How To Choose The Best Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Wondering how to choose the best waterproof cycling jacket?
Let us help you make the right choice for your type of cycling.

How to choose the best Waterproof Cycling Jacket - a guide

As leaders in technical cycling outerwear, we offer a variety of waterproof cycling rain jackets utilizing different fabrics, different fit styles, and with different intended uses. The price range you see among waterproof jackets does not just relate to the level of waterproofness. It also relates to breathability; and special features like vents, zippers, adjustable cuffs, pockets, and reflective trims.

This guide is designed to help you choose the best type of cycling jacket for your type of riding. If you overheat easily or plan on riding all day in the rain, a 3-layer jacket might be best for you. If you are only commuting short distances under 7 miles, our entry-level 2.5-layer jackets might be best for you. If you do many long training rides but don't like to wear a jacket when it's not raining, our lightweight and packable 2.5-Layer Double Century RTX Jacket could be your best match. All of our jackets feature a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that allows rain to bead and roll off the jacket and prevents wetting out of the face fabric. Hardshell garments are best for fully waterproof protection while our Softshell garments provide warmth and unlike many of our competitors, we only describe out jackets as waterproof if they (1) have a waterproof membrane, (2) have a DWR finish, and (3) are completely seam sealed.

Showers Pass Jackets are Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Visible and Durable

 The jacket comparison chart below is designed to give you an idea of how our jackets compare to each other.

3-Layer Jackets Fabric Type Breathable Rating Waterproof Rating Seam Taped Visibility Rating Weight (Men's size medium) Fit Style
Cloudburst eliteAIR™ 3-Layer Yes 4-star 9.8 oz Trim
Spring Classic Elite 3-Layer Yes 4-star 9.5 oz Trim
Refuge Elite 3-Layer ★★★★★ Yes 4-star 19 oz Regular
Elite 2.1 Elite 3-Layer ★★★★★ Yes 4-star 14.7 oz Trim
Hi-Vis Elite Elite 3-Layer & MapReflect Yes 4-star 18 oz Trim
Hi Vis Torch MapReflect & Elite 3-Layer Yes 5-star 20 oz Trim
Transit CC Artex 3-Layer Yes 4-star 18.5 oz Full
Ecolyte Elite Ecolyte 3-Layer ★★ Yes 4-star 11.3 oz

Trim

Timberline Jacket Artex 3-Layer ★★ Yes 14.3 oz

Full

Navigator MapReflect ★★★★ ★★★★ Yes ★★★★ 19 oz

Full

 

3-Layer Fabrics

Showers Pass 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric technology

3-layer fabrics con­sist of a waterproof mem­brane bonded between a face fab­ric and a liner fab­ric. In addition to being the most durable construction, 3-Layer waterproof fabrics are usually the most breathable and comfortable against the skin. The lining protects the waterproof membrane, so the membrane can be finer, with more pores that allow body heat to pass through – reducing the buildup of condensation – while blocking rain from the outside. That inner lining also wicks moisture, and lifts the waterproof membrane off the skin, reducing the “clammy” feel that is typical of lower-priced waterproof fabrics. 3-layer hardshells are usu­ally more expensive than 2 or 2.5-Layer shells but offer a better solution for people that ride long distances in the rain or tend to overheat easily.

Showers Pass 3-layer waterproof fabric technology and brands

 

Shop the Best 3-Layer Waterproof Breathable Cycling Rain Jackets


    Shop the Good 3-Layer Waterproof Breathable Cycling Jackets


    Showers Pass 2.5-Layer waterproof fabric technology

    2.5-Layer Fabric

    2.5-layer shells are made of a face fab­ric bonded to a waterproof mem­brane, with a raised printed pattern on the inside (the “half layer”) that helps pro­tect the mem­brane from abra­sion, body oils, and other damage. 2.5-Layer waterproof fabrics offer the benefits of being lighter weight and more packable, but they are typically not as durable or breathable as their 3-layer counterparts. 2.5-layer shells are a good option for people looking for a lightweight packable jacket – a good choice for long distance riding in the "best" category, or shorter commutes under about 7 miles in the "better" category.

