In this article I’m going to give you a very extensive overview of the very best men’s cycling rain jacket.
This was not an easy article to write, because there are so many options to choose from, and I wanted to give a distinctive enough set of products without overwhelming you.
That being said, there are so many good options that I decided to share them anyway. And the options I’ve chosen to be on this are from a wide category of cycling jackets, but are all fully waterproof. With waterproof meaning the fabric keeps you dry within certain limits (denoted by the parameter water column), and offers additional protection in the form of sealed or taped seams.
The cycling rain jackets found here are meant for road cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, bikepackers and daily commuters. Hence the design, fit, and features they offer differ according to its designated discipline.
I added a table overview at the end with the key product metrics laid out for easy comparison. It’s what I use myself when trying to make a purchase decision and I hope it helps you just as well.
So without further ado, here’s my list of the best men’s cycling rain jackets.
Troy Lee Designs Descent cycling jacket
The Troy Lee Designs Descent jacket is a great endurance jacket for both male and female cyclists who go out riding no matter what the weather looks like.
Like other premium waterproof cycling jackets, it features a 3-layer breathable 10K waterproof fabric. And the hood is compatible with most helmets out there.
A no-nonsense design offers a pretty tight fit. It ensures the jacket looks great, but if that’s not your thing make sure to size up.
- Waterproof cycling jacket with helmet compatible hood
- None
Flylow Davis cycling jacket
The Flylow Davis jacket is a very durable packable jacket made from Intuitive™ S/G Lite nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR-free PFC coating.
Made for both men and women it’s an affordable water-resistant jacket with a single, easy-to-reach zippered breast pocket.
Coming with a variety of outdoor-oriented color-schemes, it’s a solid choice for casual-looking insurance against cold and rain.
- Casual-looking, allround, water-resistant jacket
- Loose fit not meant for roadies. Single pocket
Gore Wear Lupra cycling jacket
The Gore Wear Lupra jacket is a high-quality, relaxed-fit option for a winter cycling jacket.
Made from a combination of GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® in the front and GORE® selected fabrics in the back it’s a hooded option compatible with helmets.
The loose fit allows easy layering for increased insulation in an already durable and waterproof setup, with taped seams in the hood and shoulders.
Draw strings let you tighten the hood and hem to further protect you from the elements.
Long sleeves with pre-shaped elbows create the perfect fit when cycling and sit generously over your gloves. 2 zippered hand pockets finish this excellent design.
One of the best allround winter cycling jackets, flexible, versatile, and great-looking on and of the bike.
- Great allround and versatile winter cycling jacket that's helmet compatible
- None
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
The Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket is a lightweight cycling jacket with a relaxed fit.
Made from GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus it easily enables multi-layering for added insulation should the temperature drop significantly, turning this garment into a great winter cycling option.
Durable, water- and wind resistant with fully taped seams for the best protection against riding through heavy rain.
Large reflective elements on the back and arms, alongside brightly colored options ensure you’re clearly visible in low-light conditions.
Water resistant zippers and a single zippered back pocket underline its road riding pedigree.
But roadie or not, if you want a lightweight winter cycling jacket to get you through the worst of weather conditions, look no further.
- High quality, lightweight winter jacket, which loose-fit enables multi-layering
- Not waterproof
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Active cycling jacket
The Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Active cycling jacket is a minimal, performance-oriented, and very lightweight waterproof option.
As the name implies, the jacket is made from GORE-TEX Active fabric, which is extremely breathable, yet still waterproof.
With a single zippered back pocket the jacket can be stowed away inside itself, and can be carried around inside another jersey.
For those who want premium quality garment that can be easily carried with you.
- Lightweight, waterproof, stowable jacket
- None
Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket
The Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket is a versatile, minimalistically designed, waterproof cycling jacket.
The garment has a 2-layer polyester ripstop with sealed seams and mesh liner. This means, it’s a non-insulated waterproof jacket for riding in cold weather temperatures.
A number of reflective elements, both front and back, aid in increasing your visibility while on the road.
The single zippered back pocket and easy-access zippered breast pocket, makes for an allround, great addition to your off-season cycling wardrobe.
- Versatile, and flexible allround cycling jacket with loose fit
- Not the most breathable
Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell cycling jacket
The Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell cycling jacket is one of the few waterproof softshell cycling jackets out there.
