The 7 Best Mountain Bike Jackets of 2021

It can be hard to choose a new mountain bike jacket. Unlike sports like skiing or snowboarding, where you spend most of your day in your outerwear, for most riders bike jackets serve as an emergency layering piece, only worn if the weather gets bad. So we have to balance the packability of the jacket with how well it protects us - it doesn’t matter how nice your jacket is if it’s so bulky that you don’t often carry it in your pack. Add to that the fact that every rider faces different use scenarios, for example a rider in the rocky mountains can often get away with using a lighter windbreaker, since they rarely deal with prolonged rainfall. But folks in the Pacific Northwest need something that can keep them dry through their whole ride.

So, to help narrow down what style and model of bike jacket you should be shopping for, we’ve put together this list of the best mountain bike jackets. They cover the whole spectrum of mountain bike uses, from light windbreakers, to heavier options that can stand up to a whole day of wet riding. So figure out what you need from your mountain bike coat, and pick one that makes your day better, instead of just wasting space in your pack.

Patagonia Dirt Roamer

The Dirt Roamer is Patagonia’s dedicated mountain bike jacket, with a fit and features designed for long days in the saddle. It’s made of a stretchy fabric that’s designed to move with you smoothly on the bike, and in typical Patagonia fashion, the whole thing is made of recycled materials.

The Dirt Roamer definitely falls on the minimalist end of the spectrum. It only has two pockets, an internal chest pocket that can fit a phone, and a drop pocket that the jacket also packs into. In that vein, it doesn’t have any sort of pit zips or vents. Instead, the Dirt Roamer focuses on the features that make the most difference for riders, like longer sleeves and hem for a better fit on the bike, and a helmet-compatible hood. For riders looking for a high quality, ethically made jacket that packs down small, and is very light, the Dirt Roamer is one of the best mountain bike jackets. Plus, there is a women’s version of the Dirt Roamer as well.

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Giro Stow H2O

Thrill-seeking minimalists, take note: the Giro Stow has everything you need and nothing you don’t in a utilitarian, no-nonsense design that packs down to the size of a can of beer. This jacket means business, with 2.5 layers of lightweight 15,000mm waterproof fabric that’s fully seam sealed and coated with DWR to keep you dry even in the nastiest, muddiest, wettest conditions. But this ain’t a plastic baggie. This fabric is breathable, with two zippered core vents to let the air in and a back exhaust vent to let it out. Don’t even get us started on the feel of the fabric – it’s soft and comfortable, inside and out. In fact, everything about the Stow just screams quality. The Stow also keeps you safe, thanks to 3M Reflective highlights that shine bright in the dark after the sun goes down. No matter where the trail takes you, the Giro Stow has your back.

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Troy Lee Designs Shuttle

The Troy Lee Designs Shuttle Jacket is the perfect “just in case” mountain bike jacket. It packs down small, so it’s easy to jam into a pocket, fannypack, or frame bag. The Shuttle is a tailored, riding-specific jacket, so the dropped rear hem and curved arms don’t bunch when you’re in attack mode and the vents will allow for plenty of airflow to keep you pedaling. While its great for all-around riding, this isn’t a proper waterproof jacket – riders in wet climates, look elsewhere. The Shuttle is a packable, lightweight, breathable shell that will keep the cold wind at bay. It’s also sleek enough for trail ninjas, and ninjas are pretty cool.

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Patagonia Houdini

While it’s not a bike-specific jacket, the Houdini is the original “just in case” coat. Its longer, slim fit works well on the bike, and the hood fits well over most bike helmets. The material is a little lighter and less durable than the Dirt Roamer, so you won’t want to ride in thick brush, or take a crash in the Houdini, but that lighter fabric pays off with an even lighter weight and smaller packed size than the Dirt Roamer.

The Houdini fits into a similar niche as the Stow, but has added versatility if you’re looking for a coat that works for other sports along with mountain biking. And if you need your ultralight insurance jacket to have a hood, the Houdini has that going for it too.

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Endura Hummvee

The Endura Hummvee may be named after a gas-guzzling American military vehicle, but it’s designed in the UK for the boggiest bicycle riding in the world. Imagine slippery ruts in rain-soaked, idyllic Scottish locales. That’s where you’ll find this Hummvee. This mtb jacket is the pinnacle of tough, long-lasting, waterproof designs. This is a full-featured rain jacket, built to go the distance on remote singletrack or as an ideal rainy-day commute shell. With a full hood, two front handwarmer pockets, and a Napoleon pocket, this isn’t a minimalist bikepacker’s lightweight shell; rather, it’s made to keep the rain out, all day, every day. Pure utility in a burly package – that’s the Endura Hummvee.

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Endura SingleTrack Jacket - Women's

Do you love to ride in the rain and like to look good while you’re doing it? Meet the Singletrack jacket by Endura. Not only will this three-layer, truly waterproof shell keep you dry even in a downpour – you’ll also stay comfy inside, thanks to a superfine denier tricot inner layer. Best of all, you can stay in motion thanks to best-in-class breathability. With a full hood, two front handwarmer pockets and a Napoleon pocket, this isn’t a minimalist bikepacker’s lightweight shell; rather, it’s made to keep the rain out, all day, every day. But it’s also fly as hell – just look at those colorways. Who says mountain bikers can’t be fashionable? Show those mountains what you’re made of.

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Fox Ranger 2.5L Water

Fox once again found the sweet spot between pure functional utility and real-world value with their Ranger 2.5L Water Jacket. As the name suggests, this is a fully seam-sealed waterproof and breathable MTB garment built for the toughest tracks in the world. With a lightweight 10,000mm/3,000g 2.5-layer waterproof breathable main body fabric, you can stay dry even in the nastiest conditions. You’ll also be able to afford a few more post-ride hot chocolates, since you’ll save a few bucks with the most value-oriented waterproof jacket on our list. There aren’t any fancy features, but you also won’t find anything that will wear out before you do – for instance, Fox opted for a drawcord waist and elastic cuffs instead of a hook-and-loop system. Plus there’s a built-in hood that fits over most helmets. This is a solid, no-compromise rain shell for riders who appreciate a sweet deal. There’s no danger when you choose the Ranger, it’s simply one of the best mountain bike jackets out there.

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Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:

• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
• Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
• Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
• Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
• Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
• Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
• Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
• Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
• Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
• Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
• Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
• Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
• eBikes - Classes, Features & More
• eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
• Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
• Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
• Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
• Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
• Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
• Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
• Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike

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