Best Winter Cycling Jackets
Softshell & Fleece Cycling Jackets
- Best Overall Softshell: Castelli Alpha Ros 2
- Best All-Around: Inbike Thermal Jacket
- Best Value for Money: Castelli Milano Full Zip
- Best Option for Women: Baleaf Thermal Jacket
- Best Lightweight: Santic Fleece Jacket
- Best Budget Option: Rockbros Thermal Fleece
- Best for Late/Early Rides: Pearl Izumi Pro Thermal
Hardshell Winter Cycling Jackets
- Best Overall Hardshell: Gore Phantom Infinium
- Best Alternative Hardshell: Endura Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II
- Best Value for Money: Gore Wear C5 Active
- Best in Durability: Showers Pass Elite 2.1
If you’re hunting for the best winter cycling jacket, you’ve landed in the right spot—because cold, wind, and rain can quickly turn your ride from joy to chill.
Winter biking is the most challenging condition to ride your bike. It’s cold, it’s dark, and you can’t see or feel where you’re going. You need a quality winter cycling jacket that will keep you warm and protected from the elements so that you can enjoy riding your bike all year long.
The problem with most winter jackets for cyclists is they are either too bulky or not warm enough for real winter conditions. A good jacket needs to be both weatherproof AND insulated. So it will protect against rain, snow, and wind while keeping your body heat inside.
We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! Our guide will help you choose a jacket that keeps you warm, breathable, waterproof, and doesn’t leave your wallet empty.
You’ll also learn what features are worth investing in and which ones aren’t as important as they seem at first glance. Some of these jackets look pretty darn good too!
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- Best Winter Cycling Jackets
- 11 of the Best Winter Cycling Jackets
- Statistics and Facts About the Best Winter Cycling Jackets
- Types of Cycling Jackets
- Clothing Layers for Winter Cycling
- What to Look for When Buying Winter Cycling Jackets
- Conclusion on the Best Winter Cycling Jacket
11 of the Best Winter Cycling Jackets
Softshell & Fleece Cycling Jackets
Castelli Alpha Ros 2
Best Overall Softshell: Lightweight with insulating material
- 100% nylon
- Windstopper 150 fabric and polyester lining
- Semi-fit
Feel the wind pushing against your fur as you stroll through winter. With this jacket on, there’s no way to stay cold! It’s got Gore-tex Infinium Windstopper 150 material that is sure to keep you protected from those harsh winds and chilly air.
Castelli Alpha Ros 2 jacket is perfect for those brisk spring and fall days, where it can be somewhere between 10 and 30 degrees at any time of day. The Prosecco Strada inner fabric does wonders for keeping up a comfortable temperature. So don’t worry about feeling too hot or suffocating in this sleek fitted design made specifically for your active lifestyle!
It features a breathable and waterproof membrane that is designed for high output activities during winter weather. It also has a removable insulated liner that can be worn separately or together on different winter days.
This jacket combines winter cycling gear with plenty of winter running gear to create an all-purpose winter jacket. So it is perfect for those who want to do some off-season training.
Inbike Thermal Jacket
Best All-Around: Breathable and comfortable fit
- 100% polyester material
- Windproof and waterproof
- Two-sided polar fleece
One snowy night you’ll be thankful for a jacket just like this one. The Inbike Jacket is designed to keep you covered against the winter’s worst while still providing all-day comfort.
The outer layer consists of tough 100% polyester, which will withstand harsh winds and icy roads to storms and freezing sleet. At the same time, the inner fleece lining aids in keeping your body nice and warm. Breathe-able material allows your sweat to stay on the outside of your clothing, so it dries fast.
Added features such as a stand-up collar that expands up to provide chest warmth proves invaluable. This cycling jacket is suitable for you if you want a multi-functional jacket – not just for biking!
