By: Jon Kennedy: Bike Buyer | June 2, 2022
Sure, you can wear any old jacket to mountain bike in. But a purpose built bike jacket makes a huge difference. That’s because mountain bikers have very specific needs. A mountain bike jacket will have longer arms and a drop seat to keep you covered even when you’re in an aggressive riding position. And the pocket layout will be optimized for accessibility on your bike. Often, even the hood will have been tweaked to work better with bike helmets. So if you often find yourself heading out to ride when the weather is bad, consider investing in a good bike jacket. It will make a huge difference on the trail.
But, there is no one “best mountain bike jacket” for everyone. Instead, how and where we each mountain bike affects what we need from a jacket. That’s why there are a bunch of jackets on this list, not just one. The best mountain bike jacket for you might not be the best for everyone, so we’ve included a variety of jackets to cover the spectrum. Every jacket on here is weather resistant, and comes with bike specific features, but some are lighter and more packable, others have a multitude of features, and others are burly and durable. So read on to find what you should wear mountain biking and the best mountain bike jacket for you, your trails, and your riding style.
A 2-layer waterproof and breathable shell that's designed for cycling, the Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB Hooded Jacket excels where other riding gear falls flat. Its membrane helps your core find that fine line between over- and under-heating, between breathing and freezing, between riding and calling it quits. With a hood that'll fit over your helmet and waterproof zips throughout, this is a fine piece of foul weather gear. The Monsoon is perfect for anyone who rides in very wet weather often and needs ultimate protection.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
10K | 2 Way Front Zipper | $150.00 |
The GORE Wear Stream Jacket is built for off-season rides in wet and challenging conditions. A drop tail hem keeps your backside covered while a close fit high collar keeps the wind at bay. Dial in your saddle outfit with the GORE Wear Stream Jacket. It’s packable enough that it’s easy to bring on any ride where it looks like the weather might go downhill.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
GORTEX PACLITE Plus | Drop Tail Hem | $200.00 |
Ok, it's raining. So what? You've got the Endura Hummvee Waterproof Hooded Jacket. Zip it up and you'll be protected from flying mud, sideways rain, and spray from the mashing buddy in front of you. The Hummvee is an affordable, durable, and burley rain coat, perfect for shuttling or bike park days.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
10K | Adjustable Hood | $149.00 |
You never know what you're going to get in the shoulder season, so the Flylow Davis Jacket has you covered wind, rain, or shine. It's ultra-functional on the bike but the heat-dumping, DWR-coated membrane, and pocket stashability is great for any outdoor endeavor. The Davis is a versatile jacket that’s easy to carry and always comes in handy.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
PFC Free DWR | UPF 50+ | $130.00 |
Prioritizing versatility, form, and function, the GORE Wear Lupra Jacket seamlessly takes you through urban landscapes and onto the trails without skipping a beat. The lightweight and element-resistant stretch fabrics have your back on rigorous climbs, and the over-the-helmet hood adds protection for when you turn a corner and head right into some rain. It's all about you in the GORE Wear Lupra Jacket. Show us the way! The Lupra bridges the gap from foul weather commuter to mountain biker seamlessly.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
GORE-TEX INFINIUM | Adjustable Hem and Hood | $180.00 |
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer Jacket is built for the mud splattered trail junkie that has to get their ride in no matter what. Made with stretchy fabric that's designed to move with you, the Dirt Roamer has excellent breathability properties and a moisture wicking interior knit fabric to keep you comfortable and dry, even when you're working hard on the way up. When you need to take it off, it packs down small and stows in its own back pocket. The Dirt Roamer is comfortable, and packable, a great combo for any mountain biker.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
DWR Finish | V-Shaped Drop Pocket | $229.00 |
With a trim, athletic fit, a wind-blocking breathable membrane, and a dose of PolarTec insulation, the Pearl Izumi Pro Insulated Jacket is the ideal layer for cold weather bike rides. It provides enough warmth to block off a chill on the coldest mornings, and when it starts to heat up, you can open the front pockets for ventilation or easily stash the compact jacket in it's own back pocket. Sometimes rain isn’t the real enemy. When you’re just looking to stay warm and comfortable, the Pro Insulated jacket has your back, literally.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
N/A | Polartec Insulation | $225.00 |
It's usually those first few pedals. When you're leaving the cozy garage or heading from the trailhead into the pouring rain, you only have to make it a quarter mile until you're having a blast: just like when it's dry. The Pearl Izumi Monsoon WxB Hooded Jacket will keep you comfortable all ride long, with excellent breathability and waterproofing to keep your spirits up. You can still pretend you're unsure about your decision to ride if it builds camaraderie in your group, but it's not necessary. The Monsoon WXB is a comfortable, versatile jacket that any mountain biker will appreciate.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
10K | Fully Taped Seams | $150.00 |
The lightweight riding jacket that's always worth bringing, the Troy Lee Designs Shuttle Jacket is form-fitting and very pro. It packs down small, so the decision on whether to take it along is always going to be a resounding "yes." When it's on, you'll appreciate the pre-bent sleeves and longer back hem, made to fit best when in riding position. The collar zips up snug to keep the wind out, and there's ample venting at the underarms and across the back. Jackets are the pants of tops: they make you faster! The shuttle is, of course great for shuttle and bike park riding, but it packs down small enough for trail and XC rides as well.
Waterproofing | Standout Features | Original Price |
N/A | Vented Underarms | $89.00 |
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jon is a Bike Buyer and joined evo in 2015 to help launch the category. He has a long tenure in the bike industry bringing over 20 years of experience.
Jon was formerly the Marketing Manager for Diamondback bikes and was the Executive Director for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance prior to that. His broad experience in the bike industry from the brand, advocacy and retail side has contributed to a well-rounded understanding of trends, needs and opportunities.
Jon grew up in the Seattle area and currently resides there with his wife Ilana, kids Erez and Lilah, and his Boston Terrier Marley. He is a daily rider packing countless miles in every year, loves all disciplines, and simply considers himself a cyclist… a title he embraces with great passion.