What’s the best MTB winter jacket? Hardshell, soft-shells, wind stoppers & waterproof MTB jackets, for mountain biking in cold weather – for all budgets.
Winter is here. Are you taking your mountain bike to roam around the hills anyway? Hold on a minute! Have you got the best MTB winter jacket to keep you warm and dry? Read the article for the nine best options.
Those who are passionate about MTB can’t give up on it, whether it is a melting summer or a freezing winter. Cycling in summer still sounds logical, but what about the winter? Don’t you think you will need to layer up yourself to stand against the breezy winds?
To be honest, layering up is not the ultimate solution per se. For the coldest temperatures, you need to get the best winter jacket for mountain bikingin order to enjoy your rides comfortably without getting frozen.
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How we compile our gear guides: during the almost 10 years of cycloscope.net our team personally tested dozens of similar pieces of gear. For what we can't test personally, we involve other people in the cycling community to give their feedback and opinion about gear they have used. Our decade-long experience in bicycle touring enables us to find the key cons and pros of every product we mention.
The jackets we used for our recent mountain bike packing trip in the Indian Himalayas. They kept us warm at temperatures below the freezing threshold and above 16,000 feet.
Made with a mix of sustainably-sourced Merino Wool, hydrophilic PU membrane, and silicon gripper for the bottom hem, the jacket stays in place even when moving a lot on the saddle.
The long hand covers are perfect to go under the gloves and thus create perfect insulation.
A large chest pocket and a wide back zipped compartment ensure a great storage capacity for snacks, tissues, and whatever you might want to store in an MTB jacket.
The Gotlandsleden is also super-ventilated, with zipped vents that can be opened or closed according to the need. So it can be used also in moderate chill conditions without causing sweat, that’s a thing we loved in the constantly variating climate of the Himalayas.
Reflectivity is ensured by large elements on the sides and at the back. The jacket is water resistant, which means it will keep you dry under a drizzle but should be matched by a proper rain jacket or cycling poncho in case of a downpour.
It’s not a compact jacket though, and takes some space when stored in your bikepacking bags, but so do all good winter cycling jackets.
When the weather isn’t playing nice, you’ll want to reach for your trusty cold-weather riding gear. And when it comes to top-notch MTB jackets, the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II is a real game-changer. It’s like the superhero of mountain biking gear, and it’s just gotten even better.
So, what’s the deal with this jacket? Well, first off, it’s made from this super breathable and tough stuff called ExoShell40DR 3-layer waterproof fabric. And they’ve gone the extra mile by sealing up all the seams to keep you completely dry. No more soggy rides!
Now, let’s talk features. The shoulders are built to last, thanks to silicone grip, and there are these stretchy panels in all the right places for a comfy fit that moves with you as you tear up the trails. Plus, they’ve thrown in a 3D-adjustable helmet-compatible hood for when things get really wild out there.
When it comes to keeping cool, they’ve got that covered too. There are these big underarm vents that open up like a breath of fresh air. And guess what? They extend all the way to the back, so you’re not going to overheat, even when you’re giving it your all.
Now, let’s talk pockets. There are front pockets that are not only great for stashing your stuff but also double as extra vents. And if you’ve got valuables, there’s a sneaky hidden pocket inside to keep them safe. They’ve even thought of a spot for your lift pass on your sleeve.
To top it all off, the front zipper is water-repellent, and it’s got a storm flap to make sure nothing sneaks in through the cracks. And for that added touch of comfort, they’ve lined the cuffs with soft-touch Lycra. It’s all about the little details, right?
So, there you have it, the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II. It’s the ultimate companion for those not-so-perfect riding days, keeping you dry, comfy, and ready to tackle any trail that comes your way.
With wind and water protection, the out-ranking softshell MTB jacket we have for you is by ARSUXEO.
The fabric of this softshell winter jacket comprises three layers. The top layer is the windbreaker. The second layer is waterproof to keep you dry. And the third layer is soft warming fleece for engulfing sensation.
The drop tail elastic hem design offers a snug fit and evades air from entering the jacket. Not forget to mention the pockets. With one front zipper napoleon pocket and one back pocket, you can carry your items wherever you want.
The material is extra soft with a warming sensation. ARSUXEO is not perfect for cycling only but is the ultimate option for all winter outdoor activities.
The Men’s Posta Softshell Jacket V by German award-winning brand Vaude is another top-level product and it’s what I personally use for my (rare) winter rides.
The layered construction consists of a polyester outer cover and an inner thermal material (polyurethane), that combined together guarantees to totally stop the fastest hails of wind and offer outstanding protection from the cold.
The close-fitting cut is designed to suit the seating position both of mountain bikers and roadies, there is spandex mixed among the fabric for high elasticity, but the protection from the rain is minimal, making this jacket closer to a winter fleece than an actual softshell.
The water-repellent finishing is manufactured without the use of fluorocarbons (PFC) in an effort to be more eco-friendly, it will shield you from mud and in the myst, but not from real rains.
The biggest selling point of the Vaude Posta V is certainly its warmness, the jacket alone can keep you warm down to -5 degrees Celsius (23F), even in strong wind conditions.
