Best waterproof cycling jackets 2024: tried and tested models that'll keep you dry

A good waterproof cycling jacket will make cycling in wet weather that little bit more bearable

Male cyclist riding in the rain wearing one of the best waterproof cycling jackets
(Image credit: Future)

Given that most cyclists will encounter some rain throughout the year, a reliable jacket that keeps you dry is close to essential - after all, getting soaked by a downpour when you still have many miles to cover is no fun at all.

Often the rainfall you encounter on your rides is intermittent, so therefore the best waterproof jackets also need to be packable. They benefit too from a level of breathability. Over the years developments in fabrics have seen jackets get lighter and more breathable without sacrificing their primary role.

We've reviewed many waterproof jackets, testing them not only for the aforementioned combination of weather resistance and breathability but also for fit and functionality; a zipper or cuff can make or break a jacket so we delve into the details to help you find the best waterproof jacket for you.

Below is the list of our favourite jackets we've reviewed, rated and can highly recommend - and if you're looking to complete your wet weather cycling wardrobe we also have guides on the best waterproof cycling trousers and the best cycling overshoes so rain no longer has to always stop play.

The Quick List

The best waterproof jackets 2024: Our picks

Best overall

MAAP Atmos waterproof jacket

(Image credit: Future)

1. MAAP Atmos rain jacket

Best overall

Specifications

Weight: 125g
Sizes: XS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Great fit
+
Light and packable
+
Impressive waterproofing

Reasons to avoid

-
No pockets

The Maap Atmos Rain Jacket uses Pertex® Shield fabric (as does the Pas Normal jacket) - and it performs exceptionally well. The Atmos though, is stretchier than the Mechanism Rain Jacket and allows for much more free movement on the bike. 

Maap has kept the design relatively simple. Cuffs are handled with an elastic band that partially extends around each wrist - this keeps the fabric from bunching up too much, which I found to be great for comfort. The waist too features an elastic lining which keeps it tight to your body. It doesn’t offer the same level of adjustability as the jackets that feature an adjustable drawstring, but it never road up during riding - so no worries there!

Sure enough, the brilliant blend of a comfortable, soft fabric, coupled with a great fit and quality grippers made for an awesome experience out on the bike. I found that the Atmos jacket struck the best blend of having an airy feel, whilst getting the basics right - waterproofing, and comfort.

In our indoor testing, the Maap once again stole the show. It placed equal first in the seam testing, with zero water ingression over the 10 minute period. In the shower, the YKK two-way zipper was bulletproof too, resisting high-pressure water pretty much as well as Rapha’s offering.

Weight and packability are right on the money too - the jacket weighs just 125 grams and packs down to around half the size of a standard jersey pocket when wrapped tight.

It certainly isn’t cheap, and it doesn’t necessarily have the bells and whistles that some of the other jackets do when it comes to pockets. But the overall experience of the Maap Atmos jacket is outstanding.

Best value

Rapha Core Rain jacket II

(Image credit: Future)

2. Rapha Core Rain Jacket II

Best value

Specifications

Weight: 126g
Sizes: XS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Keenly priced
+
Light and packable
+
Well designed cuffs

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable as some
-
No pockets

Rapha’s Core Rain Jacket II is one of the cheaper jacket here and its performance at this price point makes it incredibly good value for money. It is constructed using a 2.5 layer nylon fabric which means it’s comprised of nylon face fabric with a chemical hydrophobic spray (DWR), a laminate layer, and a printed layer. Rapha has also included a YKK AquaGuard® water-resistant zip and an elastic cord around the bottom of the jacket to adjust how tight it fits around your waist. It's certainly a performance cut - fitting closely (but not too tight) around my shoulders and torso, with good length too.

On the bike, I found the Core Rain Jacket II performed brilliantly. In the wettest weather, thanks to the small ventilation holes, there was a tiny amount of water seeping through under the arms, but nothing more. The 2.5 layer construction, though cheaper to produce than three layer garments doesn’t breathe quite as well as more premium fabrics, though in colder weather it is less of an issue.

The jacket really impressed me during stress testing though. Of all the jackets, it was level best on the seam test, with no water seepage during the 10-minute test. In our shower testing the zip did not leak, even under high water pressure. All this, in a 126 gram jacket that was just as packable as any other on test.

I love the design of the Core Rain Jacket II. It’s simple, classy, and really does all you need a rain cape to do. Rapha has done well to include the rear elastic, brilliant cuffs, rear gripper, and great fit all at a more humble price point.

