As summer wraps up in the Northern Hemisphere, if you're an all-year outdoor rider, adding one of the best winter cycling jackets to your wardrobe will enable you to better handle autumn and winter weather.
For colder riding conditions, the best winter jackets are invaluable for keeping your core warm. They help protect your extremities, and when paired with winter cycling gloves, winter bib tights and some of the best winter cycling socks, you'll be well equipped for tackling winter rides.
All the winter jackets in this guide are designed for one thing – to keep you warm. They are also tried and tested by me and Cyclingnews' expert (and some might say crazy) testers. We have put the deep winter kilometres in, testing in bitterly cold and often damp weather so that we can bring you a useful list of recommendations, and the best advice possible when it comes to winter thermal protection.
Some of these winter jackets have water repellency built in, but if you plan to ride in the rain, you will want to consider one of the best waterproof jackets too. Most of the jackets featured will fit under a waterproof shell for a truly impenetrable system.
Winter cycling also means different things to different people, so I've put together an everything you need to know section at the bottom of the page to help you choose the best winter jacket for your needs.
Best winter cycling jackets
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Best winter cycling jacket overall
✅ You want most bases covered most of the time: If you want the best, then buy this jacket. It'll be more or less perfect for most things and can be layered if you need more insulation or waterproofing. That's why it's the best overall.
✅ You don't want a bulky jacket: It's a pretty racey fit, no big baggy insulation or loose flappy sections of material.
❌ You want room for a thick mid-layer: The trimmer cut means you'll have to be more selective with what you wear underneath when it gets bitter.
❌ You want a two-way zip: It's a small point, but being able to open a jacket from the bottom can be useful sometimes, and it's missing from this jacket.
You can maximise your budget by layering with a shell, and in milder climates, a lighter softshell may be enough. Assos takes a different approach, positioning this jacket to replace a jersey and be worn over just a base layer. In practice, I prefer adding a jersey underneath, and there is definitely room for a thin but fleece-backed winter jersey and a decent base layer to keep it going into really cold temperatures.
A proper mid-layer won’t fit, so expect a snug, race-cut fit. Off the bike it feels a little odd, but once riding, the exceptional tailoring provides light compression and excellent freedom of movement. While fit is important, I was not only very impressed at how such a thin layer performed in low temperatures, but also the range. It’s stood me in good stead in temperatures as low as -6ºC/21ºF on pacey rides, and up to higher single-figure temperatures, and has fast become the jacket I reach for.
At the front, Assos’ AIRBLOCK-EVO.888 softshell fabric is backed with a breathable, free-floating liner which creates an air gap that acts as a buffer between you and the biting wind. The lining wicks moisture effectively, and paired with the thin back panel, it keeps sweat under control and prevents sudden chills.
The jacket will fend off thick, chilling fog and patchy drizzle, but you will want a proper waterproof layer in actual rain. Luckily, the close fit means the Habu can be comfortably worn under an overlayer.
It's expensive, but you're getting a very advanced garment that offers exceptional comfort across a wide range of conditions.
Check out our in-depth Assos Equipe R Habu Winter Jacket S11 review.
Warmest winter cycling jacket
✅ You want to be toasty warm: The combination of the Polartec Alpha fleece insulation and the Power Shield membrane makes for a very warm, windproof, and somewhat waterproof jacket too.
✅ You want room for layering: If you really suffer in the cold, you can fit something big underneath it still. I recommend the Velocio Alpha Long Sleeve mid-layer if you want the warmest possible setup, or even a mini down jacket.
❌ You run hot: If you're a sweaty rider who runs hot even in the cold, then this may well be too warm for you. Likewise, it's likely too hot for really hard efforts. For long zone 2 winter riding, it's perfect, but for intervals, go for something like the Assos or Castelli option.
❌ You want a race fit: Fluffy insulation needs to stay lofted to work, so the cut is pretty roomy. If you want to stay aero all year, then go for the Assos option.
The Velocio Alpha Polartec Alpha Jacket is the successor to my previous favourite, the Velocio Alpha Merino Air. It was a close run between this and the Assos as the best overall, but the Assos just got the nod for its overall fit, comfort and warmth.
However, if pure warmth is your priority over everything, then the Velocio provides that in abundance. It swaps merino insulation for high-loft Polartec Alpha fleece and adds a waterproof membrane, making it the ultimate zone 2, big winter trundle, super cosy, comfortable jacket. Paired with a high-loft mid-layer like the Alpha Long Sleeve from the same brand, or the Endura Pro SL Primaloft, you'll have a system that's capable of seeing you into sub-zero temperatures with ease.
