Best Mountain Bike Jackets Of 2023 (Comparison & Buying Guide)
Mountain biking is a popular sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re new to mountain biking or want to improve your skills, choosing the right mountain bike jacket is essential. In this article, we’ll compare the best mountain bike jackets on the market to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Comparison Of Our Best Mountain Bike Jackets:
Table of Contents
RACE FACE NANO
Weight: 164g
Waterproof: yes
Windproof: yes
Materials: Ripstop Nylon
Vents: vented
WOLFBIKE FLEECE THERMAL
Weight: 861.9g
Waterproof: no
Windproof: yes
Materials: Spandex and Polyester
Vents: vented
Gore Bike Wear C3 Gore-Tex Paclite
Weight: 282g
Waterproof: yes
Windproof: yes
Materials: GORE-TEX fabric
Vents: vented
COLUMBIA OUTDRY EX ECO
Weight: 340.20g
Waterproof: yes
Windproof: yes
Materials: polyester
Vents: vented
MARMOT 41200 PRECIP
Weight: 362.90g
Waterproof: yes
Windproof: yes
Materials: Nylon NanoPro Ripstop
Vents: vented
GORE BIKE WEAR PHANTOM WINDSTOPPER
Weight: 589.70g
Waterproof: yes
Windproof: yes
Materials: Spandex 4-Way Knit
Vents: vented
How To Choose Your Mountain Bike Jacket?
When choosing the right mountain bike jacket, it is essential to consider a few key factors. The most crucial factor is insulation. A good mountain bike jacket will protect you from the wind and the cold and keep you warm when the temperature drops below freezing.
In addition to insulation, other factors to consider include weight and breathability. A heavy jacket will be too hot in summer, and a not breathable jacket will make you sweat. Finally, make sure the jacket fits well and is comfortable to wear.
What Type of Mountain Biker are You?
Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors. If you are a beginner, you may want to consider a mountain bike that is easy to ride. If you are an experienced rider, you may want to invest in a mountain bike that is more challenging. Regardless of your experience level, selecting the right mountain bike jacket for your needs is vital. Here are some of the best mountain bike jackets for different riders.
Beginners: A beginner-friendly jacket may be best for you if you are new to mountain biking. These jackets are typically light and easy to move around in, so you won’t feel weighed down while riding. They also tend to be less expensive than other jackets, making them an excellent option for first-time riders. Examples of beginner-friendly jackets include the Revelate Trailblazer and the Specialized Traverse Jacket.
Intermediate Riders: If you are an intermediate rider, you may want to invest in a more challenging jacket. These jackets typically have more padding and protection, making riding more comfortable and complex. Examples of intermediate-level jackets include the Columbia OutDry Exos Jacket and the Gore-Tex Active Jacket.
Advanced Riders: If you are an experienced mountain biker, you may want to invest in a more challenging jacket. These jackets typically have more layers of protection, making riding more comfortable and more complex. Some examples of advanced-level jackets include the North Face Summit Series Jacket and the Patagonia Houdini Jacket.
Fabric Construction
These jackets come in various materials and construction types and are baselayers, softshells, and hard shells. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks.
Baselayer jackets are the most common type of mountain bike jacket. They are made from a stretchy fabric bonded to a waterproof and breathable membrane. It makes them comfortable to wear thanks to their ability to move with your body. Baselayer jackets can also be heated using a thermal lining if needed.
Softshell jackets are made from a different type of fabric than baselayers. They are made from a polyester fleece material laminated to a water-resistant membrane. It makes softshell jackets very durable but can also be quite heavy depending on the model. Softshell jackets do not provide as much warmth as baselayers, but they tend to be less bulky and more comfortable to wear.
Hardshell mountain bike jackets are the most protection-oriented type of jacket available. They are made from a rugged, waterproof fabric usually treated with an anti-microbial coating. It makes them resistant to rain, snow, and other elements. Hardshells can be heated using a thermal lining if needed.
All mountain bike jackets come in different sizes and styles. Most models are available in both men’s and women’s sizes. Choosing the right size for your body type and riding style is essential.
Waterproofing
They are designed to keep you warm and dry in any weather condition. Jackets come with different levels of waterproofing, from those that are just water-resistant to those that are fully waterproof. Waterproofing is crucial because it prevents the jacket from becoming saturated and heavy in wet conditions. Jacket manufacturers typically rate their jackets with a waterproof rating of 5 or 6, which means that the jacket will keep you dry up to six inches in most cases.
