Waterproof Mountain Bike Jackets
There are two types of mountain biker, those that hate riding in the wet and those that love it. Some people love splashing through muddy puddles, while the others will use the bad weather days to tinker with their bikes. But, even if you do like winter riding, the whole experience is much better when you are warm, comfortable and dry. In this post, I am going to explain what you need to look for in waterproof mountain bike jackets and give you some great options from Endura, Fox, Nukeproof and dhb for soggy days.
Weather Protection
There are two main types of weather protection when it comes to waterproof mountain bike jackets, water-resistant and membrane. Water-resistant jackets are treated with a DWR (durable water repellency) coating; this causes the water to bead up and run off. You will find that DWR jackets are more affordable and they will be a breathable soft-shell fabric. The disadvantage of DWR jackets is that they will eventually need to be retreated.
Membrane jackets are more expensive. They commonly have three layers of membrane that has small pores. These pores let vapour out but prevent water from getting in. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water drop. The best membrane jackets are breathable and are very good at preventing water from getting in. An excellent example of a membrane jacket is a GORE-TEX jacket; these are exceptional but come with an extra cost.
How Effective Are Waterproof Mountain Bike Jackets?
When choosing your waterproof mountain bike jacket, you need to pay attention to the numbers. The higher the numbers, the more waterproof the jacket will be. A jacket that is waterproof to 10,000mm is what you need to ideally be looking for.
The breathability number relates to how much water can escape from the inside pithing 24 hours. 12,000g/m2 is a good number to be looking at. As with the waterproofness, the higher the number, the better. But this isn’t the only thing you need to be looking at when it comes to trail riding in the wet.
Check The Seams
It is vital to buy a jacket with taped seams. The tape covers the holes that are made by the sewing machine during manufacturing. They stop water seeping in, which would ruin the integrity of the jacket. The best jackets will say that they have ‘fully taped’ seams. Less expansive jackets will be ‘critically taped’. This means that only the seams on the shoulders and back of the jacket are taped.
Mountain Bike Jacket Fit
Mountain bike jackets are made for mountain biking. This means that they are anatomically designed to provide the best coverage while you are moving around on the bike, unlike a hiking jacket. A mountain bike jacket shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy, and it shouldn’t restrict your movement, especially around the shoulders. Some mountain bike jackets have strategically placed stretchy fabric to keep your movement free and easy.
Hood
Ideally, your waterproof mountain bike jacket should have a hood. If you ride without your hood up in very wet weather, water will get in. Depending on the jacket, you will find hoods that will either go over or under your helmet. The most effective hoods are the ones that go over your helmet. This is because you get more coverage and you can pop it up quickly when the weather changes.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important. This is because it may not be cold when it is raining, and you can quickly get sweaty, especially on big climbs. Sometimes even the best membrane jacket isn’t breathable enough; therefore, it is good to have the option of letting some heat out of your jacket. The best mountain bike jackets allow you to unzip vent under the arms and on your chest. This allows air to flow through the jacket preventing the buildup of moisture. If you ride with a backpack, vents on the back of the jacket are not that effective; also they will let water in.
Pockets
You might as well take advantage of having extra storage space. So if you like to keep your phone or trail snacks handy, make sure the pockets are big enough. They should also be able to be zipped up, sp you don’t lose your stuff. The thing about pockets is though, that if you overload yourself with stuff, it can be pretty uncomfortable. Also, if you end up coming off your bike, you don’t want you pockets full of stuff that can break or injure you.
Style
You may want to go for a mountain bike jacket that has a dark colour to hide the mud. You don’t need to do this. There are some great looking jackets that are not black. Choosing a jacket with a bright colour will keep you visible as a safety measure, but they also make you stand out on photos when riding in the woods.
Recommended Waterproof Mountain Bike Jackets
Endura SingleTrack Waterproof Cycling Jacket II
This is the waterproof mountain bike jacket I use. As with all Endura products, the Endura SingleTrack Waterproof Cycling Jacket II balances excellent features and value for money. The hood stows away and can be quickly taken out and pulled over your helmet.
It has a convenient chest pocket and two front pockets with zips that are big enough for your phone, snacks etc. The vents under the armpits are large and work well for letting out warm air when you are pushing hard.
The adjustable cuffs and hem allow you to get the perfect fit and to stop the water getting in. The breathable and waterproof shell works very well to keep you warm and dry when the rain is hammering down.
