The Best Mountain Bike Jackets of 2024

The Ranger 2.5L Water jacket has an athletic fit that’s well suited to its intended purpose of mountain biking. It’s got a somewhat slim, tailored look to it with a longer rear hem to protect your backside from puddle splashes and tire spray. The sleeves are a good length with a slight cuff extension over the back of the wrist, which plays well with and without gloves. We did notice that with the limited stretch in the waterproof fabric, the shoulders on this jacket felt a touch tighter than some of the other options we tested. That said, it wasn’t a deal breaker and the large, adjustable hood fits over helmets easily and is appreciated when the rain really starts to fall.

Given the waterproof fabric, the Ranger 2.5L Water jacket completely blocks the chilling effect of the wind while standing up well to all but the most intense of rainstorms. For most rainy days it works great, but for truly heinous conditions, however, we’d still probably go with something like the Endura MT500 Waterproof or Gorewear Endure. It offers some breathability, but the interior can feel a little clammy against the skin when you start to sweat. Wearing this jacket with a long sleeve is preferred, which makes sense given that we found it to be best in temperatures ranging from around 35° to 60° F. Above that and the lack of vents made it a little stifling.

Still, we feel the Fox Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket is a solid value for a mountain bike rain jacket that looks good and will keep you happily warm and dry through cool – cold and wet fall, winter, and spring rides.

Gore-Tex Infinium is not completely waterproof but it does block wind and is highly water resistant. While it won’t keep you dry in a proper downpour, it does shrug off light showers and tire spray quite effectively. The Gore-Tex Infinium panels on the Lupra cover the upper arms, chest, shoulders, and hood, the parts of your body that are subject to wind and falling rain when you have forward momentum on the bike. The rest of the jacket is much more breathable, allowing heat and perspiration to escape from the back, under the arms, forearms, and around the waistline.

The Lupra jacket has a mountain bike specific fit with a tailored torso, articulated elbows, and a drop tail. It also has some great features like a well-designed hood that fits easily over a helmet and moves with your head thanks to a great cut and a gripper panel that contacts the helmet. Two zippered hand pockets provide ample storage space and are positioned well to avoid conflict with backpack or fanny pack straps. Reflective strips by the elbows also add some visibility for those shoulder season rides where you end up spinning on the road home in the dark.

If you aren’t looking for a fully waterproof jacket, the Gorewear Lupra is a great option to keep you rolling through spring and fall rides, unsettled weather, or wet trails. The strategic placement of the Gore-Tex Infinium keeps the wind and light amounts of water at bay while the rest of the jacket allows heat and moisture to escape and helps regulate body temperature on cool days. The Lupra comes in sizes XS – XL, four different color options, and a women’s version too.

For more info, check out our full review of the Gorewear Lupra Jacket.

The Endure’s fit is relatively standard, relaxed through the chest, arms, and collar – enough to put a layer under and comfortable if you don’t due to the impressive breathability and relatively soft inner backing of the PACLITE Plus fabric. Proportionally, the arms are a touch longer and the front of the waist is a bit higher than most other models we tested, but not dramatically, and the dropped tail still provides great coverage for the behind. There are two good-sized front hand pockets for storage, one of which the coat will pack into, making it a relatively small and tidy package for a fully waterproof jacket. And, at 280 grams, it’s pretty darn light too.

The hood is well-sized and includes a ribbed, stretchy area, and a rubber strip that grips the top of the visor of your helmet – both nice touches for high precipitation days and effective in preventing the hood from moving around while riding. The hood is also adjustable through friction drawstrings on each side of the collar, and though they have a limited range of adjustment we never really needed to use them with the great natural fit of the hood over the helmet.

One of the best things about the Gorewear Endure is its versatility – both breathability and waterproofing are best in class. If you’re looking for a highly durable, do-it-all jacket for anything from brisk, dry mornings to torrential downpours, the Endure is a great option to consider. In heavy rain, it competes with much heavier and less packable competitors, making it a great option for mountain bikers or bikepackers who need a light, packable, versatile, breathable, and completely waterproof jacket. It’s so good that it made it into Zach Overholt’s Editor’s Choice list a couple years back.

The nearly impermeable ExoShell20 ECO 3-layer fabric boasts a 10K/20K rating, keeping the water out and at the same time, allowing for impressive breathability. It runs a little warmer overall than some of the lighter options, but the material’s breathability is enhanced by zippered pit vents that help evacuate any heat buildup. That said, it has a fairly relaxed, roomy fit that allows for layering on really cold days, a generous length, and adjustable wrist cuffs that easily fit over gloves, watches, etc. Endura’s sizing tends to run a tad large, in our opinion, and this jacket is a bit longer than others. The dropped tail provides great coverage from tire spray, and a drawcord can be used to cinch it up and seal out the elements/prevent snagging on the saddle.

