The Finest Mountain Bike Jackets of 2025-2026

Different Nice Mountain Bike Jackets to Contemplate

Mountain Bike Jackets Comparability Chart

Why Ought to You Belief Bikerumor?

The group at Bikerumor consists of cycling-obsessed people scattered throughout North America and Europe, the place most of us expertise all 4 seasons. And, we don’t cease driving as a result of the temperatures drop and the climate adjustments. As a substitute, we gear up and get on the market. Driving bikes is an enormous a part of the job, in any case, however maintaining the wheels spinning by way of fall, winter, and spring requires the correct gear to maintain it satisfying, and we’ve all discovered the significance of getting a great mountain bike jacket to maintain the chilly, wind, and water from ruining our enjoyable. We’re additionally fortunate to get to check a lot of the perfect new gear, so we’ve received an inside observe on the perfect mountain bike jackets in the marketplace.

For our mountain bike jackets purchaser’s information, Bikerumor contributor Paul Clauss examined the vast majority of the fashions on this assessment. Paul lives in northern Vermont, the place driving within the fall and spring means coping with cool to frigid temperatures, frequent rainstorms, and rain-soaked path circumstances, and having a high quality mountain bike jacket or two is important to staying heat and/or dry. A mechanical engineer by commerce, Paul can also be fairly adept at analyzing designs and constructions and placing merchandise by way of their paces to find out their efficiency variations. Paul has examined fairly a bit of substances through the years and contributed to our finest dropper posts, mountain bike gloves, and bike locks purchaser’s guides.

Along with Paul’s testing, Bikerumor Editor Jeremy Benson examined a couple of of the fashions included herein, and we additionally drew from Bikerumor’s editorial workers. Relaxation assured, each product included right here has been totally examined for not less than a number of weeks, and in some instances, many months or extra.

How We Examined Mountain Bike Jackets

We try to supply our readers with reliable critiques to assist inform their buy choices, so each product on this purchaser’s information has been examined in the actual world to see the way it performs. To check these mountain bike jackets, we weighed them for consistency and comparability to the producer’s specs and packed them into their smallest packed measurement to see how transportable they have been. We intently examined the supplies, constructions, seams, and zippers to evaluate the standard of workmanship and a focus to element. The match of every mannequin was examined each at residence and, most significantly, out on the path to get a way of how nicely they cowl the physique, transfer with you whilst you trip, and performance on the bike. Options like hoods, pockets, and changes have been analyzed to evaluate their performance and usefulness. And, every mannequin was used for prolonged intervals within the temperature and climate circumstances for which it was supposed, together with chilly, windy fall days, crisp, frosty mornings, rainstorms, rain showers, and even a couple of hose checks.

Shopping for Recommendation: Methods to Select a Mountain Bike Jacket

There are quite a few components to think about when selecting the best jacket for mountain biking. One of the vital vital is the supposed use or the circumstances you’ll be encountering in your fall, winter, and spring rides. It will provide help to slender down your search to a selected sort of jacket that can be finest suited to your wants, whether or not that’s wind, water-resistance, or each. After that, different components like match, supplies, packability, breathability, pockets, options, and value are different concerns relying in your particular wants and funds.

Meant Use

The kind of temperature and climate circumstances you propose to be driving in can be an important think about deciding what sort of jacket you want. The jackets we examined vary from light-weight wind shells to burly waterproof rain jackets and fashions that intend to strike a stability between these extremes.

Wind

For those who typically attempt to keep away from driving within the rain and easily want one thing to guard you from the chilling chew of the wind, a wind jacket, or presumably a wind jersey could also be the perfect guess. Wind-resistant jackets are an ideal choice to have for chilly mornings or chilly spring or fall days when it’s typically dry. They’re usually light-weight and made out of thinner breathable supplies, and they’re typically fairly packable. Whereas they typically function a sturdy water-repellent (DWR) coating and could be a good possibility in very mild precipitation, and are efficient for dealing with splashes from puddles or mud, they’re often not supposed to be absolutely waterproof. The Flylow Davis Jacket and the Rapha Path Light-weight Jacket are each nice examples of sunshine, packable wind shells.

Rain

For those who purposefully trip when it’s raining or typically end up getting caught out in rainstorms, then a water-resistant (or extremely waterproof) jacket might be the correct name. Waterproof jackets usually incorporate waterproof membranes into their constructions, which, together with taped seams, intend to fully block all water from making its approach inside. These supplies are virtually all the time handled with a DWR coating on the skin to advertise the water beading operating off versus soaking into the outermost layer of the material. Whereas trendy supplies enable actually waterproof jackets to be pretty breathable, they’re typically a bit hotter and fewer breathable than thinner windbreaker choices. An excellent waterproof shell ought to preserve you dry in probably the most excessive moist climate circumstances you’re more likely to encounter on a trip, and is a necessity in some areas just like the damp Northeast and Pacific Northwest of the US, or the UK.

