This guide to the best winter cycling jackets is here to help serve a resource as much as it is a list of particular products. The best winter cycling jacketsare your lifeline in the worst weather. On the days when you wake up and look out the window to see a dark, cloudy, sky with rain and wind the right winter cycling jacket provides the protection you need. As you drag yourself through the routine of suiting up with the best cycling overshoes, the best winter cycling gloves, and the best winter bib tights, each piece helps add a layer of confidence. When you finally get your favourite winter cycling jacket in place it should leave you feeling ready to face whatever the weather brings. Adventures are waiting, you just need the gear to face them.
Also, I understand that winter cycling jackets can mean a hefty investment. With that in mind, I’ve included some options that are super specific and incredible at what they do. If that’s what you are looking for you might also want to check our list of the best waterproof cycling jackets. If riding in the rain is what you are after, that list has even more options. Here in this list, I’ve also included options that might not be as capable in every situation but they work as part of a layering system and cost less money; think of it more as a guide to layering options with some key product suggestions. Whatever you are looking to do, keep reading to see different ways of tackling winter cycling for different budgets and different needs.
Best winter cycling jackets
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When it comes to getting through bad weather on a budget it’s hard to beat an inexpensive hardshell. They lack the breathability of a softshell but they are also warmer because of it and they can handle rain or cold and dry. Finding the right inexpensive shell is tough though and the Showers Pass Century CC stands out not only because it’s cheap but also because it’s cut loose and perfect for layering. If you are looking for an option that will get you through day-to-day riding but also function as an anchor for layering, this is where you can start.
Gore pioneered the fully waterproof membrane design. Now that the patent has long since lapsed any brand is able to make their own version. Showers Pass has done just that with the Century CC jacket. It’s fully waterproof using a 2.5 layer construction that uses an outer face fabric, a membrane, and a printed inner layer. The printed inner doesn’t feel as good against the skin but it’s lighter and cheaper. This is a jacket that will keep you dry but you might need to add warmth depending on your needs.
However you end up using it, all the features you’d look for in a hardshell jacket are here. There’s a nice long drop tail, external pockets, plenty of visibility, and the manufacturing keeps an eye on sustainability. The only thing I’d like to see change is a switch from the single direction zipper to a double zipper for easier access to pockets and venting when needed
The Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex INFINIUM Thermo Jacket can handle a lot of situations. Infinium is the name for the Gore-Tex membrane that’s designed specifically for breathability and wind stopping. That means it won’t stop rain but even in rainy situations, it goes a long way to keeping you warm. On shorter rides I’ve managed way more rain than it’s recommended for and it’s always very comfortable. Almost every inside panel uses a fleece backing that feels amazing against the skin if you decide to stick with a summer jersey. There’s also an excellent design to the neckline that feels great and keeps the cold out.
The pockets are a bit narrower and higher on the back than I’d like, but they are also stretchy and there’s a zippered valuables pocket. The real reason this piece is great though has to do with its ability to layer, which is also part of the value proposition. Gore Wear keeps the price reasonable for this jacket and if it’s enough for your climate, you are all set.
Given that there’s a membrane integrated in the fabric, it’s likely the brand wouldn’t recommend a hardshell over the top but I’ve done it in many situations. The Showers Pass shell fits with the Gore jacket perfectly. You can read more in our full Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex INFINIUM Thermo Jacket review.
If you are looking for a similar design it’s also worth considering the dhb Aeron Deep Winter Softshell Jacket. There’s a lot of similarities and you’ll probably want to pay attention to pricing and availability in your location when deciding what makes sense for you.
If you are looking for something with urban commuter style, Rapha knows how to do it. The Rapha Commuter jacket is available in a couple of ultra-bright colours but my favourite is the classic Rapha pink. It stands out and does it in a definite high-style design while at the same time including all the important performance features.
There is a hood but if you’d prefer to stash it there is also a strap to keep it rolled up. The cut isn’t performance oriented but there is a drop tail and plenty of length in the arms to lean forward on a bike. Then at the end of the arms there is a double cuff that has both an outer elastic and wide but high-stretch material. It keeps the wind out but never feels restrictive.
When it comes to the material, it’s another 2.5-layer membrane material like the Showers Pass jacket. Both are seam sealed and totally waterproof, there’s just a different focus. Rapha includes hand pockets instead of rear pockets and they both suffer from zippers that could use a little adjustment. In this case, Rapha’s offset zipper is always a joy but instead of a flap behind for keeping water out, the brand used a waterproof zipper with a stylish silver pull. It doesn’t unzip from the bottom and it requires a firm pull to bring it up.