Check out my full review of the Endura Singletrack Jacket here
Features
- Materials: 100% Polyamide
- Waterproof and breathable ExoShell20™ 3 layer fabric
- Relaxed fit
- Grown on hood with internal retainer strap and adjustment
- Zipped Napoleon chest pocket and front handwarmer pockets
- Pits vents for temperature regulation
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket
Sticking with Endura, the MT500 is packed with features and is highly breathable. This jacket is perfect for the wettest of days out on the trails. The seams are fully sealed and made from the EXOShell 60 three-layer fabric to give you the ultimate in waterproof protection. This lightweight fabric is also very breathable, so the most amount of moisture is wicked away from your body as possible.
The front pockets are large, and they double as vents. This jacket also has large underarm vents that extend to the back, allowing you to regulate your temperature. These vents are at the side, so they work with a backpack too.
The hood is large enough to go over your helmet and can be stowed away and deployed quickly. Another nice feature includes an internal stretchy cuff that will stop the chilly air getting in. For extra visibility, this jacket has strategically placed reflective trim too.
Features
- Material: 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane (Spandex)
- Exceptionally breathable ExoShell60™ 3-Layer waterproof fabric, fully seam sealed
- Durable shoulder fabric with silicone grip and ergonomically positioned stretch panels
- 3D adjustment on hood
- Ventilation by large underarm 2 way zipped vent extending onto back, compatible with backpack
- Front pockets doubling as vents
- Water-repellent VISLON® zip with storm flap
- Internal stretch cuff plus adjustable cuff and hem
- Reflective trim
- Waterproof – 18000 mm
- Breathable – 64000 g/m2/24hr
Endura MTR Shell Jacket
Back to Endura with the MTR Shell Jacket. This is made from very breathable, lightweight and waterproof fabric. It doesn’t have any vents or pockets, but it is very breathable and packable. This jacket is ideal for keeping in your bag to be pulled out in the event of a downpour.
The shoulders, cuffs and sides have ergonomically designed stretchy panels, to ensure that your movement isn’t compromised. It has a fully sealed seam construction and a detachable over the helmet hood.
Features
- Material: 100% Nylon
- Highly breathable, lightweight Exoshell40-3 Layer waterproof fabric
- Ergonomically positioned stretch shoulder panels
- Fully seam-sealed construction
- Stretch waterproof cuffs and sides
- Detachable hood
- Athletic, non-flap fit
- Hidden loop for quick and easy packing
Fox Racing Ranger 3L Water Jacket
The Fox Racing Ranger 3L Water Jacket is Fox’s lightweight waterproof jacket. This jacket has a three-layer fabric, taped seams and waterproof zips. Along with its breathability, this jacket should keep you nice and comfy on soggy days.
Other features include, billowed pockets that keep your positions away from your body and a drawstring on the hem. This jacket doesn’t have a hood, so it may suit you better than the other options here.
Features
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- Advanced weather protection features fully taped seams and waterproof zippers
- 10,000mm/10,000gm 3-Layer breathable waterproof fabric
- Front hand pockets with separate compartments to keep your stuff in place while you ride
- Drawcord on lower hem for a close fit
- Water-resistant pockets to keep your valuables dry
- Laser-cut, billowed pockets to keep your cargo comfortable and away from your body
- Water-resistant YKK front zipper
Fox Racing Flexair Pro 3L Water Jacket
This is Fox’s best dedicated waterproof mountain bike jacket. The Fox Racing Flexair Pro 3L Water Jacket is designed to keep the rain out and the sweat away from your body using a three layer material. This material has a durable water repellant coating and a high breathability rating.
The hood has laser venting to prevent the “parachute” effect blowing it off when you are charging. Other great features are zipped up pockets for your stuff and reflective details for visibility.
Features
- Materials: 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex
- Advanced weather protection features fully taped seams and waterproof zippers
- 10,000mm/30,000gm 3-Layer breathable waterproof fabric
- Hidden laser perforations in the hood make sure it doesn’t inflate on descents
- Laser-cut billowed chest pocket to keep your things away from the body when pockets are stuffed
- Front hand pockets with separate compartments to keep your stuff in place while you ride
- Adjustable hood fits over most helmets
- Drawcord on lower hem for a precise fit
- Zippered storm flap to easily reach valuables in mid-layers
- Water-resistant YKK front zipper
Fox FLEXAIR PRO LUNAR 3L JACKET
This jacket is designed to increase your visibility in low light conditions. The Fox logos and details are reflective, which helps you stand out, as does the hi-vis yellow colour.
