Road bike rain jackets in the test: 21 models for women and men in the test

Short & sweet

In 2021, the winners of our rain jacket test were Gorewear, Decathlon and Scott. This time, we invited one men's and one women's model from each of the eight manufacturers and tested them under the same conditions as in 2021.

The road bike rain jackets perform well almost across the board, especially the models from Löffler, Rapha and Sportful - although the 2021 test winners continue to hold the top three places.

Road bike rain jackets in the test

Road bike rain jackets go through a real test marathon in the TOUR test: We test the waterproofness using the Suter test, we check the vapour permeability using a self-developed MVTR test; the detailed practical test is followed by the meticulous documentation of the equipment details and the evaluation of the other criteria (see "How TOUR tests", at the bottom of the article).

In the end, there are endless columns of figures in Excel tables - and yet a simple conclusion remains: there is no one best rain jacket for all requirements. But there are many very good jackets with different strengths and weaknesses. Surprisingly, even for us: Following the exact same test procedure, the best rain jackets in our 2021 test, which are still available to buy with one exception, continue to claim the top spots in the ranking.

For the current test, we invited almost 20 manufacturers of rain jackets to send us one test model each for men and women. Eight brands finally accepted the challenge. Vaude sent us the cheapest models at 110 euros each for the men's and women's versions, while the Italian cycling couturier Q36.5 charges 293 euros. The lightest jacket with a correspondingly small pack size comes from Löffler, while the jackets from the Czech cycling brand Kalas weigh almost three times as much.

Road bike rain jackets put to the test - On the hunt for victory

Following the identical pattern of the 2021 test, we put all the jackets through their paces; 70 per cent of the overall score was awarded to the "water management" of the overcoats alone. This results in the two disciplines of impermeability - from the outside in - and vapour permeability - from the inside out - which compete with each other.

In principle, being waterproof is no great challenge - any plastic bag will do. But nobody wants to do sport in a plastic bag, because nothing gets in, but nothing gets out either. And if the sweat stays in the jacket, you'll be as wet in no time as you would be without any rain protection at all.

The trick is to equip a rain jacket with a partially permeable membrane that allows water to escape in the form of tiny droplets as vapour and prevents thick drops from finding their way inside. If this works well, cyclists can survive rain showers warm and dry.

So whoever applies the best membrane in their rain jacket as a laminate between the inner lining and the water-repellent outer skin, tailors the jacket to fit anatomically for use in the bent racing bike position and also equips it with an easy-to-use zip, elastic and form-fitting cuffs, easy-to-use rear pockets and reflective material all round, has a good chance of coming out on top in the final test.

>> 7 tips on behaviour for cyclists in a thunderstorm

The top group

After the waterproofness test, a top group of five jackets from Q36.5, Rapha, Santini, Sportful and Vaude formed, each with a score of 1.8. After testing the vapour permeability, however, no model was able to match the very good results of the 2021 test winners - Gorewear, Scott and Van Rysel. The worst performer in this discipline was the Santini jacket with its rubbery inner lining, which allows virtually no sweat to escape.

Their laminate only allows a third as much water vapour to pass through as the test winners at the time and just under half as much as the best jackets of the current year from Löffler or Rapha.

What remains as a conclusionLöffler, Rapha and Sportful offer great rain jackets and achieve the best marks in the current test for both men's and women's models. Although this means they can't knock the 2021 test winners off the podium, they also offer the additional selling point of many bright colours in addition to their good features. This makes them unbeatable for many cyclists who don't like black jackets.

Road bike rain jackets in the test - How TOUR tests

The overall score is made up of five criteria, which are weighted differently depending on their relevance. We determined all the measured values ourselves, including the Suter test and steam penetration test. Before these tests, all jackets were washed several times in the washing machine according to instructions.