Best for breathability

7mesh Cache Jacket

(Image credit: Future)

3. 7mesh Cache Jacket

Best for breathability

Specifications

Weight: 360g
Sizes: XS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Highly breathable
+
Front pockets
+
Drawstring waist adjustment

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavier than many rivals
-
Looser fit might not suit road cyclists

Another brand to adopt new technology, 7mesh has utilised Airmap fabrics on the Cache Jacket. It uses a combination of 3-layer construction on the body, and 2-layer construction on the undersleeves and side panels. 3 layer construction foregoes the need for a chemical coating on the inside of the jacket, which generally makes jackets longer lasting and more breathable. The Airmap fabric provides quite a different feel in hand - more premium, and heavier at 360 grams. 7mesh has also opted for two traditional coat pockets on the lower front, and a smaller zipped pocket inside the top left of the jacket. A particularly neat elastic drawstring can be found at the bottom of the jacket too, for seamless waist-fitting adjustment.

Out on the roads though, the spec sheet doesn't quite match the high-performance price tag. The Cache Jacket is certainly more breathable than other garments on test, but coupled with a much more relaxed fit, this did cause it to be slightly drafty - particularly on cold wet descents. In the stress testing, results were similar, with the Cache Jacket performing second to last on the seam test and mid-pack on the zip test.

That said, the Jacket is both comfortable and versatile thanks to the material and cut. This, coupled with the front-mounted pockets, makes the jacket much better suited to casual riding, or bikepacking for example.

Where you can’t fault 7mesh, is the Cache’s eco-friendly credentials. The brand prides itself on designing long-lasting products, offering a lifetime warranty against defects, as well as repairs being available in various UK and US locations.

Overall, it’s mixed feelings about the Cache Jacket. It’s brilliantly breathable, but for me at least, too much so. With waterproofing that doesn’t quite match the competition and a high price tag it's tricky to recommend outside of a gravel or bikepacking audience.

Best for pocket access

Velocio Ultralight rain jacket

(Image credit: Future)

4. Velocio Ultralight rain jacket

Best for jersey pocket access

Specifications

Weight: 176g
Sizes: XS-4XL

Reasons to buy

+
Rear cuts for easy access to jersey pockets
+
Light and packable
+
Race fit with long tail
+
Breathable

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive compared to some rivals
-
Zipper and seams did let in some water

Another jacket to impress was the Velocio Ultralight Rain Jacket. The Ultralight features eVent DV Storm fabric, which performed fairly well, and an interesting design. Velocio has opted for overlapped cutouts on the rear of the jacket, which allow for easy pocket access. Up front, the jacket features a dual zip, allowing you to ventilate both top and bottom.

The aforementioned pocket access holes were a real blessing out on the road. Not having to faff around rolling up the rear of the jersey is a lovely comfort to have, particularly with cold hands. I did notice that I had to make sure the overlap was sat back in place though, as allowing it to flap up did cause some water ingress.

In the stress testing, the Velocio jacket placed fourth in the seam test, with a small amount of water seeping through. The zip test, however, was a different story. I didn’t notice it too much on the bike, but the zip did give way to water at higher pressures - the reality here, is that you might see some water ingression on much longer rides - something to bare in mind.

As for packability, the Ultralight weighs 176gram (S), and packs down pretty small to around a Coke can in size, though not as small as the likes of the Rapha Core Rain Jacket II. The Velocio provided a great fit too, and certainly aimed more at aggressive riding positions. The cape has a long tail and is narrow at the front when standing, meaning it stays a close fit when you are in a riding position.

Velocio has done a good job with the Ultralight Rain Jacket. The design makes sense for real-world riding, and the fabric is right up there with waterproofing and breathability - it doesn’t come cheap though.

Most packable

Pas Normal Studios Mechanism rain jacket

(Image credit: Future)

5. Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket

Most packable rain jacket

Specifications

Weight: 106g
Sizes: XS-XL

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive waterproofing
+
Light and packable
+
Breathable
+
Comfortable cuff design

Reasons to avoid

-
Race fit might not suit all

Pas Normal Studios has been making quite the storm in recent years in the premium clothing market and for good reason. The Mechanism jacket uses Pertex® Shield fabric, with a three-layer construction. As far as the design goes, Pas Normal has kept the Mechanism Jacket fairly straightforward, with no pockets, and simple elastic cuffs. It also features a two-way YKK Waterproof Zip.

A simple yet effective design seriously impressed out on the road. I will say, from a size perspective, the Pas Normal Studios does come up on the short side, more noticeable in the torso than the arms, however, this is something I am fairly used to seeing - but if in doubt, size up.