Wind and Gentle Rain

For a lot of riders, a easy wind layer might not be fairly sufficient, and a full-on rain jacket could also be overkill, so fortunately, there are alternatives that fall into the center of the spectrum. These extremely versatile jackets present nice wind safety and a excessive stage of water resistance and are able to warding off mild rains, intermittent showers, and tire spray from rain-soaked trails. With a DWR coating and waterproof supplies, these jackets usually are not absolutely waterproof, however they may nonetheless usually preserve you dry in most circumstances wanting heavy rain, which most of us attempt to keep away from anyway. Additionally they are inclined to dry in a short time, making them an ideal possibility for driving on these unsettled days when the climate simply can’t appear to make up its thoughts.

Chilly

For those who trip when it’s actually chilly, you then undoubtedly wish to block the wind, and also you most likely additionally need some insulation. Each wind and waterproof jackets will add a layer of safety from the wind that takes the sting off the chilliness, and good layering beneath is likely one of the finest methods to gear up for a winter trip, just like going snowboarding. Typically, the thicker supplies used on waterproof jackets will present a contact extra heat than mild wind layers. When it’s actually, actually chilly, many individuals will go for insulated jackets or mid-layers to assist preserve physique warmth. Whereas we didn’t check any insulated jackets, there are many nice choices in the marketplace.

Supplies

Mountain bike jackets are made out of a wide range of supplies relying on the supposed use. These vary from superlight wind-blocking materials to heavy-duty, absolutely waterproof supplies. Wind jackets have the best job and are typically made out of light-weight, stretch nylon or polyester that solely purpose to dam the wind and/or splashes from puddles. These supplies are sometimes handled with a DWR to assist shed mild quantities of water. Examples of wind jackets we examined are the Rapha Path Light-weight, Flylow Davis, and the Fox Ranger Wind Pullover.

Waterproof jackets are usually made out of extra superior materials that embody waterproof membranes just like the GORE-TEX PACLITE used within the Gorewear Endure, or the ExoShell 40DR used within the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II, as examples. Waterproof materials differ in weight, thickness, breathability, and even water resistance, and whereas all of them get the job executed, they don’t seem to be created equal. Jackets made out of waterproof supplies usually have a few numbers related to them, like 10K/10K, that present rankings for waterproofness and breathability, respectively. These numbers are derived from lab checks to find out the place they land on the score scale. The upper the numbers, the extra waterproof and breathable a cloth is, and vice versa. Moreover, these supplies are virtually all the time handled with a DWR to shed water on the floor.

In between the lighter wind supplies and the fully waterproof choices are these which might be wind-blocking and extremely waterproof. These are primarily a hybrid of the 2. Whereas not fully waterproof, these jackets are usually a bit lighter, extra simply packable, and extra breathable than rain jackets whereas nonetheless offering sufficient water resistance for many conditions. GORE-TEX Infinium is a generally used membrane discovered within the Rapha Path Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket and elements of the Gorewear Lupra Jacket that blocks wind and repels water nicely in most conditions, wanting correct downpours. Likewise, the Patagonia Path Craft Jacket works equally with an ideal DWR that sheds water very successfully, however solely up to some extent.

Sturdy Water-Repellant (DWR)

DWR remedies/coating/finishes have been round for a few years, and they’re a therapy utilized to the skin of most jackets that causes water to bead up and run off of the fabric versus soaking in. These remedies work very successfully when clothes are new, nonetheless, they do break down over time, use, and publicity to the solar, water, mud, filth, and so forth. When this occurs, you’ll discover the outermost layer of the fabric might start to “moist out” or take in among the water on the floor. With a very waterproof membrane beneath, you’ll nonetheless keep dry, however this will have an opposed impact on the fabric’s breathability. Typically, merely washing your jacket may help to revitalize the DWR, however ultimately, it should most likely must be reapplied. Nikwax makes quite a lot of wash-in DWR replenishment merchandise to be used at residence that work fairly nicely and there are technical gear cleaners that could possibly do it for you. Earlier than doing any at-home DWR remedies, nonetheless, we advocate checking with the producer for particular suggestions.

