Best mountain bike jackets 2023 | 22 waterproof and hybrid jackets tried and tested by our experts

The best mountain bike jackets will keep you riding through all weather. As a result, this form of clothing is possibly the most important item in your winter wardrobe if you live somewhere wet or cold.

It might also be the most expensive piece of kit you own. You can spend a lot of money on mountain bike jackets, but do you have to?

Generally, the more you pay, the more you get, in terms of performance – by which we mean breathability, durability, features or a combination of all three. This isn’t always the case, though.

Working out exactly what you need your jacket for can help you narrow down your options and avoid spending money on features you don’t need.

Our expert testers have spent days and weeks out on the trails, putting different mountain bike jackets to the test while cycling in the rain and through the most difficult conditions, to bring you the best-performing options for every type of rider.

The jackets here are designed for mountain biking, with a cut and features to match the intended use. If you’re after a jacket for road riding, we’ve got a separate guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets.

How to choose the best mountain bike jacket

What type of riding are you doing?

Before parting with any cash, think about the sort of riding you do. If you’re a cross-country fiend who spends all day in the saddle in the most extreme conditions, then you ideally want a high waterproof rating (20,000mm) combined with maximum breathability (30,000g/m²).

If your style is more bike park or downhill runs, then breathability will be less important. In fact, a heavier jacket may suit you better than a lightweight style because it’ll keep you warm in the downtime.

Fit is individual because we all have different body shapes, so you really do need to try before you buy.

Finding the Goldilocks zone

We’ve tested a selection of fully waterproof garments alongside hybrid and insulated jackets that combine water resistance with breathability and warmth.

Balancing protection from the elements with breathability is a key consideration when choosing a mountain bike jacket.

The very best waterproof jackets will help keep water out while also allowing the moisture generated from riding to escape, though there’s always a limit as to how breathable any waterproof garment can be.

Equally, while hybrid or insulated jackets may not keep you bone dry, they may keep you warm and comfortable by better regulating your body temperature. Ultimately, it’s about choosing a jacket suited to where and how you ride, so you can hit that Goldilocks zone.

It’s all in the details

The good news is there are now some excellent designs that combine low weight, performance and durability.

Does that mean jackets made from materials with a lower breathability rating will always be hot? The short answer is no – construction details such as gills or pit zips and vents that can be opened up will aid cooling, as will double (two-way) front zips.

These features mean you can adapt a jacket to suit your ride and the conditions on any given day. Layering also helps. A good baselayer will pull moisture away from your body and hold it until it can escape through your jacket, helping to keep you dry and, therefore, warmer.

You can read our buyer’s guide at the end of this article for more advice on how to choose the best jacket for your needs.

And while you’re with us, read our guide to winter mountain bike clothing for more advice on staying warm and dry. We’ve also got buyer’s guides to the best waterproof MTB trousers, best mountain bike onesies, best mountain bike gloves and best winter cycling shoes for both road riders and mountain bikers.

Best mountain bike jackets in 2023 | 22 jackets rated by our expert testers

Patagonia Dirt Roamer

• £210 / $229 as tested
• Excellent cut
• Versatile layer
• Protection: water-resistant

Although not strictly a waterproof, this weatherproof, packable jacket is a true all-rounder that’s perfect for those days with quick changes in weather.

The DWR finish keeps water off well and dries quickly when wet, but this is not a choice for the worst conditions.

The fit is exceptional, with a dropped tail, generous sleeves and over-helmet hood

It’s so breathable that it easily transitions from cooler starts to warmer finishes. Our tester found it ideal for spring and autumn rides in the UK with just a baselayer underneath.

7Mesh CoPilot

• £250 / €280 / $280 as tested
• Laidback cut
• Wards off bad weather
• Protection: waterproof

The updated version of the 7Mesh CoPilot jacket is more orientated towards bikepacking, having a looser fit  and readily packing up into its back pocket.

You can then use the pocket straps to wrap the CoPilot to your bike frame.

The CoPilot’s hood can be worn over your helmet and stays in place once you’ve tightened the adjustment cords.

By retaining its predecessor’s Gore-Tex Paclite Plus material, the 7Mesh CoPilot keeps you dry on multi-hour wet rides.