A nice addition is the zipped compartments on the back for money, mobile phone, and keys, complemented by a big chest pocket. The reflection inserts are highly visible.
Before discussing the features, one thing you need to know is; this jacket for men is a limited edition. So before it gets out of stock, make sure to grab one and make your winter adventures more adventurous.
This softshell winter MTB jacket is breathable in construction. Under the arms & on the back, breathable fabric is present that absorbs sweat efficiently and keeps you dry.
A full-length zipper offers a cozy fit. The ergonomic design up to the neck protects it from breezy winds. Overall, the jacket is lightweight to offer transcendent ventilation.
The two-layer system breaks wind and water. The side zipper pockets are deep to keep hands warm.
If looks are what compels you to fall for a product, then INBIKE winter men’s cycling jacket is what you need. Premium in quality with skin-friendly material, this MTB jacket is definitely a worth buying mention.
INBIKE men’s jacket has a 3D cut to fit the human body perfectly. The lines and curves are super comfortable for winter outdoor activities like running, jumping, cycling, and jogging.
The side cross pockets are adopted with mesh material for breathability and warmness. The stand-up collar covers the neck and protects it from nibbling by the zipper.
The polymer fabric, along with the fleece lining, keeps your body warm and comfortable. The built-in high permeability prevents excess sweat production and keeps you comfy.
Pros
Drop tail design with elastic hem
Side cross pockets with mesh material for ventilation
Material: ‎Polyester and spandex. Pockets: One front pocket one back pocket and two sides pockets. Colors: 5. Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXL. Waterproof Rating: Windproof and Waterproof. Machine wash: Hand wash only.
The next best MTB winter jacket that cements its place on this list with its top-notch quality is non-other than ARSUXEO men’s winter cycling jacket.
With elite three-layers and a drop tail elastic hem ergonomic design, ARSUXEO is super comfy and sensational to wear for winter outdoor activities. The three-later system prevents water, stains, and air. The second layer is breathable to absorb excess sweat.
Moreover, four zipper pockets are present to store belongings effortlessly. The material adopted in the pockets is meshed to keep hands warm. The stand-out collar keeps the neck warm with soft edges to prevent zip irritation.
On the top layer of the jacket, reflective elements are present to enhance the nighttime visibility.
BERGRISAR outwear BG011 is a decent mention on this list. At pocket-friendly rates, this jacket is a life savior for a tight budget.
The style of this jacket is zip enclosure with a stand-out collar. The three-layer softshell fabric makes this jacket stand against breezy winds, moisture, stains, and other harsh weather conditions.
The drop tail design with elastic-fit offers a decent fit and warmness. The full-lengthened cuffs are ergonomic in design and comfy in sensation.
A total of four pockets are present, with three back pockets and one chest napoleon zipper pocket. Besides that, the mesh adopted pockets offer ventilation.
The Showers Pass Elite 2.1 is one of the best waterproof cycling jackets offered on the market, and it’s also available for women!
The Elite 3-Layer rip-stop fabric is body-mapped to maximize breathability where needed while keeping you protected from harsh winds and downpours. The seams are tape-sealed, while the zipper does a great job stopping water from sneaking in. The DWR coating finish guarantees durability and long-term waterproofness.
In warmer temperatures, the ventilation still works great, with six different vents that you could close or open according to your feelings, two core vents, two cuff vents, a back vent, and the front zipper.
The cinch cord at the collar and double toggle cinch cord at the hem are welcome add-ons, you can adjust them according to your measures to be sure no wind or rain gets in. The collar also features a soft moisture-wicking lining and is hood-compatible via hook and loop attachment points.
A thunderstorm close to 0°C (32°F) should not worry you, while by adding proper layering you can venture out in freezing temperatures up to -10°C (14°F).
The Showers Pass Men’s Elite 2.1 jacket is the favorite training jacket of the Katusha Pro Cycling team.
Cycling jackets have longer sleeves to avoid exposing your forearm on the natural extended-arms riding positions. They are also longer in the back to protect your lower back. They should leave freedom of movement to the rider and room for layers underneath.
Are cycling jackets warm?
Cycling jackets offer varying levels of warmth based on their design and materials. Primarily, they provide protection against wind, rain, and sometimes cold temperatures. The warmth depends on factors like insulation, windproofing, waterproofing, and breathability. Some jackets have light insulation like fleece or synthetic fibers for warmth in cooler conditions. Windproofing retains body heat during windy rides, while waterproofing prevents moisture from cooling you down. Breathability allows sweat to escape and regulates body temperature during physical activity. The warmth level can also be influenced by layering and the weather conditions. It’s paramount to consider the intended use and climate before choosing a cycling jacket, and reading product reviews can help ensure it meets your specific needs.
What do mountain bikers wear in cold weather?
Staying warm is crucial when riding in cold temperatures to prevent hypothermia and maintain dexterity and control on the bike. The most important clothing mountain bikers wear or bring with them in cold weather are: Base Layer Gloves Winter Cycling Jacket Good Socks Rain Jacket
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