Castelli Milano Full Zip
Best Value for Money: with hood and pocket lined with fleece
- Made of wool and polyester material
- Full-zipper length
- Hooded
The Castelli Milano Full-Zip cycling jacket stands out because of its coziness. Since it is made of wool, it provides softness on your skin. It also has a hood and pocket lined with fleece to maintain your body heat.
This jacket is ideal for winter sports. It is best used in temperatures ranging from 35 to 60 degrees F. It has an extra thermal layer that can easily be taken off or put on whenever needed. The material used in making the jacket makes it durable and suitable for biking, running, winter sport, skiing, among other winter activities.
It can also be worn as an outer garment since the jacket is not easily affected by rain and snow.
Moreover, it has a full zipper for a more effortless opening and closing of the jacket. This cycling jacket could be helpful outdoors aside from biking. Plus, it has a reflective fit that allows easier and freedom of movement.
Check out this jacket because of its warmth, durability, comfort, and practicality.
Baleaf Thermal Jacket (for Women)
Best Option for Women: Three layers of material with soft fleece interior
- Made of 100% polyester and silicone material
- Anti-splashing outer material
- Windproof and waterproof
- Interior: soft fleece
The Baleaf Thermal Jacket features an anti-splashing outer layer material. It gives excellent water resistance and wind protection. It has high breathability to help keep you dry when you are engaged in winter sports.
It has an inner layer of fleece and one middle layer of insulation. So it has a greater capacity to retain heat and keep you warm.
The material used to make the jacket is durable and provides comfort, warmth, and waterproofness. It also has a half-open style zipper so you can conveniently open and close the jacket. Likewise, it has an elastic cuff to keep the cold air out.
This Baleaf jacket is best for winter sports because of its waterproofness which will protect you from rain, sleet, snow, and more! Its high breathability makes it more suitable for winter sports while still being able to keep your warm
It also comes with reflective elements on the back and front for low light visibility. In general, this is perfect for women who want to keep their phones on their jackets while biking.
Santic Fleece Jacket
Best Lightweight: Breathable, windproof, warm
- 100% polyester
- Windproof outer layer
- Warm interior fleece
- Stretchable warm fabric
Santic Fleece Jacket comes with a high-quality fabric that quickly dries moisture. It has great waterproofness so you won’t feel the cold when it’s raining or snowing.
It also has a fleece lining to keep you warm. The jacket is breathable, windproof, and insulates heat well.
This jacket offers comfort, and It also features reflective strips for your safety so you can safely ride at night.
It’s made of lightweight material that won’t add too much bulkiness to your body when you’re wearing it. This jacket has a full zipper and elastic cuffs to provide convenience.
With three big back pockets, you can carry your stuff conveniently. So this is for bikers who want a cycling jacket that they can use for a more extended period.
It is best for those who want a lightweight winter cycling jacket but still warm and dry.
Rockbros Thermal Fleece
Best Budget Option: Breathable vents on the back and shoulder
- Made of thermal fleece material
- Outer windproof and waterproof material
- Interior thermal fleece (best for 20-50 degrees F)
The Rockbros Thermal Fleece is a wind-proof cycling jacket made with thermal fleece. It has a winter collar with its zipper close to the chin. It also comes with two zippered hand pockets that you can use for your phone or wallet.
The cycling jacket is effective in wicking water away from the body because of its inner mesh lining. Thus, it won’t make you feel like you’re wearing something hot and wet. It’s also windproof with an elastic waist and cuff.
This is a warm, weather-resistant cycling jacket that features breathable holes in the back and shoulder area. Thus, you won’t feel too hot or claustrophobic when wearing it. No sweat build-up – it keeps you dry during biking, hiking, or running.
This jacket is made with elastic material, so it will stay in place even if you’re moving. It has reflective strips to provide low-light visibility so you can avoid getting hit by cars at night.
One more thing, it has one big package at the back and three with a zipper in front. Truly convenient!
