Rain Jackets for Bikepacking: Eight Tested

We can’t control the weather, so as bikepackers, we need to be ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw our way. Being prepared with the right gear for all types of weather can not only extent your riding season, but it can also provide a necessary safety net when traveling in areas where the weather can change suddenly, including coastal regions and mountainous areas. Getting caught in the rain with the wrong gear can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst, putting unnecessary risk and stress on you and the people around you.

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A good rain jacket is perhaps the most useful piece of outerwear you can purchase. From shedding light rain to protecting against unexpected thunderstorms, rain jacket technology has evolved far beyond the heavy-duty, hiker-approved jackets of the past. These days, finding a reasonably breathable and packable waterproof jacket isn’t too difficult thanks to advancements like Gore-Tex Paclite and other lightweight technical fabrics. Cycling apparel brands have taken cues from more general outdoor apparel makers, tailoring the fit and features to meet the needs of cyclists. While this isn’t to say a non cycling-specific jacket won’t work (they do!), there are some benefits of choosing something designed with riding a bike in mind.

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We put together a list of eight of our favorite bikepacking-friendly rain jackets from a variety of brands. Find our thoughts on each below, including key specs, material, sizing, weight, and a short review.

Bontrager Avert Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm / Breathability: TBD

The Avert Jacket is Bontrager’s only real mountain-bike-specific rain jacket, designed to be lightweight, packable, and 100% waterproof. It’s made from a 100% nylon Stormshell fabric designed to keep you dry while letting the fabric breath to help regulate your body temperature. It has a dropped tail with reflective detailing, two zippered side pockets, an oversized hood to fit over a helmet, and a unique BOA dial hood adjustment that’s great for cinching down around your helmet.

I found the semi-fitted cut to be adequately roomy for a winter base layer without feeling sloppy during technical trail riding. The fabric and construction feels durable to the touch and has held up great after a solid year of use, with no strange wear points to speak of. Since there are no vents on the Avert Jacket, there’s a tendency to overheat when riding hard and zipped up, but it does a reasonably good job of breathing if you’re smart about it. In terms of fit, Emily finds it hits a sweet spot, offering room for layers on cold days without feeling excessively bulky.

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After three wet seasons in the Pacific Northwest, Emily’s Avert jacket is showing some serious wear. The liner fabric is deteriorating in multiple spots, including around the armpits and neck. It could be due to a lack of maintenance, but the liner fabric feels thin and fragile to the touch, so more than likely, it just didn’t hold up to regular use. The exterior fabric isn’t showing any signs of wear, which is promising.

The Bontrager Avert Jacket is offered in both men’s and women’s cuts in a wide range if sizes. Both versions come in three different color options: Cardinal, Black, and Olive Grey. At $169 USD, it’s reasonably affordable considering its bike-specific fit and features. The Avert Jacket is also easy to find, available online through Trek’s website or at your local Trek/Bontrager dealer.

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• Lightness:
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• Size Range: Womens: S – XXL / Mens: XS – XXL
• Material: Stormshell, 100% nylon, 2.5 layer
• Weight: 215 grams (women’s small)
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $170 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: TrekBikes.com: MEN’S / WOMEN’S

7Mesh Copilot Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm / Breathability: 15,000g/m²

Based out of Squamish, British Columbia, 7mesh is a performance-minded cycling apparel brand that specializes in “alpine-grade bike gear for road and trail riding in all conditions.” They launched their first collection in 2015 and have quickly gained popularity among cyclists all of disciplines. A quick glance at their website will show you that they respect and acknowledge the lands they work and play on, which includes the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish Nation Indigenous people. The name “7mesh” was chosen in celebration of their town’s Indigenous name, Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. They put their money where their mouth is and have donated to several important non-profits, including the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program and Reconciliation Canada, demonstrating a level of commitment that other brands could learn from.

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The 7mesh Copilot Jacket is what they describe as “the ultimate back-up shell.” It comes in both men’s and women’s sizing and is the lightest weight 100% waterproof jacket they offer. It’s seam-sealed, lightweight and packable, and offers a minimalist design with no extra pockets or hidden features. Thanks to its Gore-Tex Paclite Plus construction, the Copilot Jacket has great breathability ratings, and it’s made from a 100% recycled nylon face fabric. Those conscious about the environment will be happy to know that Gore-Tex Paclite garments use a PFCEC-free water repellent treatment, which replaces harmful petroflourinated compounds with less harmful alternatives.