Waterproofing was right on the money. Even for extended rain periods, there was minimal to no rain seeping through the jacket. The cuffs too were more comfortable than I expected. A fabric neck liner allows for a close fit while remaining comfortable, and the elastic sleeves are very noninvasive. The jacket is breathable too, not overheating even when riding slightly overdressed.

The seams are impressive, and the Mechanism Jacket takes equal first place in our testing. The zip fell slightly short of that seen on the Rapha Core Rain Jacket II, but still showed minimal water ingress even at higher pressure.

When it comes to value, Pas Normal Studios have done fairly well. While it's certainly not cheap, given the garment weighs just 105 grams (S) and packs down the smallest, the lack of features is really overruled by the impressive quality.

Best for warmth

Castelli Slicker rain jacket

(Image credit: Future)

6. Castelli Slicker Pro Rain Jacket

Best for warmth

Specifications

Weight: 209g
Sizes:

Reasons to buy

+
Three rear pockets
+
Great fit
+
Thicker fabric keeps out the wind

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive compared to rivals

When Gore announced the retirement of its Shakedry fabric, Castelli set out to create its own new waterproof membrane to replace it. They worked with a manufacturer to come up with a 2 layer Microshell fabric. Due to the fabric not having loads of stretch, different materials can be found on the side panels and shoulders to ensure a non-restrictive jacket. It’s also the only jacket on test to feature three jersey-style pockets at the rear, which is useful, although they are not zipped, so are no place to store a phone or other valuables.

Once again, I can’t fault the fit, in fact, Castelli does it best. The Slicker Pro has a nice high neck line, tight yet comfortable cuffs, and the longest tail on test. This coverage certainly helped it out on the road where it provided great coverage. The jacket was also one of the warmest on test - it still breathed well, but the slightly thicker build was noticeable when it came to wind chill factor. It’s not quite as packable though, and weighs a touch more at 209 grams.

However, indoors, it was a different story. The Castelli jacket came last in our seam test, with a large amount of water ingress noticeable in the 10-minute test period. The zip too allowed water through - and this did leave me confused.

Out riding, I didn’t notice excess water on the inside of the garment, but in our specific testing, I did. The conclusion I have drawn here is that on longer rides, I would expect you might see more water ingress with this jacket.

Overall it’s tough to recommend the Castelli Slicker Pro thanks to the elephant in the room - it’s price. It is by far and away the most expensive jacket on test at £450, and in our testing, it just didn’t perform well enough to justify its price tag.

Rapha Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket worn by cyclist standing against a wall

Rapha's Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is easily packable thanks to its lightweight construction

(Image credit: Future)
Best for versatility

Specifications

Weight: 150g (small)
Sizes: XS - XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Easily packable
+
Incredibly waterproof
+
Impressively lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Not quite as easy to pack as a stuff sack
-
Quite pricey
-
Offset zip takes getting used to

Rapha Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket comes in what Rapha calls its ‘classic fit’. Essentially, this is just a looser cut – which makes the jacket perfect for winter layering and more relaxed summer rides when there’s a chance of showers. But if you are after more of a second-skin style rain jacket, you can save yourself some time and move on from this one.

Assuming you do want a bit of extra room, Rapha has got the balance spot on. We found that there wasn't too much extra material to cause unnecessary flapping in the wind. In our experience the waterproofing has been flawless – as it should be with Gore-Tex’s 2L Paclite Plus fabric being used throughout the construction.

There are some niggles, though. The offset zip is a little annoying and the pink retention band for packing away the jacket isn’t as effective as a simple integrated stuff-sack. That said, we found the breathability to be excellent, putting Rapha’s Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket on a par with models from other brands that are much more expensive. 

Comparing it directly with the Assos Equipe RS Rain Jacket Targa ($400 / £290), the Rapha jacket doesn’t feel quite as tough – but then that Assos jacket does particularly stand out for how it’s managed to combine packability with a robust feel. Either way, it would be a multi-season test to determine exactly how long either will really last. Neither showed any sign of early wear.