>> Rain protection (40 per cent)

We determined the waterproofness using the Suter test (see DIN-EN-ISO 20811). In this test, the jacket is subjected to a pressure of 0.3 bar (equivalent to 3000 millimetres of water column) in the area of a seam for two minutes. If water seeps through the material or the seam during the test, points are deducted. Similar to the spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920), the beading behaviour is determined, which depends on the quality of the impregnation of the outer fabric. Very good is awarded if drops roll off completely and the fabric is not visibly soaked. Material that soaks up water quickly and causes the wearer to shiver in the wind is given lower marks. The combination of these grades results in the grade for rain protection.

>> Vapour permeability (30 percent)

Once again, we have tested the vapour permeability of rain jackets using our own test procedure. Our test works according to the same principle as an MVTR test, in which the amount of evaporated liquid through the jacket material is determined over a certain period of time (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, unit g/m2/24h). Our test is very practical, as the laminate of the finished jacket, which usually consists of several layers, is measured and not just the membrane itself, to which the vapour transmission values on the manufacturer's labels refer.

>> Equipment/handling (15 per cent)

Details such as additional pockets with zips, zip garages, zip covers, elasticated waistband stops for a better fit when pedalling, the quality of the cuffs and additional or integrated transport pockets in which the jacket can be stowed are all taken into account when assessing the features. Front zips that can be opened and closed with one hand while riding improve handling.

>> Pack size (10 per cent)

Even the best rain jacket is useless if it doesn't fit in your jersey pocket and therefore stays at home. The lighter it is and the smaller it can be folded up, the better. This is particularly important for women, whose jerseys often have smaller back pockets than men's jerseys.

>> Reflective material (5 per cent)

Good visibility in road traffic is a safety advantage for road cyclists. As the choice of colour is an individual decision, we only evaluate the size and distribution of reflective material that shines when illuminated by a headlight. The more conspicuously the jacket reflects all around, the better it scores in this category.

The best from the TOUR-Test 03/2021

Male models

Gorewear C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket

• Price: 300 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size M): 120 grammes
• Material: GTX Shakedry
• Colours: Black
• Equipment extras: Zip pocket

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 1.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.5

>> Overall grade of 1.2

Fit & Conclusion

The back tends to ride up; long sleeves that also fit strong upper arms. Collar with Velcro fastening, zip can be operated with one hand. Top for rain protection and vapour permeability.

Scott RC Weather WP Jacket

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Bangladesh
• Weight (size M): 120 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: Black, yellow
• Equipment extras: Access jersey pockets

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 1.6
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.5

>> Overall grade of 1.8

Fit & Conclusion

Normal fit; the back tends to ride up, the relatively wide collar stands out slightly at the back. Cuffs close well against draughts. Low weight and pack size, lots of reflectivity.

Van Rysel / Decathlon RR900 Ultralight road bike rain jacket

• Price: 40 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size M): 135 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: Black
• Equipment extras: Extra pocket, chimney ventilation

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.3
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 1.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 1.4
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.5

>> Overall grade of 1.6

Fit & Conclusion

Cut close to the body, hardly flutters, relatively short at the back; the flat collar fits snugly. The fabric feels slightly sweaty against the skin. Very light, small pack size. Cheapest men's jacket in the test.

The best from the TOUR-Test 03/2021

Women's models

Gorewear C7 ladies Gore-Tex Shakedry jacket

• Price: 280 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size S): 95 grammes
• Material: GTX Shakedry
• Colours: Black
• Equipment extras: Zip pocket

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 1.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 1.2

Fit & Conclusion

Long back, but tends to ride up; fits close to the chest, relatively wide sleeves. Zip can be operated with one hand, top marks for waterproofness and vapour permeability.

