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The top 17 best men’s bright cycling jackets

In this article I’m going to give you some of the best men’s bright cycling jackets.

Being seen as a road participant becomes more important when visibility is poor. Either because of low light conditions or because of the weather. I once was in an accident because sleet reduced while riding in the dark reduced visibility to near zero and I ran into a car.

Such a thing could quite possibly have been prevented if I was wearing something else than your standard black winter coat. That’s where bright cycling jackets come into play.

A combination of reflective elements or paneling and bright, sometimes neon colors ensure you shine bright like a diamond and light up like a christmas tree when hit by headlights.

If you can prevent anything while cycling it should be involved in an accident that could have been avoided. So this article is for those who understand the mantra of safety first.

With that out of the way, let’s see what entries made it on my list of the best men’s bright cycling jackets.

Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light cycling jacket

Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light cycling jacket
Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light cycling jacket

The Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light cycling jacket is up there with the most premium cycling jackets for roadies.

As always, I try to make clear what that hefty price sum get’s you, so you can actually make the decision whether the added benefits are truly worth the money.

As far as this jacket goes it packs some extra ventilation in the back in the form of a GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front and Nano Flex Xtra Dry back panel. That’s nice if you tend to overheat and sweat a lot.

But the real difference resides in the fact that the jacket offers a separate inner layer, which, according to the manufacturer, should improve ventilation even more, while adding more insulation because of the barrier between layers.

The rest of the jacket is pretty stock, with 3 stow pockets in the rear and your usual reflective elements.

Apart from the fact that the thing looks nice, it certainly offers a lot of protection in a package that, admittedly, has a standard weight of about 400 grams. Is that extra layer worth the added cost, or could you layer up yourself? I’ll leave that up to you.

Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket

Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket

The Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket is a lightweight cycling jacket meant to extend your riding season.

It has a breathable and water-repellant GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front with a fleece insulated back. This provides extra protection from wind chill, short rain showers and low temperatures.

It has 3 stow pockets in the rear, alongside a large reflective banner on the back as well as the front for optimal visibility.

There are many colors to choose from, which is a nice touch in a sea of black.

Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket

Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket is a premium, high-quality cycling jacket to keep you warm no matter what.

Made from GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric on its own, it can be used for cold weather riding. With the appropriate layer underneath you can move into sub zero territory with your rides, making it more versatile than a full-winter cycling jacket.

It still offers the added protection of taped shoulder seams and a fully covered front zipper.

With 3 rear pockets it’s a classically designed road cycling winter jacket.

Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket

Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket

The Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket is a fairly lightweight, and packable waterproof jacket.

Made from GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus it features a durable outer shell, with a GORE-TEX membrane. In combination with water-resistant zippers and taped seams, it makes this cycling jacket waterproof.

The jacket packs into a tiny package, which makes it perfect to stow away in a pannier, bikepack, or backpack.

It’s hooded with enough space to cover an average-sized helmet.

It’s definitely not the cheapest but none of Gore’s products are. But its waterproof packability, makes this lightweight, breathable cycling jacket a serious contender for adventurous cyclists.

Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket

Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
Gore Wear GORE-TEX Paclite cycling jacket
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.

Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket

Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket
Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket
Endura Hummvee Waterproof cycling jacket
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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.

Endura Pakajak cycling jacket

Endura Pakajak cycling jacket
Endura Pakajak cycling jacket
Endura Pakajak cycling jacket
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The Endura Pakajak cycling jacket is a packable cycling jacket you can stuff into your jersey for quick use.

Without any pockets it’s a minimal cycling jacket especially made to provide protection from wind-chill and a possible light shower, so don’t expect to be using this in freezing temperatures. That’s not what it’s meant for.

With a mesh ventilation underneath the arms, and a water-repellant treatment it provides carry-with-you protection when the weather becomes fickle.

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
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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.

Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket

Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket
Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket
Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket
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If you value visibility you can’t go wrong with the Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket.

Wind- and waterproof, this jacket offers all the protection you’ll need, and large asymmetric panels let you be seen from all sides.

Made from durable polyester, the cycling jacket offers zippered ventilation slits under the arms for increased air flow.

With 1 breast pocket and 2 hand pockets, all zippered, the jacket has cinches at the waist for a more elegant look.

You can go for bright neon yellow if you really want to stand out from the crowd at night, or a more subdued pacific blue.

Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket

Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
Proviz Nightrider 2.0 cycling jacket
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.

Proviz Reflect360 Outdoor cycling jacket

Proviz Reflect360 Outdoor cycling jacket
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.

Inbike Softshell Warm Winter cycling jacket

Inbike Softshell Warm Winter cycling jacket
Inbike Softshell Warm Winter cycling jacket

The Inbike Softshell Warm Winter cycling jacket is a great-looking, yet extremely affordable softshell cycling jacket.