It’s made from the same softshell fabric with a water-resistant DWR treatment as their Luminite jacket, and also displays fully sealed seams.
Unlike that other jacket, the design is much more subdued, instead displaying small reflective elements front and back in favor of huge paneling.
Underarm vents can be opened using zippers, to aid in ventilation should your ride require it.
With 3 back stow pockets, 1 zippered back pocket and 1 zippered breast pocket it does provide ample storage capacity in a jacket that will protect any road cyclist in moderate to cold temperatures.
- Waterproof, soft shell jacket
- None
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
The Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket is as minimal as they come.
With a translucent, lightweight design and made from ExoShell20ST 20K fabric, the jacket is meant to do only one thing, which is offering on-the-fly protection from the rain.
Meant for road cyclists who want to travel light with rain insurance that can be stuffed in a back stow pocket.
- The best insurance against sudden rain showers
- Very fragile. Not very breathable
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
The Proviz Nightrider 2.0 jacket is the most affordable entry into this brand, which takes increased visibility more seriously than any other brand out there.
Fully water- and windproof, the cycling jacket is made from Oxford polyester w. REPREVE mesh and R360 reflective panels. It means it’s not only extremely durable and breathable, but also the most lightweight entry in Proviz’s lineup.
2 zippered pockets let you carry along things like keys and your phone.
Available in many bright colors, there’s no excuse of not being seen.
- Affordable, breathable, waterproof jacket with large reflective panels
- None
Proviz Reflect360 Outdoor cycling jacket
The Proviz REFLECT360 Outdoor jacket is your go-to option for the reflective waterproof hooded cycling jacket in the market.
The entire jacket is made from reflective R360 fabric with a highly breathable REPREVE mesh on the inside. It’s the perfect commuter jacket on busy roads, or traveling in places where there aren’t any street lights.
With 2 zippered hand pockets, and 2 zippered breast pockets there’s more than enough cargo capacity conveniently located on the front. All zippers are water-resistant.
When safety is a priority in a waterproof hooded jacket, there’s simply no better option.
- Breathable, waterproof jacket which is made entirely from reflective material. Many zippered pockets
- None
Showers Pass Elite 2.1 cycling jacket
When the going gets tough and you need the protection no matter the cost, the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket is the way to go.
The jacket is made from Elite 3-Layer ripstop fabric with DWR water-resistant fabric. Fully taped seams in combination with this very durable fabric ensures no water goes through.
Waterproof zippers close up the jacket, breast pocket, and rear back pocket, while a long drop tail protects you from road spray while riding.
Large 3M reflective striping on both arms and on your back increase visibility significantly.
The only thing which keeps this jacket from just about perfect is that Showers Pass did not include your standard black color.
- Heavy-duty, allround, visibible waterproof cycling jacket with many pockets
- None
Showers Pass Syncline CC cycling jacket
The Showers Pass Syncline CC jacket is a high-quality yet very affordable option considering the amount of functionality this lightweight jacket provides.
2.4 layered waterproof fabric with taped seams, water-resistant zipper, 3M reflective tape, an adjustable hood compatible with a helmet, zippered ventilation vents on both sides, this jacket does it all and does it very well.
It’s probably the best all-round waterproof cycling jacket for the money.
- Excellent allround, waterproof cycling jacket for commuting and touring
- None
Fox Racing Defend 3-Layer Water cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Defend 3-Layer Water cycling jacket is the brand’s most durable, premium, waterproof cycling jacket.
Made from 3-layer polyester with tough Cordura panels and taped seams, they basically packed everything they could think of in a jacket made to withstand everything you can throw at it.
It has pockets with water-resistant zippers and a helmet-compatible hood, which can be tightened with drawstrings.
To cool down when you need to, two waterproof zippers under the arms allow for some much-needed ventilation.
For those who look for maximum protection any which way you can.
- Durable, waterproof jacket w. helmet-compatible hood
- None
Fox Racing Ranger 2.5 Water cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Ranger 2.5 Water jacket is a lightweight option for cold weather and wet conditions.
A great allround cycling jacket with 10K waterproof fabric and a helmet compatible hood. A bit more lightweight than the more expensive options from Fox Racing, the jacket is perfect for all-round riding in less than ideal conditions.
