GROUP TEST
Possibly the most important item in your winter wardrobe, a good waterproof jacket will keep you riding through all weathers
Waterproof jackets – we test 15 of these winter staples to see which will keep you riding comfortably in the foulest weather
A waterproof jacket will probably be one of the most expensive items of bike clothing you buy. You can spend a lot of money on one – but do you have to? Generally, the more you pay, the more you get, in terms of performance – by which we mean breathability, durability, features or a combination of all three. This isn’t always the case though. Working out exactly what you need your jacket for can help you narrow down your options and avoid spending money on features you don’t need.
The one complaint everyone has about waterproof jackets is that they’re too hot, so excellent breathability is the gold standard. This comes down to more than just the fabric though – how a jacket is made can impact it too. Having a lot of pockets or multiple panels with taped seams will reduce breathability. This is why most top-performing jackets are very clean in terms of design. If your budget is limited and you can’t stretch to materials such as Gore-Tex Active or eVent, look for fewer pockets but generous vents that can be opened up to regulate temperature. Also, layer your other clothing well, starting with a wicking baselayer that’ll help manage your sweat and give your jacket the chance to work properly.
If you’ll be catching the uplift service to the top of the hill before hammering down, breathability will be less of an issue but durability of more importance, so look for a heavier-weight fabric. Prefer to ‘earn your turns’ by climbing up but still want to give it some on the downhills? A lighter jacket with abrasion-resistant panels, especially on the outside of the arms, could be the compromise you’re after. If you need a waterproof that’ll work for other sports too, or on your commute, there are plenty to choose from – the winner this year (spoiler alert!) is a ‘hybrid’ style.
Look for the right features and you won’t have to compromise on the bike. Check that the back hem and sleeves are long enough when you’re in the riding position. Make sure that what feels like an easy fit off the bike doesn’t flap around on it, and if you prefer a hood that goes over a helmet, check it fits over your own lid. One final piece of advice – get acquainted with the laundry label. A carefully looked-after waterproof should last a long time.