This page presents and reviews the best available waterproof cycling gear to help you keep cycling comfortably through rainy and cold weather. We hope you find it useful! We have included waterproof jackets, waterproof cycling pants, waterproof gloves, and warm balaclavas. Everything you need to stay warm and dry.
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Best Waterproof Cycling Gear: Best Cycling Jackets
Jack Wolfskin Jackets
Yours for well under $100, this is an excellent beginners’ cycling jacket. We are always on the lookout for good quality cycling clothing that also multi-purpose. We like to be able to use our bikes to run errands, while wearing comfortable clothing. And we don’t always want to look like we are riding in the Tour de France!
In our research we came across the Jack Wolfskin brand, and were so impressed by the customer reviews that we decided to try them.
Jack Wolfskin jackets are made of 100% polyester Texapore Ecosphere, which is PFC-free and made from recycled material to reduce environment impact. The jacket is water and windproof, while being breathable.
I have a Cape Point Jacket (on the right in the picture above). This is a hip length jacket, which is ideal for cycling because you can extend your body over your handlebars without the jacket riding up your back.
The jacket is generously proportioned to allow you to wear layers beneath, making it very adaptable for all seasons. It has large front pockets and an inner sleeve to store your cell phone. If you want to tighten up the fit, there is a draw cord you can pull from the inside of each pocket which will pull in the waist. Finally there is a hood – essential for cycling – which is adjustable, with a snap closing on the back. The jacket is very lightweight, so it can be easily stored in a backpack or pannier until you need it, without taking up much of your valuable space.
Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket
This jacket is the top of the line in Showers Pass cycling jackets and really has it all: top quality materials and construction, and meticulous attention to every possible detail. It’s got so much going for it that it’s almost certainly got everything you need.
First off, it has 3 layers of eVent rip stop fabric, which gives exceptional breathability, waterproofness, and durability. The tail is especially long to ensure you can keep your lower back and butt dry. And the arms are especially long so you never end up with exposed wrists. Of course, you can cinch the sleeves closed at the wrists.
Pockets!
The Elite 2.1 features a big back pocket and a breast pocket, both with excellent quality waterproof zips. The main zip tucks away at the neck so it doesn’t irritate your neck! The breast pocket has an audio port for the cord of your cell phone.
Video Showing the Features of the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket
This video shows you all the features of the jacket:
As you can see, an extra special feature is the moisture-wicking comfort lining on the inside of the neck. This can really help you to feel warm and cozy on a cold bike ride. Plus, you can cinch the neck with a pull cord to make sure no air gets in. The neck has concealed attachments for a waterproof hood (available separately).
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Keeping Cool while Active
One of the main problems with cycling jackets is that once you start cycling, you rapidly heat up. This cycling jacket tackles that problem with an impressive SEVEN vent options to let in air: 2 pit vents, 2 cuff vents, a two-way zipper and back vent.
The two-way zipper means you can unzip the jacket from the top or the bottom to let cooling air get to your chest or stomach, as needed. Finally, there is 3M reflective trim all around the jacket to make you more visible. And it’s available in red, black, yellow, blue, and pink.
This is a simply outstanding jacket – well worth the price for those who can afford it. No wonder it is a top choice with everyone from bike commuters to pro cycling teams to kayakers to skiers to motorcyclists. It fits small, so order a size larger than usual.
Related Post: 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
Women’s Version of the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket
Note that there is also an excellent women’s version of the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket.
Gore Bike Wear Power Gore-Tex Active Jacket
This jacket gets rave reviews from customers, who love it. They rate it extremely highly for breathability and waterproof-ness. It is also roomy enough to put a layer or two underneath. This cycling jacket is part of Gore Bike Wear’s Power series, which they designed to keep the year-round cyclist dry. It can be comfortably worn with the inner mesh layer right next to the skin.
And it’s available in slim-fit or roomy, which I really like. Roomy would give you space for layers – or just be more comfy, if you don’t happen to like going around looking like a sausage.
This jacket is neither very heavy nor very light – it’s somewhat of an in-the-middle-weight jacket, with a high level of waterproofness. If you want to make just one jacket work for you all year around, this could be the one.
Video Showing the Gore-Tex Active Jacket
This video sums up the best features of this Gore Bike Wear jacket for you:
Women’s Version of the Gore-Tex Active Jacket
Note that there is also an excellent women’s version of the Gore Bike Wear PHANTOM 2.0 WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell Jacket.
Related post: Check out our review of 7 of the best windproof and waterproof cycling jackets for women
Best Waterproof Cycling Gear: Best Cycling Pants
Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Active Pants
These pants have it all: superb quality materials and construction, and superb waterproofness and breathability. These are simply outstanding pants – well worth the price for those who can afford it.
These pants are made from premium materials: they have 2.5 layers; they are 100% Polyester; and they include the famous Gore-Tex membrane. Gore invented the waterproof and breathable fabric category many years ago. These pants are Gore’s lightweight Active Shell.
Gore-Tex Fabrics
All Gore-Tex® fabrics are nylon and polyester face fabric, laminated with a Gore-Tex® membrane. They come in a range of grades, including Gore-Tex® Pro, Gore-Tex® Active, and regular Gore-Tex®. Active Shell is a newer Gore-Tex membrane, designed to be very breathable, waterproof, windproof, and lightweight. So the fact that these pants are Gore-Tex Active Shell means they are stellar performers in the waterproof but breathable category – which is what you need for comfy, dry, non-sweaty cycling.
