Finding a cycling jacket for winter is hard-you need to find the perfect balance between heat insulation and breathability.
Lucky for you my quest for the best winter cycling jacket has finally made me sit down and write my reviews on the products I have encountered.
In this post, I’ll discuss what you need to consider when purchasing a winter jacket and what products are on top of our list.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Winter Cycling Jackets
Our best winter cycling jacket for men is the Przewalski Cycling Bike Jacket for its insulation and breathability. And the BALEAF Women’s Windproof Thermal jacket is our top pick for women.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Read our detailed reviews below to see why these are the clear winners.
What to Consider Before Buying a Winter Jacket
The very best winter cycling jackets keep you dry and warm, without making you “boil in the bag”. It may not be the most attractive part of the cycling season, but winter cycling is a very fact of life for many cyclists. In order to have the best winter jacket, here are a couple of factors you need to consider.
Material
Winter jackets need to keep you warm and with that in mind, you need to ensure you are choosing the right material.
Windproof
While the wind helps maintain you dry and cool in the summer, it’s one of the worst enemies during the cold months. Windproof fabrics come to the rescue as they block the wind from passing through the fabric.
Waterproof
Winter also brings rain and you will be better off with a completely waterproof jacket. But on far more changeable times, a softshell jacket with water repellent fabrics can do the trick.
These jackets are able to shrug off road spray or maybe a brief shower but generally offer a much better fit, breathability, and comfort compared to a separate waterproof jacket.
Fit
As with most cycling clothes, winter jackets are available in a selection of fits. Many are created to be aerodynamic and form-fitting. Others are going to have looser fits, with consideration for jogging, and also the ability to use layers of clothes underneath.
In my experience, different brands have different sizing guidelines. You need to make sure you have the right measurements before placing your order, otherwise, you’ll end up with an ill-fitting jacket.
Cuffs
An often overlooked aspect of winter cycling jackets is the cuffs. To keep warm throughout the ride, the cuffs need to fit well in order to keep the icy wind out. Some have elastic, extended, and banded cuffs. See what kind you’ll need that won’t budge throughout cycling.
Portability
If you need to take off your winter jacket, you need a jacket that’s portable enough you can fold them up and store them in your pannier or bag. And not all of the winter jackets are portable. They come in two styles-softshell and hardshell.
Softshell
Some cyclists like the simplicity of having the ability to carry a coat off, roll it up, and stuff it in the back pocket or under the saddle when the sun’s heat warms up.
If that seems like you, then you would most likely choose a softshell jacket.
Softshell jackets are much more waterproof and windproof than your regular long sleeve jerseys while simultaneously giving better warmth. The great thing about a softshell jacket is that it is easy to pack away when it’s not needed.
Hardshell
When winter gets rough, you don’t foresee a need for modularity when it involves additional clothing layers, then a hardshell coat is far more up your alley.
Hardshell jackets are usually made with impermeable components that, while weather-proof and warm, do not pack up quite simply.
Other Features
While we’ve tackled the major components, other brands are now coming up with features that ease your riding experience.
Breathability
If you like long rides like me, breathability is a major factor when shopping for a winter jacket. This feature allows your sweat to escape creating a comfortable cycling experience without the feeling of having a portable sauna.
If you are simply searching for a dry and warm approach to travel to and from work or even on cruiser rides around the neighborhood, then breathability will not be a problem.
Reflective Detailing
It’s obvious that in case you are traveling in the dark, you need reflective detailing.
In case you wind up being away somewhat more than planned, additional reflective elements can help other road users find you on the street.
Dropped Tail
Most winter cycling jackets are now adopting to have dropped tails. But in case you are new to winter wear, dropped tail features a longer length of the jacket, giving you added coverage whenever you lean over your bike.
7 Best Winter Cycling Jackets Reviewed
Our roundup of the very best winter cycling jackets below will discuss insulating jackets created to help keep you warm.
1. ARSUXEO Winter Warm Up Jacket
Key Features
- Made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex
- Softshell
- Windproof and waterproof
- Features a drop tail and elastic hem
- Available in 7 colors
ARSUXEO utilizes a mix of three multilayer fabrics that provide great breathability and stretchability.
These different fabrics are strategically positioned to maximize performance – with garments on the arms and shoulders, and also light, stretchier cloth across the back for a form hugging fit yet still breathable. In addition, an internal fleece lining plus longer cuffs for additional comfort and insulation.
