23 models for men and women: A review of cycling rain jackets

The cycling rain jackets from the test

Cycling rain jackets put to the test – in a nutshell

The best cycling rain jackets in the test strike the right balance between weather protection, comfort and light weight; however, there are significant differences in functionality and quality across the range of products tested. Gore Wear, together with Le Col, sits at the very top of the podium, with the three Italian brands Castelli, Alé and Santini taking the places behind them. Prices vary considerably: for the price of POC’s lightweight rain jacket, you could kit out a family of five with the Gobik jacket.

• The lightest jacket: Sportful Auqua Light Women, 77 grams
• The most expensive jacket: Poc The Supreme, 500 euros

Rain jackets have to perform well – and do so under conditions that pose a real challenge to both the material and the design. They need to keep out wind and rain whilst remaining breathable, adapt to the athletic posture on a bike, and weigh as little as possible. For our latest comparison test, we compared men’s and (ten) women’s models from 13 manufacturers. The tests were carried out according to four practical criteria: weather protection (Suter test and spray test), fit and comfort, weight and pack size, and features and functionality.

Let’s start with the good news: most jackets performed well, with some even excelling. At the very top of the podium is the rain jacket from Gore Wear, alongside the one from Le Col, which managed to edge out the competition from Alé, Castelli and Santini by the narrowest of margins. In this leading group, the TOUR scores range from 1.4 to 1.7 – a difference of just three tenths. The differences are correspondingly small, but the combination of features made all the difference.

What these four models have in common is that they keep you dry for a long time, even in continuous rain and spray. They are well tailored to the road cycling position, without feeling tight or flapping about. They are lightweight and fold down to a compact size – ideal for your jersey pocket. And they feature clever details such as reflective elements, comfortable collars, snug-fitting cuffs and a back panel that’s long enough to prevent it from riding up whilst pedalling and exposing your bottom.

Reliable companions

The models from Agu, Gobik and Sportful were not quite as impressive. These three overjackets showed weaknesses – each in different areas. Although the Agu jacket is one of the lightest in the test and packs down to an extremely small size, there are literally snags when it comes to the fit and the smoothness of the zip. The Gobik jacket scores points for its attractive price and well-thought-out features, but falls significantly short when it comes to weather protection – a shortcoming that is reflected in its overall rating. With Sportful, on the other hand, we had to criticise the features: a rain jacket intended for wear in autumn and winter should include reflective material – a safety feature that ought to be standard nowadays.

Overall, the test shows that if you’re prepared to spend a little more, you’ll get a rain jacket that not only keeps you dry but also impresses in terms of comfort and functionality. The best models are thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted and tailored to the needs of active cyclists, whether they’re riding a road bike or a gravel bike. And they prove that a good rain jacket is more than just a stopgap for bad weather – it’s a reliable companion for ambitious rides in all weathers.

Cycling rain jackets in detail

Cycling rain jacket test: How waterproof is waterproof?

Not every cycling rain jacket that repels water is actually ‘waterproof’. In cycling, ‘waterproof’ is a technical term: the so-called ‘water column’ indicates how much water pressure a material can withstand before moisture penetrates it. A membrane with a 10,000 mm water column can withstand the sort of pressure encountered in heavy rain or from splashing water. However, the water column alone says little about the jacket’s practicality for everyday use, as seams and zips are often the weak points. ‘Water-repellent’, on the other hand, means that water rolls off the surface – usually thanks to a special waterproofing treatment. This is sufficient for light drizzle or brief showers, but not for longer rides in bad weather.

But why shouldn’t a road cycling jacket be completely waterproof, like a fisherman’s oilskin? It’s simple: cycling makes you sweat. A completely waterproof jacket would be like a plastic bag – no air circulation, no vapour permeability. Sweat remains on the body, and the microclimate becomes first damp and warm, then clammy and uncomfortable. High-quality cycling rain jackets therefore use breathable membranes. These allow water vapour to escape whilst blocking rain from the outside. Finding a good balance between protection and comfort is crucial. A jacket that remains waterproof up to a 4,000 mm water column whilst also being vapour-permeable effectively protects the body – without making you feel like you’re ‘cooking’.

Manufacturers of cycling rain jackets offering a repair service

Waterproofs are expensive – and it’s good to know there’s a repair option available to avoid having to buy a new pair if they get damaged. Our list shows which manufacturers (some of which aren’t included in this test) offer a repair service or crash replacement. Some brands, such as Patagonia and Vaude, have launched particularly customer-friendly repair schemes – including DIY guides and mobile workshops. Others, such as Sportful or Le Col, opt for replacement rather than repair, which can be helpful in the event of damage caused by a fall, but is less sustainable.

How TOUR tests cycling rain jackets

The overall mark is based on four different criteria, each of which was weighted differently depending on its relevance. We carried out all the tests in-house, including the Suter and Spray tests. Prior to these tests, all jackets were washed in the washing machine in accordance with the instructions.

Weather protection (30 per cent)

Water resistance was determined using the Suter test (see DIN-EN-ISO 20811). For this, we subjected all the cycling rain jackets in the test to a pressure of 0.4 bar (4,000 millimetres of water column) for two minutes at a seam. If water penetrates the fabric or the seam during the test, points are deducted. The water beading performance was assessed in a similar way to the spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920). Depending on the quality of the outer fabric’s water-repellent treatment, the water droplets roll off to varying degrees.

Fit / Comfort (30 per cent)

These criteria assess, for example, how the lining feels directly against the skin, or how strongly or loudly the jacket flaps in the wind whilst cycling. When it comes to the fit, it is important that the jacket is tailored to the road cycling riding position. In this position, the jacket should be long enough at the back to protect the lower back from splashes; the fabric should bunch up as little as possible across the chest and stomach, and the collar should protect against draughts even when the head is held upright. The cuffs should fit snugly and comfortably around the wrists.

Weight / Pack size (20 per cent)

When not in use, a road cycling rain jacket must fit into a jersey pocket. The lighter it is and the smaller it can be folded up, the better. Note: The back pockets on women’s jerseys are often smaller than those on men’s jerseys.

Features / Functionality (20 per cent)

A rain jacket should feature reflective material to improve visibility; other features that are viewed favourably include: a well-fitting waistband (e.g. thanks to gel printing), a smooth-running zip, an anatomically tailored collar design, and sleeves with elasticated sections. Useful extras such as zipped pockets or easy-to-use additional ventilation openings earn bonus points.