When DWR remedies first got here out, they have been largely made out of “without end chemical compounds” that had poisonous by-products that persist within the setting and are “presumably carcinogenic” in line with the Worldwide Company for Analysis on Most cancers. These chemical compounds, sometimes called PFAs and/or PFCs, have been even banned in lots of nations. Manufacturers have been searching for alternate options, and as of late, most firms are claiming to make use of PFC-free or non-toxic DWR remedies on their clothes.

Match

Like all outerwear, a jacket ought to match nicely and permit a full vary of movement on and off the bike. A lot of the jackets we examined have mountain bike-specific matches optimized for driving – a slim midsection, articulated arms, gusseted underarms, an prolonged rear waist hem to maintain your hindquarters dry, and a big hood to be used with helmets. The matches are tailor-made however relaxed – free sufficient to be comfy on and off the bike and layer beneath, however streamlined sufficient to not flap round excessively, fall over your palms, or catch in your seat whereas driving. 

For mountain biking, we’ve discovered that it’s vital to get the correct measurement, as a jacket that’s too small can limit motion or be uncomfortable and one that’s too giant would possibly flap excessively within the wind, snag in your saddle, or have sleeves that reach down too far over your palms. Typically, going with the identical measurement you often purchase for jerseys or informal put on will most likely work nicely, however not all the time. When unsure, test your measurements and reference a model’s measurement chart. Some manufacturers present photos of fashions together with their dimensions and the scale they’re sporting for reference. And, if attainable, attempting one thing on before you purchase is all the time one of the best ways to make sure you get one thing that matches.

We have now seen previously few years that many manufacturers’ sizing has been trending somewhat bigger than it used to. For instance, one in every of our testers is a 6-foot-tall male who has been a measurement Giant prime for so long as he can bear in mind. Lately, he has been simply and comfortably becoming into measurement Medium jerseys and jackets, although his physique measurement hasn’t modified. That mentioned, it’s price double-checking measurement charts before you purchase, or shopping for one thing that may simply be returned or exchanged if it doesn’t match fairly proper.

Options

Like the kind of jacket, the options you want or need might differ relying on the supposed use. Most wind and rain jackets function hoods, a number of pockets, air flow, and a wide range of changes to dial them into your wants or the circumstances.

Hood

The entire jackets we examined have one factor in widespread: a hood. Not all hoods are created equal, in fact, and a few are executed much better than others. Issues we search for in a hood on a mountain bike jacket are the power to suit over a helmet comfortably and securely, adjustability, and for it to maneuver along with your head with out constricting or getting in the way in which of your peripheral imaginative and prescient. After all, it’s additionally good once they tuck away neatly and/or sit comfortably behind the top when not in use.

Pockets

Relying on what you want to hold with you if you trip, pockets might or might not be an enormous consideration. The jackets we examined differ significantly within the quantity, placement, and storage capability of their pockets. For those who’re a minimalist otherwise you carry most of your necessities in shorts/pants pockets, cargo bib pockets, in-frame storage, or a pack of some sort, then a jacket with a single pocket may be simply nice on your wants. If you wish to carry a telephone, pockets, keys, snacks, and instruments in your jacket, you then’ll most likely wish to search for one thing with a number of pockets and ample space for storing. The Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II has probably the most pockets and storage capability of all of the fashions we examined, plus they’re nicely executed and designed to remain out of the way in which of pack straps.

Wrist Cuffs

Wrist cuff designs differ by model and supposed use of the jacket. Most mountain bike jackets have prolonged cuffs that dangle somewhat farther than regular, so that they don’t trip up if you’re leaning ahead, and to cowl the again of the wrist/backside of gloves. Some have elastic to maintain them semi-tightened across the wrist, whereas others are adjustable by way of velcro straps. What works finest for you’ll depend upon the circumstances you’re driving in and the way you need them to interface along with your gloves (when you put on them). If, for instance, you’re driving in extraordinarily moist or chilly circumstances, you might have considered trying to have the ability to tighten the wrist cuff round your mountain bike gloves to seal out the water or frigid air.

Drawcord Hem

Nearly all of mountain bike jackets have a drawcord hem that can be utilized to cinch the underside of the jacket tight across the physique. Whereas many riders might by no means really feel the necessity to use such an adjustment, it’s a good function to have on notably chilly or moist days to forestall chilly air or water/mud from coming into up by way of the underside of the jacket.

Air flow

Many jackets depend on the breathability of the supplies to permit warmth and moisture to flee. Typically, particularly within the case of rain-specific jackets, that isn’t sufficient, so some have armpit and/or pocket vents constructed into their designs. Vents could be a nice function to evacuate body-generated warmth if/when the fabric can’t do it for you. After all, unzipping the entrance zipper can also be a superb solution to get some air flowing contained in the jacket. Each the Endura Singletrack II and the MT500 Waterproof II function air flow. Including vents to a jacket does have the opposed impact of including weight and lowering packability.