The insulation is the highlight, covering the chest, leading edges of the arms, and collar, while the super-fleecy neck traps heat where it’s most needed. The outer fabric has a solid DWR treatment, so it can shrug off some rain, and the membrane blocks wind and retains warmth, though a lack of taped seams means it’s best for light rain rather than heavy downpours.
The fit is far from racy, with more than enough room to add a really warm mid-layer without compressing the insulation to such a degree that it ceases to become effective, or making the whole setup uncomfortable. Even fully layered up, there's no constriction anywhere, with complete freedom of movement. The cuffs are a little baggy, but considering that when you're wearing this, you will almost certainly also be wearing big winter gloves, they make total sense.
This is not the jacket for doing hill sprints in or a chain gang. Its warmth is also its weakness when you start heading towards the higher heart rate zones. Protracted climbs are fine when you can open the chest up or the bottom end of the zipper, but for really hammering it, the Assos is probably a better option when it's very cold.
Check out our Velocio Alpha Zero jacket review for more details.
Best all-round winter cycling jacket
✅ You already have a decent outer shell: This jacket works well as a mid-layer to add a good degree of insulation to a jacket you already have.
✅ You want puffy jacket insulation without the bulk: Riding in a full down jacket is too hot unless it's well below zero. This gives you that puffy insulation, but not so much that you overheat.
❌ You want a bit of water resistance: It has a DWR coating, but it doesn't shrug off the odd shower like the Assos or Velocio options.
❌ You like a short torso: The body is quite long, so if you have a short torso, then try something a little more cropped.
What makes the Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket so good is its versatility: it works equally well as an outer layer or as a mid-layer. Brilliant mid-layers like the Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha or Velocio Alpha Long Sleeve add insulation under a jacket, but don't work terribly well on their own. Here, you can throw it over a jersey on cold days or layer it under an outer shell like the Velocio Alpha Zero for near- or below-freezing rides.
The fit is comfortable, and the Primaloft insulation provides plenty of warmth without bulk. A DWR coating on the outer face helps in light mist, and the jacket blocks wind effectively. The drop tail has three rear pockets, including a zippered valuables pocket, and the jacket is packable enough for bikepacking.
Yes, it is more expensive than what I have recommended as 'best for gravel' further down the page, but the versatility you get here adds so much value. You can add pieces over time as you need, be they warmer base layers, a waterproof shell, or a super warm outer layer, and you'll eventually end up fully geared up for about as bad weather as it's reasonable to ride in.
One thing to bear in mind is that the torso is quite long, so if you do have a particularly cropped, race-fit shell jacket that you want to layer up under (I'm talking things like the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Jacket), you may risk having the Endura poke out the bottom.
We've also reviewed the Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket, and the Endura Women's Pro SL Primaloft cycling jacket.
Best budget winter cycling jacket
✅ You don't want to spend a fortune on a jacket you'll get filthy: It's certainly not absolute rock bottom in terms of pricing, but compared to most other options on the market, it's very reasonably priced, so less of a worry about getting it filthy or damaging it if you have a crash.
✅ You want storage space: There are plenty of pockets on the Van Rysel, most likely more than anyone could ever ask for.
❌ You want a two-way zip: It's less of a problem with winter jackets than it is on a waterproof shell, but in any case, this jacket doesn't have one.
❌ You want a well-fitting jacket: It is a little tight in the forearms, but then if you went up a size, the shoulders and chest would be rather baggy. This probably matters less when you're trying to think about not landing in a muddy puddle though.
Here’s my not-so-hot take: if your winter rides are clean and dry, just stick with road gear. In Britain, and likely in wetter parts of North America, winter riding especially gravel means mud, puddles, and an increased risk of falling off. It’s hard to justify spending hundreds on a jacket that’s going to get trashed. For years, I used a £12 Aldi jacket for muddy rides, saving my Castelli Gabba for the road. It worked and let me enjoy filthy winter rides without fear of ruining my expensive kit.
The Van Rysel ticks all the boxes as an excellent winter option, at a budget-friendly price point. What you get is a pretty well thought-out softshell jacket, fleece-lined, with sensible panelling that balances more windproof areas on the chest with more breathable ones elsewhere. Key for me is a waterproof zip, but not necessarily to keep water out. The jacket has a membrane, but I wouldn't wear it in heavy rain. There is a waterproof zip, so the teeth are less likely to get clogged by muck and grit, which can be the death of some zips over time.