• Read our full 7Mesh CoPilot review 

7Mesh Guardian

• £352 / $400 / €350 as tested
• Lots of great details
• Exceptional breathability
• Protection: waterproof

7Mesh’s Guardian jacket has a great reputation, but at £352 / $400 / €350 it doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, though, its performance doesn’t disappoint.

It’s cut impeccably, with brilliant details all over, and its breathability is fantastic for a totally waterproof jacket.

• Read our full 7Mesh Guardian jacket review

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket

• £164.99
• Impressive flexibility with sleek styling
• Good balance between warmth and breathability
• Hood doesn’t fit well over a helmet
• Protection: softshell

The MT500 Freezing Point is made out of a four-way stretch thermal softshell fabric, and features PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation on the front panel to ward of wind chill.

Designed for colder days, the jacket warms up quick when climbing but long pit zips allow you to regulate temperature without taking the jacket off.

A PFC-free DWR finish keeps the water out efficiently, while the tailored fit allows for for extra layers beneath.

Although Endura don’t claim the hood is helmet compatible, we found that it could squeeze over but it was quite restrictive.

Endura MTR Shell Jacket

• £140 / €164.99 / $199.99 as tested
• Can fit in a jersey pocket
• No pockets
• Protection: waterproof

Endura’s MTR shell jacket is a packable waterproof jacket designed primarily for off-road use. It packs up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket, but doesn’t compromise on performance or durability.

Our tester also found the fit to be spot on, with plenty of length and strategically placed stretch panels that enable a full range of movement.

• Read our full Endura MTR Shell jacket review

Gore Endure Jacket

• £230 / €230 / $230 as tested
• Well-fitting
• Technical features
• Protection: waterproof

The Gore Endure Jacket’s styling and fit is relaxed enough to wear for everyday riding and even when off the bike, but its performance is top notch.

The Gore-Tex Paclite Plus material is claimed to be breathable and waterproof, but it does require regular reproofing.

There’s a dropped tail to keep muck off your back. You can wear the peaked hood over your helmet and it’s easy to adjust.

The Gore Endure jacket has two pockets and packs down itself into a pocket or hip pack.

• Read our full Gore Endure Jacket review

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

• £250 / $299 as tested
• Impressively warm
• Packs down into its own pocket
• Protection: water-resistant

The Micro Puff Hoody from Patagonia is a lightweight, soft-shell garment that looks good both on and off the bike.

It’s seriously warm thanks to the use of synthetic PlumaFill insulation and the DWR coating is effective, but we’d still recommend using this as a mid-layer in the worst of conditions.

Despite minimalist looks and a fit that’s neither tight nor slack, it’s full of useful storage pockets. It’s impressively packable too, folding down neatly and easily into its own pocket. Our tester loves his so much that he’s rarely seen without it.

• Read our full review of the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

POC Signal

• £320 / €350 / $350 as tested
• All-weather protection
• Smart and well-considered details
• Protection: waterproof

Even in the worst conditions, the Signal kept us dry and comfortable. The material is breathable when working hard, and there’s further ventilation from underarm gills, a back vent and the two-way zip.

Its lightweight, three-layer ripstop fabric is soft enough to wear against bare arms. The fit is close but not restrictive, and styling is sleek. It packs into its own zipped back pocket, and has a smaller side pocket too.

Design is efficient across the board – it has a good interface between hood and helmet straps, shaped cuffs that sit just right, and a long drop back that hangs perfectly flat, courtesy of side elastic in the hem.

Rapha Explore Hooded Gore-Tex Pullover

• £250 as tested
• Unique style
• Good for a wide range of temperatures
• Protection: waterproof

Rapha’s uniquely styled Explore jacket was originally marketed at gravel riding, but can make a great choice for commuters and mountain bikers too.

Constructed from three-layer Gore-Tex Active material, the Explore does waterproofing with an impressive level of breathability and makes for a low overall 220g weight in a size large.

It’ll pack down into a supplied sack, where it can double as a pillow, or smaller still to wedge into a pack or jersey pocket.

Not everyone wants a pullover, but we didn’t miss a full-length zip when wearing this jacket.

It was comfortable in a range of temperatures, from single digits right through to mild 17°C autumn conditions.

It’s a wildcard choice, but one that we really enjoyed.

Scott Insuloft Superlight PL

• £220
• High warmth-to-weight ratio
• Lightweight and highly packable
• Great fit
• Protection: insulated jacket with DWR outer

Scott’s Insuloft Superlight PL is very comfortable, with its lightweight and well-cut fabrics helping it look good on and off the bike.

