QUICK ANSWER: MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE JACKETS
- RACE FACE NANO– Best for commuting
- WOLFBIKE FLEECE THERMAL–Best for speed racers
- Gore Bike Wear C3 Gore-Tex Paclite– Best for cold weather conditions
- COLUMBIA OUTDRY EX ECO– Best for backcountry trails
- MARMOT 41200 PRECIP– The best option for cross country trail riding
- THE NORTH FACE VENTURE 2– Best-budget for cross country trail riding
- PEARL IZUMI ELITE BARRIER– Best for all year rides
- GORE BIKE WEAR PHANTOM WINDSTOPPER– Best for racers
MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE JACKETS COMPARISON:
RACE FACE NANO
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WOLFBIKE FLEECE THERMAL
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Gore Bike Wear C3 Gore-Tex Paclite
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COLUMBIA OUTDRY EX ECO
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MARMOT 41200 PRECIP-
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THE NORTH FACE VENTURE 2-
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PEARL IZUMI ELITE BARRIER
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GORE BIKE WEAR PHANTOM WINDSTOPPER
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Contents
MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE JACKETS REVIEWS
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- Weight: 164g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: Nylon Ripstop
- Vents: Vented
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- Pros: Versatile, detachable hood, waterproof, mesh air vents
- Cons: Difficult removing it when you are on the bike
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- Weight: 861.9g
- Waterproof: No
- Windproof: Yes
- Materials: Spandex and Polyester
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: budget-friendly, UV-protection, scratch-resistant design
- Cons: not waterproof
Gore Bike Wear C3 Gore-Tex Paclite
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- Weight: 282g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: GORE-TEX fabric
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: Extremely breathable, GORE-TEX active technology, perfect for cold weather conditions
- Cons: Quite pricey
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- Weight: 340.20g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: polyester
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: breathable, zippered pocket, waterproof, you can easily adjust its fit
- Cons: Expensive
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- Weight: 362.90g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: Nylon NanoPro Ripstop
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: Budget-friendly, waterproof, free movement when inside, comfortable
- Cons: baggier making it a bit loose on some people
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- Weight: 330g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: DryVent Nylon & Polyester
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: water repellent technology, comfortable, breathable, all year use
- Cons: arm are said to be too long, especially if you have shorter arms
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- Weight: 90.70g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: Polyester and Elastane
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: incredibly lightweight, superior ventilation, machine washable
- Cons: design feels a bit of a snug when you wear
GORE BIKE WEAR PHANTOM WINDSTOPPER
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- Weight: 589.70g
- Waterproof: yes
- Windproof: yes
- Materials: 4-Way Knit Spandex
- Vents: vented
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- Pros: lightweight, versatile design, comfortable, designed for athletes
- Cons: Can leave you feeling very cold in winter
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE JACKET
If you are looking for the best mountain bike jacket, there are a couple of considerations you need to factor in at all times. There are really crucial and can help you nail a perfect jacket for your next ride.
What Type Of Rider Are You?
This, probably, is the first question you need to ask; what type of rider are you? This will dictate the exact jacket you need to go for.
- Racers
If you are a serious racer, there are two key things that will come into play; weight and breathability. Protecting yourself from all the heat is far much important than weatherproofing. So if you are a cross-country racer, an exceptionally lightweight jacket is all you need. You may also want to make sure it is windproof also. If you are a serious marathon racer, those top-rated energy-friendly membrane material jacket is a more practical option.
- Leisure riders
If you once in a while you take your bike when you are bored, or just looking for fun, you are leisure rider. There is no way you will go for the same jacket as that of a serious racer. In this case, you can go wrong with basic coated fabric jacket. Yes, at times, you may feel the heat, but again, you would mind stopping to cool down.
- Regular riders
These are people who ride their bikes almost every day; it could be they are going to work, or just for fitness. Identifying a perfect jacket for them can be quite tricky. However, if is it something you can afford, go for two jackets. One that is lightweight and windproof and the other one should be just one that is coated and equipped with a pored fabric.
Fabric Construction
As when you are buying any other piece of clothing, the type of fabric construction that has gone into the creation of your mountain bike jacket is important and must be considered as well. When it comes to MTB jackets, we have two common types of construction: Coated fabrics and membranes
- Coated fabric: This is so common in those cheap jackets. Usually, jackets made from this material often come with 2 or 3 layer material constructions. In the inside, you will find the jacket coated with polyurethane. Jackets that are thick-coated are quite heavy and less breathable. However, they are incredibly waterproof and durable as well.
- Membranes: MTB jackets made from this material are incredibly breathable. They come with tiny holes that can allow body vapor escape. The best part, those tiny holes are not big enough to allow water from the outside getting into the inside.
Waterproofing
Contrary to all we have heard jacket companies say; we really don’t have a fully waterproof jacket and fully breathable all at the same time.
So when deciding on whether to go for a waterproof jacket, there are a few sacrifices you will be forced to take. One, should you go for a waterproof jacket, forget about breathability. Most waterproof jackets can get you feeling really hot.
To help you make a wide choice when it comes to waterproofing, here are three common types of jackets based on the level of waterproofing and breathability they actually offer :
- Breathable but not very waterproof: This is the best jacket for summer showers. They can get really wet and extremely cold during winter.
- Very waterproof but not very breathable: This is a great choice if you are operating under a very tight budget. Should it get really hot, you wouldn’t mind removing it.
- Waterproof and breathable: These jackets will cost you a lot of money. They don’t come cheap. Thankfully, you can use them all through the year
Zip
It is one of the most overlooked features but it does come with plenty of benefits. The way the zip has been built can decide if the jacket is going to be fully waterproof or not. So when sieving through that huge collection and you just want to nail a perfect waterproof jacket, other than just checking the exterior for those useful waterproofing features, also pay close attention to the zip design. Some are waterproof while others are not.
In any case, you should find the zip is waterproof; you might want to make sure it comes fully equipped with a storm flap to stop any water from getting through. As if that is not even enough; ensure it comes equipped with an easy to pull toggle and gutter. That will help you from being injured at the neck by the zip.
Hooded or Not Hooded
Whether to go for a hooded jacket or not will depend on a number of things. First, it is exactly where you will be riding.
For example; if you are a mountain ride enthusiast and you ride in cold areas all year round, going for a hooded jacket will make more sense. Not only will it provide the much-needed warmth, but it can also shield you from the rain.
In other cases, if you are not a serious rider and you hardly hit some of the remotest areas out of town, a non-hooded jacket would just be fine.
We have also designers make mountain bike jackets where the hood is removable. Although it will cost you more money, if you can get this, that would be amazing. You will be killing two birds with one stone.
Vents
Jackets with vents are the best for road trips where speed on very open terrain is required. When it comes to mountain jackets, vents don’t actually function well and therefore are not necessary. The best vent you can have if you are a serious mountain rider is just unzipping the jacket.
When it comes to those cheap jackets, we know one thing for sure; they are not as breathable as we would want them to be. For this, vents can truly come in handy.
However, if you are not worried about hurting your wallet from a more expensive jacket, vents, basically are not necessary. Those high-end jackets often come with incredible breathability. Plus you can easily use the front zip to control the temperature in the inside.
Pockets
Just like any other piece of jacket you have today, your mountain bike jacket must also come with a number of pockets. You can use them to store some of your essentials. For example, pockets are great for phones, keys among other things.
Comfort and Durability
Once you are done checking if the jacket does come with every single useful feature, you might need to consider these two things; comfort and durability.
Pretty much like any other piece of cloth you buy today, the jacket must be able to provide the much-needed comfort. It should be soft and allow you to move freely, especially when you are handling those technical terrains. One of the best ways to find out if the jacket will allow you to move freely is by trying it. Put in on and try to find how comfortable the jacket is.
As for durability; you need something that comes with a quality build. It must have been sewn very well. The zippers must also be of high quality. They should move freely. Thankfully a simple touch on the material and the jacket itself will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Updated on January 20, 2021 by Ben
My name is Ben, a passionate hiker, I created this blog to share with you my hiking experiences. I also want to help you make your adventure dreams come true.
