When it comes to mountain biking, being prepared for the elements is crucial. Whether you're battling torrential rain, unexpected downpours, or just trying to stay dry on a muddy ride, a high-quality waterproof jacket can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the best waterproof jackets available for mountain bikers today, each designed with the unique demands of trail riders in mind. From all-weather protection to breathability and durability, these jackets ensure that you stay dry, comfortable, and ready to take on any challenge, no matter the conditions. Let's explore some top picks that will keep you protected and performing at your best when the weather turns.

Waterproof Jackets

Fox Defend 3-Layer Water Jacket

Tell me about it: 

The Defend 3L Water Jacket provides reliable wet-weather protection for mountain biking. Fully-taped seams, waterproof zippers, and a DWR coating repel water, dirt, and debris. Cordura® reinforcements in key areas enhance durability, while underarm vents improve airflow.

Specs:

• Fully-taped seams and waterproof zippers

• Cordura® reinforcements for durability

• DWR treatment repels water and dirt

• Underarm vents for breathability

• Adjustable cuffs and helmet-compatible hood

What conditions do I use it in? 
Wet and rainy DH laps, it's breathable but you'll still get sweaty if you are pedalling long distance. This is a tough jacket so we'd use it if you think you might hit something.
How do I layer it?
Outer Layer. If you are riding in sub 10° temperatures or Ebiking, pair it with an insulated mid layer. 
Where to find it: Fox Defend 3-Layer Water Jacket and Fox Women's Defend 3-Layer Water Jacket.

 

Rab Cinder Kinetic Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket is a lightweight, breathable shell made with Proflex™ 3-layer recycled fabric for waterproof protection and flexibility. Designed for biking, it features a longer back hem with silicone grip, extended cuffs, and a helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened peak and single-handed adjustment.Key features include a Napoleon chest pocket, expandable rear pocket, and a roll-away hood system for versatility.

Specs:

• Waterproof (10,000 mm HH) and breathable (35,000 g/m²/24 hrs)

• Helmet-compatible hood with stiffened peak

• Two zippered pockets for storage

• Dropped rear hem with silicone grip for stability

• Weight: 323g (Size M)

What conditions do I use it in? 
This jacket prioritises weight and breathability over durability. This is a good XC waterproof jacket but it'll probably rip if you hit a tree.
How do I layer it?
Outer layer. Pair with a tech t-shirt or a Jersey for high effort pedalling or a thin mid layer when things get closer to 5°.
Where to find it: Rab Cinder Kinetic Jacket and Rab Cinder Kinetic Jacket Womens

 

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II

Tell me about it:

The Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II combines exceptional waterproofing, breathability, and durability, designed to meet the demands of modern mountain biking. Built with ExoShell40DR™ fabric, it offers robust weather protection (fully seam-sealed) while maintaining high breathability. Durable shoulders with silicone grip and strategically placed stretch panels ensure comfort and ease of movement.

Specs:

• Waterproof and breathable ExoShell40DR™ 3-layer fabric

• Fully seam-sealed construction with PFC-free DWR treatment

• 3D adjustable helmet-compatible hood

• Backpack-compatible underarm vents

• Multiple pockets: front, internal, and sleeve lift pass pocket

• Durable shoulders with silicone grip and stretch panels

What conditions do I use it in?
Cold and wet, this jacket is designed for serious downpours. When other jackets wet out and start letting water in, this thing will keep you dry. Fairly extreme for cycling, if you're somewhere remote or it's seriously wet out we'd use the MT500 Jacket.
How do I layer it?
Outer layer. Pair with an insulated mid layer for the coldest days but the inside material is pretty comfortable on the skin if you want to wear a t-shirt underneath.
Where to find it: Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II 

 

Endura MT500 Waterproof One Piece II

Tell me about it:

The Endura MT500 Waterproof One Piece II is an all-weather mountain biking suit designed for ultimate protection in harsh conditions. Constructed with ExoShell40DR™ fabric, it offers exceptional breathability and durability, with a fully seam-sealed design to keep you dry. Updated features include an improved waist fit, enhanced rear spray protection, and a jacket-and-pant look for added versatility.