The pocket arrangement is also more than you'd ever need. The two chest pockets are useful for small items like keys and cards to keep them out of any spray from your rear tyre; there's a pair of hip pockets, and, as well as the standard three rear pockets, you get two zipped valuable ones at the back, as well as a full-width outer pocket in which you can stuff bigger things like an extra mid-layer or winter gloves.
Read more in our full Van Rysel Winter Cycling Jacket review.
Best winter cycling jacket for racing
✅ You want to ride hard: The Perfetto RoS 2 is unlined. This keeps it breathable for high-tempo riding in chilly, showery, and windy weather.
✅ You don't ride in really bad weather: Its lack of any insulation means it isn't suited for deep winter riding, nor is it waterproof enough for sustained downpours unless you don't mind getting wet.
❌ You want plenty of insulation: You can add a decent amount of extra warmth with sensible layering choices, but a fluffy, puffy, super warm jacket it is not.
❌ You want some waterproofing: The Perfetto can shrug off the odd shower or sustained drizzle, but if you want something similar but with a bit more water resistance, try the Castelli Gabba R instead.
The Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 isn’t heavily insulated, but its Gore-Tex Infinium construction makes it windproof and surprisingly capable in the rain. As long as you are moving fast and generating some heat, you'll be able to handle far more than you'd think with the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2.
That focus on performance does mean you should expect a race fit jacket. The sleeves and torso are long to accommodate a thin fit, and the collar is tall and comfortable. Many riders will need to size up, and there’s limited room for layering; a couple of thin merino base layers or a fleece-backed jersey are all you'll have room for.
If you want something of a similar cut, but warmer, then go for the Assos option, but if your winter riding stops short of heading out when it's really cold, then this could well be a far more useful purchase than a warmer option.
Pockets are a highlight as well. After a few years of using a two-pocket design, Castelli has gone back to a standard three-pocket design, and they are tall and stretchy. You can fit everything you need for a long day, or you can stay light for racing.
You may be wondering why we recommend the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 over the updated Perfetto RoS 3. Castelli has taken a different approach with the RoS 3, and while it works really well on cool and dry to warmer days with light showers, it isn't as capable when it comes to proper wintery conditions. If you're looking for a race-focused jacket for fast winter riding, we recommend going for the ROS 2 while it's still available.
Read our Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 Jacket review.
Best winter cycling jacket for packability
✅ You want an ultra-portable extra layer: This jacket takes up no more room than a gilet in a jersey pocket - less in some cases - but is warmer. You can take it with you on every ride where there is a risk of getting chilly.
✅ Your outer shell is race fit: Even under something like a race cut waterproof jacket, there's enough room for it to fit and still function properly.
❌ You want loads of insulation: This is not a full-on winter jacket, if you want something to ride all day in, then go for another option.
❌ You want a stuff sack: In the name of packability, it doesn't come with a little stuff sack, so it is hard to get it to its smallest size on the fly.
Sometimes you don’t need a full winter jacket, but it’s too cold for a wind jacket or even the warmest of the best cycling gilets. For chilly rides, this is about as good as a super-packable winter layer gets.
It takes the basic form of a classic wind jacket with a close-fitting, lightweight, windproof nylon shell, and adds a thin, perforated layer of synthetic insulation across the chest and upper arms. Its packability means it can come on every ride, ideal for café stops or as a superlight layer for bikepacking.
It adds a surprising amount of warmth for its size and keeps biting wind at bay. It also works as a minimal mid-layer under a shell for extra warmth without bulk. I wore it all day in misty, damp, windy conditions around 13°C over a long-sleeve jersey, and it would probably be comfortable down to the low single digits.
In order to counteract that boil-in-the-bag feeling that befalls so many wind jackets, the pits feature big, laser-cut perforations, and the insulation itself also has small holes puncturing through it. A double zip also means you can vent a lot of heat from the bottom without having to have it constantly flapping about the place. Despite such a lightweight build, Albion has made a really sensible choice in adding a proper lower hem cinch.
The RRP is high for such a lightweight jacket, but that’s typical of premium lightweight cycling gear. You’ll likely use it well into spring and early fall too.
If you're hungry for more info, then head to my Albion Ultralight Insulated Jacket review for the full rundown of this versatile little number.
