The best cycling rain jacket depends on the riding you do: for road riders who want a shell that disappears into a jersey pocket, the Castelli Squall Shell (around 100 to 115 g) and the Rapha Core Rain Jacket II (around 125 g) are the standout lightweight picks; gravel and bikepacking riders get more durability and a hood from the 3-layer Endura GV500; and mountain bikers who ride in the wet all day should look at the Endura MT500 waterproof jacket. If you remember Gore-Tex Shakedry jackets as the old benchmark, note that Shakedry has been discontinued, so 2026 jackets use newer PFAS-free membranes instead.
Our top picks
Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Running Bike- Waterproof & Windproof: Equipped with a durable water…
- Vents & Breathability: The inclusion of under arm…
- Reflective Elements & High Visibility: Reflective elements located…
Bikewa Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Running- Waterproof & Windproof: Equipped with a durable water…
- Vents & Breathability: The inclusion of under arm…
- Reflective Elements & High Visibility: Reflective elements located…
baleaf Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Lightweight- Stay Dry, Ride Comfortably: Caught in unexpected rain…
- Packable, Ready to Go: When the weather shifts…
- Enhanced Low-Light Visibility: Early morning commutes, evening rides,…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Running Bike | Waterproof & Windproof: Equipped with a durable water… Vents & Breathability: The inclusion of under arm… Reflective Elements & High Visibility: Reflective elements located… | Check price |
| Bikewa Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Running | Waterproof & Windproof: Equipped with a durable water… Vents & Breathability: The inclusion of under arm… Reflective Elements & High Visibility: Reflective elements located… | Check price |
| baleaf Men's Cycling Rain Jackets Waterproof Lightweight | Stay Dry, Ride Comfortably: Caught in unexpected rain… Packable, Ready to Go: When the weather shifts… Enhanced Low-Light Visibility: Early morning commutes, evening rides,… | Check price |
 baleaf Mens Cycling Rain Jacket Windbreaker Waterproof | Waterproof & Breathable: The men's rain jacket interior… Lightweight & Packable: This waterproof rain jacket is… Handy Features: A versatile waterproof jacket with an… | Check price |
 KEMIMOTO Men's Packable Lightweight Rain Jacket Cycling | Lightweight & Foldable Design: Crafted with lightweight fabric… High-Grade Waterproof & Windproof Performance: Built with a… Breathable & Comfortable Wearing Experience: Equipped with an… | Check price |
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What changed in waterproof cycling jackets
For years the top choice was a Gore-Tex Shakedry jacket, whose membrane faced outward and shed water like a duck. Gore stopped making Shakedry, and the industry has moved away from PFAS-based water repellents. The result for buyers in 2026: many jackets now use new membranes such as Gore-Tex ePE or brand-specific fabrics, and some reviewers note that newer PFAS-free face fabrics wet out sooner in sustained downpours than older versions. Membrane quality and fit now matter more than the label on the sleeve.
Cycling rain jackets compared
| Jacket | Best for | Weight (size M/L) | Fabric | Waterproof rating | Hood | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castelli Squall Shell | Road, emergency shell | About 97–114 g | Stretch 2-layer membrane, taped seams | Waterproof, taped | No | $70–$140 |
| Rapha Core Rain Jacket II | Road, commuting, value | About 127 g | Hydrophobic membrane, taped seams, water-resistant zip | Waterproof, taped | No | $115–$190 |
| Endura GV500 Waterproof Jacket | Gravel, bikepacking | About 253 g | ExoShell40 3-layer | 20,000 mm / 40,000 g breathability | Yes | $100–$270 |
| Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket | Mountain biking, all-day wet | Heavy-duty, not packable | ExoShell 3-layer; Adv version uses Pertex Shield | Up to 20,000 mm (Adv) | Helmet-compatible | $250–$400 |
Picks by riding style
Best packable road jacket: Castelli Squall Shell
The Squall Shell is about as light as fully waterproof cycling gear gets. It uses a stretch 2-layer fabric with taped seams and a reflective stripe on the back, and it packs smaller than most jackets, so it can live in a jersey pocket on every ride. Castelli rates it for roughly 39 to 64°F. It is a shell for passing showers and descents, not a jacket you would wear for hours of heavy rain, and it is frequently discounted well below list.
Best value all-rounder: Rapha Core Rain Jacket II
At roughly 127 g, the Core Rain II is nearly as light as the Squall but with a slightly more tailored fit that also works for commuting. It uses fully taped seams and a water-resistant zip. Some riders find the sleeves on the short side in an aggressive riding position, so try it on the bike before committing.
Best for gravel and bikepacking: Endura GV500
The GV500 adds a hood, a tougher 3-layer fabric rated to 20,000 mm, and very high breathability, at about twice the weight of road shells. It still packs reasonably small for a frame bag. If you ride long days off-road, where a torn shell is a real problem, this is the better fit than an ultralight jacket.
Best MTB waterproof jacket: Endura MT500
The MT500 is built to be worn from the trailhead, not stuffed in a pocket. It has a helmet-compatible hood, a cut that allows big movements on the bike, and reinforcement for crashes and pack straps. Recent versions moved to a lighter, more flexible fabric; some reviewers found it wets out in places during sustained downpours, which is why Endura also offers the MT500 Adv with Pertex Shield fabric rated to 20,000 mm.
How to choose a bike rain jacket
- Cut: a dropped tail covers your lower back and seat from rear-wheel spray; sleeves should reach your wrists when your hands are on the hoods or drops.
- Packability: if it will not fit in a jersey pocket, you will leave it at home on doubtful days.
- Breathability: climbing produces a lot of heat. Look for high breathability ratings, back vents, or two-way zips.
- Visibility: reflective details or bright colors matter in rain, when drivers see less.
- Hood or no hood: road riders rarely want one; gravel, MTB, and commuting riders often do, as long as it fits under the helmet.
- Pockets: a rear pocket or pass-through lets you reach jersey pockets underneath.
Matching cycling rain gear to the forecast
| Forecast | Temperature | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Chance of a shower | 55–70°F | Ultralight shell in pocket (Squall, Core Rain II) |
| Steady rain, short ride | 45–60°F | Light shell over long-sleeve jersey, fenders on the bike |
| All-day rain, gravel or touring | 40–55°F | 3-layer hooded jacket (GV500), waterproof gloves, overshoes |
| Wet trail riding | Any | MT500-style jacket, waterproof shorts or pants |
| Cold rain | Below 40°F | Waterproof shell over an insulating layer, or an insulated waterproof jacket |
A complete cycling rain gear kit includes more than a jacket: fenders keep road spray off your back, overshoes stop your feet getting soaked, and a cap under the helmet keeps rain out of your eyes.
Care: keeping a waterproof cycling jacket working
- Wash it often. Road grime, sweat, and sunscreen clog membranes. A technical wash every 10 to 15 rides keeps it breathing.
- Refresh the DWR. When water stops beading, tumble dry on low or apply a spray-on treatment.
- Do not leave it balled up wet in a saddle bag; seam tape lifts and mildew sets in.
- Watch the shoulders and hips. Backpack and hip-pack straps wear these areas first.
FAQ
Is a running rain jacket fine for cycling?
For short commutes, yes. On a road bike, running jackets are usually too short at the back and the sleeves ride up, leaving your lower back and wrists exposed.
Are old Shakedry jackets still worth buying?
Leftover stock occasionally appears at discount. The fabric performs well but is fragile and cannot be repaired easily, so treat it as a fair-weather backup rather than a long-term investment.