It features a DRYOzone DWR outer layer, which stood up to the harshest of conditions and shed even the toughest downpour. The breathability impressed too, avoiding chill from sweat build-up.

The performance of the Scott Insuloft Superlight PL matches its high-end price, and the ease of packing into the chest pocket means you can always bring it with you.

ThruDark Skirmish

• £345 as tested
• Cross-functional design
• Waterproof and breathable, with an excellent cut
• Protection: waterproof

This jacket from new UK brand ThruDark is a cross-functional piece designed for extreme weather.

A fully adjustable hem and hood enable you to seal it tight, with a deep yoke vent on the back and underarm perforations for airflow.

It’s hard to get a great fit both on and off the bike, but this Dorset-based outfit has managed it. The Skirmish’s long tail drops into position, its shaped cuffs fall perfectly over the backs of the hands, the sleeves articulate with every movement and the hood’s slightly stiffened peak keeps the rain out of your eyes.

The three-layer eVent fabric breathes well and is durable and in torrential rain, we still didn’t overheat. With nifty details, such as an internal chest pocket, this jacket is worth considering despite the very high price.

Endura GV500

• £160 / €180 / $200 as tested
• Fantastic value
• Slightly tight under the arms
• Protection: waterproof

The Endura GV500 has many of the features and performance of much pricier waterproof jackets.

Its hood goes over a helmet without obscuring your line of sight. A lowered tail protects your back and the GV500 can be stowed in its single chest pocket.

The cut treads the right line between slim and tight, so the GV500 doesn’t restrict your movement, except to a degree in the arm areas.

The Endura GV500 is comfortable whichever layer you wear beneath it. Waterproofing is impressive and breathability isn’t far behind.

• Read our full Endura GV500 jacket review 

Giro Ambient

• £119.99
• Impressive warmth and waterproofing
• Large hood that doesn’t restrict movement
• Protection: softshell

The Giro Ambient is a three-layered fleece softshell featuring a four-way stretch fabric on the outer. Although not fully waterproof, we found it kept most of the water out on long, wet rides, while the hood provided good protection without getting in the way.

Best suited to cold days, we found the jacket overheated above 5 degrees, with the laser-cut vents in the armpits doing to little to stop this resulting in a full unzip.

Large, well-placed pockets enable you to carry your belongings without them getting in the way of your riding. Lycra gaiters complete with thumb holes make sure your sleeves stay in place.

Rab Zenith

• £250 / €300 / $300 as tested
• Great breathability
• Cross-functionality for other outdoor pursuits
• Protection: waterproof

Featuring easy-access front pockets, a large wired peak hood that’ll fit over a helmet, long pit zips and a longer hem than a dedicated cycling jacket, the Rab Zenith is a multi-use waterproof that won’t leave you having to compromise.

Exceptional breathability thanks to the Gore-Tex Paclite Plus construction has proven to be a major advantage, with additional ventilation features should you need them on warmer rainy days.

The fast-drying material also beads water well thanks to the DWR coating, and Rab offers a reproofing service for this to keep your jacket performing as new, season after season.

You’ll need those deep pockets to afford this top-tier option, but it’ll pay off in the Zenith’s practical versatility.

• Read our full Rab Zenith waterproof jacket review

dhb Trail Waterproof Jacket

• £150 / €170 / $190 / AU$273 as tested
• Great value for the quality
• Hood doesn’t work over helmet for taller riders
• Protection: waterproof

With many features that are typically reserved for higher-price jackets, the Trail waterproof from dhb reflects the brand’s solid reputation for great-quality, excellent-value cycling kit.

The high-stretch, 20k/20k material features a three-layer construction that’s durable, teamed with long, mesh-lined pockets that double up as vents.

Shaped cuffs, a fold-away hood that also fits over a helmet, and a clever drop-hem adjustment all contribute to the great fit of the jacket.

The stretch fabric comes into play on the bike, meaning you can achieve a slimmer fit without limiting the freedom of movement.

• Read our full dhb Trail Waterproof Jacket review

Berghaus Changtse

• £290 / €350 as tested
• Technical construction with lots of vents and pockets
• Do-everything credentials
• Protection: waterproof

The Changtse is absolutely packed with features. It uses a number of different Gore-Tex waterproof fabrics across the jacket for optimal performance in each area.