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For most of my testing, I’ve been wearing the Copilot Jacket in sub-10°C (50°F) temperatures in steady but usually light rain. Its lightweight design is noticeable while on the bike, and doesn’t feel bulky or awkward when pedaling out of the saddle or riding technical trail features. It cuts the wind and breaths well, which was great for some cold days this fall, but it’s still 100% waterproof for when you really need to stay dry. It’s much more than just an emergency shell, which it should be for the price, but when compared to other lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite jackets, it’s comparably priced or cheaper.

It’s the best-fitting cycling-specific rain jacket I’ve tried. It’s roomy enough to easily layer underneath on winter days, but I never felt like I was swimming in fabric or extra features I’d never use. There’s a single side pocket, located just under the left arm, which I often used to stash my phone or my face mask while in town. It’s lined with a soft fabric that I’d also trust to stash some sunglasses in if I needed to. The pocket also doubles as a storage sack for the jacket, and it has a roomy fit that’s easy to pack inside itself. The Copilot Jacket has a high 28,000mm waterproof rating, and it shows, although I’ve kept up with regular washes and reproofed its water repellency several times over the last few years. Its fit and reliable design makes it one of my favorite and most-used jackets in this roundup.

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• Size Range: Womens: XS – XL / Mens: XS – XXL
• Material: GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2L, 40d Recycled 100% nylon
• Weight: 272 grams (men’s large)
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $250 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: 7mesh.com: MEN’S / WOMEN’S

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm / Breathability: 20,000g/m²

The enduring Outdoor Research Helium jacket is the only option in this roundup that isn’t from a cycling brand. However, due to its popularity, we decided to include it anyways. Outdoor Research updated their featherweight Helium rain collection at the end of 2020 with new designs, colors, and fabrics. The Helium Rain Jacket has been among the most popular options for bikepackers due to its minimalist design, 100% waterproof construction, small pack size, and light weight. The 2020 update included a new Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric that Outdoor Research claimed to be five times stronger without any added weight.

The Helium Rain Jacket gets away with such a small pack size due to its lack of features. Since it’s not designed with cycling in mind, it doesn’t have a dropped tail or roomy hood to work with helmets. The Helium Jacket keeps toggles and straps to a minimum with a single cord lock cinch for the waist, another for the hood, and non-adjustable elastic wrist cuffs.

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The Helium Rain Jacket is comfortable and roomy while on the bike, making it perfect for throwing over whatever you’re already wearing. Even with no cycling-specific features and a more general-purpose fit, it’s become one of my go-to rain jackets over the years because I’ve learned to trust it in unexpected weather. Despite its lightweight construction, it does a great job at keeping me dry as long as I’m careful to vent regularly using the main zipper since it lacks pit zips. However, if there was a chance of prolonged rain or back-to-back days of wet weather, I’d opt for a proper hardshell, as I tend to run warm and there’s a good chance it will eventually soak through after multiple hours of rain. For cooler temperatures, as an emergency shell, or for folks who don’t heat up as quickly, the Helium Rain Jacket might be all you need.

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• Size Range: Womens: XS – XXXL / Mens: S – XXXL
• Material: Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop
• Weight: 188 grams (men’s large)
• Place of Manufacture: Bangladesh
• Price: $159 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: OutdoorResearch.com

MAAP Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak

Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm / Breathability: 10,000g/m²

The MAAP Alt_Road collection is designed to be durable, hardwearing, and “engineered for an alternative path.” It includes a comprehensive lineup of apparel and accessories, including riding shirts, shorts, bibs, jackets, and vests. The Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak is the only rain jacket in the collection, but MAAP has a number of slim-fitting waterproof jackets as well as the Roam Jacket, which has lower waterproof and breathability ratings.

The MAAP Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak, as the name suggests, has only a partial front zipper. It has a large kangaroo-style front pocket with a velcro flap, zippered side pockets, and a roomy, helmet-compatible hood. It has a nylon waterproof exterior fabric, polyester liner, and thermo-taped seams. Despite lacking a main zipper or pit zips for ventilation, MAAP packed in a number of thoughtful details. The kangaroo pocket has water-resistant zippers, too.

I’ve usually don’t reach for pullover jackets, but this project felt like a good chance to give a waterpoof anorak a fair shot. The biggest concern with an anorak as an outer layer is that dumping excess heat through ventilation often requires taking the entire jacket off, instead of unzipping the main zipper like the others in the this roundup. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this style of jacket for anyone who rides warm, sweats a lot on rides, or for folks living in humid environments. Thankfully, the MAAP Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak is one of the roomiest jackets I’ve tried, which helped offer some air movement and made it easier to layer underneath compared to the others in this list. The exterior fabric is stretchy and comfortable but has a fairly low waterproof rating of 10,0000mm, which makes me think it’s better suited for short rides and commutes.