Scott RC Weather WS Jacket

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Bangladesh
• Weight (size S): 150 grammes
• Material: GTX Infinium
• Colours: Black
• Equipment extras: Access jersey pockets

>> The women's jacket from Decathlon will no longer be in the range in 2023

Road bike rain jackets in the test - the challengers from the current test

Women's models

Liv Delphin Rain Jacket

• Price: 130 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size S): 164 grammes
• Material: 85 % polyester, 15 % spandex
• Colours: Ocean Wave
• Equipment extras: Zip pocket

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.5
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.7
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 3.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.4

Fit & Conclusion

The back of the model from Giants women's brand Liv is relatively short. The collar is rather wide and short, which is why draughts can easily get in; the Velcro fasteners on the sleeves are practical; the side zip pocket is atypical.

Kalas Passion Z3 Jacket Rainex

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Czech Republic
• Weight (size S): 294 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyester
• Colours: Black, yellow, petrol blue
• Equipment extras: 3 back pockets

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 4.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 4.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 1.2
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 5.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 3.6

Fit & Conclusion

Like the men's model, the women's jacket impresses with a great racing bike cut and high wearing comfort. The material hardly allows any vapour to pass through and is therefore not suitable for high-intensity training where a lot of sweat flows. Good: details such as the collar, cuffs and jersey pockets.

Löffler W Bike Jacket WPM Pocket

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Austria
• Weight (size S): 106 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: Pink, yellow, olive green
• Equipment extras: Back pockets

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 1.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 3.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

Like the men's jacket, the women's model is a little wide and the sleeves are cut very loosely. One size smaller could be an option. The waistband of the women's jacket can also ride up slightly, leaving the buttocks barely covered. In the core disciplines, on the other hand, it is also top.

Q 36.5 R. Shell Protection

• Price: 293 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size S): 161 grammes
• Material: 75 % polyamide, 25 % polyurethane
• Colours: Black, olive green
• Equipment extras: High collar

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.4
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 3.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.2

Fit & Conclusion

Like the men's model, the women's model also has a good road bike cut; the wide waistband adheres well and keeps the jacket in place so that the bum remains protected. Pleasantly flexible cuffs and plenty of reflective material.

Rapha Women's Core Rain Jacket II

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Vietnam
• Weight (size S): 118 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: Black
• Equipment extras: Ventilation openings

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.3
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

Well-fitting road bike cut. They fit well with a wide waistband, but can ride up tightly. We liked the flexible gaiter waistband in the sleeves. Only available in black.

Santini Guard Nimbus

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size S): 125 grammes
• Material: 50 % polyamide, 50 % polyester
• Colours: Black, turquoise, coral
• Equipment extras: Zip pocket, integrated pouch

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 5.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.8
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.8

Fit & Conclusion

The cut of the women's model is better proportioned than that of the men's jacket, but the back still rides up easily. The biggest drawback is the poor vapour permeability, which is why sweat quickly pours out from under the rubber-like lining.

Sportful Hot Pack No Rain Jacket

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size S): 123 grammes
• Material: Main fabric: 100 % polyester / interlining: 86 % polyester, 14 % elastane
• Colours: Black, white, orange
• Equipment extras: Back pocket, integrated pouch

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.6
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

Cut as tight as the men's model, runs rather small. The narrow waistband can ride up. Very compact pack size and lots of reflective material.

Vaude Wo Drop Jacket III

• Price: 110 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Myanmar
• Weight (size S): 147 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: 8 colour variants
• Equipment extras: Transport bag

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 2.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.2

Fit & Conclusion

One size smaller is also an option here. The cut keeps the back section well in place, although the narrow waistband has hardly any stretch. The material allows water vapour to pass through well, but the lining quickly feels sticky on bare skin.

Male models

Giant Proshield Rain Jacket

• Price: 119 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size M): 178 grammes
• Material: 85 % polyester, 15 % spandex
• Colours: Black, light blue, neon yellow
• Equipment extras: Back pocket

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.5
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.7
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 3.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.4

Fit & Conclusion

Good road bike cut, long back for cyclists of normal build. The material feels soft and hardly tends to flap. The collar is wide and short, the back pocket only holds a smartphone; medium pack size; the all-round reflective material is a safety plus.

