Best windproof cycling jackets 2023 ⁠— lightweight layers to protect from windchill

The Assos Mille GT Wind Jacket is super compact in your pocket and more closely fitted than most wind/emergency jackets once on.

The key to a good windproof shell is that it can be easily packed away, and this is where the Mille GT Wind excels. It’s feather light at only 90g, and the foil ultra-ripstop fabric is extremely thin, making it pack down to the tiniest parcel.

This doesn’t take away from the protection is offers when out on the bike though, forming a strong barrier against wind on blustery descents. Hunched down in an aero position, there’s no flapping to be heard, looks like Assos put their money where their mouth is when they coined it an 'acoustically innocuous' design.

Along with impressive wind-proofing, a DWR coating does a good job of fending off road spray and drizzle. Elasticated cuffs and a high collar keep out the chill, while the material on side panels make the Mille GT surprising breathable.  

Tester Jamie writes: “While Assos Mille GT Wind Jacket is pretty expensive for a windstopper, the performance, usability and quality mean it earns the price tag. You can easily buy cheaper, but they just won't be as good.”

While the GrandTour is a slim-fitting windproof jacket with thermal properties as opposed to a windbreaker, but we're including it in our windproof jacket guide as a heavier duty option for cold and windy days, or just about any day where you want warmth and weather protection. 

Galibier says for the coldest and nastiest weather, the GrandTour is best paired with its GrandTour Foul Weather Gilet; and our reviewer said he is "yet to find weather cold and grim enough to outdo the pairing." For any temps above zero, Galibier says you should be golden with just a base layer underneath, and our reviewer concurred. It's also very comfortable against the skin and not at all bulky, so on milder days, anywhere up to the mid-teens, you could just wear it on its own. 

If you want superb, versatile weather protection without the big ticket price, the GrandTour would certainly make a grand old choice. 

Read our review:

The 7Mesh Cypresss Hybrid Jacket is targeted at cool mornings and windy days where you need lightweight protection, but not a full waterproof.

Like some of its competitors, the Cypress Hybrid features Gore-Tex Infinium on the front; a light and breathable windblocking fabric with DWR coating that protects against light showers, without claiming to be fully waterproof.

The arms and rear are built in four-way stretch material and are highly breathable, impressive for fabric on which water just beads off. Again not waterproof, but good enough to shed a light shower while remaining supremely breathable.

There’s no pockets, but two long side zips allow easy one-handed access to rear jersey pockets and can double as vents when conditions start to warm up. Reviewer Mike praises the taped seams and reinforced stress areas, saying: "The build quality and finish is so good you could wear it inside out and it'd look just as sharp." 

The jacket can be packed into a fist-sized ball and fit our tester’s tall and broad frame like a glove, with hems sitting at the perfect length and stretch at the back making for unrestricted range of movement.  

Read our review:

The Galibier Gino Pro Wind is one of the best breathable windbreaker cycling jackets we've reviewed, and even better, it won’t break the bank.

Galibier has long had a reputation of creating affordable garments that consistently perform, and the Gino is no exception. Galibier has used UPF200 Windstop fabric by Miti for the front panels. It’s a high thread-count material which is then laminated to create the windproofing.

Reviewer Stu put the Gino Pro's windstopping claims well and truly to the test, saying: 'I went out on a night ride with the temperature just half a degree below freezing and a cold north-easterly wind. Underneath, all I had on was a mesh short-sleeved base layer that I normally wear in the warmth of summer. My temperature was very comfortable, even on my arms, where under the sleeves of the Gino, my skin was exposed."

The jacket can be worn on its own as a winter jersey, or with extra layers for those sub-zero morning starts. Breathability is not issue as Galibier uses a thinner fabric for the rear and side panels, which lets body heat escape.

Three slim rear pockets offer some room for snacks, without making it too bulky to fold up small into a pocket or seatpack. Comfort is king with the Gino, the material’s pleasantly soft and the offset zip’s a nice touch to avoid neck rub.

Read our review:

The Bontrager Circuit Cycling Wind Jacket is a lightweight, packable shell with impressive windblocking prowess. It's a good option for the sort of chilly, showery conditions commonly experienced on early and late season rides.

Given that the semi-fitted jacket is made from thin-feeling polyester, tester Shaun was genuinely impressed by its ability to completely stop the wind in its tracks and ward off particularly icy blasts. Temperature’s sufficient in mild conditions, but you’ll need to add some insulating layers for colder outings.

The Circuit is showerproof rather than waterproof, but the DWR coating allows it to withstand heavy downpours for half an hour or so. It dries off quickly between showers too, making it practical for riding in changeable weather with intermittent rain.

The jacket manages to prevent that clammy feeling thanks to vents under the arms, on the shoulders, and across the back. The zipper’s easy to use and has a two-way function, which gives easy access to jersey pockets on the fly (there’s also one in-built side pocket).

Meanwhile, the elasticated sleeves block out any drafts and two pull cords mean you can opt for a relaxed hem, or to draw it tighter against the elements.

Read our review:

It may be on the pricey side, but the Sigr Nackrosleden Transparent Pro Cycling Wind/Rain Jacket is an impressive piece of kit for fast road rides and racing in poor weather conditions.

The transparent, 100% Nylon material allows you to see a race number or team kit through the jacket. Though the fabric can feel sticky on bare skin, it does a good job of regulating temperature thanks to underarm mesh sections and a high breathability level of 20,000gsm/24hr.

The jacket can withstand most prolonged downpours thanks to a hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm. Only a ride of four hours in torrential rain saw some water seeping through (seams are taped), but few jackets could withstand that.

As for the fit, the Sigr sports a performance cut suitable for racing, with decent tail drop to protect against road spray and long sleeves to cover reaching the drops. Four-way stretch material keeps it comfy, and a double zip means you can reach rear pockets easily for re-fuelling on the go.

Read our review: