In this article I’m going to give you my top picks for the best men’s packable cycling jackets.
Based on your riding discipline, road, mountain, or commuting/bikepacking there are various options to choose from.
Packable jackets for roadies are the most lightweight, and can be stowed in back pockets of jerseys. The ones for anything other than road cycling offer more protection, a looser fit and more insulation in a number of options.
That has to do with the preference of each category as well as the needs. Mountain biking is less static and a loose fit jacket helps navigating winding single-tracks.
Road cyclists need to be able to grab and don a lightweight jacket on the fly. And since they ride on roads with other traffic, these garments usually feature reflective elements as well.
As for bikepacking, touring and commuting, these jackets feature the best of both. A generous fit for multi-layering, waterproof options, reflective elements, and a lot of cargo space.
I’ve added a table at the end of the article to help you figure out what’s what with respect to these garments, since there’s a lot to choose from.
So let’s head over to my overview of the best men’s packable cycling jackets.
Troy Lee Designs Shuttle cycling jacket
The Troy Lee Designs Shuttle jacket is a high-quality yet affordable packable cycling jacket.
As a casual fitting jacket for both men and women, it provides the first layer of protection against colder temperatures, but is not water-resistant, let alone waterproof, which is reflected in the price.
The jacket has a single pocket located at the lower back. Ventilation openings at the underarms and back.
- Affordable packable cycling jacket
- Single pocket. Not even water-resistant
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 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.
- Helmet-compatible, yet still stowable, waterproof jacket. Highly versatile jacket for any type of riding from trail riding, to touring, and bikepacking
- Pricey
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 Pakajak cycling jacket
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.
- Lightweight, packable cycling jacket
- Not a replacement for a more standard cycling jacket
Endura Hummvee Lite II cycling jacket
The Endura Hummvee Lite II cycling jacket combines a loose-fit design with excellent weather protection.
A 2-layer polyester ripstop with sealed seams and mesh liner means you get a windproof and waterproof cycling jacket that allows for enough room to layer up.
This means it’s a flexible jacket for a variety of temperatures and weather conditions in an affordable package.
- Versatile, and flexible allround cycling jacket with loose fit
- Not the most breathable
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
Showers Pass Transit CC cycling jacket
The Showers Pass Transit CC cycling jacket is more than your average pack-and-stow jacket.
With Artex 3-layer fabric and DWR-free PFC treatment you get all the weather protection you need, in a fairly lightweight package, that’s extremely breathable, and has enough pockets to put away your keys and the like.
A reflective droptail with reflective bars on cuffs means you’re seen in low-light conditions and underlines its excellent use for daily commuting and bikepacking.
- Breathable, visible, waterproof, stowable cycling jacket for bikepacking, commuting, and touring
- None
Fox Racing Ranger Wind cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Ranger Wind jacket is an effective and stylish option to protect yourself against wind chill.
One of the more affordable options to obtain a cycling jacket, which is both windproof and protects you against light showers in the form of a DWR treated fabric.
2 zippered pockets ensure you’ve got the right amount of cargo space. And it’s lightweight and minimal enough to be stored in a jersey. You can take this jacket with you as an insurance should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Budget-friendly, but still more than adequate enough to be a great all-round option for cold-weather riding.
- Affordable windbreaker for chilly trail rides
- Not waterproof
Fox Racing Ranger Wind Pullover cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Ranger Wind Pullover cycling jacket is a nice deviation from the norm of lightweight cycling jackets.
With a pullover-design, pash through pockets and a DWR treatment you get a well-protected and insulated piece of equipment that doubles as a stylish hoodie.
It’s hooded and helmet-compatible, making this one of the more stylish MTB-oriented cycling jackets in the market.
- Stylish, helmet compatible jacket with pullover design.
- Pass through pockets are useless to store stuff while riding
Fox Racing Howell Puffy cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Howell Puffy cycling jacket is one of the most casual-looking cycling jackets you can buy.
It forgoes the droptail design normally associated with cycling jackets to provide ample insulation in a polyester-filled jacket.
It doesn’t provide the best weather protection by a long shot, but that’s not always the most important requirement cyclists are looking for.
So if you’re looking for a well-insulated jacket that’ll still hold up in a quick shower you might look into this one.
- Casual-looking, well-insulated jacket
- More casual than cycling-oriented, with minimal protection against wetness
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
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket
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.
- Budget-friendly, portable pocketless, water-repellant and windproof, non-insulated windbreaker
- Not waterproof. It's a windbreaker
POC Mantle Thermal hoodie
The POC Mantle Thermal hoodie is a great in-between cycling garment as summer moves into autumn and the temperature plummets.
Made from a double-layered 15K polyamide with fleece lining the hoodie features above-average stretching abilities into an already loose-fit. That means this hoodie feels fantastic and will give you all the freedom of movement you’ll need for tricky and technical trails in cold weather conditions.
Nylon also is more durable than polyester, the fabric of choice for many competing products.
And with a DWR treatment on top of tightly woven 15K fabric you don’t have to fear getting soaked because the garment has fantastic water-repellant characteristics.