Specs:

• Waterproof and breathable ExoShell40DR™ 3-layer fabric

• Fully seam-sealed construction with PFC-free DWR treatment

• One-piece design with split front for maximum coverage

• Helmet-compatible hood with 3D adjustment

• Ventilation: underarm and back zips compatible with backpacks

• Multiple pockets: front, hand, and sleeve lift pass pocket

• Durable shoulders, seat panel, and stretch zones for flexibility

What conditions do I use it in?
If you like laying in puddles or you're one of those people that want to ride no matter what. It's a good bit of clothing for those really cold days because it doesn't let cold air up your back and keeps your warm air inside the clothing. You might find it a bit uncomfortable when it warms up.
How do I layer it?
Outer layer. Best paired with long sleeve base layers and full leggings. Add a light mid layer for the cold days.
Where to find it: Endura MT500 Waterproof One Piece II

 

Insulated Jackets

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II

Tell me about it:

The Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II is designed to keep you warm and comfortable on cold winter rides. Featuring PrimaLoft® Gold Active Insulation, it provides excellent warmth-to-weight performance, breathability, and flexibility, with insulation strategically placed on the sleeves, front torso, and hood. Stretch softshell panels on the back and underarms ensure freedom of movement for tackling tough trails.

Specs:

• Lightweight ripstop panels with PrimaLoft® Gold Active Insulation

• Stretch softshell fabric for flexibility

• PFC-free water-repellent finish

• Underarm vents compatible with backpacks

• Multiple pockets: front vents and internal storage

• Durable shoulders with silicone grip

What conditions do I use it in? 
Cold dry days, best used between 5 and 10° as a single outer layer over a t-shirt. When it's colder you'll want to add some more layers though,
How do I layer it? 
An outer layer when it's a dry and a bit warmer. It works as a good mid layer when it's colder. The material breathes well and is comfortable against the skin, we'd use this is a second layer over a jersey or t-shirt with a hard-shell over the top.
Where to find it: Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II

 

Fox Ranger Fire Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Ranger Fire Jacket delivers ultimate cold-weather protection for mountain bikers. Its stretch 3-layer shell combines a tough polyester exterior, an internal membrane for added weather resistance, and a brushed fleece interior for warmth. Designed with a drop tail for extra coverage and protection from trail debris, this jacket is made for riders who refuse to let the cold slow them down.

With zippered hand pockets, a rear stash pocket, and a DWR finish to shed moisture and dirt, it offers both functionality and comfort on and off the bike.

Specs:

• Stretch 3-layer shell with polyester exterior and fleece interior

• Drop tail for added MTB-specific coverage

• DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris

• Zippered pockets for secure storage

What conditions do I use it in?
Sunny winter days, it's a great outer layer to keep the wind off and it'll keep you cool when you are hammering the climbs.
How do I layer it?
An outer layer when it's warm, it's great mid layer but not super insulated.
Where to find it: Fox Ranger Fire Jacket, Fox Womens Ranger Fire Jacket, Fox Ranger Fire Hoodie Jacket.

 

Rab Cinder Ridgeline Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Cinder Ridgeline Jacket is a versatile mid-layer designed for cold-weather rides, offering breathable warmth and wind protection. Crafted with Pertex® Quantum Air, it provides excellent air permeability while keeping wind at bay. Thermic™ G Fleece offers warmth and durability, while Motiv™ with S.Café® Yarn Technology enhances moisture-wicking and dries quickly.

Tailored for cycling, it features a dropped rear hem with a silicone grip to stay in place, and elastic cuffs to block out drafts. The full-length zip with wind-resistant guard allows for extra ventilation on climbs. Storage is easy with a moisture-resistant rear pocket and two open stash pockets.

Specs:

• Pertex® Quantum Air fabric for breathability and wind resistance

• Thermic™ G Fleece for warmth and fast drying

• Motiv™ with S.Café® Yarn for quick wicking and odor control

• Three pockets: zipped lumbar pocket and two open stash pockets

• Tailored bike fit with dropped rear hem and silicone grip for stability

• Full-length wind-resistant zip with guard

What conditions do I use it in?
Cold, wet and gross days on the bike.
How do I layer it?
it's a lightweight and packable mid layer designed to be used in conjunction with a bigger shell jacket, this is a great jacket if you're going far and you're going fast. You can't always avoid getting wet so having something you can swap around that dries quickly is worth considering.
Where to find it: Rab Cinder Ridgeline Jacket and Rab Cinder Ridgeline Jacket Womens.

 

Windbreaker Jackets

Rab Cinder Borealis Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Cinder Borealis Jacket is a lightweight yet durable softshell designed to handle changing weather on your bike adventures. Made from Matrix™ fabric, it offers wind resistance, breathability, and stretch for full mobility. The fluorocarbon-free DWR coating sheds light drizzle and protects against unpredictable conditions.

This jacket is built for versatility, easily stowing into its own side pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. A soft stand-up collar shields you from the wind, while extended cuffs keep your hands warm. The dropped rear hem with silicone grip ensures the jacket stays in place as you ride.

