When you’re cycling in winter, your primary concern is to stay dry and warm. Modern brands design cycling jackets to keep you comfortable with modern synthetic fabrics that insulate and waterproof. They also feature excellent reflective zippers and convenient pockets for storing additional layers. We reviewed the best winter cycling jackets, and found the best overall winter cycling jacket with the most impressive features like waterproofing and breathability to be the Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Jacket.
Breathable microporous membrane fabrics such as Gore-Tex prevent rainwater from getting in but allow moisture (read: sweat) to get out. These days, there is a broad range of jackets available, from vests to jersey sweaters to high-performance cold-weather training shells.
The Top Cycling Jackets Reviewed
Best Overall Winter Cycling Jacket
An innovative jacket that solves the problem of dealing with moisture during high-intensity riding? Look no further than the Castelli Alpha Ros 2 Jacket. The double-layer construction consists of a Gore-Tex wind protection layer that can be opened, and a fleece-lined insulation layer that remains closed. Impressively, it can handle temperatures down to -5° Celsius.
The 3D insulation layer fabric is lightweight, packable—and warm! Meanwhile, the Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric is treated with DWR to keep every drop of water out.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Ideal for cold training
- Gore-Tex keeps moisture out
- Wind protection layer can be opened
Cons
- Expensive
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BEST WINTER CYCLING JACKET RUNNER UP
If you're looking for something sleek and functional that resists water, consider the Sportful Squadra Jacket. Our runner-up is similar to the Castelli Alpha RoS jacket in that it also has a two-piece construction. The first layer is made of an elastic insulating textured fabric, and the second layer is made of thickly woven water-resistant nylon.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Reflective squares on arms
- Water-resistant outer nylon layer
- Elastic textured insulating liner
Cons
- Could be more breathable
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BEST WINTER CYCLING JACKET ON A BUDGET
For a very affordable premium outdoor jacket, our choice is the Garneau Modesto 3 Jacket. It’s stylish enough for everyday use, but also provides complete thermoregulation for training purposes.
The fabric is made from a smart combination of Diamond Air 2.0, Rhino, Drytex 8, and Light Mesh AirDry materials—all of which combine to offer resistance to wind, water and abrasions. The back vent and articulated elbows provide motion range and breathability for when you build up a sweat riding. This way everyone gets access to one of the best winter cycling jackets.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Provides wind, water, and abrasion resistance
- Keeps warmth in
- Vents maintain breathability
Cons
- Not as many advanced features
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BEST WINTER CYCLING VEST
For a versatile jacket that can be worn in any season, the Fiandre Light No Rain Jacket from Sportful is a great choice. The windproof stretch fabric in the front and NoRain Light fabric in the back protect your body from cold and rain while remaining highly breathable. And of course, being a vest, it leaves your arms free.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Wind Shell Sport on front protects against cold.
- Two zippered pockets on the side for storage
- Very lightweight
Cons
- No back pocket or jersey pockets
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BEST WINTER CYCLING THERMAL JERSEY
The soft, stretchy Garneau Edge 2 Cycling Jersey is both comfortable and functional. It’s warm enough to wear by itself, and works great as a mid-layer. The Drytex Thermal fabric stretches four ways for mobility, and the thumb loops at the wrist help keep in body heat. There are also zippered pockets, and its reflectivity makes this a jersey you can wear in low light as well.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Soft and flexible fabric
- Zippered and reflective pockets
- Mid-weight and comfortable
Cons
- No pockets on the side
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BEST WATERPROOF PERFORMANCE JACKET
Equipped with Gore-Tex and 2-layer breathable fabric, the Castelli Idro is a great waterproof jacket. The silicone elastic waistband also ensures a secure fit that will keep heat inside. The seams are fully taped to reinforce the waterproofing. Even in the pouring rain, it will keep you dry and comfortable.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packable
- Keeps you warm down to -20° Celsius
- Great windbreaker and waterproof jacket
Cons
- Runs small
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BEST FOR THE CASUAL WINTER CYCLIST
For more easy-going, recreational activities, the SUGOI Versa II for men and Zap 2 for women are great choices. They may not have the breathability that you would need for intense training, but they do have plenty of lightweight insulation, making them our top recreational picks in our best winter cycling jackets.
