping inside.
Often dubbed by many as a versatile cycling jacket, the Shower Pass Elite is great for summer and winter. It has no less than six adjustable vents and a cinch cable at the hem. For those who want to wear a hood, loop attachment points are available. Psst, this jacket is also the official partner of the Katusha cycling team.
And while we’re on the topic of cycling, check out our best backpacks for cycling. They’re great when you want to comfortably carry a lot of stuff at once while in your saddle.
- What We Love:
- Offers no less than six vents, making it great for both summer and winter cycling
- Pros:
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Adjustable
- Chest pocket with audio port
- Cons:
- We’re still working on that!
Baleaf Hardshell
6
Made from 100 percent polyester and offering fully seam-sealed protection, the Baleaf Cycling Jacket is the best jacket for cycling in winter. While it’s available at bargain prices, this hardshell jacket is waterproof, ultra-lightweight, and offers plenty of pockets. It has a windproof rating of 5,000mm and can be yours for as cheap as 40 bucks. When you need new cycling attire but don’t want to go deep into your pocket, this Baleaf product will make an outstanding choice.
It’s also fully packable, which is perfect when you want to go on a tour on your bike. Apart from that, this jacket has no less than five pockets. Two of them are hand pockets with seamless zippers to prevent your fingers from freezing.
- What We Love:
- Fully packable, perfect for touring. There are no less than six pockets available.
- Pros:
- 100 percent waterproof
- Lightweight
- Packable
- Enhanced breathability
- Cons:
- It’s a little plasticky
Arc’teryx Gamma MX
5
Arc’teryx has long been known for its impressive cycling stuff. Being one of the recognized outdoor gear brands, they know a thing or two about making durable insulating jackets. The Arc’teryx Gamma MX is a softshell hoodie with some versatility. It’s ideal for varied, intense activities, including hiking and cycling.
As for the material, Gamma MX is crafted using breathable fabric to ensure your body is always at the right temperature. It also boasts Durable Water Repellent, aka DWR, for extra protection against moisture and some light showers. On the downside, this jacket is quite heavy. It’s not recommended to wear it as daily wear. But apart from that, this is the best jacket for winter cycling that deserves to be on your wishlist.
- What We Love:
- Made of breathable material, allowing your body to stay at the right temperature
- Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- High performance
- Breathable
- Abrasion-resistant
- Cons:
- It doesn’t get many reviews
Gore Wear C7
4
When you want to make cycling in the rain even more comfortable, the Gore Wear C7 is your answer. Often dubbed the ultimate cycling jacket, this waterproof product is breathable and ultra-lightweight. When it rains lightly, the water that drips on the jacket’s surface will form tiny droplets and run down to the ground instead of seeping into the fabric. The same technology is also claimed to help you not feel sweaty while on some serious cadence.
Another reason to go with this best jacket for cycling in winter is its compactness. You can easily pack it up small and put it in your jersey pocket. As for the price, this 290 bucks jacket isn’t at all cheap. Nevertheless, you’re sure to get what you pay for.
- What We Love:
- Breathable and ultra-light. Doesn’t make you feel sweaty while doing some serious cadence.
- Pros:
- Imported
- Super light
- Tight fit
- Extended back section
- Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive
Proviz Nightrider
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The Proviz Nightrider Cycling Jacket offers high visibility in bright lime green. There’s a reflective triangle on the back, which you can remove if you wish. What’s even better, you can replace it with another reflective shape for higher visibility! No wonder this best cycling jacket for winter has been successfully crowned the winner at the Red Dot Design Award in 2013.
It has everything you’d expect from a decent cycling jacket. Big pockets? Check. Smooth zippers? Check. Lettering? Say no more! With such striking visuals, the Proviz Nightrider Cycling Jacket will be incredible when you want to ride in low-light conditions. Check this one out if you can!
When it comes to cycling, comfort should be everything when you’re in your saddle. So check out our best cycling bibs for men for some of the most comfortable cycling shorts you can find around.
- What We Love:
- Come up with striking visuals. Offers high visibility for safer riding during the night.