Pros
- Fits snugly even when leaning over the bike
- Chest and neck windproof
- Material is stretchy enough it has plenty of room
Cons
- Size guide can be confusing
- Not well suited in rainy weather
2. Przewalski Cycling Bike Jackets
Key Features
- Windproof material
- Softshell
- Features reflective strip and dropped tail
- Available in 5 colors
If you are seeking to ride in comfort during winter, then odds are you have been suggested using a winter jacket. The brand Przewalski jacket started to be associated with winter use, where they use an innovative treatment that sets an all-new benchmark in what a winter cycling jacket can achieve.
With a double layer layout, the interior sees a soft insulating layer that is situated separately from the external waterproof layer. A double cuff design implies there is no moisture that can seep through, and the taped seams keep you safe from chilly winds.
Pros
- Can keep you warm even with just a shirt underneath
- Cuffs seals out the wind nicely
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Not breathable
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. INBIKE Winter Men’s Windproof Thermal Cycling Jacket
Key Features
- Windproof material
- Softshell
- Features reflective stripes, dropped tail, and silicone waist gripper
INBIKE provides an extremely versatile top tier winter jacket. Just like most their cycling gears, it performs dutifully in a variety of temperatures. Created to have a layer of two-sided polar fleece for those super cold days.
Hand pockets are available for easy access. Created for cycling, the winter jacket has a dropped tail for additional protection against the components at the rear. It’s also detailed with reflective stripes throughout to help keep you illuminated at night.
Pros
- Inner layers work well to insulate heat
- Fits well, even when hunched over the bike
Cons
- Pockets don’t have much use
- Zipper looks flimsy
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 13:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Mysenlan Womens Windproof Fleece Jacket
Key Features
- Made of windproof material
- Softshell
- Features reflective stripes and dropped tail
Mysenlan winter jacket caters to women, in particular the form of the sleeves, the articulated shoulders and chest area, and the curved design of shoulder area. This allows the coat to mold nicely around the entire body while in the cycling position.
The fit is great, while simultaneously offering room for full mobility and layers of movement. The reflective strip design ensures safety as it’s uniquely designed to keep the ride visible through the night.
Pros
- Fits snugly
- Front pocket can fit your phone
Cons
- Only available in pink
- Their sizing guide is too small even after adding one size larger
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Maks Thermal Cycling Jersey Long Sleeve Jacket
Key Features
- Made of windproof material
- Ergonomic collar and sleeve
- Features a full-length reflective zipper and dropped tail
- Available in 11 colors
The inclusion of thermal insulation brand new levels of comfort and windproof protection. The silicone grip makes it a snug fit when hunching over the bike. I particularly like the ergonomic collar construction-it doesn’t irritate me during my ride and still protects me from the icy wind. When you would like to layer up underneath it, think about sizing up.
Pros
- Works well on temperatures below 25°F
- Their size guide is accurate
Cons
- You need to wear a windbreaker on top or long sleeves underneath
- The sleeves are enormous for some reason
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 13:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. BALEAF Women’s Windproof Thermal Jacket
Key Features
- Made of windproof material
- Softshell
- Features reflective elements and anti-slip waistband
BALEAF has been manufacturing expert cycling materials over the years. Bright, bold colors are a huge element of this winter jacket with reflective detailing.
Created to be used in cold temperatures. The thermal jacket uses three layers of fabric to optimize protection, breathability, and fit.
You will find strategically placed zippered pockets, which means you can quickly access any items during your ride.
Pros
- Fits well but has extra room when leaning over the bike
- You can wear thicker clothes underneath without feeling bulky
- Durable and has a form friendly cut
Cons
- Their sizing guide is smaller, so add one size
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. SHELCUP Windproof Water Resistant Jacket
Key Features
- Made of windproof material
- Softshell
- Features adjustable hem and elastic cuffs
- Available in 8 colors
Built from a multi-layer softshell fabric, it’s a genuine windproof jacket. It is available in 7 bright colors for high visibility. Additionally, it features reflective details to ensure you’re protected. The SHELCUP winter jacket is portable and can be folded and packed when not in use.
The sleeves are detachable so you can store them when it’s not needed.
Pros
- Detachable sleeves
- Bright colors for visibility
Cons
- Water and wind resistant
- wear as a cycling jacket on its own
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 13:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
Featuring an impressive stretch, windproof softshell fabric with thermal lining, and also secure cuffs, the Przewalski Winter Jacket comes out as the clear winner. The only reason I bought another for myself is that I have worn out mine after years of abuse. Even with a light shirt underneath, the jacket has kept me warm through my cycling adventures.
For women, the BALEAF Women’s Windproof Thermal takes the first prize on this. We have not encountered a BALEAF product which we didn’t like, and this is no exception. Whether it’s for jogging or cycling, my wife can’t go out without grabbing this jacket. It’s definitely worth the price considering how it performs during the coldest of winter.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