Pearl Izumi Pro Thermal Jersey
Best for Late/Early Rides: Warmth and freedom of movement
- Made of nylon and polyester
- Breathable fabric with full-length zipper
- BioViz high visibility colors
Pearl Izumi thermal jacket features a thermal fleece fabric that is stretchable. It can provide you with warmth and freedom of movement.
This is perfect for bikers who want to keep their phones on their winter biking jacket while biking as winter cycling jackets go. It comes with a full-length Vislon zipper, is easy to use, and is great for air exposure prevention.
This jacket also has three pockets at the back. So you can conveniently store your stuff while biking. It also protects from the elements with its waterproofing technology.
Just like the Rockbros jacket, this jacket is made with elastic material. So the jacket will stay in place even if you’re moving. It has reflective strips to provide low-light visibility so you can avoid getting hit by cars at night.
In general, this cycling jacket is for cyclists who winter bike in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening.
Hardshell Winter Cycling Jackets
Gore Phantom Infinium
Best Overall Hardshell: Flexible and foldable
- 100% polyester
- Windproof, waterproof, breathable fabric
- Convertible into long sleeves or short sleeves
The Gore Phantom Infinium is a flexible cycling jacket. It is ideal for all conditions of weather. For winter cycling jackets that are foldable and easy to pack, this jacket is the best.
From the zipper to the reflective strips, it has many things that will keep you safe at night. The jacket also features Gore’s fabric which is 100% windproof and waterproof. So it serves as a great windbreaker and rainbreaker, too. Likewise, it comes with a detachable front cover thru the hidden zips on the shoulders. Hence you could easily use it in cold and warm surroundings.
It has elastic binding, which ensures that the winter biking jacket will stay in place. The winter biking jacket also has reflective strips to provide low-light visibility so you can avoid getting hit by cars at night.
The jacket is made with lightweight material that allows air exposure, making it breathable for winter sports.
Furthermore, it comes with a breathable and stretchable back material for easier use. It also has high-lined collar locks to prevent the cold air from entering. Also, it is with bright and reflective colors for extra visibility.
This is perfect for bikers looking for cycling jackets that are perfect for both hot and cold temperatures.
Endura Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II
Best Alternative Hardshell: lightweight and tape-sealed seams
- Made of 100% nylon material
- Waterproof, compact, breathable
- Reflective prints
Endura Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II features a lightweight and tape-sealed seams. That is important in keeping the rain out. Plus, it has a padded collar that helps reduce water going to the neck.
This jacket has a slim-fit design for easy layering. Also, it is windproof and waterproof with breathable membrane features like most winter cycling jackets.
This jacket’s reflective markings are strategically placed on its front and back. So bikers could be seen in low-light winter biking conditions. The sleeves of Endura Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II have a stretchable and flexible fabric underneath them. So it can easily accommodate winter biking gloves or mitts.
Also, the cycling jacket has a wind flap on the sides and arms. Hence, you would have more excellent and better protection from the rain. Also, to ensure that your back is drier.
It is not only built for winter, but this jacket can also be used even during summer because of its lightweight and waterproof features.
This Endura jacket is a great alternative for bikers who wants a jacket that they could use during winter, summer, or spring. It provides bikers with durability and protection from all elements while biking in winter conditions.
Gore Wear C5 Active
Best Value for Money: lightweight with elastic cuffs
- 100% polyester and polyamide material
- Made of waterproof, windproof, and breathable material
- Form-fit with extended back
Gore Wear C5 Active cycling jacket comes with a two-layer membrane. Thus it provides you with a waterproof and wind-proof jacket. This also has a highly breathable and comfortable fit.
This jacket has elastic cuffs, which makes it easier for winter biking. Furthermore, it has two back pockets with magnetic closures for added storage space. It also features a high-lined stand-up collar for safety and protection from the elements.
It is 100% waterproof, so that you can wear this jacket in any winter condition. The winter cycling jacket also has an adjustable hem so that you can adjust your winter biking jacket based on the temperature. It is packable and lightweight, so it is easy to bring along.