Read more: Rapha Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket full review

A rider wearing the Assos Equipe RS Rain Jacket Targa in an orange colorway

The Equipe RS rain jacket uses a softshell fabric for a blend of protection and breathability

(Image credit: Anna Abram)
Best combination of packability and robustness

Specifications

Weight: 290g
Sizes: XS - XL, XLG, TIR

Reasons to buy

+
Great waterproofing
+
Very breathable
+
Great fit
+
Manages to make hi-viz chic
+
Easily packable

Reasons to avoid

-
Cuffs let in water

Made from a softshell, Schloss Tex fabric, designed specifically for the Equip RS, the jacket is waterproof as you can get, but also breathable. The hydrophobic membrane is DWR coated, seams are taped and its race cut design helps keep most of the water out, although the stretch wrist band did let it down when not orientated directly out of rain spray. 

It's not quite as compact as some of the others on this list, but this Swiss jacket will easily stuff into a pocket and the high viz color options get the thumbs up from us as one of our favourite waterproof jackets.

Read more: Assos Equipe RS Rain Jacket Targa full review

A rider wearing the Le Col Pro Rain Jacket in an all-black colorway

Le Col's Pro Rain Jacket is cut with racing and high-tempo road riding in mind

(Image credit: Future)
Best for a racing fit

Specifications

Weight: 254g
Sizes: XS - 3XL

Reasons to buy

+
Feels nice against the skin
+
Fleecy collar
+
Stretchy fabric
+
Easy to operate zip
+
Great fit
+
Good breathability

Reasons to avoid

-
Price is on the high side
-
Tight cuffs

Available in a men's or women's cut the Le Col Pro Rain Jacket impressed us as one of the most effective waterproof jackets with high breathability.

The men's model fitted close to the skin, with tight cuffs to create a smooth glove-to-sleeve transition, although we found the women's version a bit generous so would suggest sizing down on your normal choice.

Like most of even the best waterproof jackets, after a while, it'll start to lose its waterproofing qualities; that just means the tangled fibres have loosened up to the point that liquid water can now pass through. To tighten them back up, all you need to do is whack the jacket in the tumble dryer on a light setting and it’ll go back to its waterproofing ways.

Read more: Le Col Pro Rain Jacket full review

A rider wearing the Altura Icon Rocket Men's Packable Jacket

The Icon Rocket jacket delivers lightweight protection without having to break the bank

(Image credit: Chris Marshall-Bell)
Best on a budget

Specifications

Weight: 120g
Sizes: S - XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Super lightweight
+
Good water protection
+
Packs into the pocket really small
+
Great summer riding option

Reasons to avoid

-
No access to pockets
-
Not so breathable

If you’re looking for an affordable lightweight, packable jacket that’ll keep you dry in most types of wet weather conditions, the Altura Icon Rocket should be seriously considered.

Most definitely used in the shoulder season and when necessary in summer temperatures, the Altura Icon repels moderate rain and road spray. As for the fit, we found it to be tight without ever being too obstructive.

Aside from a small, open pocket on the right of the jacket that can store food, we found that the main disappointment is the lack of access to the jersey’s back pockets. But apart from this oversight, this is an essential piece of kit when the rain threatens. 

Read more: Altura Icon Rocket Men’s packable jacket review

How to choose a waterproof cycling jacket

What are the key elements to a waterproof cycling jacket?

Key elements to look for in a waterproof jacket are waterproofing, breathability, fit and packability. The best waterproof cycling jacket for you will perfectly match your priorities for your style of bike riding. We’ve got in-depth details of all these features below – but as a quick summary:

  • Waterproofing: There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof will normally come with a claimed waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm, be multilayered fabric with a perforated membrane, have taped seams and storm-proof zips. Water-resistant will usually have a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating and be lightweight, making it more packable.
  • Breathability: It’s a tricky balance between staying dry from rain and staying dry from sweat. Breathability can also be rated and claimed ratings of above 10,000g will help prevent you from boiling on the inside. Generally speaking, the more waterproof a fabric is, the less breathable it becomes, although there are some expensive exceptions to the rule. Jacket design often takes account of breathability with the inclusion of more breathable fabrics under the arms, or additional ventilation.
  • Fit: It’s horses for courses, or in this case: jackets for jockeys. Fast riding or racing will require a tight-fitting rain cape, which minimizes fabric flap to maintain your aero performance, while slower all-day affairs may be more comfortable with a looser fit for layering up underneath. Other fit details, such as a long tail to keep your backside dry or thumb loops will appeal to some, but not others.
  • Packability: If conditions are changeable, then it’s likely you’ll want to be able to stow the jacket in a rear pocket. Waterproof jackets tend to be heavier and bulkier, and don’t often pack down small enough for a rear pocket, while water-resistant options can usually be scrunched into a ball the size of a fist. But the technology has come a long way since the original Gore-Tex days, and Gore's 'Shakedry' technology, also adopted by some third parties like Castelli and Rapha, is exceptionally waterproof and very lightweight. Take a look at our guide to the best packable rain jackets if that's better suited to your needs.


best waterproof cycling jackets

Photo: Daniel Gould
(Image credit: Daniel Gould)

How do I keep my jacket waterproof?

