Best windproof cycling jackets 2024 ⁠— outer layers to protect you from the windchill while riding

For early (dry) starts, late finishes or long descents, the dhb Aeron Packable Jacket offers ample protection at a wallet-friendly price, and it folds almost unnoticeably into a back pocket.

Being such a light jacket, the Aeron packs in plenty of features that make it a pleasure to wear: from well-fitting cuffs and a soft back collar, to the double-ended zip for adaptable ventilation and pocket access.

The Aeron is not a jacket with any claims to waterproofing, though the polyester shell will hold up in brief showers. This is largely due to the mesh panel which runs the full length of the back and provides great breathability. Even sprints didn’t cause overheating, though on the flip side, the armpit panels definitely let you know when there’s a crosswind.

The Galibier Trail Wind Jacket is a lightweight windproof with neat design cues that work well when you're riding without it screaming 'I'm a cyclist' when your bike is nowhere in sight. If you have an urban commute and tend to wear standard clothing the Galibier looks just at home with a pair of jeans as it does with Lycra.

Reviewer Stu said, "As a trail jacket its more relaxed fit is ideal for mountain biking and the gravel riding that I mostly used it for. The sizing is pretty much spot on and the cut is tailored so I didn't find it too baggy for riding on the road".

Primarily it's a windblocker, a job it does very well indeed as it kept those chilly gusts at bay, and while Galibier makes no mention of any water resistance, Stu found that there does seem to be something that makes water bead off it. Galibier has included a bit of storage with a zipped rear pocket, which is big enough for a phone and some snacks, and you get a small, zipped chest pocket for essentials like keys or your cash/cards.

It's also an excellent price - you're getting a lot of jacket for your money. 

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. 

If you’re after a fully windproof cycling jacket that’s also completely breathable, reviewer Emma was blown away by the extremely light and packable women's Assos UMA GT Wind Jacket.  

The front of the jacket is built with Assos’ light Foil Ultra windproof ripstop woven fabric, which is also effective at warding off light showers thanks to a DWR coating. Fit is improved by the flexible side panels made from a windproof textile, offering enough give to fit a few layers underneath on chilly rides.

The breathability of the UMA GT is second to none, largely thanks to a rear ‘stretch-net’ panel that’s made of a fine mesh and does wonders to keep temperatures down. The dropped tail still fits over packet pockets, with the elasticated hem staying firmly in place.

This jacket is considerably aero without being at all restrictive. The high stretch of the material pairs well with with elasticated cuffs, hem, and collar to keep out drafts and eliminate any drag from flapping materials. The entire jacket has a considered cut, with regular length and a feminine fit. 

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.

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.

While it's not windproof throughout the whole garment, the Everyday jacket from Gorewear has Windstopper material on the front and sleeves to keep you toasty enough in most conditions for casual riding or commuting. 

The jacket's fabric includes some recycled materials in its construction, and the claim is that it will protect you from wind and light rain. Our reviewer found this to be the case, with the material doing a good job of keeping the wind out, particularly when descending. It also successfully shrugged off light rain and drizzle.

If you're after something casual that'll look good on or off the bike, then the Everyday jacket is well-made, partially windproof and breathable, and will fit the bill for all types of riding and other outdoor activities. There's also a men's version that our reviewer also rated highly.