When selecting a mountain bike jacket, consider the riding you will be doing. If you plan on spending most of your time riding in milder climates, a jacket rated at 5 or 6 may be sufficient. If you plan on using your mountain bike in more extreme weather conditions, such as winter riding, an 8 or 9 waterproof rating may be necessary. Additionally, consider the amount of insulation the jacket provides. A medium-weight coat will typically have more insulation than a lightweight jacket, which will make it warmer in colder weather.
There are many different brands and types of mountain bike jackets available on the market today. It is crucial to choose a brand that you trust and that has a reputation for making quality products. Some of the most well-known brands include Columbia, North Face, and Marmot.
Zippers
Zippers are a great way to keep your mountain bike safe and secure while on the trails. They’re easy to use and can be attached to either the front or the back of your bike, whichever is most comfortable. To attach a zipper, thread one end of the zipper through the hole in the bike frame and then pull the other end tight.
Make sure the zipper is close to the edge of the bike, so it doesn’t get caught on anything while you’re riding. Zippers come in different lengths, so make sure you choose one that’s long enough to cover your entire bike frame. You can also buy zippered mountain bike bags to keep your bike safe and protected during transport.
Hooded or Hoodless
Mountain bike jackets are essential for comfort and protection when cycling on the hills. Hooded or hoodless, several different mountain bike jackets are available that cater to various riders. Here is a comparison of some of the best mountain bike jackets on the market.
The North Face Frappuccino Jacket is an excellent option for those who want lightweight but still good protection from the wind and rain. The jacket features a waterproof and breathable fabric perfect for rainy days or windy rides. The jacket also comes with adjustable cuffs and waistband, making it comfortable to wear all day long. The North Face Frappuccino Jacket is also affordable, making it an excellent choice for a quality mountain bike jacket.
The Black Diamond Summit Hooded Jacket is another great option for those looking for good protection from the wind and rain. The jacket features a waterproof and breathable fabric that keeps you warm and dry while you’re out riding. The jacket also has a U.P.F. rating of 50, which means it blocks out 98% of harmful U.V. rays.
Vents
Jackets with vents are best for road trips where speed over very open terrain is needed. When it comes to jackets, vents don’t work well, so they aren’t necessary. If you are a serious mountain biker, the best vent you can have is to open the jacket.
When it comes to those cheap jackets, we know one thing. They are not as breathable as we would like. For this, vents can come in handy.
However, if you’re not worried about hurting your wallet with a more expensive jacket, the vents aren’t necessary. These high-end jackets often offer incredible breathability. Plus, you can easily use the front zip to control the temperature inside.
Pockets
Like any other jacket you have today, your mountain bike jacket should also have several pockets. You can use them to store some of your essentials. For example, the pockets are ideal for phones, and keys, among others.
Comfort and Durability
Mountain biking can be a long, sweaty ordeal. Between the heat of the sun and the wind whipping through your clothes, you need clothing that will keep you comfortable and protected. If you’re looking for the perfect mountain bike jacket to keep you warm and dry, look at our top picks.
The Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket is one of the most comfortable jackets we tested. It has a soft, fuzzy lining that is gentle on your skin and keeps you warm. The Nano Puff also has an excellent fit – it’s not too tight or too loose – so you can move freely while riding.
The Black Diamond Equipment Storm Hoodie was our least favourite jacket among the testers. It was hot but felt bulky and uncomfortable. The hood was also very floppy and didn’t fit well over our helmets.
The North Face Women’s Renegade Jacket is one of the most famous mountain bike jackets. It’s made from 100% waterproof and breathable fabric so you can stay dry even in inclement weather. And because it’s waterproof, this jacket is also great for activities like skiing or snowboarding.
All of our top picks are available in men’s and women’s sizes so that you can find the perfect jacket for your body size. And because they all have moisture-wicking capabilities, they’ll keep you dry even when the weather is hot.
Finally, if you’re looking for a lightweight mountain bike jacket, we recommend checking out the Helly Hansen Men’s Venture Jacket. This jacket is made from highly breathable materials and features a comfortable fit.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF MTB JACKETS
Before talking about technical characteristics, the latest generation materials, and innovative technologies, it is essential to specify that the perfect model must adapt to the climatic conditions where you are going.
If you need to protect yourself from the wind and light rain from time to time, I suggest you get a waterproof, thin, and compact model because these jackets are super-light and take up almost no space. Most models can be easily stowed in the pocket.
Softshell jackets will protect you better from the cold and also have excellent breathability, i.e., they allow the vapour of sweat to escape to the outside.
In addition, they are much more pleasant to the touch than waterproof ones, which generally leave a more synthetic feeling. Softshells are ideal for long-lasting activities. The downside is that they are not very waterproof or compact.