The trick with the Endura Pro SL 3 Season jacket is how adaptable it is. The core construction is a fitted, but not too tight, softshell design. Like most softshell jackets it breathes incredibly well and will shrug off some rain. The difference is that along the outer edge of each front panel there’s a long double zipper and another on each forearm. If you are feeling warm just open up some venting and the air will escape via the higher flow areas along the spine.
On the inside there’s a Primaloft layer that’s built as a separate vest. For better or worse it’s not well integrated into the rest of the jacket so you can snap it in at the collar, or just don it separately, but the idea is to increase adaptability. Leave it at home if it’s warm or bring it along if it’s cold. Either way, there’s plenty of external pockets and bright colours available for visibility. Endura calls this piece a three-season solution, and depending on your needs it really could serve that purpose.
You can find more details in our full Endura Pro SL 3-season jacket review.
The BioRacer Kaaiman lands on this list because it’s an interesting product from the company responsible for keeping WorldTour team Ineos Grenadiers comfortable in whatever weather they need to brave. That doesn’t always mean good products but in this case, Bioracer hailing from Belgium, the brand understands grim weather.
The Kaaiman is warmer than the Showers Pass jacket and it’s more of a performance cut. Then, on the other side, it’s got more stretch, and more durability, than Shakedry options plus a lower price. The outer shell uses Polyurethane for a completely waterproof outside face. It’s not a membrane, just a faced outer that has no possibility of leaking. On the inside is a thin fabric that feels comfortable against the skin as well as taping for the seams.
The dimples in the two layers make sure there is room for air to circulate between the body and the coating creating a warm and comfortable microclimate. Paired with the right base layer you could use the Kaaiman right through a cold winter but you will need to use a jersey if you want pockets. Unfortunately, there isn’t a two-way zipper, or an alternative design, to access pockets.
The Endura Pro SL Primaloft Jacket II is the missing piece for an effective layering system. There are excellent shell options that we’ve already listed and it’s not tough to find the best cycling base layers, but if you want something in between then it’s trickier.
Arm warmers and a jersey, or a thermal jersey, is an option as is a gilet but the Endura Pro SL Primaloft jacket II is something different. There’s a comfortable fit and the Primaloft insulation provides a lot of warmth without bulk. The outside face has a DWR coating in case there’s a bit of mist in the air and does a good job blocking wind. At the rear, the drop tail has three traditional pockets, though they are a bit narrow, plus a zippered valuables pocket.
If you are bikepacking this is a very packable option as well. In short, it’s a great jacket for dry weather but it also pairs with a shell unlike anything else out there. Add pieces over time as you need them and you’ll have more flexibility in how you use them but for the worst weather rides this piece plus a shell, and a base layer will handle anything you are likely to brave.
The Sportful Hot Pack No Rain isn’t part of any clever layering system and in a lot of ways it’s not even a winter jacket. Instead, it’s an all-year jacket. There is one pocket that sits in the centre of the drop tail and the whole jacket turns inside out and packs into it. Once packed away it’s about the same size as a package of Bonk Breakers energy chews and weighs a total of 123 grams.
The concession for that focus on weight is that there’s not much breathability and the zipper is difficult to use. What you do get though is a totally waterproof and windproof jacket you can always carry with you. That means in the winter if it looks like a mild day and you head out dressed accordingly you can be ready if things change. If a storm blows in the Hot Pack No Rain can be an extra layer of protection to get you home. The rest of the year it continues to be useful for descending or unexpected rain.
Read more details in our full review of the Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket.
The Castelli Idro Pro 3 is all the Castelli expertise combined with Gore technology. If you are looking for lightweight rain performance there is nothing better than Gore Shakedry. Shakedry represents a system of manufacturing that allows the membrane to sit on the outer face with no face material. The Gore membrane is Teflon with heat applied in a particular way and it’s not just waterproof, it actually repels water.
With no face fabric it’s ultra-light and there’s nothing that can hold water. Different brands have Shakedry jackets, including Gore itself, but if you want the best fit, and quality pockets, that means looking to the Castelli Idro Pro 3. Castelli itself has more than one Shakedry but the Idro Pro 3 is the one that you want to grab when you expect to wear it all day. It’s not impossible to stuff it in a jersey pocket but that’s not the conceptual focus, and like other shells it’s surprisingly warm. It also happens to be one of the only hard-shell jackets on the market that includes external pockets.
The big downside is that the Idro Pro 3 is expensive and delicate. It’s not a great choice for gravel riding because it’s easy to snag and unrepairable.
Read more details in our full review of the Castelli Idro Pro 3 jacket.
