Cheap cycling jackets: The best warm and waterproof options

During the winter months, a good cycling jacket can be a godsend, whether it’s helping keep the wet weather away or adding some warmth on a particularly chilly day.

We’ve scoured the market for the best cheap cycling jackets we can find online. Below, you’ll see what we found, with lots of well-known brands. Picks are based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews, and have been split into two categories: waterproof and warm.

If you’re prepared to pay a little extra for your kit, check out our reviews of the best cycling jackets for men and women.

The best cheap cycling jackets

Castelli Squall Shell Jacket

• £130

Castelli’s Squall Shell is a brilliant choice to stow in your back pocket as a just-in-case cycling jacket to repel showers.

Being extremely light (94g in size large) and figure-hugging, the Squall won’t weigh or slow you down whether you’re wearing it or not. Breathability is pretty good too. 

Costing a reasonable £130, the Squall merits a place among the best cheap cycling jackets. But its waterproofing isn’t good enough to keep you dry in heavy, prolonged rain. You’ll be fine in lighter, shorter showers though.

What’s more, the Squall lacks a waterproof zip and long tail to help keep road spray off your bum and back.

Read our full Castelli Squall Shell jacket review for more.

Van Rysel Racer Ultralight

Buy now from Decathlon (£39.99)

• £39.99

Decathlon’s in-house brand Van Rysel regularly delivers great kit for great prices and this waterproof jacket is no exception. 

It fits well, with long sleeves that stay in place and keep the weather out thanks to the close-fitting but comfortable cuffs. 

The overall fit is close, but in no way restrictive. 

There’s no two-way opening and the zip pull is a little small and fiddly, but you do get a full-length internal storm flap. 

The jacket is meant to be able to pack into its own pocket, but good luck squeezing it all in there. 

Taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of 2,000mm means this jacket is technically waterproof, but that’s quitea low rating, so it won’t be keeping you dry for as long as other options. The fabric wets out quickly, while there was noticeable water ingress around the zip. 

A weight of 143g (medium) is middling.

Sundried Zero Thermal Cycling Jacket

• £100

We’ve included this cheap cycling jacket in our waterproof category, but Sundried says the Zero Thermal it’s also a warm option that’s able to keep you toasty in temperatures as low as -5°C.

The multilayered thermal fleece is said to help regulate your body temperature in freezing conditions, so there should be no need to cancel your training when the mercury drops. A high collar and elastic wrists are also included here in an effort to keep warm air inside and cold air out.

You’ll get three large pockets at the back, as well as a zipped compartment for valuables.

Endura Hummvee Waterproof Jacket

• £99.99

Endura’s Hummvee jacket is designed to be a heavy-duty option that’ll keep you dry in a downpour.

It’s made with tear-resistant ripstop fabric and has a full-length storm flap along the front zip for extra protection against the elements. Plus, all the seams are sealed and you can adjust the Velcro cuffs to help keep out the cold.

The fit is said to be fairly roomy, so you may want to size down or save this cheap cycling jacket is for days when you want to layer up underneath.

Endura says the jacket also offers a good level of breathability thanks to the inclusion of a sweat-wicking mesh liner and underarm vents.

Pinnacle Competition Cycling Jacket

• £89.99

This cheap cycling jacket from Pinnacle is designed to be waterproof and windproof in order to keep you comfortable in poor weather.

It’s said to come in a classic cut, so is perhaps better suited to commuting than it is to out-and-out training rides. However, it does come with an adjustable hem and cuffs to help it fit to your body.

The three pockets on the front panel have waterproof zips, while the high-vis design means you should stand out well in poor lighting.

Dhb Classic Thermal Softshell Jacket

• £85

For its Classic Thermal Softshell jacket, dhb uses a fleecy fabric it says is soft and high-wicking, which sits close to the skin to keep you warm.

It’s designed to be used when the temperature is between 5°C and 12°C, or use it as a mid-layer underneath a warmer jacket during winter.

