Best waterproof cycling jackets 2024 — keep riding your bike whatever the weather

It's not easy for a product to achieve a review score of 10/10, but tester Mike deemed Showers Pass' Elite 2.1 jacket was worthy due to it being 'the ultimate jacket for riding in appalling conditions.'

It's made from Elite 3-layer rip stop fabrics, with the jacket having been body-mapped to maximise waterproof/windproof protection with high levels of breathability. A multitude of venting options also keep you cool when you put in big efforts, or when outside temperatures start to rise. 

The Elite also comes with plenty of reflective detailing to help you get seen at night (there are bright colour options available other than the black seen in the photo), and there is also a hood available as an optional extra which we believe adds to the versatility of the jacket.

When it comes to fit, the Showers Pass has a roadie style to it being cut slim to reduce excess fabric flapping around, although we found it to still offer plenty of room beneath for a couple of layers.

It's not cheap, but thanks to great durability and a two-year warranty, the Elite is a long-term investment.  

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When we reviewed 7Mesh's Oro jacket, Mat described it as the best lightweight waterproof that he had ever tested due to its impressive ability to repel rain while folding up small enough to easily fit in a jersey pocket. A lot of that comes down to the Gore Active fabric which does away with the outer 'third' layer of material found on traditional Gore-Tex layers.

Making a jacket waterproof isn't that tricky a task, making it waterproof and breathable is another matter though and this is where the Oro really shines. Gore says that's because of the lack of that outer face layer, and the glue required to bond everything together and Mat was suitably impressed saying that he was comfortable wearing the Oro in temperatures up to 14°C whether it was raining or not as it also makes a great windproof. 

Should you want to strip it off after a shower though, a quick shake and it's bone dry. You certainly won't notice it in your pocket either due to its compact pack size and 93g weight. 

It's not just the fabric that ticks all of the boxes, the fit is designed for performance riding with a slim cut to reduce flapping and plenty of length in the arms. You'll need to make sure you get the right size though as there isn't much stretch in the Gore fabric.

At £250 the Oro is a big investment, but our conclusion is that if you want a minimalist, lightweight waterproof with loads of breathability, this is superb.     

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When we reviewed the 7mesh Copilot Hollis reckoned it offered a minimalist design with maximum performance, being a brilliant packable jacket for taking with you everywhere.

The design and cut means that it is a bit of a Jack of all cycling trades with a looser fit than most road jackets, but still well shaped for life on the bike. It works for commuting, gravel riding, touring, bikepacking and more without looking out of place.

At £250 it isn't cheap, but we were very impressed with Gore's Paclite Plus fabric when it comes to waterproofing and blocking the wind. A hood is built into the design too. Breathability is also well managed with our reviewer finding that even on long climbs he never felt overwhelmed from a temperature management point of view in typical UK winter temperatures. 

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When it comes to keeping the rain out, not all of us necessarily want a hardshell jacket; especially if getting caught out in a heavy rain shower rather than heading out into weather that is likely to be wet for the duration of your ride. Stolen Goat's Climb & Conquer is a softshell jacket more akin to a long-sleeve jersey, made from Tempest Protect fabric which manages to be very warm while impressively waterproof.

It's not technically a full waterproof as the seams aren't taped (to aid breathability) and there is no protection behind the zip, but should the heavens open the results are still spectacular.

The Climb in Conquer comes in a range of different colours and designs which are constantly evolving so you should definitely find something that suits. The material looks grey in daylight but when light is shone on them they are a solid block of reflective light.

One great bonus that the Climb and Conquer offers are the rear pockets. Just like a traditional jersey you get three pockets across the rear, with an additional zipped pocket for your valuables.

Overall, the Stolen Goat makes a great option if a softshell is what you are after.   

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Let's face it, if you're riding in the rain it is likely to be dull and grey, so if you want to be seen you'll want something bright like the Altura Nightvision Storm Waterproof jacket. Other colours are available if you want something a little more subdued, though.

If you are a commuter and work the 9-to-5 then your rides to and from work are probably going to be in the dark too, which is where the huge amount of reflectivity in this jacket really comes into play. For our reviewer George the results were impressive, with the Altura shunning wet weather and blocking the wind. Breathability was decent too for all but the most spirited of rides.

Altura's Nightvision range has always been about visibility in the dark, and this jacket doesn't let you down. The side panels, the outside of the arms and the collar are all covered in an array of reflective dots, which give a distinct definition of someone human-shaped riding along. 

The reflectivity of the arms also helps with making your signals for turning more noticeable. There's a women's version of this jacket too which we've also reviewed.

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The Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket earned a solid 8/10 rating from us. It has a great fit, and quality construction and most importantly, comes with a good level of protection, suitable for various rides. The design includes a useful zip garage and a central pocket and the whole jacket weighs only 175g.

Although this bright jacket offers good wind and rain resistance, it has average breathability, making it more suitable for short or relaxed rides.

The Altura Grid Women’s Parka Waterproof Jacket is a more versatile, longer-length waterproof jacket. This makes it a great option for both on and off-the-bike activities. The parka design, with reflective patches offers good coverage and complements various body shapes. This jacket is a great choice for urban riders seeking functionality and style in a single jacket - and it's available in both men's and women's fit.