Kalas Passion Z3 Jacket Rainex

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Czech Republic
• Weight (size M): 223 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyester
• Colours: Black, yellow, petrol blue, orange
• Equipment extras: 3 back pockets

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 4.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 4.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 1.2
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 5.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 3.6

Fit & Conclusion

Twice as heavy as the competition, the Kalas is not suitable as flexible rain protection for travelling; in addition, the seams are not sealed and water penetrates quickly. For this reason, we cannot certify that the jacket is waterproof, although it is described as waterproof in the online shop ("water column 8000 mm/24h").

Löffler M Bike Jacket WPM Pocket

• Price: 180 Euro
• Country of production: Austria
• Weight (size M): 118 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: 5 colour variants
• Equipment extras: Back pockets

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 2.0
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 1.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 3.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

The cut is well adapted to the racing bike position, but relatively wide. The jacket from Austria performs flawlessly in terms of rain protection, vapour permeability and pack size, making it the ideal companion on tours. At high speeds, the material tends to flutter at the shoulders.

Q 36.5 R. Shell Protection

• Price: 293 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size M): 165 grammes
• Material: 75 % polyamide, 25 % polyurethane
• Colours: Black, olive green
• Equipment extras: High collar

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.4
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 3.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.2

Fit & Conclusion

Solid fit for racing cyclists; the double-layered and somewhat voluminous collar protects very well against draughts. The access openings to the jersey pockets on both sides are clever. At high speeds, the material tends to flap on the shoulders and upper arms; comparatively expensive.

Rapha Men's Core Rain Jacket II

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Vietnam
• Weight (size M): 129 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: 5 colour variants
• Equipment extras: Ventilation openings

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.3
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

Well-cut, normal-sized jacket; the material tends to flap a little. Folds up very small and fits in any jersey pocket. The extremely stiff zip is annoying and cannot be operated with one hand. At the bottom, the best in terms of moisture protection and vapour permeability.

Santini Guard Nimbus

• Price: 170 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size M): 128 grammes
• Material: 50 % polyamide, 50 % polyester
• Colours: Black, orange, green
• Equipment extras: Zip pocket, integrated pouch

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 5.0
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.8
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.8

Fit & Conclusion

Rather tight cut; athletically built cyclists with a long torso might find the jacket tight, although the collar and sleeves are well proportioned. The narrow elasticated waistband barely holds the jacket in place at the buttocks. Unfortunately, very poor vapour permeability. Very compact in the jersey pocket.

Sportful Hot Pack No Rain Jacket

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size M): 130 grammes
• Material: Main fabric: 100 % polyester / interlining: 86 % polyester, 14 % elastane
• Colours: Black, white, orange
• Equipment extras: Back pocket, integrated pouch

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR rating

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 2.6
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 1.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 1.0

>> Overall grade of 2.0

Fit & Conclusion

The jacket with the most consistent racing cut in comparison. Short at the front, tight on the upper body and arms - try it on! Weather protection and vapour permeability at the top, the fabric rustles discreetly on fast descents.

Vaude Me Drop Jacket III

• Price: 110 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Myanmar
• Weight (size M): 164 grammes
• Material: 100 % polyamide
• Colours: 7 colour variants
• Equipment extras: Transport bag

Road bike rain jackets - TOUR review

• Rain cover (40 %) Grade 1.8
• Vapour permeability (30 %) Grade 2.5
• Equipment/handling (15 %) Grade 3.1
• Pack size (10 %) Grade 2.0
• Reflective material (5 %) Grade 2.0

>> Overall grade of 2.2

Fit & Conclusion

The jacket is relatively large, so a size smaller might be a better fit for cyclists of normal build. The cut is more suited to a more upright, relaxed riding position. The large amount of fabric can lay in waves in front of the stomach and flutter when riding fast.