If you want to get your riding fix in all conditions, you will have to venture out in wet weather at some point. To make this experience as pleasurable as possible, a good quality waterproof jacket is essential, but like most technical clothing, there’s a vast array of different options on the market. The first step to finding the perfect jacket, after you’ve set a budget, is to understand how and where you ride.
For example, if you’re up onto exposed hills and moors, where the weather can be at its worst with no chance of shelter, the full security of a three-layer jacket, with taped seams, a full-fitting hood, and double storm flaps is essential. However, in slightly milder conditions and more tree cover for protection, then a lighter weight jacket may suffice.
If you’re training or just like to work hard, breathability is going to be your number one priority, because you will generate a lot of heat that will need to be vented. Conversely, extra warmth is useful on an e-bike because you don’t tend to work quite as hard.
When conditions are changeable, it’s handy to have a jacket that packs down and can be carried easily. Layering adds warmth but it is also easy to boil in the bag when you add a thick outer layer.
Since everyone’s situation and priorities are slightly different, we’ve assembled a range of winter jackets for this test, from a lightweight water-resistant shell that stops you getting a chill at the cafe, to a full-on three-layer waterproof for those moorland manoeuvres. This is just a small sample of the jackets we have tested, so for more options head over to mbr.co.uk/reviews/jackets
USED & ABUSED
How we test
There are a couple key tests we do to all waterproof clothing. The first is to verify the pooling on the DWR (durable water-repellent) coating on the face fabric by spraying all of our test jackets with water and gauging the run-off. This coating does wear out and wash off, so we test this again by riding several times in each jacket and putting it through a spin cycle. We tested the waterproofness by immersing a section of the fabric in a shower, and rides were undertaken to gauge breathability and condensation and heat build-up.
JARGON BUSTER
Know your winter jacket
ZIP GUTTER
A zip gutter (garage) is a little pocket at the top of the zip that the zip tag goes into when it’s fully done up, which stops it irritating your neck. It usually