Wind and Waterproof, plus Visible – and Pockets!
Of course, these cycling pants are also fully seam sealed for wind and waterproofness. These pants also have high visibility thanks to reflective inserts. The Gore Bike Wear Men’s Element Gore-Tex Active Pants also offer ample storage with a zipped stow pocket on the back of the pants. This is very useful if you don’t want to be standing in the pouring rain, digging under your cycling pants to try and retrieve your keys from your regular pants underneath.
Related Post: 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
Video Showing the Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Active Pants
This video provides a graphic overview of these cycling pants:
Wear Quality
In terms of design, there is an adjustable elastic waistband with a flat cord. Also, the pants have been optimized for cycling. One of the things I don’t like with cheap plastic cycling pants is that feeling that you cannot move properly. These pants offer a high level of freedom of movement with pre-shaped knees. They are also comfort fit and comfortable to wear. The wear-resistant seat reinforcement increases comfort. The pants come with washing instructions that explain how to reactivate the Gore-Tex with each washing.
Finally, they have adjustable leg width (essential in cycling pants to avoid contact with your drive chain). You adjust the leg width with Velcro fastenings. And it is easy to get the pants on and off over your shoes, thanks to zippers on the lower legs. All in all, these are great, practical, well-made cycling pants that should be excellent for bike commuters who cycle in the rain.
Women’s Version of the Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Active Pants
Note that there is also an excellent women’s version of these premium cycling pants.
Two Versions
Also note that there are two versions of Gore Bike Wear Element Pants – one has a bright yellow strip, one does not, as shown in the photo below (the photo shows two views of the pants with the yellow strip – from the front and from the back). You can choose either.
Personally, I prefer the pants with the bright yellow strip, as I like to be as visible as possible in the dark and the rain. Clicking on the photo below will take you to the product details and price for the version with the yellow strip.
Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants
Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants are completely waterproof and breathable, made from 3 layers of premium materials: 100% Nylon, and Artex Hard-shell rip-stop fabric. They are fully seam sealed for wind and waterproofness. Reflective trims increase visibility.
Articulated knees make for easy cycling with these pants. As the pants are lightweight, they can easily be packed into the mesh stuff sack that comes with them. Ankle zips are provided for easy on-off over cycling shoes, while Velcro cinch straps keep your pant legs away from your chain.
The photo shows several different views of the pants. On the far right you can see the lower leg zip that enables you to easily pull the pants over your shoes. I also really like the white strip down the side, which increases visibility.
Related Post: 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants
Best Waterproof Cycling Gear: Best Cycling Gloves
Craft Siberian Wind and Waterproof Bike Gloves
Craft is a Swedish brand that specializes in clothing for endurance sports, and they make some really great products. These fleece-lined Craft cycling gloves are highly rated for keeping your hands warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. These gloves strike a nice balance between keeping your hands warm and allowing you to work your gears and brakes. They are also bright and highly visible.
Pearl Izumi – Ride Pro AMFIB Lobster Gloves
These Pearl Izumi cycling gloves have a lobster claw design to keep your fingers warmer (because they are clustered together). Clever design enables you to still be dexterous enough to control your bike. These gloves have a lot of added attention to design and quality, including synthetic leather palms to improve grip. Many cyclists recommend these gloves as the warmest they have ever tried.
Best Waterproof Cycling Gear: Best Cycling Balaclavas
Related Post: 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm
Strictly speaking, balaclavas are usually not completely waterproof. (Luckily, if you wear a bike helmet, they usually don’t get too much rain on them.) However, you will often be wearing them when it is rainy, so they are included here. When it is cold and wet, having a warm head will go a long way towards keeping you feeling comfortable. A disproportionate amount of heat is lost from the head, so a great cycling balaclava is essential.
Rockbros Cold Weather Balaclava
This balaclava offers warm and cozy thermal fleece protection for your entire head and neck. It fits comfortably under any kind of helmet, making it useful for a variety of outdoor sports. The Rockbros balaclava can be arranged in multiple configurations to suit the weather conditions; for example, you can wear it as a full balaclava, or wear it as a neck gaiter.
The soft thermal fleece against your skin makes it warm and comfortable. We especially like that they have not skimped on neck and upper chest coverage, so that there is no way the cold is creeping in.
The premium design and construction, combined with an unbeatable price, make this balaclava our top choice for cyclists.
Gore Bike Wear Balaclava mask
This one has been a favorite with many users for a long time. Like other more advanced products, it uses a combination of fabrics: 100% polyester with windstopper membrane for the forehead and ears, and a combination of nylon and elastane for the rest.
A meshed thermo-stretch panel over the mouth and nose is provided for breathing. This product is lightweight yet offers excellent cold protection, but some riders will find it a bit claustrophobic. However, it can be pulled down, so that should not be a problem. Some cyclists increase the breathability by the simple method of sticking a ballpoint pen through the holes! Buy it here from Amazon – its competitive price and great quality makes it my top pick.
Need More Choices for the Best Waterproof Cycling Gear?
Check out our Popular “7 of the Best” Series, which feature in-depth comparisons of 7 of the best in class for essential cycling gear. Clicking on any of the slides below will take you to the post you want. Otherwise, the post continues after the slide show!
7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling jackets for Men and Women
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