The 10 Best Winter Jackets for Men for Biking in the Colder Months
Pedal warm and happy throughout the briskest days of the season.
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Dedicated cyclists pedal deep into the heart of winter, and need jacket layers to deal with their rider needs. The best winter jackets for men have the ability to insulate riders while ensuring breathability, while also protecting from arctic blasts of wind and still being flexible enough to adapt to movement.
Maybe most importantly, winter jackets also protect riders from whatever form of moisture comes their way, whether it's a dreaded slushy mix or their own sweat. Most jackets can’t accomplish this in one feat, but when it comes to winter layering, seasonal outerwear is the best for insulating and the occasional wind- and waterproofing.
The Best Men's Winter Jackets
What to Consider
Different cyclists have different needs. Whether you’re pedaling for fun or pushing your heart to hummingbird levels of beating, you’ll want to reach for a jacket that best suits your level of activity. Here are the types of cycling jackets and the key features you should look for in each:
Outer Shell
There are two main types of cycling jackets: hardshells and softshells. Some jackets offer a mixture of the two.
Hardshell jackets are your wind- and waterproof layers. They’re the final outer layer of protection, often made with Gore-Tex or other waterproof membranes that keep riders from getting drenched in the nastiest conditions. The majority of these jackets are thin but still offer insulation. Modern hardshells are breathable and flexible, so you won't feel like you’re riding in a plastic bag.
Softshell jackets are your insulating layers. They must be thin and flexible but also highly breathable, so your sweat is transported away from your body while keeping you warm. A softshell jacket can include fleeces, which tend to be insulating but not windproof. Modern softshells often have a wind-resistant outer face that helps keep the needles of icy breezes out and the warmth in. These are the jackets you’ll wear on a cold, sunny day.
Zippers, Pockets, and Vents
The zippers on cycling jackets are used for vents, pockets, and for cinching the front closed. On hardshell jackets, they should be wind- and waterproof to prevent moisture from seeping through.
Pockets on cycling jackets are usually in three areas. Rear pockets on the lower back are ideal for riders who need to carry snacks, gels, gloves, or other layers. Front waist pockets are found on more casual jackets, while some jackets have chest pockets for items like sunglasses.
Opening these pockets can add some ventilation in the winter to prevent you from overheating. Look for pit or side zips that allow riders to quickly dump heat. Some jackets even have removable sleeves for added versatility.
Drop Tails
Drop tails are an essential feature of many cycling jackets. They’re longer in the rear to cover the bum as you’re hunched over the bars, protecting your backside from slush, rain, snow, and anything kicked up on your back by your tires. A drop tail also makes sure that there’s no gap between your underlayers and shorts.
Insulation and Breathability
Unless you’re riding in the arctic circle, you don’t want a down jacket for cycling (it’ll keep you warm, but won’t allow you to dump heat and sweat). Rather, look for a jacket, particularly a softshell jacket that provides some insulation, but also breathes very well. If you’re doing more casual riding than racing or hard training, a jacket with more insulation is good.
Water- and Windproofing
Some softshells are waterproof, and most are water-resistant with a DWR coating. Most hardshells are waterproof. If you know you’re going to ride in wet conditions, definitely look for waterproofing like Gore-Tex. Windproofing can be found on both hard and softshell jackets. However, some softshells only offer mild windproofing.
Fit
Racers will want a tighter fit on both soft and hardshell jackets. However, a key to being comfortable in the winter is layering and being able to remove layers to regulate how hot you are. More casual riders and commuters will also want a more relaxed fit.
Visibility
It’s always a good idea to have highly visible elements on your clothes when riding, particularly when riding at dusk or dawn. It’s even more important during winter when days are short and the weather could make visibility harder for drivers. As such, look for jackets with some high visibility elements, which could include bright colors or reflective strips.
Here are the best winter jackets for riding in the cold, whether it’s 20 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit out.
Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents.
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