Fox Racing clothing is well-designed and this form-fitting yet comfortable feeling jacket is no exception.
- Lightweight, waterproof cycling jacket, all-season option
- None
Inbike Rain Hooded Waterproof cycling jacket
In an industry where premium brands vie for making the most expensive cycling garments you can think of, the Inbike Rain Hooded Waterproof cycling jacket is a breath of fresh air.
For a decent enough price you get a 10K lightweight polyester shell with fully taped seams, which makes this an excellent waterproof addition to your cycling wardrobe.
Its single downside is the hood is not fully compatible with your average helmet, which relegates this jacket to helmetless commuting or bikepacking (my hope is any trail rider wears a helmet).
2 zippered hand pockets and reflective striping finishes this otherwise pretty allround and great design for a waterproof cycling jacket.
- Budget-friendly waterproof, allround cycling jacket
- Not helmet-compatible
POC Signal All-weather cycling jacket
The POC Signal All-Weather jacket has the honor of being the most expensive packable jacket on this list.
So what do you get for paying several hundred dollars for a minimal packable jacket? For one, the most waterproof jacket with protection against a 20K water column, which is double the protection when compared to the average other waterproof jacket. You can hang the packed jacket on your handlebars.
The jacket actually features a RECCO® Reflector and a twICEme® NFC Medical ID, something I normally see on jackets worn with skis or a snowboard. It’s an added protection for bikepackers.
The fact that such a jacket comes in a form, which can be easily stowed away indeed makes it the ultimate lightweight jackets for bikepackers.
- The most expensive minimal, waterproof cycling jacket you can pack and hang on your handlebars. Recco reflector and twICEme NFC medical ID
- Price, not well insulated
POC Haven Rain cycling jacket
The POC Haven Rain cycling jacket is one of the best high quality, waterproof, lightweight cycling jackets worth your money.
With a minimal 20K durable ripstop polyamide fabric the material itself won’t let the worst rain storm get through. The fabric is treated with a DWR coating and all seams are fully taped.
There’s a rule that sometimes the less product you get, the more expensive it is. That certainly goes for this premium rain cycling jacket. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet to obtain this bit of Swedish high-tech weather protection.
- Highly waterproof jacket made from durable ripstop with large droptail
- Very expensive. Never liked large zippered pocket in the back
Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket
The Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB Hooded jacket is a reasonably priced waterproof cycling jacket.
A double-layered 10K waterproof shell with taped seams and DWR treatment is all the protection you’ll need to stay dry in any kind of rain.
Reflective strips both front and back aid in being seen at night, and sleeve adjusters keep them in place when wearing gloves.
2 convenient hand pockets with waterproof zippers, make this an excellent addition to your cycling wardrobe.
- Waterproof cycling jacket with zippered hand pockets for easy storage
- None
Giro Chrono Expert Rain cycling jacket
The Giro Chrono Expert Rain cycling jacket provides waterproof protection in a minimal package.
With a 15K polyester ripstop fabric and sealed seams no water will have a chance of getting through.
A tight fit, no pockets, reflective elements, and back ventilation makes this a go-to option for road cyclists.
- Waterproof, no-frills cycling jacket that does an outstanding job of keeping you dry without adding bulk
- Not insulated
Giro Stow H2O cycling jacket
Should you want maximum protection in a lightweight package the Giro Stow H2O jacket is one of the best choices you can find.
With a 15K 2.5-layer polyester fabric with DWR treatment, this garment is waterproof, windproof and durable, and still somewhat affordable when compared to similar options.
It further adds to that flexibility in use, with 2 zippered hand pockets to stow away your stuff.
When not in use, pack it and stow it on your handlebars.
My personal pick for the best allround packable waterproof cycling jackets.
- Premium, waterproof, stowable jacket
- None
Leatt MTB AllMtn 5.0 V22 cycling jacket
The Leatt MTB AllMtn 5.0 V22 cycling jacket is the most no-nonsense cycling jacket I’ve come across.
With a 30K 3-layer Hydradri fabric and taped seams it’s a jacket with a singular purpose of keeping you dry in the most extreme trail riding conditions you can think of. There is no other jacket with a more capable fabric to withstand the rigors of mountain biking.
