Best cycling jackets reviewed for men and women in 2025
To enjoy your spring and autumn bike training sets, you’ll need a breathable jacket that deflects wind and rain - and hopefully looks alright in the pub. We test 17.

The best cycling jackets are a practical addition to your triathlon kit unless you live in a particularly warm and dry climate.
Acting as a convenient outer layer, it should provide valuable protection from the elements while being light and thin enough to be stashed in a pocket.
Ideally, it should be a trusty layering piece you can quickly put on during transition or on a training ride, either as a final addition or under a gilet.
We’ve reviewed the best cycling jackets for men and women you can buy in 2025 to help you choose the right one for your riding. After reading the reviews, continue scrolling to our buyer’s guide to cycling jackets.
We’ve split the list into women’s and men’s. But it’s worth checking out each brand’s website as often they offer the same jacket with slight variations in cut/colourways for male/female riders.
Best men’s cycling jackets
MAAP Atmos

220 Triathlon verdict
If you can swallow the price, this is an uber-reliable and packable rain jacket with a light weight. Score: 92%
Pros
- Fantastic foul-weather performance
- Top-spec features
- Superlight
Cons
- Baggy forearms for me
- High price
- £270 / $345
The MAAP Atmos uses Pertex’s Shield Fabric to deliver its waterproofing, with a 20,000mm HH and taped seams. Water beads up effortlessly on the surface and I found no weak points in the jacket’s weather protection.
I found the sleeves plenty long enough and they fit closely around the wrists to keep warm air in and weather out. It’s a close fit on the body, so size up if you’re between sizes. There was some excess fabric around the forearms for me that tended to catch the wind.
You get a two-way zip, which is always appreciated, plus a full-length internal storm flap behind the YKK waterproof zip.
The style is classy and, if this pinkish colour isn’t your thing, there are a few other choices.
Weighing in at 132g (large), the Atmos packs down as small as a can of pop.
Scott RC Pro Gore-Tex Waterproof

220 Triathlon verdict
Performance and features merit the high price if it fits you. Score: 90%
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing and breathability
- Impressive spec
- Light
Cons
- Premium
- Chest area was loose on me
- £274.99
The Scott RC Pro Gore-Tex Waterproof Jacket largely justifies its status as one of the priciest men’s waterproof cycling jackets on the market.
Waterproofing is phenomenal thanks to its Gore-Tex material, taped seams and well-sealed zip. You also get impressive breathability.
Fit is good overall, but the jacket was loose over the chest for me, which didn’t seem very aero.
The RC Pro Gore-Tex is light and easily packable, but it also provides features like a two-way, water-resistant zip and high neck collar.
If you want exceptional protection from the rain, the Scott RC Pro Gore-Tex is well worth considering. Just check that it fits you better than me.
Read my full Scott RC Pro Gore-Tex Waterproof Jacket review for more.
Ryzon Signature Cycling Jacket

220 Triathlon verdict
A very capable and stylish bike jacket, but the zip sees it docked points for full waterproofing. Score: 80%
Pros
- Mostly very waterproof
- Great fit
Cons
- Short front
- Water permeates through zip
- £250
The Ryzon Signature Cycling Rain jacket is impressive, but it’s not perfect.
For one, the front of the jacket is shorter than the other men’s options here.
The zip pulls are also pretty small, so can be a bit fiddly to use if you’re gloved up.
That aside, there’s a lot to like. It’s stylish, there are multiple colour choices, the sleeves are lengthy and the cuffs fit well. The fit on the body was close without being restrictive, too, though the waist hem isn’t as close-fitting as some.
Weather protection is classy, with taped seams, a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 20,000mm and a PFC-free DWR coating.
Water beads up well on the outer, but the zip isn’t fully waterproof.
Internal and external storm flaps add an extra layer of protection, but are weak points in heavy or sustained downpours. The jacket weighs 149g.
Stolen Goat Kito