The hood is adjustable with two clamped cords on the front of the neck, with enough range to work relatively well with or without a helmet, although it can feel a little tight on the chin when the hood is over a helmet with the zipper up all the way. Regardless, you can certainly batten down the hatches when the deluge arrives. Two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket provide ample storage for phones, snacks, and other essentials. One drawback of the Singletrack II Jacket is that is a bit heavier and it doesn’t pack down as small as some other options, making it a bit less user-friendly for those rides where the jacket might be coming on and off a few times.

The Endura Singletrack II Jacket comes at a reasonable price for something that will keep you dry on those days when you should probably stay at home on the couch anyway. While it runs a bit large and isn’t the most packable option, Endura’s wet weather expertise shows in this waterproof jacket that won’t break the bank.

The entire jacket is made of a 3-layer ExoShell40DR waterproof fabric that is rated at 40K/20K and is fully seam-sealed and closed with a water-resistant front zipper backed with a storm flap. Endura uses “MadeKind” fabric that is certified safe, and it is treated with a PFC-free DWR. The hood easily fits over helmets and has easy-to-use adjustments while the adjustable wrist cuffs fit over gloves and the internal gaiter keeps the wind from blowing up your sleeves. The cut is very mountain bike specific with articulated sleeves and a dramatically angled waist hem that avoids bunching in the front and provides great spray protection in the rear. On a 15-mile-long shuttle run on a cold day in an absolute downpour, the MT500 quickly proved its worth by keeping us warm and dry and effectively sealing out the elements. This jacket feels absolutely bombproof.

One of the major drawbacks of waterproof jackets is that they can feel quite clammy as you produce body heat. Fortunately, the backing of the ExoShell40DR fabric has a soft brushed texture that feels good against the skin, and, while it isn’t the most breathable jacket around, they’ve equipped it with ample ventilation to evacuate self-generated heat. The zippered pit vents open nice and wide, and the mesh-lined front pockets double as vents when not in use. Speaking of pockets, there is loads of storage (plus an attached lens wipe) in the two large front pockets, the zippered internal chest pocket, and the small pass pocket on the sleeve. The front pockets are positioned to stay out of the way of pack straps, and some silicone texture on the shoulders protects the fabric while adding some grip for shoulder straps.

It’s hard to find fault with the MT500 Waterproof jacket, but it is heavier than most at 550 grams (size M) and its packed size is relatively significant. The tough fabric is also a little stiffer, and somewhat noisy, and the hood is a bit bulky behind the head if you’re not wearing it.

That said, if you’re looking for a burly waterproof mountain bike jacket for cold temperatures and the absolute wettest of days, the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II is a great option to consider. It’s not exactly cheap and it will be overkill for mild temps or light showers, but for the right conditions, you’ll be happy you have it. It comes in five color options, sizes XS-XXXL, as well as a women’s version.

With quarter-length zips at the neck and on the side, the Ranger Wind Pullover is an anorak-style jacket that must be pulled on over the head. The overall fit is relaxed but not overly casual – it fits like we like our favorite hoodies to fit, just a bit longer in the back. The dropped tail provides a little extra coverage in the rear, avoids getting in the way of the saddle while riding, and can be cinched down with the internal cord. The 89% polyester, 11% elastane, 4-way stretch material is soft and stretchy helping to make the Ranger Wind Pullover one of the most comfortable options we tested. It also dries quickly and blocks brisk winds effectively, though it provides almost zero water resistance (nor does it claim to). It also proved to be quite breathable, though it felt a bit stuffier as things warmed up than the ultralight Rapha Windblock Jersey or Trail Lightweight Jacket. 

The passthrough pocket provides a place to retreat cold hands to and gives it casual appeal off the bike while the zippered stomach pocket is useful for lighter items like snacks. It also packs into the zippered pocket for tidy storage and fits neatly into a pack. Fox claims the “casual-sized hood will fit a helmet if needed” and we found it a little too small to use comfortably over a helmet, but it did fit very well without one off the bike. The well-designed cuffs extend slightly over the back of your hands, interfacing nicely with gloves, and the elastic at the inside of the wrist kept the sleeves from creeping down onto our palms. 

The Fox Ranger Wind Pullover provides the same comfortable fit as your favorite riding hoody in a more breathable material, with a secure, zippered stomach pocket. At $100, it is also the most affordable mountain bike jacket we tested and a solid value for riders looking to add a comfortable, stylish, wind-blocking option to their closet for brisk mornings, evenings, and shoulder season rides. The casual style also looks good off the bike, making it a versatile option that’s just as well suited for wearing around town or out on a hike. It comes in 3 colorways and sizes XS – XXL.

