In this blog I’m going to give you my list of the best men’s thermal cycling jackets.
My guess is you already know the benefits of such a cycling garment, or else you wouldn’t be looking to get one for yourself.
So you know that a high-quality thermal cycling jacket adequately prevents the loss of body heat in cold weather riding conditions.
And it does so with multi-layered fabrics that combine windproof, and water-repellant characteristics, with high breathability, and moisture-wicking features.
The most well-known of those was created decades ago and goes by the name of Gore-Tex. But many other brands have created their own specific version that basically does the same.
There are many options to choose from. I could basically almost list the entire catalog from both Castelli and Gore Wear. I’ve tried to trim it down a bit, and have created a table at the end of the article. This way you can compare and see what’s best for you.
So let’s head over to my top picks for the best men’s thermal cycling 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
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.
- One of the best season-extenders, with a GORE-TEX and insulated back
- Not waterproof
Castelli Mortirolo VI cycling jacket
The Castelli Mortirolo VI cycling jacket is a road cycling oriented jacket for mild cold weather rides.
It offers GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric, but only at the front, where you can make the most use of it. That means the rest of the cycling jacket offers above-average ventilation, hence its mild temperature usage.
Castelli is one of the brands that certainly scores points in the design department, and this jacket, available in a variety of colors, is just as nice as the rest of their lineup.
At over 400 grams it’s not a particular lightweight, and it’s a bit surprising that that’s not reflected in a lower price. E.g. there are much lighter jackets, with the same level of protection, that are cheaper.
- High quality, well-designed windstopper with GORE-TEX front
- Bit too pricey for the package
Gore Wear Phantom cycling jacket
The Gore Wear Phantom jacket is one of the best cycling jackets with detachable sleeves, if not the best.
For decades Gore has dominated the tech-fabric industry, and this jacket also features their most recent innovation. The jacket is made from GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric, which is extremely breathable, water-resistant, and windproof.
The cycling jacket has 3 rear stow pockets, and reflective strips on the arms, which can be quickly removed, effectively turning this jacket into a warm cycling jersey, not a sleeveless vest.
The design of this jacket hasn’t changed in over 2 decades, and I can clearly see why. It’s a clear case of not fixing that’s never been broken in the first place.
- One of the very few jackets with detachable sleeves
- Not waterproof
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 C3 GORE-TEX Thermo cycling jacket
The Gore Wear C3 GORE-TEX Thermo cycling jacket is a versatile, quality offering from this behemoth in cycling apparel.
With a rather loose fit, there’s more than enough room for multi-layering underneath the already great GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®. If you’d do so you could very well ride down mount Everest in the depth of winter, because the cycling jacket itself is also already fleece lined.
It’s not the priciest and that’s a good thing. But be aware of the fact the jacket offers ample insulation and is truly meant for very cold temperatures. And it does so without being waterproof. Both features detract a bit from its flexibility.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for one of the more affordable options when you don’t want to freeze on your bike, this one falls squarely in that category.
- Affordable protection against the cold
- 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 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
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 Ranger Fire cycling jacket
The Fox Racing Ranger Fire jacket is a premium soft shell jacket.
A brushed fleece interior lines a durable polyester shell providing protection from the elements in the form of being both windproof and water-repellant.
2 zippered hand pockets are located on the sides. Like many garments from MTB-oriented brands, reflective elements are lacking.
In combination with a minimal droptail, the jacket feels and looks more casual than your traditional cycling soft shell jacket.
- Versatile, windproof soft-shell with water-repellant finish for cold trail rides
- Not waterproof. Minimal droptail
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
Fox Racing Barricade Softshell Fleece hoodie
The Fox Racing Barricade Softshell Fleece hoodie is a well-put-together cycling jacket.
As a break from tradition it actually partially uses cotton in combination with polyester, which is your go-to fabric to create cycling jackets. This feels more comfortable while still maintaining high levels of protection against wet conditions in the form of a DWR treatment.
It has hoodie in its name, so there’s one, which differs from the ones found on jackets that are compatible with helmets. Making this garment more casual than strictly meant for hitting trails during your next autumn ride.
2 zippered hand pockets with a single zippered breast pocket provide the necessary cargo space. And as a lot of MTB-oriented jackets show us, there isn’t any reflective element to speak of.
- Comfortable, lightweight jacket partially made from cotton, with DWR treatment
- Hood not compatible with helmet. Not waterproof
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 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 Quest AmFIB cycling jacket
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.
- Premium soft shell jacket with loose relaxed fit.
- Not a fan of rear zippered pocket
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 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 thermal cycling 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 | |
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 Mortirolo VI cycling jacket | 220 USD | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® front | windproof, water resistant | 3 rear pockets | reflective back panel | no | |
Gore Wear Phantom cycling jacket | 200 USD | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® | windproof, water resistant | 3 rear pockets | reflective strips on arms | no | |
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 C3 GORE-TEX Thermo cycling jacket | 170 USD | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® w. fleece lining | windproof, water resistant | 3 rear pockets | reflective details | no | |
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 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 | |
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 Ranger Fire cycling jacket | 170 USD | 3-layer polyester softshell w. brushed fleece lining | windproof, water resistant | 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 | |
Fox Racing Barricade Softshell Fleece hoodie | 120 USD | 3-layer polyester and cotton fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, water resistant | 2 zippered hand pockets w. 1 zippered breast pocket | none | no | |
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 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 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 Monsoon WxB cycling jacket | 125 USD | Performance 2-layer 10K fabric w. DWR treatment | windproof, waterproof | 2 zippered hand pockets | BioViz® striping | 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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