Breathability

Once we trip, we generate physique warmth and perspire, even when it’s chilly and/or wet. That is very true when driving with a jacket, as most usually are not practically as breathable as driving with out one. And, when driving within the chilly, being moist with sweat could make you’re feeling even colder if you end up within the wind or begin driving downhill. Regulating temperature is difficult, and one thing that the consumer wants to remain on prime of as a result of even probably the most breathable waterproof cloth nonetheless finally ends up trapping user-generated warmth and moisture. Some materials carry out a lot better on this regard, successfully permitting your warmth and moisture to flee whereas maintaining chilling wind and water from getting in, whereas others are a bit stuffier and really feel moist on the within. The Patagonia Path Craft Jacket is impressively breathable and helps to take care of a constant consolation stage contained in the jacket, making it simpler to go away on on a regular basis with out overheating or getting drenched in sweat.

Packability

For these amongst us who wish to convey a jacket on a trip within the off probability it would rain or as a result of you realize you’ll be taking it off the climbs and placing it again on for the descents, packability and weight are vital concerns. Our space for storing, whether or not it’s in a mountain bike hip pack, backpack, cargo bib pocket, or in-frame storage, is comparatively finite, so having the ability to pack your jacket right down to a compact measurement that matches in that house is important. For these carrying a jacket, weight can also be a priority, and usually, the lighter the higher.

In relation to packability, the lighter wind jackets usually take the cake. For instance, the Rapha Path Light-weight jacket weighs simply 160 grams (measurement S) and packs into the chest pocket to a tiny measurement. Moreover, it comes with a strap that can be utilized to stash it in your body when not in use. Likewise, the Patagonia Path Craft Jacket weighs simply 240 grams (measurement L), stuffs into its personal pocket, and compresses down fairly small to suit into your pack.

In distinction, the thicker supplies utilized in most waterproof jackets make them a bit heavier, and so they aren’t capable of pack down fairly as small. The exception to this rule is the Gorewear Endure, which is made with GORE-TEX PACLITE, weighs simply 280 grams (measurement S), and is about as packable as absolutely waterproof jackets get. On the flip aspect of that coin is the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II, which weighs 550 grams (measurement M) and can be practically inconceivable to suit right into a fanny pack when you needed to take it off.

Wind Jerseys

Together with the ten jackets we examined, we included two wind-blocking jerseys as alternate options for cool-weather driving. Whereas they’re clearly not jackets, a wind-blocking long-sleeve jersey could be the right layer to put on on cool days when all you really want is to take the chew out of the wind to remain comfy. The 2 choices we examined, the Rapha Path Windblock Jersey and the Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind Jersey, each function merino wool mix materials that comprise the principle physique, coated by a wind-blocking nylon entrance panel to maintain the wind off your torso. We discovered each of those jerseys to be glorious for cool temperatures the place you generate some physique warmth on the climbs however would possibly catch a chill on the decents. They proved to be exceptionally versatile items that get a variety of use within the fall and spring.

Worth & Worth

There’s a giant variation in value between the jacket fashions we examined, and like anything within the sport of mountain biking, they are often fairly costly. Spending extra on a jacket usually yields higher-quality supplies, development, or options that excel in a selected approach, equivalent to waterproofness or packability (or each). Different occasions, it will get you these issues plus a model title.

Whereas we definitely love wanting fancy in costly gear, we additionally recognize a great worth, and we all know a variety of different individuals do too. So, positive, you possibly can spend $330 to get the bombproof Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II, or it can save you over 100 bucks and get the Endura Singletrack II, which performs practically on par with its dearer sibling. Sure, the Singletrack II isn’t technically as waterproof because the MT500, nevertheless it’s received to be so depressing exterior to matter that you just most likely shouldn’t be on the market anyway.

Equally, the Fox Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket ($150) prices even much less and will get the job executed whereas wanting fairly snappy as well. And, when you’re solely in search of a wind jacket, the Fox Ranger Wind Pullover ($125) is the least costly possibility we examined, but it performs nicely whereas having an informal model that doesn’t pigeonhole it as strictly a driving piece.

That mentioned, the $249 Patagonia Path Craft Jacket is our prime suggestion for its spectacular versatility, glorious match, wind and water resistance, light-weight, and packability. This jacket is the whole bundle, and that’s mirrored within the value. That value additionally displays the standard and sturdiness for which Patagonia merchandise are recognized. It can really final a lifetime if you’d like it to.

Continuously Requested Questions About Mountain Bike Jackets