The Windblock Jersey is incredibly comfortable and versatile. It’s made from Rapha’s Performance Off Road wool blend which consists of 52% Merino wool and 48% nylon. This fabric comprises the main body of the jersey, the front of which is covered in a wind block and tear-resistant nylon panel. The sleeves are made of a similar wind and tear-resistant fabric that’s a blend of 76% nylon, 13% polyester, and 11% elastane for a little stretch. This combination does wonders to take the chill out of crisp descents and cool breezes while the more open back panel allows heat and moisture to escape. Much like the similar Mons Royale jersey described below, it kept our tester comfortable across temperatures from 50° to 70° F without the need to stop and put on a jacket.

The fit is also excellent. It’s relaxed yet streamlined and avoids being excessively baggy and flapping in the wind as you get up to speed. Gusseted underarms allow for a great range of motion and don’t cause it to lift when leaned forward or moving around the bike. The length is also spot on with a dropped tail that keeps the lower back/upper behind covered while riding. Yes, it is expensive, but Rapha has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, it comes with two patches to repair minor damage to the sleeves, and they offer free repairs for damage you can’t repair yourself.

With a spectacular fit, comfortable main body fabric, ability to adapt across a wide temperature range, and excellent wind-blocking ability, the Rapha Trail Windblock Jersey quickly became one of our favorite pieces for cool weather riding. While it might not come out on every ride, it’s a versatile layer that helps take the guesswork out of cool weather layering that keeps you looking good and feeling better on the trail. It comes in two colorways, sizes XS – XXL, as well as a women’s version for the female shredders.

The Airmap design concept is a good one, and in the case of the Cache Anorak, it entails a 3-layer windproof and water-resistant material on the front, paired with a 2-layer, super breathable rear side panels, hem, and cuff. This creates a shell that effectively blocks the chill of the wind and resists light rain showers and tire spray as you’re ripping downhill while also being one of the most breathable options we tested. For cool days with variable weather, this is the kind of jacket you can put on and leave on because it breathes so well that you’re not overheating or getting drenched in sweat. That said, it does have limitations, and it will be overwhelmed in heavier or more consistent precipitation, but that’s not what it’s designed for either. For the type of cool, variable weather that most people are purposefully going riding in, the Cache Anorak performs beautifully.

The fit of the Cache is a lot like a regular hoody, but with slightly extended sleeves and a helmet-compatible hood. It is fairly relaxed through the torso, and it is a touch baggier overall than most of the other jackets we tested that have a slimmer fit. Half elastic wrist cuffs help keep them in place and an adjustable hem allows you to cinch it around the waist. The arms are articulated, but only slightly, and this jacket looks as normal off the bike as it does while you’re riding. This makes it quite versatile, and it could easily be worn for trail runs, hikes, or spring backcountry ski missions. It should be noted that the size Small we tested fits a tad bigger than other models we tested in the same size. As with other 7Mesh garments, it’s definitely worth checking their size chart before buying.

The hood is well-designed and it fits over helmets, though the neck opening is a bit snug at the chin when it is fully zipped. The Cache has a zippered stomach pouch along with kangaroo pockets with zippers on both sides. There is a lot of storage, but the stomach location isn’t ideal for heavy items as they tend to move around. That said, they are super functional off the bike, and the jacket also packs neatly into the pouch pocket and a couple thin straps are included to attach the packed jacket to the frame for easy transport.

The 7Mesh Cache Anorak is a great mountain bike jacket that successfully balances wind and light water protection with impressive breathability to make it one of the most versatile and comfortable models we tested. There are better options for truly wet weather, but the Cache is perfect for the conditions that most people will find themselves in during the fall and spring. It is hard to look past the $330 price tag, but it is very well made with quality materials and a great design that help justify the expense.

You can learn more in our review of the 7Mesh Cache Anorak and Flightpath Pants.

The Trail Lightweight Jacket is the type of piece you want on those cool days where you can strap it to the bike on the climbs and quickly pull it on to take the chill out of the descents. It’s a simple piece that does its job, and there isn’t a lot to it, but it’s made with signature Rapha style and it has a great fit. The fit is athletic and slightly tailored through the midsection but roomy enough to allow for layering underneath. It avoids being too long or too short, and the armpits are well-executed, allowing your arms to move freely on and off the bike. The hood is on the smaller side, but it fits over helmets though it feels a little constricting with the jacket fully zipped. Given the intended use as a light wind layer, the inability to use the hood effectively with a full zip didn’t bother us much. Though it is not intended for rain, it blocks very light rain and mist and dries quickly when the sun comes back out.

The single chest pocket works well for carrying things like a cell phone wasn’t bouncing around excessively, but storage capacity is certainly limited. The pocket is also built to pack the jacket and it comes with a nice cam-lock strap with a tacky rubber backing to attach the jacket to a frame. Strapped to a frame, it stays stable and goes virtually unnoticed, and given its 160-gram weight (size S), and very compact packed dimensions, it’ll fit in your pack or in-frame storage compartment (if you have one) quite easily.