220 Triathlon verdict
Lots to like, but the jacket’s cut and the patchy DWR coating let it down ultimately. Score: 76%
Pros
- Good features
- High waterproof rating
Cons
- Prone to wetting out
- Inconsistent fit
- £140
Stolen Goat kit often balances value and performance well.
In testing, the fit proved to be the main let down. The jacket felt tight around the neck, the sleeves came up a little short when stretching and the cuffs didn’t fit very closely, meaning they’re prone to letting cold air inside.
The chest, waist and upper arms also felt loose. Though that may not be a bad thing if you’re stockier. The two-way zip comes with a full-length internal storm flap and large zip pulls, which is good to see.
A HH rating of 15,000mm helped keep me dry in downpours, but certain areas of the fabric wetted out quickly, which can make it feel colder and less breathable.
Pack size was a little larger than a Coke tin, while a weight of 176g (size large) was the heaviest men’s option on test. Meanwhile, a rear zip pocket easily houses a smartphone.
Gore Torrent Jacket
220 Triathlon verdict
Lightweight, packable and incredibly waterproof; hard to fault. Score: 90%
Pros
- Brilliant waterproofing
- Low weight
- Portable
Cons
- Not cheap
- Comes up small
- £229.99 / $230
Like the Le Col jacket also on test here, this is far from a cheap option, but you do get very good performance for your money.
The Torrent kept me dry in even heavy, sustained downpours, with the three-layer Gore-Tex Active certainly doing its job.
On the odd occasion that any water does get through the front zip (these are rarely completely waterproof), it’s caught by the internal storm flap to keep me dry.
I often go up a size in cycling kit to large and am glad I did here, as the sizing does run slightly small. The resulting fit was close, but not as racy as the Le Col, which will likely edge it aerodynamically.
Meanwhile, a drop tail and silicone grippers keep the garment in place at the rear.
There’s a large zip pocket for a phone on the back, with a storm flap effectively protecting the zip from rain.
The wrist cuffs are semi-elasticated so fit quite closely, though they will stretch over gloves.
When not in use, the Torrent packs down small, fits in a jersey pocket and weighs just 204g.
Le Col Pro Rain Jacket
Buy now from Le Col (£180)
220 Triathlon verdict
Incredible quality and performance in a streamlined package; not cheap though. Score: 88%
Pros
- Good weatherproofing
- Racy cut
Cons
- No pocket
- Pricey
- £260 / $340
This Le Col Pro Rain Jacket is definitely race-ready, with minimal excess fabric catching the wind thanks to its close fit. Since our review, Le Col has released the lighter and more aerodynamic Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket.
It sports a short cut in the front and a longer one on the back, both designed to deliver protection and comfort in an aggressive position.
The high neck offers protection up top and is luxuriously lined. It doesn’t pack down quite as small as the Torrent, but still easily fits into a jersey pocket, while the weight isn’t bad either at 264g.
When on, the jacket sheds rain and wind with relative ease.
Meanwhile, a large zip pull makes it easy to unzip, while the elasticated cuffs fit closely on the wrists, but will go over gloves.
A pocket would be handy, but as it is, this is a high-performing and reliable waterproof jacket.
Madison Roadrace Super Light Jacket
220 Triathlon verdict
Super lightweight and packable, but missing a couple of favoured features. Score: 76%
Pros
- Light
- Decent waterproofing
Cons
- Leaky zip
- Cuffs could be tighter
- £99.99 (UK only)
The Madison RoadRace is among the lightest waterproof jackets on test here, weighing just 177g, and it packs down very small, too, so it’ll easily slide into a jersey pocket.
Given its light weight, it’s no surprise that this is quite a stripped back jacket, so there’s no pockets, while the zip pull is also quite small, making it awkward to grab with gloves.
Fit is largely true to size, though if you’re between sizes it may be worth going for the smaller. I size up to a large in most bike kit, but here that results in a slightly boxy, roomy fit, meaning the fabric was catching the wind quite a lot.
I’d also like the cuffs to fit slightly tighter to avoid rain and wind creeping in.
That said, I couldn’t fault the jacket’s fabric for shedding wind and rain, though an internal storm flap would have been useful to halt any slight water ingress around the zip.
Santini Guard Nimbus