Just like most winter cycling jackets, this jacket has reflective markings for low-light visibility. Hence bikers could easily see each other at night or early morning.
This jacket is perfect for bikers who winter bike in any season or weather condition. It is packable, lightweight, and it has a thin design, so you could wear layers underneath the winter biking jacket if it is colder in your location.
If you’re looking for a winter cycling jacket that packs small and light, this jacket is for you.
Showers Pass Elite 2.1
Best in Durability: Three layers of tough nylon
- Made of 100% nylon material
- Adjustable fit
- Three layers of waterproof and breathable fabric
- Water-resistant zippers
The Showers Pass Elite2.1 is built with three layers of breathable, durable, and tough nylon fabric. Plus, it comes with a durable water repellent finishing. This cycling jacket also has fully sealed seams for added waterproof integrity.
Its outer layer is tough 14-ounce nylon which makes it perfect for winter biking in cold conditions. Likewise, it provides you with concealed venting. It also comes with reflective stripes to ensure your visibility in low-light winter biking conditions.
Additionally, the jacket’s membrane allows the extra heat to escape. So lesser amount of water vapor is produced at the same time maintaining its high endurance. Also, added large back vent gives an additional way of expelling excess heat.
But in warmer climates, the jacket comes with six different vents that you could close or open. It depends on your preference. It has a slim-fit design with adjustable hem cinch-cords that you could adjust based on your winter biking trip. Also, it has unique back yoke seam construction that you could wear with extra layers underneath. You could also wear this jacket by itself.
This winter biking jacket is perfect for bikers who wants a jacket that is built tough with added ventilation features.
Statistics and Facts About the Best Winter Cycling Jackets
- Modern winter cycling jackets prioritize warmth, windproofing, and water resistance using advanced fabrics like Gore-Tex and Polartec Alpha fleece, which insulate yet breathe so sweat escapes during hard efforts.
- Jackets such as the Castelli Alpha RoS 2 use a microporous membrane that blocks rain while letting moisture out, enhancing comfort on long cold rides.
- Leading models like the Rapha Pro Team Winter Jacket work well from –5 °C to 10 °C, and layering over a base and mid-layer can extend use up to 12 °C, depending on ride intensity.
- Key design features include durable water-repellent (DWR) panels, fleece linings, reflective accents, large storage pockets, and elastic silicon grippers for on-the-bike convenience.
Types of Cycling Jackets
Fleece
Fleece cycling jackets are made from a mixture of sheep wool and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fiber helps in enhancing heat retention. On the other hand, wool offers warmth.
Also, fleece winter jackets are great because you can choose from a wide range of colors. So it would be easy to match your jacket with other winter sports gear like winter bike pants or boots.
This type of winter biking jacket is good for winter biking trips because it has windproof features and fully taped seams to keep moisture out. It is also lightweight and thick, which adds extra protection to winter bikers.
Furthermore, winter biking jackets made of fleece are perfect for cold winter biking conditions, It’s because it doesn’t trap the body heat like other winter cycling jackets do. But it does not protect from the rain, and it offers minimal effect to keep the wind out.
Softshells
The softshells cycling jacket commonly features fabric material that has layers of laminations. It typically has an outer and middle layer. The middle layer is the membrane that separates the outer and inner layers. The inner layer of a winter jacket made of softshells contains 100% synthetic material for added insulation.
Also, additional spandex is an option. So it is more tightly fit and breathable. It offers more water-resistant and wind-proof than a fleece.
Similarly, a softshell is warmer, softer, lighter, and more flexible than a waterproof hardshell cycling jacket. It’s a perfect choice for less extreme weather.
Hardshells
Hardeshells cycling jackets are perfect for winter and more extreme environments. Mainly because it is wind-proof and waterproof. If you want a winter cycling jacket that protects winter bikers from a wide range of winter elements, hardshell jackets are for you.
This winter biking gear comprises three layers, including the outermost shell, insulation layer, and inner liner. The outermost shell is made from polycarbonate, nylon, or polyester material which is water-resistant.