With its slightly dropped rear hem and windproof construction, dhb says it’ll offer good protection against the elements, while the reflective inserts on the pockets and sleeves add flashes of visibility.

Endura Xtract Jacket II

• £89.99

With a hydrostatic head rating of 5,000mm, Endura’s Xtract II is said to be useful for heavy downpours. Fully-sealed seams, a zip storm flap and elasticated cuffs and hem are included to help protect you from the wind and rain.

The standout feature, though, is the stuff sack, which you can use to store the jacket while it’s not in use.

Mesh back vents, reflective trims and a concealed rear zip pocket complete the package.

Castelli Squadra Stretch Jacket

Designed to provide warmth in temperatures between 10°C and 18°C, Castelli’s Squadra Stretch appears to be ideal for spring and autumn rides.

The brand says it’s made with durable ripstop nylon across the torso and front of the arms, with knitted panels on the back of the sleeves for improved breathability and range of movement.

As well as a high collar to stop draughts, there are also reflective panels on both the front and back of the jacket.

Proviz Classic Windproof Pack-it Jacket

Buy for women from Amazon (£44.99)

• £44.99

Proviz says this jacket is lightweight, water-resistant and windproof, which would make it a great all-rounder. It’s also high-vis for low-light days and is said to pack down into one of its own pockets for easy storage.

Despite being a cheap cycling jacket, the brand says it still offers adequate breathability, while an elasticated waistband is designed to help stop draughts when you’re on the move.

Endura Windchill Cycling Jacket II

Endura’s Windchill jacket is designed for temperatures between 5°C and 13°C. It has a standard fit, so there should be room to layer up underneath, while it also features what the brand says is an innovative thermal grid-backed fabric to help regulate your body temperature as you cycle.

It comes with a silicone grip in the hem to keep it in place, as well as a reflective trim and underarm vents for ventilation. There are also three pockets at the back, as well as a zip-up section for valuables.

Dhb Aeron Equinox Softshell

Dhb is a go-to brand for many cyclists thanks to its versatile designs in smart block colours at reasonable prices. The Aeron Equinox is a hybrid solution that’s said to offer the warmth and weather-resistance you’d expect from a jacket, while keeping the stretch you’d get with a jersey.

The brand recommends turning to this cheap cycling softshell when the temperature is between 6°C and 16°C, or when you want to push yourself on cold days.

Other benefits are said to include the breathable back panel, reflective detailing and four pockets. The internal waist grip also looks to be a handy addition, as it’s designed to stop the jacket riding up while you’re cycling.

Looking for some other budget buys? Check out our lists of the best cheap cycling sunglasses and cheap bike shoes.

Buyer’s guide: what to look for in the best cheap cycling jackets?

Layering is king when it comes to riding through autumn, winter and spring. 

That way you can adapt to whatever conditions you find yourself riding in without overheating or becoming a cold, shivering mess. 

And a key part of that layering system is a lightweight bike jacket.

So what to think about when choosing one? 

Windproof and packable

A level of wind- and water-resistance is a must-have, while the jacket must also remain lightweight and packable. 

That last part is vital, as the best bike jackets have to be easy to stash away when not in use, preferably packing down small enough to tuck into a jersey pocket.

Waterproof

Aside from their stashability, weather protection is clearly an important metric here. Ideally, a 

jacket will keep the wind and rain out during prolonged rides in poor weather, though you’ll probably have to pay a pretty penny to get one that does that without making you feel like a boil-in-a-bag meal. 

Breathability and ventilation

That brings us onto breathability, which is key if you don’t want to feel clammy. Breathable fabrics can help, as can things like vents, mesh-lined pockets and two-way zips. 

Desirable extras 

Other features we like to see include a secure zipped pocket, a dropped tail for adequate spray protection, reflective details to boost visibility and an element of stretch to ensure movement isn’t impaired.