Even the best waterproof cycling jackets will tend to become less effective over time, with reduced waterproofing and/or breathability. That's due to a combination of the build-up of dirt on the outer surface and oil residues from sweat on the inside, as well as loss of the outer DWR layer. 

It's important to wash your waterproof jacket correctly to retain or restore breathability; take a look at our pieces on how to wash a waterproof jacket and the best products to use to learn how.

What do cyclists wear in the rain?

Clearly the most important thing you want to know about any waterproof cycling jacket is how waterproof it is. There are plenty of jackets out there that claim to be "water-resistant" (usually meaning that they have a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating applied to the fabric), but these will only keep you dry through showers and relatively light rain. If you want a proper waterproof cycling jacket for real wet weather riding, then you're going to want something with a little more protection.

The good news is you can get some idea of how waterproof a jacket is by doing a bit of research into any prospective purchase, with an increasing number of manufacturers stating the waterproof rating of their waterproof cycling jackets.

"But what's a waterproof rating!?" we hear you cry. Well, it's basically a number, and the higher the better. The number is calculated on the basis that if you put a 1cm x 1cm square tube over the fabric, how high could you fill the tube with water before it starts to leak through.

For the best waterproof cycling jacket, you're going to want something with a waterproof rating north of 10,000mm, although there are a number of jackets on the market that claim to offer more than this. However, "claim" is the keyword in this sentence, with no central body set up to test these figures, and manufacturers generally doing the testing of their own products.

It's also not all about the fabric when it comes to making a waterproof cycling jacket waterproof, with other features playing an important role. Most crucial of all is the seams. You can make a waterproof jacket out of the most waterproof material in the world, but if you then stitch a load of tiny holes in it, it's not going to do its job very well.

The solution to this is taping the seams, a process which covers the seams with a waterproof material, helping to keep the water out. All of the best waterproof cycling jackets will have this feature, although some will only have taped seams in crucial areas such as the shoulders and back, rather than across the whole jacket.

The other area where water is likely to get in is through the zip. This is particularly the case if you're riding in the wet in a group, where water is constantly being sprayed up onto your chest by the back wheel of the rider in front. Unsurprisingly the solution is a waterproof zip, which has tightly meshing teeth. It may have a storm flap either on the outside or on the inside too.

Take a look at our 11 tips for riding in the rain and our advice on how to dress for wet weather cycling to improve your wet weather riding experience.

best waterproof cycling jackets

Taped seams will help with waterproofing

How is breathability measured?

For all that, probably the major factor that distinguishes a good waterproof cycling jacket from a bad one (or at least a great one from a good one) is breathability. If you're working hard (as we hope you are!) then you're going to be building up quite a lot of heat inside the jacket, so a good degree of breathability will allow sweat to escape.

As with waterproofing, it's possible to put a number to breathability, and again it's a case of the higher the better. In this case the number refers to the weight (in grams) of water vapour that can pass through a 1m x 1m area of fabric over a 24 hour period. So if you have a jacket with a 20,000 breathability rating, 20,000g of water vapour can escape through the fabric in 24 hours.

Again, for the best waterproof cycling jacket, you're going to want that number to be more than 10,000 (g), but as with the waterproof rating you should always be a sceptic, with manufacturers carrying out all the testing rather than an independent body, and the testing for the fabric only.

UCI World Championships 2019

What fit should I get?

As with any piece of cycling clothing, making sure your waterproof cycling jacket fits properly is a crucial part of the equation. However, it's not a case of one size fits all, with different cuts being better suited to different types of riding and riders.

If you're using a waterproof jacket for fast rides, such as heading out for the local chain gang regardless of the weather, then you're going to want a relatively slim-fitting jacket which won't flap too much in the wind or descending, holding you back with its poor aerodynamic performance. However, you don't want it to be too tight, just in case you want to add extra layers underneath in really cold weather.

For everyone else, a slightly looser fit might be more suitable, giving the possibility for bulkier layers underneath and possibly greater comfort too, especially if you're looking for the best commuter cycling jacket and need to fit non-bike wear underneath. If you're riding in cold conditions, then check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets, which often incorporate some water resistance as well as insulation.