The insulation layer is usually made from polyester, feather, fleece, or down, which traps body heat. Lastly, the inner liner fabric is made of a microporous material, which allows sweat to evaporate.
Clothing Layers for Winter Cycling
Base Layer
The base layer would be in contact with your skin. So you need to choose a breathable material. Also, a fabric that can draw your sweat on the skin’s surface is good. This is for faster and easier evaporation to keep you warm and dry.
You may consider clothes made with polyester, Coolmax, or natural merino wool in your options. Those help keep you comfortable.
Jersey
The jersey you would be needed depends on the base layer. It is used to help regulate your core body temperature.
You may choose a winter cycling jersey with the same features as the base layer if you want to use layers underneath your winter jacket. If you want winter cycling jerseys with mid-layer insulation, consider opting for three or more layers in your winter biking gears.
The jersey can be long or short sleeve and thermal or not. Also, a jersey with a full-length zipper can offer extra ventilation to the rider.
Windproof softshell or fleece
This clothing keeps you warm and can help reduce wind impact. You can use it to provide your winter biking gears with an insulation layer.
Waterproof Hardshell
The waterproof hardshell offers good protection from heavy rains, although it is less breathable. This winter biking gear is perfect for winter bikers who stay in wet and rainy areas since they help keep water out no matter how heavy the rain is.
It also helps prevent water from getting in when you fall in winter because it offers thin yet durable protection.
What to Look for When Buying Winter Cycling Jackets
Breathability
Choosing a jacket with a fabric that does not quickly get soaked from the inside is essential. That is to keep dry and increase your comfort during your bike rides.
Windproof
It is necessary to get a winter cycling jacket to protect you from cool winds and stop the cold from getting through. If your winter cycling jackets are not perfectly windproof, your cycling can be unpleasant rather than fun.
Some cycling jackets come with pieces made of different materials to help deflect the effect of the wind. A winter cycling jacket with insulation and an exterior wind flap is the most common way to achieve this.
Also, some are using vents with zippers to adjust the jacket’s ventilation better as it can be opened or closed.
Waterproof
A waterproof winter cycling will protect you from rain and snow. Be careful. There are winter biking jackets with a water-resistant exterior that provides some protection from drizzle but may become soaked in the event of a downpour.
A waterproof winter cycling jacket can also be breathable. Thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane, which allows the jacket to transfer vaporized sweat out while keeping wind and water out.
Warmth
The winter cycling jacket should be well insulated to keep you warm. Winter biking jackets are available both with insulation and without insulation, depending on your winter biking needs.
Jackets with insulation allow the added flexibility of removing layers during warmer winter days.
Comfort & Fit
Make sure that your jacket fits comfortably over all your cycling layers, especially gloves and boots.
It is vital to assess if you would need a loose-fitting for off bikes or so you could layer underneath it. The otherwise tight-fitting jacket is for bike racers.
Winter biking jackets tend to have a relaxed fit for more ease of movement while riding the bike. It is also a good idea to get one with removable arms if you plan to wear your jacket during off-the-bike activities.
Also, it is essential to check the fitting of the collars and sleeves of the cycling jacket.
Visibility
Winter cycling jackets must have fluorescent elements or reflective patches for night winter biking.
A waterproof cycling jacket with high visibility increases the safety of your winter biking adventures! Choosing a jacket that has reflective detailing and brighter colors is a good option.
Conclusion on the Best Winter Cycling Jacket
For winter cycling, you want something that will keep you warm, dry, and visible in all types of conditions. The Castelli Alpha Ros 2 is the best overall cycling jacket on our list as it provides excellent comfort to the rider. It is a well-designed winter cycling jacket and can be used in both cold and warmer weather. It also has special reflective material on the front and backside of the jacket for added visibility.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on winter cycling jackets (weatherproof & warm) and found it helpful. Please feel free to browse through our other articles for more winter biking gear guides.
Have a fun ride!