There’s Paclite Plus on areas such as the chest and arms, which are more prone to wear, while the core is made from Active Shell for greater breathability.

It’s not a bike-specific jacket, but the cut and flexibility are good enough that it never feels like a compromise.

• Read our full Berghaus Changtse jacket review

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II

• £230 / $329 as tested
• Adjustable helmet hood
• Multiple pockets
• Protection: waterproof

An update to the popular MT500 jacket only adds to the appeal of this excellent fully featured waterproof layer.

The three-layer waterproof fabric performs well and, combined with the refined fit and plentiful storage, adds up to a garment that does not disappoint.

The 536g (large) MT500 kept our tester both dry and comfortable during challenging conditions.

It’s also been designed to work well with a backpack, and we can confirm it does just that.

Jack Wolfskin Atlas Tour

• £150 as tested
• Multi-sport design
• Solid value for money
• Protection: waterpoof

The 515g (large) Atlas Tour represents good value for money, particularly when you consider this fully featured waterproof has been designed to meet the needs of cyclists, but with extended use for hikers too.

This multi-sport approach does not hinder the jacket, or lead to a compromise in fit or performance.

The two-layer design warmed up quicker than some, but the temperature was easily controlled with the zip.

Three pockets, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood and reflective highlights complete an impressive feature list.

On Waterproof Anorak

• £320 / €359.95 / $359.99 as tested
• Light and athletic fit
• Hydrophobic inner helps wick perspiration away
• Protection: waterproof

On’s Waterproof Anorak isn’t a cycling-specific jacket, but its performance impresses nevertheless. The half-length zip isn’t perhaps the most practical option for getting On’s Waterproof Anorak on and off while on the bike, but it does reduce bulk a bit, and fashionistas will likely welcome the alternative look.

We didn’t notice any compromise in breathability either, possibly thanks to the hydrophilic elements on the innermost layer of the jacket’s three-ply fabric.

It’s an especially good jacket for those who do a bit of running as well as cycling because it can readily share duties across the two sports.

• Read our full review of the On Waterproof Anorak

Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm

• £290 / €320 / $290 / AU$490 as tested
• Comfortable fit
• Storm-resistant
• Protection: waterproof

The premium Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm jacket is the completely waterproof version of the Dirt Roamer jacket that also figures in this list.

The Dirt Roamer Storm has to be worn with the hood over your head or helmet. In order to remove the jacket, you’ll have to take off your helmet.

To reduce how often you need to do so, Patagonia has placed zipped vents on the side and front of the jacket.

The Dirt Roamer Storm’s triple-layered H2No shell wicks sweat as well as repelling rain.

• Read our full Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm jacket review 

POC AVIP rain jacket

• £295 / €350 / $300 as tested
• Comfortable even against bare skin
• Tear-resistant fabric
• Protection: waterproof

The style, colour and cut are reminiscent of a road jacket, but in reality POC’s AVIP is more of a multi-purpose cycling waterproof.

Its tear-resistant Vectran fabric, for example, means it can stand up to the rigours of XC and gravel when a true road jacket might be too delicate.

The three-layer waterproof fabric does its job well too, but the lack of a hood might be a deal-breaker for some off-road cyclists. If that’s not a problem for you, though, there’s a lot to like here, with great on-bike performance and fit.

• Read our full POC AVIP rain jacket review

Rab Arc

• £200 / $260 as tested
• Multi-function styling that works on the bike
• Sturdiness means good warmth and durability
• Protection: waterproof

The Rab Arc jacket isn’t made specifically for cycling, but this compromise means it brings more versatility to the table.

In particular, the cut is a little boxy on the bike, but the 422g jacket feels great when you’re not riding – unlike cycling-specific jackets, which are often poorly shaped for off-bike use.

Generously sized front pockets and a hood that fits comfortably over a helmet only further its credentials.

The fabric is three-layer rip-stop with a high-quality and durable feel. This adds a bit of weight and a fair amount of warmth, but it also means it’s more likely to stand the test of time.

The Rab Arc has now been replaced with the Rab Arc Eco, made with 100 per cent post-consumer recycled polyester.

• Read our full Rab Arc review

What to look for in a jacket for mountain biking

Water-resistant zips

These keep wind and rain out without the need for a storm flap. They’re easy to identify by the smooth seal that closes protectively over the teeth, but can be stiff to use.