With its lightweight, high stretch, packability, and comfortable fit, the Rapha Trail Lightweight Jacket is a great choice for those dryer days when you’re not sure if you should bring a jacket or if you know you’ll be wanting one for the descents. It’s not cheap, but it’s a well-executed piece that looks great, takes the chill out of the wind, is there when you need it, and packs away neatly when you don’t. There are four color options, it comes in sizes XS – XXL, and there’s also a women’s version.

The fit of the Summit 3L WxB is quite relaxed, roomier in the midsection and through the waist than other mountain bike specific jackets. This makes it a great choice on colder days for layering a riding flannel or mid-layer under and probably giving it the most “normal” (or non-bike specific) fit, comparatively speaking. Thankfully, it also has a drawcord on the waist to cinch it up to keep the elements out when it’s really sloppy or you’re just wearing a thin layer beneath. The adjustable hood is well-executed and works very well with our helmets whether the jacket is fully zipped or not, offering full mobility and staying on reliably. While the two front hand pockets are on the smaller side, they hold their contents (mainly snacks and cell phones) well and are easily accessible.

The Summit 3L WxB is similar to many other dedicated rain jackets in that it is a little heavier and it doesn’t pack down quite as small for storage in a pack when not in use. Still, if you need a wet weather jacket that works well both on and off the bike, provides serious rain protection, solid breathability, and is made from a comfortable material, the Pearl Izumi Summit 3L WxB is a good option that could save you a few bucks too.

While it is not completely waterproof, Gore-Tex Infinium is becoming quite common in cycling apparel for its ability to block wind, high level of water resistance, and good breathability. In this case, the entire jacket is constructed of a 3-layer 30D nylon ripstop with the Gore-Tex Infinium membrane and C-KNIT backer for stretch and next-to-skin comfort. Under the arms, however, is a stretchier, more breathable panel to allow heat and moisture to escape and provide freedom of movement. With its quality durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, it handles showery conditions and tire spray impressively well, though it should be noted that it is not fully waterproof, nor is it claimed to be. Still, we found it works well for all but the most terrible of conditions.

The finish quality of the jacket is excellent and it features Rapha’s understated style with clean lines and a streamlined fit. As for the sizing, Rapha’s MTB tops tend to run a tad large, with our size Small test jacket being slightly oversized on our typically size Small tester. That said, for layering in the deep of winter, a little extra space will be welcome. The hood is large enough to fit over helmets, and the drop tail helps keep the spray off your bum and lower back. The lower hem also features drawcords should you want to cinch it up.

Despite the Trail Infinium jacket’s impressive build construction and weather resistance, we have a few small gripes. The two zippered chest pockets, one internal and one external, can fit a phone and some other small items, but the overall storage capacity is pretty limited and they don’t provide anywhere to put your hands. The elasticized wrist cuffs also limit their ability to be worn over the cuffs of gloves to seal out the elements. And, while it is relatively breathable, it can still feel a little stuffy when the temps rise or your riding intensity is high. There’s also the price.

All that said, the Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket is an otherwise impressive option that will keep you warm and dry through all but the absolute worst of rainy weather. It’s a great-looking, well-made, windproof, and very water-resistant jacket that doesn’t come cheap but will likely please anyone willing to make the spend.

You can find out more in our First Impressions review of the Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket.

New Zealand based Mons Royale has been putting out quality merino wool garments since 2009 with the goal of reducing environmental impact through the use of sustainable natural fibers. That continues with their current line of mountain bike apparel, including the Tarn Wind jersey. The Merino Shift wool blend fabric feels good against the skin while remaining breathable and comfortable across a wide temperature range and resisting odor better than synthetics. The entire jersey is comprised of this material and the Pertex Quantum fabric covers the entire front from the neck down to the hem at the waist. The warmth of the Merino proved to be perfect for rides in the 50° to 70° F range, and the wind-blocking front panel blocks the chill effectively enough that you don’t feel compelled to reach for a jacket every time you go downhill.

The overall fit of the Tarn Wind jersey is relaxed, although we feel it runs a bit large. Our six-foot-tall tester fit very comfortably in a size Medium, and even then the sleeves were a tiny bit long and the neck opening a tad loose for his taste. That said, it allows for excellent freedom of movement and the drop tail hangs a little lower in the back to keep some of the early and late season mud splatter off your behind. It is worth mentioning that the Pertex layer on the front does add a little weight in this area, and occasionally gives the sensation of it tugging down on the front.

Beyond that minor qualm, the Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind Jersey quickly became one of the most used cool weather options in our tester’s collection for cool, dry rides through the fall. It’s also a great option for layering under a jacket on cold days, and could easily double as a shirt or baselayer for other outdoor activities. At $140, it’s kind of expensive for a jersey, but it’s a quality piece that sees more use than most of our jackets.