Best looking winter cycling jacket
✅ You want a classy-looking single-layer winter solution: The PAS Essential Thermal jacket is incredibly stylish, but also delivers on warmth and can be paired with just a base layer underneath.
✅ You want a jacket that nails the fit: It is an aggressive fit with a short front, but it's paired with an exceptionally long drop tail and long arm length, with a square cut at the shoulder that keeps movement easy.
❌ You want a two-way zipper for more ventilation: The Essential Thermal jacket has a single-direction zipper, so no unzipping from the bottom, but there are zippered vents on either side to help with airflow.
❌ You want some waterproofing: Polartec Power Shield Pro is technically waterproof, but if you plan to be in heavy rain for any period of time, you don't want to be in this jacket, as it will kill the breathability.
As you expect from a PAS Normal product, the Essential Thermal Jacket delivers on looks as well as performance. It uses the previous generation of Polartec softshell – Powershield Pro, but it's still an exceptional choice for a softshell jacket. The result is a jacket that feels luxurious, highly breathable, and exceptionally comfortable across a wide range of temperatures.
If, like me, you prefer wearing just one layer under your winter cycling jacket, this is the one for you. The dense, breathable fabric with sealed arms and collar provides excellent warmth when paired with the right base layer. Our tester Josh rode it with just a long-sleeve base layer in near-freezing temperatures, and with a summer base layer in conditions up to around 13°C.
PAS Normal jackets are outstanding when it comes to comfort and fit. This jacket is designed for aggressive riding with a short front and an exceptionally long drop tail and long arm length. One of the better features of PAS Normal jackets in general is the square cut to the shoulder that keeps movement easy.
Power Shield Pro is a softshell fabric that's technically considered waterproof, but it didn't handle occasional rain well, so if you only ride in the dry, it's worth considering. Otherwise, the PAS Normal is fantastic at tailoring a jacket for aggressive riding and the dense fabric feels amazing next to skin, plus the simple styling looks great too.
For more details, check out our full PAS Normal Essential Thermal Jacket review.
Most versatile winter cycling jacket
✅ You want a great jacket for on and off the bike: It doesn’t look or wear like a bike-specific jacket, but is in fact a very good all-round winter jacket.
✅ You want a warm, lightweight and packable jacket: It's packable, and there is plenty of insulation for a jacket that weighs only 255g.
❌ You prioritise visibility: There are no reflective details here, although this does make it more wearable off the bike.
❌ You want a cycling-specific design: There's not much of a drop tail, there’s no dedicated venting, and storage is limited to two pockets.
If you want a jacket that works just as well off the bike as on it, the Rapha Explore Down Jacket is worth considering. It doesn’t have cycling-specific features like reflectivity, a dropped tail, or ventilation, but it makes up for it with superb insulation, light weight, and excellent packability. The hood doesn't quite fit over a helmet, but it is detachable.
The Explore Down Jacket has a relaxed fit, and the sizing is very generous, so there's lots of room to layer up. An adjustable elastic pulley at the waistband lets you cinch it in for a closer fit if needed.
Rapha has maximised the warmth retention and created a jacket seriously geared up for deep winter weather. In her review, Immy Sykes felt the most comfortable in it at about -5 degrees Celsius up to about 5 degrees Celsius on the bike.
This jacket is far warmer than even the Velocio Alpha Zero, and while it reviewed well, it is too warm for normal riding. If you're actually kicking about in sub-zero conditions regularly, then it could work for you, but in general, it's more of a lifestyle piece.
As such, it's not cheap either, but its versatility both on and off the bike, along with its impressive lightness and packability for longer adventures, convinced Immy to see it as a true investment piece.
To find out more, read our full review of the Rapha Explore Down Jacket.
How to choose the best winter cycling jacket
Dressing for riding in winter is always going to pose more of a challenge than getting your summer outfit right. Aesthetics are always important, but given the consequences of getting your kit wrong in freezing weather are much higher, I urge you to take a function over fashion approach when in doubt.
- What sort of winter riding are you doing? The trick is, as with any big bit of kit, to be honest about the sort of riding you want to do. There's no point buying a race-ready winter jacket if you're heading out on long, slow rides; you'll freeze. Likewise, for hard riding in milder conditions, you don't want the warmest kit on the planet or you'll end up a sweaty, uncomfortable mess.
- Do you want a layer that can be worn in a range of conditions? If you're coming at this fresh, then aim for versatility rather than specificity; you'll get more for your money that way. Something like the Endura option above that works as well as a mid layer as it does as an outer layer is a perfect place to start, and to that you can add a better winter base layer rather than trying to buy the warmest jacket from the off.