Another brand that makes use of the Gore Shakedry technology is Rapha but the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Gore-Tex jacket takes the concept in a different direction. The Castelli jacket might be surprisingly warm but there’s nothing quite like the Rapha jacket when it comes to warmth. I tested this piece in a storm so bad I had to get off the bike because at one point I couldn’t see and the wind was threatening to blow me over.
There is no rainstorm that the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Gore-Tex jacket won’t protect you from and it does it without bulk. The insulation comes from Polartec Alpha Direct which is low in bulk, incredibly warm, and amazing at releasing excess moisture. Then, another layer of warmth comes from the integrated hood that zips all the way up over the nose and mouth. At the front is a two-way zipper that other companies should take notes on, and at the rear there’s no pockets but more zippers allow access to jersey pockets. The same quality zippers are also present at the sleeves but the long arm cut makes zipping them difficult given it’s a one-handed affair.
Like most Shakedry jackets, this one is also expensive but what it’s capable of makes that seem more reasonable. If you want to stay light, and head out in the absolute worst weather, this is your jacket. One thing to watch out for is that Rapha has two jackets with almost exactly the same name. The Insulated Gore-Tex Cycling jacket and the Insulated Rain Jacket are not the same thing.
The most iconic softshell jacket is the long sleeve Gabba from Castelli. These days that’s going by the name Perfetto RoS 2 and this year there’s been a change in the pockets. For a while Castelli switched all its jackets to a two-pocket design that was easier with gloves but less useful. This year, three pockets are back. You’ll notice that the header isn’t for the Gabba though. Castelli is a performance brand and as such its take on a softshell is a tighter cut and it does a bit better with rain but it’s still a softshell. I find in colder climates that Assos does a better job handling that function, but when it’s warmer Castelli sister brand Sportful makes a very similar option that’s more comfortable.
In previous versions of this list we’ve called the Sportful Total Comfort jacket the best for overall comfort. I’ve changed that a little bit only to highlight that this is a softshell. Softshell jackets tend to be super comfortable with the trade-off being a lack of wet weather capabilities and that’s exactly what you get with this option. In sustained rain it will get overwhelmed before long but the rest of the time it’s a joy to wear. The interior uses Polartec Alpha Direct for all the same reasons Rapha likely chose it. This insulation from Polartec stands alone if you are looking for low-bulk and high breathability. It also happens to feel great against the skin and you could easily get away with a summer base layer in mild winter weather.
At the rear there’s three quality pockets with lots of stretch. You can get a lot of gear into them, the Sportful Hot Pack No Rain would be a good companion to go there, and there’s a fourth pocket on the side. Putting your phone in that fourth pocket opens things up even more for extra food and supplies.
You can think of the Sportful Total Comfort Jacket and the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 as two options that fill the same slot. If you rarely get truly bad weather but still want something that can handle some rain and cold then go for the Castelli. Make the same choice if you prefer a tighter fit. On the other hand, if you want something really comfortable for warmer, dry, weather then the Sportful option is a better choice.
Read more details in our full Sportful Total Comfort Jacket review.
Sportful calls the Supergiara jacket an option designed specifically for gravel riding. I see no reason for that and if you ride in the wet I’d actually recommend against a softshell as they are harder to clean. Instead, this jacket from Sportful is perfect for anyone that likes to be able to keep everything in its place with a pocket.
The construction of the Supergiara jacket is almost exactly the same as the Total Comfort jacket. That means the strengths, and weaknesses, are the same across both jackets. Polartec Alpha Direct insulation still offers a lot of warmth and breathability as well as feeling great. The same comfortable cut is there as well.
There are some small differences though and the Supergiara jacket stops the Polartec insulation at the upper arm then uses lighter design for the rest of the arm and ends with a highly elastic band at the wrist. It’s lower bulk so it works better with gloves. The big difference though is the pockets. At the rear there’s the same three standard pockets with plenty of stretch and capacity but there’s no pocket on the side. Instead, there’s an additional three mesh pockets that sit on top of the other pockets. Then, the upper part of the front panel on each side has another mesh outer that serves as a pocket and the last pocket is on the outside of the upper left arm.
There is no jacket I’ve taken on more winter rides than the Assos Mille GT Ultraz Jacket Evo. Assos uses fabrics that you won’t find available anywhere else and its softshell outers are more water resistant than anyone elses. While both Sportful and Castelli softshells are very good, it feels closer to a heavy jersey. The Assos Ultraz jacket has a softshell outer but the tight weave and membrane makes it much better at handling the rain.