220 Triathlon verdict
Not cheap, but a techy wonder for winds and light rain. Score: 84%
Pros
- Highly waterproof
- Feels aero
- Very light
Cons
- Expensive
- £159
‘Dark clouds’ is the Latin translation of Nimbus and it’s on rainy days in circa 10°C temperatures where this Santini shines.
Easily stashable into a cycling jersey’s rear pocket, this 128g jacket’s water protection comes courtesy of a double layer fabric.
The seams – not just taped but ‘thermo-welded’ – help prevent precipitation penetration and overall the Nimbus’ fabric can withstand light rain showers (downpours will eventually triumph).
Bonus points are added for the waterproof sleeve cuffs, although the tail isn’t as long as some. The single zipper pocket is easy to access and will hold a phone and fuel, while the fit feels the most aerodynamic.
There’s an element of windproofing, while reflective details aid visibility (or buy the orange version).
Gore C5 Active

220 Triathlon verdict
Formidable in the wind and rain; questionable storage. Score: 87%
Pros
- Superb quality weather protection
- Gore-Tex and taped seams
Cons
- Not the lightest
- Poor rear pocket design
- £179.99 / $220
You largely know what you’re going to get with Gore. Not that this is a bad thing, as the quality is reliably top draw, the Gore-Tex construction and taped seams will long battle winds and rain – and usually win – and I can vouch for the durability.
The C5, which was my science block at school, adds to this with techy Gore-Tex breathability.
Unlike the brand’s ShakeDry fabric (now discontinued), you can use backpacks with the C5 to add commuting and touring into the mix, but, while just about packable, the 237g shell won’t fit into a bike jersey pocket like the Van Rysel or Santini.
Unusually for Gore, the internal mesh pocket is clumsily stitched and too near the tail of the jacket to stash my phone and emergency fiver worry-free. An issue I wouldn’t expect for £180.
Best women’s cycling jackets
Gore Spinshift Gore-Tex

220 Triathlon verdict
An outstanding waterproof cycling jacket well worth the cash. Score: 93%
Pros
- Packable
- Excellent weatherproofing
- Visible and reflective
- Well judged fit
Cons
- Front zip is a bit stiff
- £225 / $270
The Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex jacket looks good, repels wind and rain, and is comfy and practical.
In the yellow colour I tested it’s also very visible and has reflective details on the front, back and arms.
The flap-free fit is excellent too. Even when you get low on the bike, the arms and tail are long enough to keep out the elements.
Despite its low weight (147g), the Spinshift has handy features. There’s a small, zipped rear pocket, loop for hanging it up and waterproof front zip. While this is welcome, it’s quite hard to use with gloves on.
Read my full Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex review for more.
Ciovita Apex Pachetto

220 Triathlon verdict
In bad and better conditions, this jacket impresses. Score: 92%
Pros
- Light and packable
- Brilliant rain protection
- Bonus storage
- Fit and comfort
Cons
- Not very visible
- £261 / $318
The Ciovita Apex Pachetto sets a high bar for cycling jackets with its impressive waterproof rating, superb fit, breathability and low weight.
It’s rare for a cycling jacket to be as portable as the Apex Pachetto (you’ll easily fit it into a jersey pocket) while featuring pockets and a hood. This fits under or over a helmet. The long and elasticated tail is another great touch.
The Apex Pachetto has few flaws except that a brighter colourway isn’t available. It could do with more of the reflective strips which run on the front, back and arms.
Read my full Ciovita Apex Pachetto review for more.
Rapha Core Rain Jacket

