The secret to enjoying cycling throughout the winter months? The right gear. Because it doesn’t matter how nice the route is or how appealing the options are at the cafe stop. If you’re freezing your hooves off, there’s little that will stop you feeling cold and miserable. Which is why finding the best winter cycling jacket is essential.
So what should you be looking for in a winter cycling jacket? We’ve just launched new designs in our much-loved Everyday Alpine winter cycling jackets, plus our brand new Alpine Advanced jackets (which as you might guess from the name, is our most advanced winter cycling jacket yet). Obviously we think these are the best winter jackets out there – we wouldn’t have made them otherwise! But whether you’re in the market for some Stolen Goat goodness and you’re trying to decide which SG jacket to go for. Or you’re still considering all your options and you want a bit of help to narrow down your wish list. We’re drawing on our many years’ experience of A) cycling in all weathers and B) creating top notch cycling kit, to bring you a handy guide to help you find your perfect winter cycling jacket.
Do I actually need a winter cycling jacket?
Before we dive into the specifics of what to look for in a winter cycling jacket, you might be wondering if you actually need one. It can be tempting to try and make do by layering up like some sort of cycling Michelin Man and hoping for the best. But take it from this writer (who famously in her early years of cycling was caught trying to ride out wearing an enormous, decade-old ski jacket that would have turned her into a kite on wheels) a cycling-specific winter jacket can be a game changer for comfort, and performance.
What are the benefits of a winter cycling jacket?
- Comfortable in the cycling position. A cycling-specific winter jacket is constructed to ensure you can comfortably get into various riding positions, without restriction around the shoulders or your sleeves riding up.
- Warmth without too much compromise on aerodynamics. Cycling jackets are packed with technical materials and features which give you warmth and wind proofing, without heaps of bulky layers. Riding as fast as possible might not be your priority over the winter, but a big flappy jacket that creates a whole load of additional drag will just make every ride feel significantly harder. You’re already toughing it out by braving the winter elements, so you deserve a jacket that gives you an easier ride!
- Breathability. It might sound counterproductive, but you still want your winter cycling jacket to have some breathability. This will help to keep you at the optimal temperature. And it’ll also ensure you don’t get a layer of sweat trapped under your jacket after any climbs or sections of tailwind, that will quite quickly make you feel even colder once you’re back into the headwind.
- Fast-drying materials. That old puffer jacket in the cupboard might look warm and cosy. But wear it on the bike in the wet and it’ll feel like a soggy duvet. A winter cycling jacket will be rain-resistant, and designed to dry quickly after any showers
When to use a winter weight cycling jacket?
It really depends on how much you feel the cold. For temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, we’d recommend a winter jacket for almost every rider because once you factor in the wind chill it’s going to feel pretty nippy without one. For temperatures between 5-10 degrees Celsius, those who run hot might be comfortable enough in a thermal cycling jersey and a base layer. But if you get cold easily, a good winter cycling jacket will have enough breathability to keep you comfortable in slightly milder conditions.
Check out our full winter cycling gear guide for most tips on what to wear, when depending on the weather conditions!
Key features to look for in a winter cycling jacket
Now that we’ve convinced you that you can justify treating yourself to a winter jacket (N+1 applies to cycling kit as well as bikes!), it’s time to start shopping. There are a huge range of options out there, which can make deciding what to go for a little overwhelming. To help you narrow it down, here are the no-compromise features we think you should be looking for to find the best winter cycling jacket.
Wind proofing
Wind chill is a winter cyclist’s no.1 foe. Look for a winter cycling jacket that has wind proof materials, especially on the front panel. This will make a significant difference to your comfort levels when you’re riding into a chilly head wind.
Thermal lining
A bit of a no-brainer, but when you’re looking for a winter cycling jacket make sure it’s actually lined with thermal materials. It’s easy to mix up a true winter cycling jacket with a waterproof (which will keep the rain out, but won’t do much to keep warmth in). We make our Stolen Goat winter jackets with a super soft Roubaix-style lining which helps to regulate your temperature, and as a bonus – feels ultra-cosy.
Waterproof or water resistant materials
We all dream of those crisp winter days where the temperatures are low but the sun is high in the sky. The reality of winter riding is a lot of wet and wild weather to contend with. So it’s essential that your winter cycling jacket will keep you dry, as well as warm. Water-resistant materials will be enough if you only tend to ride through light rain showers. But if you want true adventure-ready kit, go for waterproof fabrics.
Reflective details
Low light and dismal conditions means ensuring you’re visible is essential for riding through the winter. Alongside fitting front and rear lights to your bike, choose a winter cycling jacket with reflective details. We also make our winter jackets in bright colours and bold designs to help ensure other road users can spot you (and to make other riders jealous of your stand out style).
Pockets
Nothing gets our Goat like winter cycling jackets without any pockets. Where are we supposed to store all our snacks!? Keep in mind that you’ll most likely be wearing full finger winter gloves, so you want a jacket which has easily accessible rear pockets. We’ve added an extra zipped pocket to our Advanced jackets to keep your essentials extra safe and sound.
How should my winter cycling jacket fit?
That’s features, now let’s talk about fit. How snug (or loose) should your winter cycling jacket be? To some extent, it depends on the style of the jacket. If it’s been constructed with a bit of stretch, you can go for a closer fit. This might be a good option if you predominantly ride on the road and you want your kit to be more aero. If the jacket you’re considering is made from a more rigid material, you might need to size up. You want a close enough fit that it’s not flapping around in the wind and letting all your body heat out. But it’s important that it’s not so tight that you struggle to reach forward for the handlebars without it feeling uncomfortably snug across your shoulders. Consider whether you’re likely to want to wear more than one layer underneath too, as that will impact whether you need to size up.
Stolen Goat Alpine Everyday vs Alpine Advanced winter jackets: what’s the difference and which one should I choose?
We’re all about creating cycling kit that looks great, and performs just how you need it to. So either of our winter cycling jacket options will comfortably see you through the winter months. But if you’re deciding between the two, there are a few differences to be aware of that might help you to decide.
Advanced vs Everyday fit
One of the key differences between our Advanced ranges and our Everyday ranges is the fit. The Advanced winter jacket comes with a closer, race fit designed with aerodynamics in mind. Meanwhile Everyday is more of a relaxed fit, ideal if you want to layer up underneath or just prefer a slightly looser fitting jacket. You can of course, just size down in our Everyday range if you prefer the designs but you want a closer fit.
Features
Our Everyday and Advanced winter cycling jackets share plenty of the same essential winter cycling features. That includes materials designed to keep the wind and rain at bay. A super soft Roubaix-style lining to keep you warm and cosy. Easy-to-reach rear pockets so you can still get to all your essentials. Plus reflective detailing to keep you visible. That means that whichever you choose, you can ride out with confidence in all weather. But our Advanced winter jackets take things a little further. Alongside the more aero fit, we’ve also added an extra high collar to keep your neck warm. A storm guard on the zip for those truly gnarly winter days. Side venting so you can let off a little steam if you’re putting in some efforts on taking on a climb. Plus, a drop tail to protect your hindquarters from road spray.
Shop women’s cycling jackets
Shop men’s winter cycling jackets
Our Pick: The Alpine Range
Windproof, breathable, and built for the worst the UK can throw at you. The Alpine jacket is our answer to British winters – available in Everyday and Advanced fits.