If you need a model with excellent rain protection, you should look for a waterproof jacket. Unlike models with water-repellent properties and relative protection against water, waterproof models will protect you longer from heavy rain.
These models have sealed seams, waterproof textiles, and Gore-Tex membranes. Unfortunately, these jackets are less breathable than softshells.
DESIGN
3 layers
3-layer jackets combine an outer layer of polyester or nylon, a highly waterproof and breathable middle membrane (usually a Gore-Tex membrane), and a soft-touch inner liner to protect the middle membrane. These three layers are laminated together.
These textiles are the most durable, waterproof, and perfect for constructing a winter jacket for mountain biking.
They can also be used in any season thanks to their high breathability. The main problem with these garments is that they are heavier and less compact.
2.5 layers
2.5-layer garments are similar in design to 3 layers. The main difference is that the 2.5 layers do not have an inner coating, but a layer of filler protects the waterproof membrane and makes it more pleasant to the touch.
Since they have no inner lining, these jackets are much lighter (and cheaper) than 3 layers.
Indeed, they are not as durable, but you can’t have everything. If you are looking for a jacket with good waterproofing and which is very compact, a 2.5-layer model might be of interest to you.
2 layers
2-layer jackets have an inner membrane that protects against water, attached to an outer layer, usually a hard-wearing polyester or nylon-based fabric.
These garments have undergone a water-repellent treatment on the outside, known as DWR (durable water repellent).
In many cases, these garments have an inner lining that is not attached to the other layers (usually a breathable mesh) and serves to protect the waterproof membrane.
Most 2-layer garments are cheap and very compact, but unfortunately, not very durable.
Types of coats
Since most cyclists layer their coats and clothing, there are several types of layering.
SOFTSHELL
The soft shell type coat is windproof and water resistant and is more breathable than fully waterproof coats. The smooth outer fabric and warm fleece lining make this a great all-purpose cycling jacket. It is best used alone in the summer or as a mid-layer in the fall and spring.
HARDSHELL
The shell coat is the outermost layer you wear. These coats are fully waterproof, sometimes treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. They can be down-lined or not and have a layer of mesh between your skin and the outer membrane.
This separate layer allows perspiration to escape. To allow airflow, you should also look for ventilation systems such as removable sleeves, armpit zippers, and back yoke vents.
THERMAL JERSEYS
Since thermal jerseys are not water or wind-resistant, they are designed to be worn under hard shells in cold weather. Long-sleeved jerseys can offer considerable insulation in colder temperatures.
VESTS
Thermal vests are best for wind protection but can be removed during intense activity. They pair well with thermal vests for an extra layer of warmth.
Warmth and insulation
The best bike jackets use more refined insulation than down jackets. If you are cycling in the winter, you should find a hard-shell jacket with an insulating liner. You can also use a thermal jersey, vest, or other layers with your outer shell to provide insulation.
WATER RESISTANCE
DWR
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment is an exterior coating designed to keep the elements out while you ride. Over time, it may become less effective, but you can add treatments to the wash to restore it.
GORE-TEX
Gore-Tex is a breathable membrane that prevents water from infiltrating while allowing water vapour to pass through. As most waterproof fabrics hinder breathability, Gore-Tex is an innovative industry standard.
COMPRESSIBILITY
When you wear diapers, you want to make sure you can take some out and repack them. That’s why you should look for lightweight, packable layers that block wind and rain.
FAQ: CYCLING JACKETS
HOW SHOULD A CYCLING JACKET FIT?
Cycling jackets should be fitted and comfortable and not lose shape in the wind. If you use it as an outer layer, it should be spacious enough to allow for layers of insulation.
DOES HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING IMPROVE CYCLIST SAFETY?
High visibility clothing can be an essential safety item if you wear the coat at dawn or dusk for training or commuting to work.
ARE GORE-TEX COATS 100% WATERPROOF?
All Gore-Tex jackets are guaranteed against water and wind. Whether you’re in the pouring rain or experiencing an intense wind chill, the Gore-Tex material will be dry while letting excess moisture escape from sweat vapour.
WHAT TEMPERATURE IS TOO COLD FOR CYCLING?
Although some people may say that no temperature is too cold with the right clothes, some temperatures are not worth fighting. For example, once it’s -15° Celsius, it’s hard to find clothes insulating and keeping you comfortable on your bike.
CONCLUSION
We’ve got you covered with the best cycling jackets that insulate well from the cold, protect against the elements, and feature innovative features. For all these reasons, the Castelli Alpha RoS jacket seemed to us to be the best.