Yes, unfortunately it comes only in black, which is a missed opportunity on POC’s side if you ask me, because I would’ve loved to don one of these with a color matching one of my bikes (blue, red, and orange please).
POC isn’t known for making cheap cycling apparel and this hoodie is no exception. And while last-you-a-lifetime might be a bit too much, this hoodie will surely last you longer than most.
- Cool-looking waterproof hoodie for cold weather conditions, made from durable nylon
- More colors please
POC Motion Wind cycling jacket
The POC Motion Wind cycling jacket is a flexible cold-weather, windproof cycling jacket.
Made from nylon spandex fabric it’s very durable and has an excellent fairly loose fit.
It sits between jackets meant for MTB and road cycling, but could be used for both as well as for commuting and bikepacking.
With a long drop tail, reflective elements front and back, and a helmet-compatible hood it’s the perfect allround option that doesn’t hurt your wallet much.
- Allround cold-weather, windproof cycling jacket with large droptail and helmet-compatible hood
- Not waterproof
POC Pure-lite Splash cycling jacket
The POC Pure-lite Splash cycling jacket is a high-quality, very well-made lightweight cycling jacket.
Made from a double-layered nylon spandex fabric it’s stretchy and comfortable, but still is tight-fitting enough to suit the aerodynamic needs of the average road cyclist.
Available in a number of colors, from your standard black to icy blue.
There’s no insulation apart from a liner in the collar, but the fabric holds off all the wind from getting through.
It makes for another high-quality entry in the packable stow-away-into-jersey windproof jackets category.
- Packable cycling jacket with a single focus of protection you from a sudden rain shower.
- Not insulated
Giro Chrono Expert Wind cycling jacket
The Giro Chrono Expert Wind jacket is a solid choice if you’re looking for minimal protection you can quickly put away at any time.
Basically a packable water-repellent windbreaker, the jacket features nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR treatment.
The jacket doesn’t feature any pockets and needs to be stowed away into a separate bag.
The entire back is perforated, which is great for ventilation, but not so much to keep out the rain.
A great packable cycling jacket to keep you warm and offer some protection against the rain and wheel spray.
- If you're looking for a packable, water-repellent windbreaker
- Meant as first layer of protection against the elements, and not much more
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 2.0 V22 cycling jacket
The Leatt MTB AllMtn 2.0 V22 jacket is an affordable entry into a packable jacket with a decent amount of water resistance.
The 5K water-resistant fabric will keep you dry through light and short showers, and has a hood you can pull over your helmet. The hood actually stays in place using a magnet.
2 zippered pockets let you take necessary items with you, like your phone and keys.
Offered in a single black version, it’s a clean-looking water-resistant and windproof jacket, which can fold into its own chest pocket.
- High-quality, yet affordable, entry-level MTB jacket
- Not waterproof
Specifications men's packable cycling jackets
Name | Price | Material | Weather protection | Pockets | Reflectiveness | Packable | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Troy Lee Designs Shuttle cycling jacket | 89 USD | TLD Wind Resistant Ripstop Fabric | windproof | 1 lower back zippered pocket | none | yes | |
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 Endure cycling jacket | 230 USD | GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered front pockets | reflective logos | 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 Pakajak cycling jacket | 75 USD | Nylon ripstop fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | none | reflective elements front and back | yes | |
Endura Hummvee Lite II cycling jacket | 140 USD | 2-layer polyester ripstop w. sealed seams and mesh liner | windproof, waterproof | 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective logos 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 | |
Showers Pass Transit CC cycling jacket | 239 euros | Artex™ 3-layer fabric w. DWR-free PFC | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets w. 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective droptail w. reflective bars on cuffs | yes | |
Fox Racing Ranger Wind cycling jacket | 85 USD | Cordura® ripstop fabric w. DWR finish | windproof, water resistant | 2 zippered hand pockets | reflective logo | yes | |
Fox Racing Ranger Wind Pullover cycling jacket | 100 USD | polyester ripstop w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | 2 zippered pass-through hand pocket | none | yes | |
Fox Racing Howell Puffy cycling jacket | 100 USD | Polyester shell w. polyester fill | windproof, water resistant | 2 zippered hand pockets | none | yes | |
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 | |
Craft Essence Light Wind cycling jacket | 90 euros | polyester ripstop w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | none | reflective elements | yes | |
POC Mantle Thermal hoodie | 150 euros | 15K 2-layer polyamide w. fleece lining w. fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | eyewear holder w. zippered lower back pocket | reflective elements | yes | |
POC Motion Wind cycling jacket | 140 euros | Nylon spandex fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | 1 zippered breast pocket | reflective front logo and back stripes | yes | |
POC Pure-lite Splash cycling jacket | 120 euros | Polyamide stretch fabric w. fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | 1 zippered back pocket | reflective logos | yes | |
Giro Chrono Expert Wind cycling jacket | 120 USD | Nylon ripstop fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | none | reflective strip on back | yes | |
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 2.0 V22 cycling jacket | 130 USD | 5K w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | 2 zippered hand pockets | reflective elements | yes |
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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