All that protection does mean you run the risk of overheating, and to prevent such a thing from happening two huge zippers gain access to adjustable ventilation. That’s a good thing, but it comes at the cost of normal zippered pockets found in other jackets.
Their ride-adaptive hood system is helmet-compatible and offers multiple intuitive options to protect your face.
So as far as cycling jackets go, this one is the most hardcore, but a bit less flexible than other options.
- Your trail could end up in the ocean and you'd still come out dry
- Meant for riders who want to ride their trails no matter the conditions
Specifications men's cycling rain jackets
Name | Price | Material | Weather protection | Pockets | Reflectiveness | Packable | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Troy Lee Designs Descent cycling jacket | 189 USD | 3-layer breathable 10K waterproof fabric | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | none | no | |
Flylow Davis cycling jacket | 130 USD | Intuitive™ S/G Lite nylon ripstop fabric w. DWR-free PFC | windproof, waterproof | 1 zippered breast pocket | none | yes | |
Gore Wear Lupra cycling jacket | 180 USD | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front w. GORE® selected fabrics back | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered front pockets | reflective strips on arms | no | |
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket | 200 USD | GORE-TEX PACLITE® | windproof, waterproof | 1 zippered back pocket w. 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective details | yes | |
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Active cycling jacket | 220 USD | GORE-TEX Active | windproof, waterproof | 1 back stow pocket | reflective logos on both arms, chest and back | yes | |
Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket | 125 USD | 2-layer polyester ripstop w. sealed seams and mesh liner | windproof, waterproof | 1 zippered back pocket w. 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective stripes and logos on back, shoulders and front | no | |
Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell cycling jacket | 230 USD | softshell fabric w. DWR treatment and sealed seams | windproof, waterproof | 3 back stow pockets w. 1 zippered back pocket and 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective logos front, back and arm | no | |
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket | 110 USD | ExoShell20ST™ 20K fabric | windproof, waterproof | none | reflective logos w. striping | yes | |
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket | 100 euros | Oxford polyester w. REPREVE mesh | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | R360 panneling | no | |
Proviz Reflect360 Outdoor cycling jacket | 120 euros | 5K R360 fabric w. REPREVE mesh | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered breast pockets w. 2 zippered hand pockets | R360 | no | |
Showers Pass Elite 2.1 cycling jacket | 298 euros | Elite™ 3-Layer ripstop fabric w. DWR-free PFC | windproof, waterproof | 1 breast pocket with audio port w. zippered back pocket | 3M reflective strips on arms and arms | no | |
Showers Pass Syncline CC cycling jacket | 146 euros | Artex™ 2.5-layer fabric w. DWR-free PFC | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | 3M reflective strips on front and back | no | |
Fox Racing Defend 3-Layer Water cycling jacket | 275 USD | 3-layer polyester w. Cordura panels and taped seams | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | none | no | |
Fox Racing Ranger 2.5 Water cycling jacket | 120 USD | 10K 2.5-layer ripstop fabric | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | none | no | |
Inbike Rain Hooded Waterproof cycling jacket | 109 USD | 10K lightweight polyester shell w. taped seams | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | reflective shoulder stripes and elements on back | yes | |
POC Signal All-weather cycling jacket | 350 euros | 20K ripstop fabric w. jersey liner | windproof, waterproof | 2 stow hand pockets and 1 zippered back pocket | reflective front and back logos | yes | |
POC Haven Rain cycling jacket | 290 euros | 20K ripstop polyamide fabric w. DWR treatment and taped seams | windproof, waterproof | 1 zippered back pocket | reflective front and back logos | yes | |
Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket | 125 USD | Performance 2-layer 10K fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | BioViz® striping | no | |
Giro Chrono Expert Rain cycling jacket | 165 USD | 15K polyester ripstop fabric w. sealed seams | windproof, waterproof | none | reflective logo and strips front and back | no | |
Giro Stow H2O cycling jacket | 90 USD | 15K 2.5-layer polyester w. DWR treatment | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | 3M® reflective logos | yes | |
Leatt MTB AllMtn 5.0 V22 cycling jacket | 250 USD | 30K 3-layer Hydradri fabric w. taped seams | windproof, waterproof | none | reflective elements | no |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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