These lightweight protective layers are deal for changing weather conditions during shoulder seasons. They will keep you warm without compromising their understated look and feel. Plus they both have a hood for superior protection on the go.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Warm, lightweight synthetic insulation
- Detachable hood stored inside collar
- Elastic drawstring at hem
Cons
- Not breathable enough for intense training
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BEST EMERGENCY SHELL
When the weather changes without warning, you’ll want the Castelli Emergency Jacket in your back pocket. It provides excellent shielding from the wind, and the Deluge Light 2.5 layer fabric is completely waterproof. It’s also conveniently lightweight and compact, so you can always have it on hand.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Easily fits into a jersey pocket
- Protects against sudden wind and rain
- Roomy enough to fit comfortably over a hard shell
Cons
- Outer material feels very different from most jackets
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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WINDPROOF SHELL
The packable, wind-blocking Sportful Hot Pack 6 Jacket is useful for unexpected showers or strong wind gusts. The windProof fabric stretches easily while also keeping your core warm during the chilly Autumn or Spring months.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Dries quickly
- Compacts down into its pocket
Cons
- Slightly tight on arms
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What to Look for in a Cycling Jacket
First, consider how you will use your pick of the best winter cycling jackets. If you’re going to be doing intense cold-weather training, you’ll want a coat with advanced technologies such as a two-piece construction, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and smart insulation.
A drawcord or elastic rimming in the hem is also necessary, lest the heat will escape from the bottom of the jacket. Baffles, or the fabric squares that contain the insulation (down or synthetic) on big winter puffer jackets, are not seen as much in high-performance cycling jackets. Instead, there will be a thin layer of synthetic insulating material.
Jacket Types
Since most cyclists layer their jackets and gear, there are several different types of layers.
Softshell
The softshell jacket is both windproof & water-resistant and is more breathable than fully waterproof jackets. The smooth outer fabric and warm fleece lining make it a great ‘general purpose’ cycling jacket. It’s best used on its own in the summer or as a mid-layer in autumn and spring.
Hardshell
The hardshell jacket is the outermost layer that you wear. These jackets are fully waterproof, sometimes treated with a Durable Water Repellency covering on the shell (DWR). They can either be lined with down material or unlined, and feature a mesh layer between your skin and the outer membrane.
This separate layer makes sure perspiration can escape. You should also look for venting systems such as removable sleeves, armpit zips, and yoke vents on the back to allow for airflow.
Thermal Jerseys
Since thermal jerseys are not water or wind resistant, they’re designed to be worn under hard shells in colder temperatures. Long sleeve jerseys can provide considerable insulation when temperatures are colder.
Vests
Thermal vests are best for wind protection but can be stripped off during intense high-activity moments. They pair well with thermal jerseys for an extra layer of warmth.
Warmth & Insulation
Cycling jackets use a thinner type of insulation than down jackets. If you’re cycling in the winter, you need to ensure you find a hardshell jacket with insulated lining. Alternatively, you can also use a thermal jersey, vest, or other layers with your outer shell to provide insulation.
Water Resistance
DWR
The Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR) is an external coating designed to keep the elements out as you ride. Over time, it can become less effective, but you can add treatments to the wash to restore it.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a breathable fabric membrane that keeps liquid water out while allowing water vapour to pass through. Since most waterproofing fabrics hinder breathability, Gore-Tex is very innovative and is an industry standard.
Packability
When you’re wearing layers, you want to ensure you can take some off and pack them down. For this reason, you should look for lightweight, compact layers that block the wind and rain.
Best winter cycling jackets faqs
How should a cycling jacket fit?
Cycling jackets should be fitted, comfortable, and should not flap while descending on your bike. If you plan to use it as an outer layer, it should be spacious enough to allow insulation layers.
Does high-visibility clothing improve cyclists’ safety?
If you’re wearing the jacket during dawn or dusk for training spins or commutes, high visibility clothing can be an essential safety feature.
Are Gore-Tex Jackets 100% waterproof?
All jackets with Gore-Tex are guaranteed to keep out water and wind. Whether you’re in a downpour or dealing with the severe wind chill, the Gore-Tex material will be dry while allowing excess moisture from sweat vapour to escape.
What temperature is too cold to cycle?
Though some people may say that no temperature is too cold with the right clothing, some temperatures might not be worth fighting. For example, once it gets down to -15° Celsius, it would be challenging to find gear that keeps you insulated and comfortable.
conclusion
This review looked at the best winter cycling jackets great at insulating from extreme cold temperatures, keeping out the elements, and sporting innovative features. For all these reasons, we found the Castelli Alpha RoS Jacket to be the Best Overall.
The Alpha RoS has a brilliant outer membrane shell made of Gore-Tex that opens, a 3-D insulation layer for warmth, and all the vents and pockets you need in an ideal cycling jacket.
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