The Flexair Pro Lunar 3L is made from a technical, waterproof and breathable fabric. This means that you will stay dry on the outside and the inside. Its features include a hood that fits over your helmet and strategic laser vents that give you ample airflow without inflating the jacket as you are bombing along a trail.
I like that the pockets are a good size to stash your essentials safely. I also like how this jacket looks and fits. It has an enduro-style fit and cut, which means it has enough room to layer up but isn’t so baggy that it flaps around at speed.
This is a quality jacket that will keep you warm, dry and safe while riding your bike.
Features
- Special Edition hi-vis fabric and reflective logos for increased visibiliy
- Advanced weather protection features fully taped seams and waterproof zippers
- 10,000mm/30,000gm 3-Layer breathable waterproof fabric
- Hidden laser perforations in the hood make sure it doesn’t inflate on descents
- Laser cut billowed chest pocket to keep your things away from the body when pockets are stuffed
- Front hand pockets with separate compartments to keep your stuff in place while you ride
- Adjustable hood fits over most helmets
- Draw cord on lower hem for precise fit
- Zippered storm flap to easily reach valuables in mid-layers
- Water-resistant YKK front zipper
Fox Racing Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket
The Ranger jacket from Fox is easily packed down, so it is ideal for riding in changeable weather conditions. It is lightweight, comfortable and has a great fit. The ripstop fabric gives it added durability; it is fully seam-sealed and has a DWR coating to keep out the heaviest of downpours. Its breathability is good enough to stop you overheating on big climbs.
The large hood fits nicely over your helmet, and the pockets are large enough to stash your belongings.
Features
- Materials: 100% Polyester Ripstop
- Advanced weather protection for a wide range of weather conditions
- Lightweight 10,000mm/3,000gm 2.5-Layer waterproof breathable main body fabric
- Durable Water Repellent finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
- 2 zippered front hand pockets
- Drawcord cinching at hem and elastic cuff provide a customized fit
- Helmet-compatible hood fits over most helmets
Nukeproof Nirvana Packable Jacket
The Nukeproof Nirvana Packable Jacket is an excellent option for keeping in your backpack. It is lightweight enough to not bog you down, but it has all the features you need to keep the rain at bay.
The fabric is a 2.5 layer waterproof DWR coated fabric; this jacket will keep you nice and dry. The excellent breathability and underarm ventilation give you plenty of cooling when needed.
Nukeproof are not only known for their durability but also their well thought out features. This jacket’s chest pocket doubles as the packable pouch and contains a lanyard clip for your keys. It also has articulated cuffs and an adjustable hood.
Features
- Materials: 100% Nylon
- Lightweight 2.5 Layer waterproof and highly breathable fabric
- DWR coated
- Adjustable Hood
- YKK Zips
- 2 Front hand pockets
- Chest pocket with lanyard clip which doubles as a packable pouch
- Underarm ventilation to help with temperature control
- Chin guard to prevent zip irritation against the skin
- Articulated cuff with elastic
- Drawcord clinching at hem to provide a customised fit
- Dropped hem at back for extra coverage
- 15,000mm waterproof / 30,000g/m2 breathability
dhb MTB Trail Waterproof Jacket
The dhb MTB Trail Waterproof Jacket is well made comfy and has an excellent waterproof and breathability rating. It will keep you nice and dry on the wettest of days out on the bike. It has more of a tailored fit than some other mountain bike jackets. This means it isn’t too tight, but it won’t flap about in the wind either. The seams are taped to keep the water out, and the adjustable hood easily fits over your helmet. You can quickly roll the hood away when you don’t need it.
It has two pockets that double as vents and nicely shaped cuffs for comfort.
Features
- Main Material: 100% Polyamide(Nylon) – with PU Laminate
- Back Material: 100% Polyester
- Mid-weight 3 Layer fabric with stretch
- Waterproof rating 20,000mm
- Breathability rating 20,000g/m/24hr
- Fully seam taped construction
- Adjustable hood that can be rolled away when necessary
- Silicone shoulder grippers to keep hydration pack in place
- Waterproof YKK Aquaguard™ front zipper
- 2 pockets that can also be used for ventilation
- Shaped and elasticated cuffs
- Adjustable, dropped hem
That Is My Pick Of The Best Waterproof Mountain Bike Jackets
Which one takes your fancy? Do you have any questions or thoughts on these jackets? If so please let me know in the comments section below.
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