- What layers do you already have? If you already have warm layers, consider how these can complement your winter jacket. Having several layers, rather than relying on one big jacket, will be more comfortable and flexible if conditions change.
- Does it need to be packable? One thing that can really help you stay warm that's rarely mentioned is adding some on-bike storage. Through the winter, I fit a big saddlebag, into which I can stuff a mini down jacket, or other layers, and it gives me space to take layers off if I get too hot, which is just as key to staying comfortable. If you don't have any on-bike storage, then invest in a layer that's more breathable or packs down small.
Everything you need to know about the best winter cycling jackets
How do you stay warm while cycling in the cold?
Layering, that is the simple answer. Relying on a single heavy piece, like a down jacket, might keep you warm in static conditions, but on a bike, it usually leaves you either overheating or freezing the moment you unzip.
While a solid outer shell is crucial, the best cycling base layers can provide the foundation. It offers immediate insulation while pulling sweat away from your skin, preventing that sudden chill when cold air hits moisture.
Many winter jackets are standalone pieces designed to sit directly over a base layer, while others offer a roomier fit for extra insulation. If you struggle with the cold, adding a dedicated mid-layer like the Endura Pro SL Primaloft or the fleece-lined Pearl Izumi PRO Alpha can help trap body heat so your outer jacket doesn't have to work as hard.
Finally, don't neglect the rest of your body. For years, I rode in a heavy softshell jacket, gilet, winter gloves, neck warmer, and cap, paired with summer shorts. Your legs are the engine room; when they freeze, the increased blood flow required during exercise cools your core down fast.
I run warm, so I usually combine thermal shorts with leg warmers, but most riders are better off with a quality pair of winter bib tights. Pair them with windproof overshoes, thermal socks, and a skull cap, and you'll stay infinitely warmer than relying on a great jacket alone.
What layers should I wear for winter cycling?
To keep things simple, here's my general breakdown. Obviously, your mileage may vary, but this is what I'd do for normal riding. If I were doing hill reps or similar, I'd go up a temperature category to avoid overheating:
>15ºC/59°F - Midweight base layer, long sleeve jersey, gilet or wind jacket as preferred.
10-15ºC/50-59°F - Winter base layer, softshell jacket or midweight base layer, long sleeve jersey, winter jacket.
5-10ºC/41-50°F - Winter base layer, long sleeve jersey, winter jacket
0-5ºC/32-41°F - Winter base layer, insulating mid layer, winter jacket
<0ºC/32°F - Winter base layer x2, insulating mid layer, winter jacket. Ice risk, consider staying home.
This goes for the top layer only, and within that, you can regulate your temperature surprisingly well with things like a neck warmer, a hat, different gloves, and socks.
Generally speaking, people tend to reach for long legs below about 15ºC, whether that's thermal shorts and leg warmers or a dedicated pair of winter bib tights.
For a full breakdown on how to dress for success on the bike, check out our ultimate cycling layering guide.
How do you stay warm while riding in the wet?
Freezing rain is about as tough as conditions get for staying dry. My first question: if the weather is truly that miserable, do you really need to ride outdoors? I take a bit of perverse pride in it, and it is part of my job, but with indoor cycling as good as it is now, there is a strong case for investing in one of the best smart trainers and a setup for Zwift or ROUVY rather than spending big on gear for a handful of truly awful days.
If you must head out in cold, wet conditions, start with your shell. If you get wet, you get cold—so staying dry is priority number one. My guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets covers plenty of great options, but be sure to choose one with enough room to layer underneath.
Hard shell jackets are less breathable than softshells, meaning they trap more warmth. You won't need as many layers beneath them—a solid base layer and a warm mid-layer should keep you comfortable. Just keep in mind that your mid-layer directly impacts overall breathability, so avoid over-dressing.
In cold, soaking wet weather, your extremities usually suffer first. Hands and feet eventually get wet no matter how good your gloves and overshoes are. For these conditions, neoprene is your best friend. While I use standard neoprene gloves, my colleague Tom swears by the VeloToze Waterproof Neoprene Gloves, and I trust his judgment. For your feet, thin neoprene socks worn under standard winter socks trap heat and keep you warm even once the water gets in.
How cold is too cold for cycling?
You can, to some extent, set your own floor here. If you live somewhere where the roads aren't gritted and ice is a risk, anything around or below freezing poses a hazard, not from a layering standpoint, but simply in terms of staying upright.