- Pros:
- 90 percent polyester
- Imported
- Loop closure
- Machine wash
- Cons:
- Only available in three different colors
Maks Thermal Cycling Jersey
2
The Maks Thermal Cycling Jersey is another riding apparel that deserves your attention. It’s equipped with a handful of features to make your cycling experience a memorable one. The fabric is both sturdy and flexible, providing complete protection against the elements and allowing you to maneuver more comfortably under freezing temperatures.
Designed for the avid winter cyclist, this best jacket for winter cycling features no less than three elastic pockets and one small zip pocket, which is excellent for storing your cards or cell phone. As for cleaning, this jacket is machine washable.
- What We Love:
- Comes with a handful of features to make your cycling experience a memorable one
- Pros:
- 85 percent polyester
- Zipper closure
- Machine wash
- High performance
- Cons:
- It doesn’t breathe well
GoreBike Wear Phantom 2.0
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One of the best things about the GoreBike Wear Phantom 2.0 is the detachable arms. When it’s sunny out there, you want more airflow, take them off and enjoy your breeze. When it’s winter around, put the sleeves back on and get better handling with your toasty arms.
Other than that, the GoreBike Wear Phantom 2.0 is one of the lightest cycling jackets around. It’s easy to pack and fits in your jersey pocket. On the downside, the Phantom isn’t waterproof and not recommended for rainy days. But if that’s not a big deal, this is the best cycling jacket for winter.
- What We Love:
- Comes with detachable sleeves, making it one of the most versatile cycling jackets
- Pros:
- 100 percent polyester
- Imported
- Machine wash
- Versatile
- Cons:
- Only available in two colors
How to Choose the Best Jacket for Winter Cycling
As you might’ve guessed, every cyclist has an idea of what the best jacket for winter cycling should look like. It has a lot to do with comfort, performance, ride, and riding style. So, make sure you pay attention to these details when looking for your best jacket for cycling in winter.
To make your life easier, below we’ve listed the three most crucial factors you shouldn’t miss in picking the best cycling jacket for winter. Please keep reading to find a more detailed description of them.
Fitting
Think about your goals, no matter what type of cycling apparel you wear. What kind of things are you trying to achieve. You won’t be able to hit 30 kilometers per hour in a vest that’s too loose. On the other hand, you won’t feel comfortable going on a tour while wearing an over-tight gilet. Therefore, fitting is one of the most crucial factors when choosing the best jacket for winter jackets. Decide based on your riding style and what kind of activities you love to do.
Windproof
During a summer ride, the wind is your best friend. It helps keep your temperature down, allowing you to keep pedaling to your limit. But during the cold, the wind is your nemesis. It freezes your fingers and toes, significantly reducing your mobility and power. Therefore, it’s essential to get the best jacket for cycling in winter with windproof material. As the name suggests, it blocks wind, preventing it from penetrating the fabric and lowering your temperature.
Freezing temperatures can be a significant factor in affecting your cycling performance. Therefore, make sure you make optimal efforts to keep yourself warm while cycling during winter. Check out our best neck warmers for cycling for some interesting explanations on the subject.
Color
While we agree that wearing black while riding is super cool, it won’t help much when you’re on the road. The black color is kind of blends in with the surroundings. It’s not easily identifiable, especially from a distance, putting you at a higher risk of being hit by a motorcycle, car, or other vehicle. Our advice, choose the best cycling jacket for winter with bright colors. Don’t be afraid to go with lime green or fiery pink. The more visible you’re on the road, the better.
What Should I Wear Cycling in Winter?
You need to make sure that your body won’t freeze while cycling outdoors. Therefore, wear base layers, layer them with a short bib, then continue with the jersey. You can add a gilet, arm warmers, or a softshell jacket for extra comfort.
Do Cycling Jackets Keep You Warm?
Yes, absolutely. A cycling jacket will allow you to wear fewer layers underneath. This, in turn, will give you better overall comfort and mobility.
Before we move on to the next tip, check out our best bike shorts for juniors for some of the year’s best landscape photo ‘claims’. See how the evidence of the truth begins to emerge, and criminal threats await the suspect.
Is it Bad to Bike on Cold Weather?
Well, it depends on what kind of clothes you wear. As long as you can keep yourself warm and comfortable, cycling in cooler temperatures shouldn’t be a problem. However, novice cyclists should practice at regular temperatures before riding on freezing days.