220 Triathlon verdict
Just pipped by others on test but has some great features, nice styling and an attractive price point. Score: 90%
Pros
- Good waterproofing
- Good value
- Stylish
Cons
- Minimal breathability
- Tail could be longer
- £130 / $170
The Rapha Core Rain Jacket II offers excellent comfort and good protection from the rain.
The relaxed fit coupled with the softer shell allowed for all day riding comfort.
The classic Rapha styling, with single white armband, gives the jacket a striking look. It has some good looking features that offer practicality too such as the offset zip to prevent chafing and the lightweight, stretchy inner cuffs. These keep the elements out and warmth in.
Whilst the rain was kept out the ventilation holes under the armpits weren’t adequate on longer rides and some moisture did build up.
A longer tail to the jacket would help keep the bibshorts drier, however the elastic cord did ensure a secure fit.
The jacket is light and packs up small but there’s a lack of pockets. The competitive price point is a bonus, though!
Liv Energize Rain Jacket

220 Triathlon verdict
Generous fit made this an easy jacket to get along with, but a little bulky and slow to dry out. Score: 82%
Pros
- Easy to get on
- Fairly breathable
- Decent rain defence
Cons
- Dries slowly
- Bulky
- £135.99 / $140
The Liv Energize is a great option as a lightweight jacket. Its generous fit means it’s quick to pop on when caught out in the rain and the oversized hood fits easily over your helmet giving extra protection.
The longer back length did a good job of protecting me from the inevitable splash. Further adjustment can be made by the drawstring. The large breast pocket is useful for phone or keys.
The jacket is breathable; I’ve never felt excessively sweaty when wearing it and despite its soft feel, the ProTextura fabric provided the necessary barrier from the rain.
I would have preferred more reflective features on the dark colour and once wet the jacket does take quite a while to dry out.
It is quite bulky to pack down but was useful on commuting rides over thicker clothing and where carrying space is at less of a premium.
Sportful Fiandre Pro 2

220 Triathlon verdict
Colourful option that is warm and cosy while breathable. Fit could be better on the arms. Score: 79%
Pros
- Warm, breathable
- Bright
- Three large pockets
Cons
- Poor arm fit
- £230
Sportful’s Fiandre Pro 2 Jacket is a colourful option and its Polartec Neoshell fabric offers a breathable waterproof without the crunchy shell feel of other jackets.
The bright colour makes it easy to spot on even the dullest of days. The soft inside felt warm and cosy.
There are three super useful large pockets on the back of the jacket which even have drain holes should you get caught in a downpour.
The jacket has a performance fit with stretch fabric. Although the sleeves were generous in length, I found the fitting around the biceps quite snug. This makes it slightly harder to get on if your arms are already wet.
This jacket is a great option on the days you don’t know what the weather will throw at you.
You can leave home without a shell in your back pocket and know you’ll stay dry and warm if the rain does come.
Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket

220 Triathlon verdict
There are some areas that could be improved around fit and comfort, but some nice features too. Score: 76%
Pros
- Taped seams and Pertex
- Packable
- Breathable and pretty visible
Cons
- Some discomfort from the zip and fabric
- £180 / $230
The Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket is exactly that. It protects you from the rain with its Pertex shield and taped seams.
Being lightweight, it is ideal for carrying when the rain dries up. I found the race cut is tight in the body despite the sleeves being of good length.
The elasticated wrists do keep the rain out but the elasticated fabric feels quite coarse on the wrists.
I found the zip really difficult to get all the way to the top as it catches on the fabric cover, resulting in some chafing.
It offers a clean-cut design with bright reflective marking on the rear for visibility. It’s adequately breathable and packs down well.
The environmentalist within me loves the fact that it is made of 59% recycled polyester and that the waterproof coating is free from PFCs.
Endura Pro Adrenaline Race Cape

220 Triathlon verdict
A perfect addition to your off-season cycling wardrobe. Score: 90%
Pros
- Extra light
- Lots of colour options
- Breathable and weatherproof
Cons
- Loose cuffs
- £89.99 / $109.99
Endura has taken lightweight to the next level with a compact and stashable jacket that has a barely-there feeling.
Despite being lightweight, it’s robust and provides perfect protection from wind and rain, all while offering excellent breathability.
Hi-viz strips in the cuffs and hem offer increased visibility while the translucent Exoshell fabric allows race number visibility in the lighter of the six available colours.
Endura claims it comes in an athletic fit with built-in stretch, but I found the sizing to be very generous, meaning plenty of room for extra layers, although downsizing may be required for those who prefer a closer, aero fit.
The arm cuffs were quite loose, so allowed a bit of water in during heavy rain if long gloves weren’t being worn.
Arms aside, the high collar and secure dropped tail ensured I stayed completely dry everywhere else.
Castelli Emergency 2