Off-road, ice is less of a danger, and with the right layering, there is no such thing as "too cold". Your body produces a huge amount of heat while exercising; the trick is simply managing it. Olympic cross-country skiers race in sub-zero temperatures and contend with high-speed wind chill while wearing minimal layers. Don't be discouraged by plummeting temperatures; after years of trying to do both, I promise you it is far easier to stay warm than it is to stay dry.
If you struggle with the cold, a simple tactic is to make your rides shorter and harder. Conventional wisdom says winter is for "base miles"—long, slow rides where it is much easier to catch a chill. Swap those for shorter, high-intensity efforts, and you'll maintain your fitness without risking getting frozen to the bone miles from home.
How do I not get so sweaty cycling in the winter?
If I had an easy solution to this, I'd be a millionaire. Proper winter layering keeps you warm, but it also carries the constant risk of overheating. On anything other than completely flat terrain, you're almost guaranteed to start sweating the moment the road points uphill.
Pairing a decent base layer with a jacket that features a two-way zip, allowing air to circulate to your core without fully opening your outer layer. If you tend to run particularly hot, avoid single-garment winter jackets. Instead, opt for multiple thinner layers and make sure you have a handlebar bag or frame pack to dump them into as you warm up.
Should my winter cycling jacket be waterproof?
There is certainly no harm in your winter cycling jacket being able to shrug off a bit of light rain. Winter riding can come with showers, but also road spray from the rider ahead of you, and so avoiding that soaking in and evaporative cooling is always a plus.
However, I'd advise against going for an all-in-one solution. Waterproof jackets are significantly less breathable than anything in this list, and with them comes an increased risk of getting sweaty. If you add insulation to that too, the risk increases even more, making them often unpleasant if you're riding in cold but dry weather.
For wet and cold riding, I'd focus on a separate shell and a better mid layer, and that way you'll have a shell for year-round use too. For cold and dry riding, then a softshell winter jacket with a bit of water resistance is best.
What is a softshell?
If you think of a waterproof jacket, you likely picture something made of quite stiff, noisy material. They have to be like that to keep the water out. Softshells aren't like that. They often have a thin, windproof membrane to keep the wind chill off, but they are softer, more flexible, and oftentimes fleece-lined too. They're more comfortable, more breathable, and more versatile. Usually, they'll have a water repellent coating at least to shrug off a bit of light rain.
Every jacket here is some variation on a softshell. They're more versatile, but don't wear them in consistent rain unless you are prepared to get wet.
How should a winter cycling jacket fit?
There's something for everyone here: If you're riding hard and want an aero fit, then the Assos Mille GT or the Castello Perfetto RoS are great examples of effective winter jackets that have quite a trim cut. The problem with these, is that they aren't much good if you want to layer up, so if you want to add more versatility (and comfort, for the most part), then getting something more roomy like the Velocio Alpha Zero will stand you in better stead as you can add layers underneath. You'll lose some watts, but when it's around freezing, nobody is thinking about getting KOMs.
How we test the best winter cycling jackets?
Often it means getting very cold in the name of bringing you the best options. Between this guide and my guide to waterproof jackets, there are countless hours of riding in the cold and the rain. Once the seasons start to change around October, I'll be out riding in the gloom and the damp to see how well the lighter-weight jackets cope, and then throughout deep winter between December and February, I'll be out in the cold, for as long as it is safe to do so. While testing, we consider not only how warm each jacket is, but also how comfortable the fit is and whether the jackets have any additional features.
Every Wednesday, barring any other commitments, I do an extremely hilly lap of the city, which is a prime test for whether a jacket will overheat too, for those garments with a more high-tempo leaning. The trick to winter riding comfort is staying dry, and these rides really put the breathability of each jacket to the test.
Behind all of this are years and years of experience, not just from myself but from my colleagues too, which I can draw upon to give you the best recommendations. I know how annoying it is to invest in winter kit that doesn't work because I've done it enough times myself, so you to quite a large degree learning from my mistakes.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but I'd take a long ride on a crisp, bright day when the temperature is around 7°C (44.6°F) over a 30°C (86°F) summer scorcher any day. Winter riding is unendingly satisfying, and having spent years riding outside all year round, I know what works and what doesn't. I got cold and miserable, so you don't have to. Winter jackets are a big-ticket item, so I want to make sure you're getting the best possible options for your money.