Specs:

• Matrix™ fabric for wind resistance and breathability

• Fluorocarbon-free DWR for weather protection

• Side lumbar pocket that doubles as a stuff sack

• Extended cuffs for hand warmth and dropped rear hem with silicone grip

• Tailored bike fit for optimal performance and comfort

What conditions do I use it in?
Warmer days or if you're really pushing yourself and need something light and breathable.
How do I layer it?
Perfect over a jersey, you can use it as a super light mid layer if you're packing super light or adventure racing.
Where to find it: Rab Cinder Borealis Jacket and Rab Cinder Borealis Jacket Womens

 

POC Motion Wind Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Motion Wind Jacket offers lightweight wind protection and is designed for versatility, making it ideal for both city commutes and trail rides. Constructed from a wind-blocking yet breathable fabric, it helps prevent chills without causing overheating, whether you're riding at a relaxed pace or pushing hard on the trails.

Tailored for an upright riding position, the jacket provides excellent coverage on both mountain and city bikes. Features include a helmet-compatible hood, elasticated sleeve openings, and a secure fit with a stretch nylon-spandex blend that ensures freedom of movement. A fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment offers splash protection from light rain and spray.

Specs:

• Wind-blocking yet breathable fabric

• Stretch nylon-spandex blend for comfort and mobility

• Helmet-compatible hood and elasticated openings for a secure fit

• Zipped chest pocket for secure storage

• Fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment for splash protection

• Reflective details for increased visibility in low light

What conditions do I use it in?
Cold, dry days in exposed areas, if you can't hide from the wind pop the hood up and you'll keep your ears from getting frost bite.
How do I layer it?
With a tech t-shirt underneath, not ideal for adding layers over but you can easily get another layer underneath it if it's getting cold.
Where to find it: POC Motion Wind Jacket

 

Fox Ranger Wind Jacket

Tell me about it:

The Ranger Wind Jacket is a lightweight, packable solution for those unexpected weather changes on the trail. Weighing only 70g, this jacket packs neatly into its own left front pocket, easily fitting into your bike jersey or hip pack. Its Rider Attack Position™ (RAP) cut ensures a tailored fit for mountain biking, allowing you to ride comfortably without restriction.

The DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris, while elastic cuffs and hem provide a secure and comfortable fit. Two zippered hand pockets offer convenient storage for essentials, making this jacket your go-to for quick weather protection on your ride.

Specs:

• Ultra-light 70g ripstop fabric

• DWR finish for moisture and dirt protection

• RAP patterning for MTB-specific fit

• Packable into left front pocket

• Two zippered hand pockets for secure storage

What conditions do I use it in?
Cold dry days, this jacket is super packable and very light so you can pop it on and off really easily. If you're packing light and you're not sure what the conditions are going to be like, this is a great option.
How do I layer it?
In your pack until you need it, you can pop it over a jersey or a hoody depending on the weather.
Where to find it: Fox Ranger Wind Jacket, Fox Womens Ranger Wind Jacket, Fox Ranger Wind Pullover, Fox Ranger Wind Pullover Hoodie.

 

Brand Breakdown

Endura
Hailing from Scotland, Endura is renowned for producing high-quality, weather-resistant cycling apparel. Their mountain biking range is designed to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring riders stay comfortable and protected. Endura's commitment to innovation and performance has made them a trusted brand among mountain biking enthusiasts worldwide.
Fox Racing
With deep roots in motocross, Fox Racing has become a staple in the mountain biking community. Their apparel is known for its durability and distinctive style, catering to riders who push the limits. Fox Racing's clothing line incorporates advanced fabrics and construction techniques to ensure optimal performance and comfort, making it a go-to choice for serious mountain bikers.
Rab
While traditionally known for outdoor and mountaineering gear, Rab has ventured into the cycling world with apparel that emphasizes durability and performance. Their clothing is designed to handle the demands of mountain biking, offering protection against the elements while ensuring comfort. Rab's expertise in technical apparel makes them a noteworthy option for riders seeking reliable gear.
POC
POC is recognized for its commitment to safety and innovation in cycling apparel. Their mountain biking clothing line incorporates advanced materials and design features aimed at enhancing rider protection and performance. With a focus on functionality and safety, POC's apparel is a preferred choice for riders who prioritize protection on the trails.

 

Enjoyed this article? Here’s 3 more to check out:

1.Trail Side Tools: Mountain Biker's Rescue Kit
2.Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals: A Short Guide
3.Yeti Cycles: Ultimate Racing Performance

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