For the interior, Assos again leans in a different direction from the competition and goes the route of adding density. The interior fabrics aren’t bulky but they are dense and there is a weight to them that feels really good in the cold. Another thing Assos does really well are pockets. The Mille GT Ultraz has a pretty standard pocket arrangement for a summer jersey, which is a big departure from most brands who tend to make winter jacket pockets much narrower if they exist at all.
Assos keeps the pockets wide and they are also deep and stretchy enough to accommodate a lot. Keeping the weight in them manageable is handled by also keeping them low on the back with the added advantage of making them easy to reach. The one thing that this piece could use is a switch to the larger and easier to use zippers that Assos has added to most of its other jackets. Zipper aside, you can choose this piece with confidence for any cold winter ride except for the absolute worst rain.
Jump over to our full Assos Mille GT Ultraz Winter Jacket Evo review for even more info
This is the jacket that I would recommend to most people if you only buy one winter jacket. Yes, it does have to be acknowledged that it’s an investment. There are ways to maximise your budget through layering with shells. You might also find that a less robust softshell is plenty for your climate. On the other hand, if you live where it’s cold and you expect to see an appreciable amount of rain, this jacket will get you through most of the winter.
The Assos Mille GT Winter jacket Evo is a lot like the Ultraz version but it’s less specialised. Being part of the Mille GT line of products means a slightly more relaxed fit. It’s not a huge difference but it’s comfy while still being a performance oriented fit. Although the two jackets use NEOS textiles the lighter version actually uses a heavier front facing NEOS medium. The outer weave is even denser than NEOS light and it’s almost a hardshell. NEOS light does make an appearance though. The more breathable version, which still has a membrane, shows up on the top of the arms and the upper back. Under the arms and on the back there’s even more breathability with a non-membrane fleece back material.
Of course, there are still the same high-quality pockets as the Ultraz jacket so you don’t have to worry about wearing a jersey underneath just to add pockets. You also don’t have to try and access pockets underneath so again you see the same single direction, small toothed, zipper that could use an update. For a lot of people this jacket will be enough to get them through a full winter of riding.
Jump over to our full Assos Mille GT Winter Jacket review for even more info.
Another great way to double up the jobs your jacket can handle, and save money, is to use it both on and off the bike. Most cycling specific jackets aren’t going to look good off a bike and most everyday jackets don’t work on a bike. The Giro Cascade Insulated jacket is a rare exception.
There is a drop tail but it’s not dramatic, and while it carries a pocket it’s not that noticeable off the bike. The rest of the jacket is, more than anything, cozy. The Polartec Alpha Insulation is starting to be somewhat expected at this point but it continues to feel great and adds more warmth than you’d expect. The excellent neckline adds to the cozy feeling as well.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the Polartec insulation might be warmer than you’d think but it’s only applied to the front panels. The whole back panel lacks insulation to better dump heat while working on the bike. It’s great when you need to cool off as you ride but this isn’t the best jacket when it gets really cold.
There are a few options for softshell jackets on this list. Infinium is the Gore-Tex membrane that stops wind but isn’t totally waterproof, and while it’s not completely unique it continues to be one of the best. The Gore C5 Thermo jersey also uses Infinium, but that jacket adds a brushed fleece lining while the Gore Phantom jacket leaves the extra insulation off. It’s for cool days without too much rain but there’s a twist. If the sun comes out and things warm up more than you expect, you can zip off your sleeves.
In some ways that’s just a bonus though; there are excellent zippers that are easy to move and a performance fit that looks great. In many ways the real trick is not zipping the sleeves off so much as making a great jacket that doesn’t look like a convertible jacket. The zippers blend in and there’s a lot of performance with the sleeves on or off. If you have a big day ahead and can’t tell what to expect, this is the jacket to grab.
The one thing to watch out for is that I find it impossible to get the sleeves back on without removing the jersey.
If you are thinking that a puffy jacket on a bike sounds crazy, you are seriously missing out. The right puffy jacket is cozy and incredibly warm plus it stops the wind. It’s true that you wouldn’t choose it for the fastest road rides but if you are heading across town or bikepacking, it’s a great choice.
The POC Coalesce jacket gets the nod from me in particular because it’s a great value with a mix of excellent features. Like the Giro jacket this is an on and off the bike choice plus it’s priced less than many of the competing puffy jackets and it’s a joy to wear.
As a company from Sweden, POC knows cold weather and it has a lot of options to stay warm. The Coalesce uses a recycled synthetic fill in small channels. Synthetic is always a bit bulkier but recycled plastic is a sustainable choice vs natural goose down, plus it will hold a bit of heat when wet. The fluorocarbon free DWR also helps with managing moisture sustainably.