Two-way zips

Double zips allow you to open the jacket from the bottom as well as the top to help you cool down faster – useful when you’re working up a sweat.

Drop tail

A longer back to ensure your lower back is covered and help keep mud and spray off the seat of your shorts or riding trousers.

Adjustability here is also handy, so look for elasticated drawcords to help you cinch in the hem. Check the length is right for you by jumping on a bike when you’re trying a jacket on.

Dropped cuff

Cuffs that are shaped to extend over the back of the hand integrate with gloves more smoothly than those with Velcro adjusters, and channel rain over, rather than inside, your gloves.

They’re also more comfortable to wear, moving freely with your body as you ride, and shed water better, because there are no creases for moisture to gather inside.

Lined collar

A fleecy inner collar not only feels more comfortable against your skin, it absorbs stray drips before they run down your neck too.

Helmet-compatible hood

A hood that goes over a helmet is our preferred style for practicality, although some riders like one that fits underneath. Check it can be cinched in to reduce its volume and keep your peripheral vision clear.

Vents

Vents help heat and sweat to escape. They can either be zipped or open with gill-like slits. If you wear a hydration pack, check the straps don’t obstruct the jacket’s vents, and look for double-ended zips, which give more ventilation options.

Jackets explained

Breathability

Multi-layer fabrics can be both waterproof and breathable because the membrane layer has lots of tiny pores. These pores are large enough for water vapour to escape, but too small for water droplets to pass through.

The breathability is the rate at which a fabric allows heat from inside to escape, in the form of water vapour, measured as the Water Vapour Transmission Rating (WVTR).

Search for ratings over 20,000g/m²/24hr for good material breathability. There is, however, a limit as to how breathable any waterproof fabric can be if you’re riding hard or the weather is warm.

Waterproofing

The waterproof rating of a fabric will tell you if it’s suitable for wet-weather riding, from fine drizzle through to a prolonged downpour. This is measured in a lab, testing the height of a 1in diameter column of water that a fabric will withstand before it leaks, measured in millimetres.

Higher numbers here indicate a greater resistance to water seeping through. As a guide, 10,000mm is a good benchmark, with 20,000mm better for prolonged or extreme conditions.

If you’re looking for a waterproof for wet-weather riding, double-check that the seams are taped: otherwise, these are weak points for waterproof garments.

Insulation

Insulated jackets come in various forms, with fleece and baffled constructions both used to trap warm air to create a barrier between you and the outside cold.

Insulated jackets aren’t usually as waterproof as other jackets, because more breathability is needed to stop chill from sweat build-up on the inside.

Mountain bike jackets will usually use a synthetic fill in baffled designs because even the most hydrophobic of down will struggle to cope with the constant washing that muddy clothes need.

The amount of fill is a good indicator as to how warm a jacket will be, because the more there is, the more air will be trapped. However, jackets with less fill can be just as effective when used with other layers.

Three-layer fabric

A fabric consisting of an outer shell over a waterproof membrane with an inner backing.

This lining helps protect the membrane and prolong the life of the jacket. It also gives a smoother feel against the skin, and may have wicking properties, too.

2.5-layer fabric

Here, the waterproof membrane has a thin coating applied to the inside, rather than a proper lining. This type of jacket is often typified by a rubbery feel, but the ‘half’ layer makes the material lighter and more packable.

DWR

Durable Water Repellent treatment (DWR) is often used on the outside of garments to help water and dirt bead off the material’s surface without soaking in. You’ll commonly find this treatment on waterproof jackets, trousers and baggy shorts.

A DWR treatment can wear out or wash off over time, but a little TLC can make your jacket feel as good as new. Read our guide to reproofing a waterproof jacket.

PFCs

Perfluorinated and poly-fluorinated chemicals are often used in the production of DWR finishes, but break down very slowly once released into the environment. Many brands are now moving to PFC-free materials, so check the blurb.

When it comes to reproofing your waterproof cycling gear, opt for a PFC-free treatment for the greenest option.

Articulated

This is when a fabric is cut along the lines of active use, so that it follows the shape of your arm or curve of your back when in the riding position.

A design of this type enables free movement without the need to be baggy, but may be less suitable for use off the bike.

If you only want one waterproof jacket to do it all, you might have to compromise somewhat in this department.