{"id":248,"date":"2021-11-25T11:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-25T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=431983"},"modified":"2021-11-25T11:27:18","modified_gmt":"2021-11-25T10:27:18","slug":"best-mountain-bike-jackets-2021-17-waterproof-and-hybrid-jackets-tried-and-tested-by-our-experts","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/best-mountain-bike-jackets-2021-17-waterproof-and-hybrid-jackets-tried-and-tested-by-our-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Best mountain bike jackets 2021 | 17 waterproof and hybrid jackets tried and tested by our experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Simon Bromley\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 25 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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A good mountain bike jacket will keep you riding through all weathers and, as a result, is possibly the most important item in your winter wardrobe if you live somewhere with a wet climate.<\/p>\n

It might also be the most expensive piece of kit you own. You can spend a lot of money on one of the best mountain bike jackets, but do you have to?<\/p>\n

Generally, the more you pay, the more you get, in terms of performance \u2013 by which we mean breathability, durability, features or a combination of all three. This isn\u2019t always the case, though.<\/p>\n

Working out exactly what you need your jacket for can help you narrow down your options and avoid spending money on features you don\u2019t need.<\/p>\n

Our expert testers have spent days and weeks out on the trails, putting different mountain bike jackets to the test in the most difficult conditions, to bring you the best-performing options for every type of rider.<\/p>\n

The jackets here are designed for mountain biking, with a cut and features to match the intended use. If you\u2019re after a jacket for road riding, we\u2019ve got a separate guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to choose the best mountain bike jacket<\/h2>\n
\""Waterproof\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Where to start when buying a jacket for mountain biking? Read on!<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

What type of riding are you doing?<\/h3>\n

Before parting with any cash, think about the sort of riding you do. If you\u2019re a cross-country fiend who spends all day in the saddle in the most extreme conditions, then you ideally want a high waterproof rating (20,000mm) combined with maximum breathability (30,000g\/m\u00b2).<\/p>\n

If your style is more bike park or downhill runs, then breathability will be less important. In fact, a heavier jacket may suit you better than a lightweight style because it\u2019ll keep you warm in the downtime.<\/p>\n

Fit is individual because we all have different body shapes, so you really do need to try before you buy.<\/p>\n

Finding the Goldilocks zone<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve tested a selection of fully waterproof garments alongside some hybrid jackets that combine water-resistance with breathability and warmth.<\/p>\n

Balancing protection from the elements with breathability is a key consideration when choosing a mountain bike jacket.<\/p>\n

The very best waterproof jackets will help keep water out while also allowing the moisture generated from riding to escape, though there\u2019s always a limit as to how breathable any waterproof garment can be.<\/p>\n

Equally, while a hybrid jacket may not keep you bone dry, it may keep you warm and comfortable by better regulating your body temperature. Ultimately, it\u2019s about choosing a jacket suited to where and how you ride, so you can hit that Goldilocks zone.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all in the details<\/h3>\n

The good news is that there are now some excellent designs that combine low weight, performance and durability.<\/p>\n

Does that mean jackets made from materials with a lower breathability rating will always be hot? The short answer is no \u2013 construction details such as gills or pit zips and vents that can be opened up will aid cooling, as will double (two-way) front zips.<\/p>\n

These features mean you can adapt a jacket to suit your ride and the conditions on any given day. Layering also helps. A good baselayer will pull moisture away from your body and hold it until it can escape through your jacket, helping to keep you dry and, therefore, warmer.<\/p>\n

You can read our buyer\u2019s guide at the end of this article for more advice on how to choose the best jacket for your needs.<\/p>\n

And while you\u2019re with us, read our guide to winter mountain bike clothing<\/a> for more advice on staying warm and dry. We\u2019ve also got buyer\u2019s guides to the best waterproof MTB trousers<\/a>, best mountain bike gloves<\/a> and best winter cycling shoes<\/a>, for both road riders and mountain bikers.<\/p>\n

Best mountain bike jackets in 2021 | 17 jackets rated by our expert testers<\/h2>\n
  • Patagonia Dirt Roamer:\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a3210 \/ $229<\/li>\n
  • 7Mesh Copilot<\/strong>: \u00a3220 \/ $250 \/ \u20ac250 as tested<\/li>\n
  • 7Mesh Guardian:<\/strong><\/strong> \u00a3352 \/ $400 \/ \u20ac350<\/li>\n
  • Endura MTR Shell:<\/strong> \u00a3140 \/ $199.99 \/ \u20ac164.99<\/li>\n
  • Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody: <\/strong>\u00a3250 \/ $299<\/li>\n
  • Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket:<\/strong> \u00a3230<\/li>\n
  • POC Signal:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a3320 \/ \u20ac350 \/ $350<\/li>\n
  • Rapha Explore Hooded Gore-Tex Pullover:<\/strong> \u00a3250<\/li>\n
  • Thrudark Skirmish:<\/strong> \u00a3345<\/li>\n
  • Rab Zenith<\/strong>: \u00a3250 \/ \u20ac300 \/ $300<\/li>\n
  • dhb Trail Waterproof Jacket<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a3150 \/ \u20ac170 \/ $190 \/ AU$273<\/span><\/li>\n
  • B<\/strong>erghaus Changtse:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a3290 \/ \u20ac350<\/li>\n
  • Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II:<\/strong> \u00a3230 \/ $329<\/li>\n
  • Jack Wolfskin Atlas Tour:<\/strong> \u00a3150<\/li>\n
  • On Waterproof Anorak:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a3320 \/ $359.99 \/ \u20ac359.95<\/li>\n
  • POC AVIP Rain:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a3295 \/ $300\u00a0 \/ \u20ac350<\/li>\n
  • RAB Arc Jacket<\/strong>: \u00a3200 \/ $260<\/li>\n<\/ul>

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    Patagonia Dirt Roamer<\/h3>
    <\/div> 5.0 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>
    • <\/li>\n<\/ul>