    Showers Pass 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable fabric technology brands

     

    2.5-Layer Jackets Fabric Type Breathable Rating Waterproof Rating Seam Taped Visibility Rating Weight (size medium) Fit Style
    Elements Artex 2.5 DC ★★ ★★ Yes 4-star 16 oz Regular
    Century CC Artex 2.5-Layer Yes 4-star 11 oz Trim
    Syncline CC Artex 2.5-Layer Yes 3-star 13.6 oz Regular

     

    Shop the Best 2.5-Layer Waterproof Breathable Cycling Jackets

    Shop the Better 2.5-Layer Waterproof Breathable Cycling Jackets

    2-Layer Fabric

    2-layer shells consist of a face fabric and waterproof membrane bonded together. Some 2-layer jackets feature a drop lining. This protects the membrane and increases comfort, but make the jacket considerably heavier than a 3-layer jacket of the same performance. Without a drop lining, 2-layer fabrics are very easily degraded by abrasion and body oils. To combat this the membrane can be made thicker, but that leads to dramatically reduced breathability. For these reasons, we don’t generally use 2-layer fabrics in our jackets. Our Clear Pro Tech ST jacket is the one exception because it uses a unique 2-layer fabric construction with no face fabric. The two layers are the waterproof membrane (on the outside), and a thin tricot lining that lifts the membrane off your skin. The Pro Tech ST is our lightest weight jacket, but also our least breathable.

    Our Storm Pant is made with a traditional 2-layer waterproof fabric. It is not as durable or as breathable as our 3-layer waterproof rain pants, but it does pack down small and keep you dry in an emergency.

    Ratings Scale Explained

    Breathable Scale

    1 STAR fabrics rate at least 1,000g/m2/day. Great for pre-race warm-ups or unexpected cloud bursts, but not recommended for long fast paced rides or warmer conditions.

    2 STAR fabrics rate at least 5,000g/m2/day. This provides some moisture vapor transfer, but if you’re riding hard enough to sweat, especially in cold and rainy conditions, you will probably see some condensation on the inside of the garment.

    3 STAR fabrics rate at least 10,000g/m2/day, and the garments have some venting capability. Most people can stay comfortable in these garments, especially if they take advantage of venting capabilities like pit or core vents, 2-way front zippers, or open cuffs.

    4 STAR fabrics rate at least 10,000g/m2/day, might have wicking linings, and the garments have multiple venting options. Wicking linings aid in the efficiency of moisture vapor transfer and provide a drier next-to-skin feel. Venting options like pit or core vents, 2-way front zippers, or open cuffs allow you to adjust airflow.

    5 STAR, Industry leading breathability here. At least 15,000g/m2/day, wicking linings, and multiple venting options. For high output activities in varying conditions, this is the way to go!

    Waterproof Scale

    1 STAR garments will at least be treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish and/or have a tight weave and design that will provide some water repellency. Great for short rides in light/intermittent precipitation.

    2 STAR garments will use fabrics rated 3,000mm-10,000mm or even higher, but might have strategic panels of non-waterproof fabric, or unsealed seams. Generally designed to be waterproof in the areas where you’re most likely to get hit by raindrops and road spray, but not designed to keep you completely dry in a downpour.

    3 STAR garments use only fabrics rated at least 10,000mm, but might not be entirely seam sealed. These will keep you dry in most conditions, but you might see localized areas of leakage in extended downpours.

    4 STAR garments will use only fabrics rated 3,000-15,000mm, and have taped or welded seams. Bring on the rain, snow, wind, sleet, hail, drizzle, fog, and mud. If all your vents, zippers, cuffs and collar are sealed, these garments should keep the elements out for most rides.

    5 STAR garments will have fabrics rated at least 15,000mm, and have taped or welded seams. If you’re going to be out in nasty weather for extended periods of time, these are the garments for you! Just make sure to seal all your vents, zippers, cuffs and collar before stepping out into a downpour.

    Need more info about how our garments fit?

    We design our cycling rain jackets with long sleeves to accommodate reach while in a road bike cycling position. We offer a range of fit styles for different riding types. Full fitting jackets are designed with the ability to fit bulky street clothes underneath. Regular fitting garments are designed to fit a few warm cycling layers underneath. Trim fitting garments are designed to be worn with 1-2 trim fitting layers and some garments may feature some type of stretch material. Our sizing is closer to US sizing than Euro sizing.

    Click here to see more sizing information.

    If you still can't decide which jacket is right for you give us a call! We are happy to help!

    Phone: 503-203-8000
    or email: info@showerspass.com