WINTER JACKETS TESTED
We’ve tested 16 of the best cycling jackets to keep you warm and dry this winter
We review 16 jackets, from emergency capes to super-stylish softshells that will keep you warm and dry this winter.
Just uttering the word winter might send many cyclists into a spiral of doom or crying at the thought of riding indoors on a trainer. While indoor training is good, it should be combined with some solid road miles.
During the dark months the UK can offer a variety of conditions from mild sunshine to driving rain and bitterly cold days that can freeze your bottles. Often it’s difficult to know exactly what to wear to keep the elements at bay while keeping your body heat in check.
Fortunately, the days of wearing lots of layers and looking like the Michelin Man are long gone. With new technology and fabrics, jackets have become lighter and more breathable, while offering a better fit. They’re so good that just a jacket and a baselayer is often all you’ll need for everything but the harshest conditions.
Our test is looking at two particular types of jacket – those designed to keep you warm on colder days and those that’ll keep you dry on wet days. There are some designed to try and do both too.
Many of the jackets designed to keep you warm will have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that helps to prevent rain penetration and encourages water to roll off. While this treatment isn’t completely waterproof it should see you through a shower.
For wet days nothing beats a classic waterproof shell. These come in a variety of styles from those designed as emergency showerproof jackets to those that will help hold the elements at bay for hours on end. Prices vary according to the level of waterproofing, weight, breathability and how small they pack down.
Your buying decisions will come down to personal needs, style, speed of the riding you do and budget. Here we test a variety of styles to suit all pockets.