That said, watch for a loose-fitting collar and cuffs that could also undermine an otherwise very waterproof cycling jacket, acting like a bucket for rain beading off your helmet or sleeves.

best waterproof cycling jackets: inside a bike shop

Does a waterproof jacket need to be packable?

If you're riding in changeable conditions, then packability is an important thing to look for in a new waterproof cycling jacket. If the sun comes out after it's chucked it down for the first two hours of your ride, then you're going to want something that will stuff down small enough to fit in a rear pocket. Don't forget you'll also be packing spares and ride snacks - so make sure you have space for it if you are starting out your ride with it on.

However, in general, waterproof cycling jackets that offer good waterproof protection are fairly bulky, so the majority will not pack down that small. Although new technology is making smaller jackets ever more waterproof it should come as no surprise that if you want a jacket that will both keep you dry in heavy, persistent rain, and will pack down small enough to fit into a jersey pocket, you'll pay dearly for it. Gore's Shakedry technology is a great example: it's extremely lightweight, highly hydrophobic but usually only comes in the most expensive jackets.

Other fit details such as thumb loops are probably the most common extra feature found on many waterproof cycling jackets. These are designed to stop the sleeves from riding up, creating a gap between the cuffs of the jacket and your gloves, but are a love or hate feature, as some riders find this interferes with radial grip.

To keep your derriere dry from wheel spray it's also worth looking for a waterproof cycling jacket with a drop tail (or bumflap). However this isn't a case of manufacturers just adding an extra bit of material at the bottom of their jacket, and it'll need to have some silicone grippers or other devices to prevent it from riding up. It's also worth considering fitting mudguards for when the temperature drops, as rain in the cold is far worst than a summer shower. Fenders will keep the majority of spray off your backside, but consider fitting extra long ones to be courteous to riders behind.

If you're on a long ride, then you're also likely to need to access the rear pockets of your jersey in order to get at any energy bars or gels you might have stashed in there. With this in mind, many waterproof cycling jackets will have some sort of opening at the rear. If yours doesn't then it's easy enough just to lift up the tail of the jacket to access your pockets that way.

Finally, it's also worth looking for a waterproof cycling jacket that has some sort of soft fabric on the insides of the cuffs and collar. This will really help with comfort, feeling much nicer against the skin than the cold, crunchy material found on the inside of most waterproof cycling jackets.

 

Sportful NoRain

How much should I pay?

With the advent of new fabric technologies and new manufacturing techniques, wet-weather bike gear has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years, making the best waterproof cycling jacket a must-have piece of kit for any rider.

The sky really is the limit when it comes to buying a waterproof cycling jacket, with some options from certain premium brands nudging north of £300 /$400. However, the good news is that you don't need to spend nearly that much to get a great jacket for you.

In general, however, you really do get what you pay for in rainwear, as ticking all the boxes of breathablity, fit, size and waterproofing means some serious technology.

If you're looking just to keep the worst of the weather out while not going flat out, then breathability isn't a massive issue (for example, if you're just using the jacket for commuting to and from work) and you are willing to do a bit of shopping around, then you can easily pick up a really good waterproof cycling jacket that will keep you nice and dry for less than £50/ $50.

For something that will offer better breathability, more features, and probably a closer fit, then you are going to have to spend a little more money. You don't need to get the market leader, but expect to spend somewhere between £100-£150 / $120-$200 price range, as this will offer a whole host of options without getting you in too much trouble with your bank manager.

How we test

When testing rain jackets we naturally place great importance on their ability to keep you dry.  As well as the riding them outside in the wet, we also tested these jackets indoors, isolating both the seams and zips on all of the rain capes. 

This was done by placing a water column over the shoulder junction of each jacket and letting them sit for 10 minutes on top of a piece of kitchen roll. This allowed us to gain a visual representation of how much water penetrated the jackets relative to each other.

The same for the zippers - we tested each of the jackets in the shower, on top of a white t-shirt, to see which could withstand a large amount of water.

This helped prove that you perhaps shouldn't buy a rain jacket solely on its waterproof rating. Our seam testing shows how manufacturing processes and quality control can seriously affect the performance of a jacket, particularly over longer rides in the rain. Zippers too make a huge difference. Although the zip won’t take the full brunt of the rain in a normal riding position, the spray from your front wheel, or even water ingress over time can often lead to your core getting soggy - and that’s how you get cold.

Alongside this testing we also paid close attention to the fit and the functionality of each jacket.

Hannah Bussey

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.


Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.


For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 


She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection. 

With contributions from