Made from a water-resistant knitted polyester shell with a fleece lining it doesn’t bring any complex tech to the table, but does keep you warm and reasonably dry in cold-weather conditions.

It has a relaxed fit, so roadies should look somewhere else for the best in off-season aerodynamics, but it makes for easy additional layering.

Furthermore the bright yellow and black combi makes you stand out, and the jacket features the standard reflective striping, alongside two zippered hand pockets.

Is it the best cycling softshell jacket from a technical standpoint: no. But that price is hard to beat for something that’ll perform all but the worst conditions.

Inbike Reflective Windproof Breathable cycling jacket

Inbike Reflective Windproof Breathable cycling jacket
Inbike Reflective Windproof Breathable cycling jacket

The Inbike Reflective Windproof Breathable cycling jacket is one of the most affordable all-round water-resistant options you can find.

Apart from the fact they could improve upon their naming convention, there’s very little wrong with this jacket offering a water-resistant knitted polyester shell with fleece lining.

Loads of storage options come in the form of 2 zippered hand pockets and 2 zippered breast pockets.

So as far as windproof and water-resistant jackets go, this sub-100 dollar one is very good indeed.

Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket

Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
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The Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket is a portable windbreaker you can easily stow away.

This means it’s meant for roadies that need ad-hoc protection when facing strong and cold headwinds.

Made from a polyester ripstop with a DWR treatment, it’s a pocketless, water-repellant and windproof, non-insulated cycling jacket.

Cheaper than many of the garments that fall into the same category.

Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket

Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
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The Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB jacket is a premium soft shell cycling jacket with a loose fit.

Ample coverage in the rear drop tail and long sleeves make sure heat stays put, while the DWR treatment makes this jacket windproof and water-resistant.

You can close up the jacket even more with integrated waist adjusters, and a zippered pocket in the rear adds some storage capacity.

Small reflective logos add some degree of increased visibility.

I’m more a fan of hand pockets, but otherwise this 3-layer fleece brushed soft shell jacket in an assortment of colors is exceptionally well made.

Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier cycling jacket

Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier cycling jacket
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The Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier jacket is more than a simple windbreaker.

As do many other brands, Pearl Izumi has upped the ante by making this cycling jacket windproof and water-resistant. Using a polyester ripstop fabric w. PI Dry®® technology, you’ll be protected from anything but sub zero temperatures and heavy rain.

A relaxed fit lets you put your preferred layers underneath, and reflective striping and a zippered back pocket finish the overall great design.

Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket

Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket
Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB cycling jacket
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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.

Specifications men's bright cycling jackets

Name
Price
Material
Weather protection
Pockets
Reflectiveness
Packable
Buy at Amazon
Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light cycling jacket
310 USD
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front w. Nano Flex Xtra Dry back
windproof, water resistant
3 rear pockets
reflective laser-cut drain holes in rear pockets
no
Castelli Transition 2 cycling jacket
210 USD
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front w. fleece back
windproof, water resistant
3 rear pockets
rear vertical reflective strip
no
Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 cycling jacket
280 USD
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®
windproof, water resistant
3 rear pockets
Reflective strip at bottom of pockets
no
Gore Wear Endure cycling jacket
230 USD
GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus
windproof, waterproof
2 zippered front pockets
reflective logos
yes
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
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 Pakajak cycling jacket
75 USD
Nylon ripstop fabric w. DWR treatment
windproof, water resistant
none
reflective elements front and back
yes
Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II cycling jacket
110 USD
ExoShell20ST™ 20K fabric
windproof, waterproof
none
reflective logos w. striping
yes
Endura Urban Luminite II cycling jacket
160 USD
softshell fabric w. DWR treatment and sealed seams
windproof, waterproof
1 zippered breast pocket w. 2 zippered hand pockets
large reflective panneling
no
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
Inbike Softshell Warm Winter cycling jacket
65 USD
Water-resistant knitted polyester shell w. fleece lining
windproof, water resistant
2 zippered hand pockets
reflective front logo and elements on back
no
Inbike Reflective Windproof Breathable cycling jacket
85 USD
Water-resistant knitted polyester shell w. fleece lining
windproof, water resistant
2 zippered hand pockets w. 2 zippered breast pockets
reflective elements front and back
no
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
90 euros
polyester ripstop w. DWR treatment
windproof, water resistant
none
reflective elements
yes
Pearl Izumi Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
130 USD
3-layer AmFIB softshell w. DWR treatment
windproof, water resistant
1 zippered back pocket
BioViz® striping
no
Pearl Izumi Zephrr Barrier cycling jacket
100 USD
Polyester ripstop fabric w. PI Dry®® technology
windproof, water resistant
1 zippered back pocket
BioViz® striping
no
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
bio vanseijen

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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