Waterproof jackets are getting worse, but here are seven reasons why it doesn’t actually matter

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(Image credit: Future)

I have made it my main goal each season to bring you the best advice on how to stay dry on the bike. My guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets is distilled down from having over 50 jackets come across my desk in the last three or so years. Having tested so many I’m in a pretty good position to say with confidence that waterproof jackets, not just in cycling, are getting worse. 

This is almost totally down to changing regulations. The future of waterproof clothing is a market free from PFAS - or so called ‘forever chemicals’ - and while this is better for the environment it is worse for staying dry. I’ve written at length on the chemistry behind these changes, but in simple terms for the purposes of this article the key thing is that fluorine is getting axed from manufacturing. That means no more PTFE membranes, and durable water repellent (DWR) treatments are becoming less D, and also less WR. 

Will Jones
Senior Tech Writer

Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.