How to choose the best winter cycling jacket
The last few years have brought drastic changes to what winter cycling means. In years past if you wanted to keep your cycling fitness through the winter, the only real choice was to brave the weather. At this point in the history of cycling technology we’ve entered a new chapter. Indoor cycling has firmly entered mainstream adoption and for many cyclists winter riding has almost completely migrated inside. That means as you start to think about finding the best winter cycling jacket you need to start by considering what you are really trying to tackle and when you want to visit our list of the best smart trainers.
Every decision you make when it comes to a jacket is going to start with what weather you are facing. Are you looking for cold but dry, or wet? What about the length of time you need to manage? Ultimately, all these choices will lead you to a decision about how specialised you want to get with your jacket. Through it all, price will play a role as well and I have some suggestions for saving money but again, it has to start with knowing what you are planning to face.
How do you stay warm while cycling in the cold?
If you are attempting to tackle cold, but dry, winter weather the challenge is relatively simple. Your body generates a good amount of heat as you ride. The real challenge is balancing sweat and windstopping in these conditions. You need high quality wicking and excellent breathability and you also need airspace against your skin. There are a lot of technologies that aim to solve this challenge for the inside of jackets but externally, it often comes down to budget. A hard shell exterior option is typically less expensive for the same warmth but it sacrifices breathability. Softshell jackets are more comfortable but also bulkier, more expensive, and less usable if it starts to rain. A softshell tends to be the best option in cold and dry weather so if that’s what you are trying to tackle primarily, softshell is likely the best choice.
How do you stay warm while riding in the wet?
We have an entire article devoted to choices for dealing with the rain. If you are looking for the best waterproof cycling jackets then jump over to that article. The options are more focused on a day in the rain. What I wanted to cover in this article is a wider look at everything a winter might throw at you. There are a few options here that will deal with rain but they will generally also cover cold days as well. The reality is that dealing with cold and rain are two sides of the same coin. The point is to stay dry. When it’s not raining, that means staying dry from the inside. When it’s raining you still need to deal with that but now you have cold water that’s constantly infiltrating your microclimate.
The first thing to think about is how long you think you are going to be in the rain. The point of this consideration is how specialised you need to be. If you plan to ride for anything longer than about three hours then the best winter cycling jacket for you is probably a hardshell jacket. The problem with hardshell jackets is that they are less comfortable and they don’t breathe as well as a softshell jacket. The problem with a softshell jacket is that given enough time, water will soak through. Decide how long you plan to ride and make the choice that is going to work best for you. For the longest, coldest, wettest, rides consider putting a lightweight hardshell over a softshell.
How can you save money on winter cycling jackets?
This is the big question that every consideration comes down to. If you want the best option for every situation, I’ve listed them here and we’ve also got options in our list of the best waterproof cycling jackets. There’s nothing I don’t stand behind and I put a label on them that covers the best use case. Decide what your use cases are, buy what you need, and you will have fantastic gear for winter riding. Alternatively, think about what will do the trick in the most situations and find ways to double up.
If you are looking for a value priced option then start by finding an excellent lightweight shell or a value priced softshell jacket. The more often wet weather is going to be an issue, the more it makes sense to choose a hardshell jacket first. Whatever piece you go with, the idea is to find something that works as a layer and covers the bigger majority of what you need. Initially you can venture out when you have the gear and stay inside the rest of the time. As you find yourself wanting to do more, add layers. You can pair the best arm warmers and play with warmers and options from the best base layers. A value priced thermal jersey from our list of the best cycling jerseys works well with a shell jacket and I’ve even been known to add something from the best cycling gilets on top. Pick up pieces over the years as you see the best pricing and you can slowly add to your capabilities as your needs increase.
Early on, this solution is unlikely to work on the days with the worst weather. That’s why you’ll also want to consider what you are really willing to ride through. When it’s just above freezing and there is going to be heavy rain for a seven-hour ride, I need the very best gear and it’s hard to save money. Instead, if I mostly spend my time riding indoors during the winter then venture out for short commutes, or when the weather looks good, I can get away with a lot less. Arm warmers, a jersey, and a good shell will go a long way for light rain and shorter rides even in cold weather.
How do we test the best winter cycling jackets?
When I test the best winter cycling jackets, I spend long hours in the rain and cold seeing what their strengths and weaknesses are. My interest lies in riding farther and it’s not unusual for me to spend seven hours in constant rain. I know that any jacket that can handle that torture test is going to work just as well when it’s time to ride for less time in better conditions. I also take note of the jackets that are great choices when the ride is shorter and what their limitations are. I am passionate about finding high-quality winter gear and I am recommending the jackets that work for me.