220 Triathlon verdict
Ticks many boxes but lack of breathability lets it down. Score: 86%
Pros
- Light
- Great rain protection
Cons
- Pretty stuffy
- Reflectivity disappoints
- £180
Billed as an emergency rain jacket, Castelli has gone all out on the waterproofing. The stylish and lightweight 2.5-layer fabric, with luxuriously lined high neck, waterproof zipper, cuffs and waist, ensured I remained dry in even the heaviest downpours.
Available in four colours, all versions come with a reflective strip on the back and around the wrists, although I expected a bit more to live up to Castelli’s claim of 360° visibility.
The fabric offers a slight stretch and while the large I tested seemed accurate for my 10-12 frame, this is the second largest size available.
Although it feels light and airy, it lacks breathability, so I did find it quite warm on the climbs, which, for the most expensive jacket on test, was disappointing.
Van Rysel Cycling Rainproof Jacket 100

220 Triathlon verdict
Decent shower jacket at an affordable price, if a little sweaty. Score: 75%
Pros
- Waterproof
- Relaxed fit
- Good value
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Collar and cuffs let in water
- £14.99
For anyone on a budget, Decathlon’s bright and bold jacket won’t break the bank.
It’s designed for occasional wet weather and folds down small enough to be kept in a jersey pocket ready for intermittent downpours.
Compared to others on test it does feel a bit plasticky and sweaty, although vents under the arms and at the top of the back do help give it a bit of air flow.
It’s a generous fit, too, which not only meant there was plenty of length at the rear, but there was also room for additional layers.
In short showers it kept me perfectly dry, although in prolonged downpours I did find the relaxed fit of the collars and cuffs allowed water in.
But I was impressed with the generously-sized zipped rear pocket, which has an additional flap to keep water out.
How we tested
Experienced 220 Triathlon reviewers (Matt Baird, Rob Slade, Jacqui Davies, Kelly Stokes and Sarah Broadley) have put these cycling jackets to the test in the wet and wind to assess their weatherproofing.
Besides a waterproof membrane, they look for details like taped seams, waterproof zips, closely-fitting cuffs and rear flaps.
Our testers assess the jackets’ breathability by seeing how effectively they regulate temperature.
They also evaluate whether the jackets fit true to size and if they’re snug or looser in the correct places.
We often wear cycling jackets in winter, bad weather and low light. So our reviewers look for bright colours and reflective detailing to enhance visibility.
Lastly, they take into account value for money by judging the jackets’ performance versus their price and the competition.
How to find the best cycling jacket for you
As there are a great many cycling jackets out there for both men and women, it can be tricky to decide which one to buy.
Firstly, you should think about whether to prioritise windproofing or waterproofing. While waterproof jackets help stop the rain getting in, they tend to be less breathable than a lightweight windproof option, which should have enough ventilation to let out any sweat.
In general, it’s best to look out for cycling jackets with a high collar and insulated chest, but ventilation across the back and underarm areas.
Also, you’ll want to make sure you invest in a lightweight, easily packable cycling jacket that has space to store any energy gels or bars you take on the road.
We also like cycling jackets with a ‘dropped tail’, as it covers your lower back while leaning forward. And look out for a high-quality zip with a large pull so you can find it easily when wearing cycling gloves.
Before you make your final decision, don’t overlook the importance of colour. Making sure you’re easily visible to other road users is a vital safety precaution, so we recommend opting for a bright, reflective cycling jacket.
If you want something more substantial than the light and packable options listed here, take a look at our list of the best winter bike jackets.