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• Size Range: Womens: XXS – XL / Mens: XS – XXL
• Material: Drytex, 100% nylon
• Weight: 365 grams / 12.8 ounces (large)
• Place of Manufacture: China
• Price: 345 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Maap.cc: MEN’S / WOMEN’S

Pearl Izumi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm / Breathability: 30,000g/m²

The Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket is a mountain bike version of Pearl Izumi’s slimmer, more road-fit Pro Neoshell WxB. It stands out against most waterproof cycling jackets with its impressive 30,000g/m² breathability rating, bested only by the Rab Cinder Kinetic I tested. Such a high breathability rating is achieved thanks to a Polartec Neoshell (now known as Polartec Power Shield) construction, which Pearl Izumi says is the world’s most breathable waterproof material. It features a PFAS-free durable water repellent finish, an oversized two-way YKK Aquaguard zipper, two front hand pockets, articulated sleeves, and an adjustable helmet-friendly hood. The jacket packs inside an interior chest pocket, but it’s somewhat of a struggle and not a feature I’d regularly make use of.

In the rain, the Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket has a similar experience to the Rab Cinder Kinetic jacket. Stretchy, ultra-breathable fabrics are fantastic for folks who sweat a lot or warm up quickly, but the exterior fabric can become saturated quicker than jackets with higher waterproof ratings. The shoulders are almost always the first to start soaking up water, which isn’t ideal in cold and rainy days. With that in mind, I think it’s best suited for mild, humid climates that don’t regularly see day-long deluges.

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Fit wise, I found the Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket to be on the slimmer side (the slimmest in this roundup), but because of its ultra-stretchy construction, it wasn’t restrictive while on the bike. At 6’1″ tall with fairly average proportions, the sleeves were a touch short for my liking. If the fabric wasn’t so stretchy, I’d say the hood would be too tight to fit over a helmet, but that’s another place where the Neoshell fabric shines. Jackets like the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB are a cut above when it comes to overall comfort and breathability, but the slightly lower-performing waterproof rating could be a deal breaker for anyone who spends multiple hours riding in the rain and cold. For this reason, it almost feels more like an extra-reliable soft shell than a rain jacket and makes it a versatile winter layer.

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• Size Range: Mens: XS – XXL
• Material: Polartec Neoshell, Nylon/Polyester
• Weight: 380 grams / 13.4 ounces (large)
• Place of Manufacture: TBD
• Price: $375 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: PearlIzumi.com

Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm / Breathability: 15,000g/m²

The Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket is the only waterproof jacket in Patagonia’s mountain bike apparel lineup. Available in both men’s and women’s fits, the Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket is made from Patagonia’s H₂No performance standard fabric, which requires the fabric to pass several lab tests and real-world tests to ensure it meets their waterproofness and breathability standards. It has a two-way, three-quarter-length front zipper that eliminates bulk around the waist, abrasion-resistant reinforcements in high-wear areas, and a helmet-compatible hood.

Despite being a pull-over, the Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket offers some ventilation thanks to vented side zippers. Emily found these vents actually make a huge difference in the real world, helping dump excess heat while climbing. The fit is loose, leaving plenty of room to layer underneath, and the 3/4 main zip makes it easy to put on and remove without taking off her helmet. As long as it’s not too warm, Emily can usually get away with wearing it on steep climbs, which is one of her main reasons for using it so often this fall. The small zippered pocket on the lower back doubles as a storage pouch, although stuffing the jacket inside is a bit of a chore.

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Like most Patagonia products, the Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and Patagonia is part of the 1% For The Planet pledge, where 1% of sales are donated to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Since 1985, Patagonia has awarded over $140 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities.

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• Size Range: Womens: XS – XL / Mens: XS – XL
• Material: 3-layer H2No, 100% Recycled Nylon
• Weight: 311 grams (women’s small)
• Place of Manufacture: Vietnam
• Price: $319 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Patagonia.com: Women’s / Men’s

Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Biking Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm / Breathability: 35,000g/m²

British outdoor apparel and gear brand Rab released its “Cinder” range in 2023, building on decades of experience in designing clothing for all-weather performance and comfort. The Rab Cinder range is aimed specifically at bikepackers, boasting protection from the elements and body-mapped fabrics with a tailored on-bike fit. There are a handful of hooded waterproof jackets in the mix, but I was most interested in the Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Biking Jacket because of its incredibly high 35,000g/m² breathability rating.

It’s made from a super stretchy and surprisingly soft fabric Rab calls Proflex, which is a stretchy, breathable, and waterproof material with a durable nylon face. Because of this, the Cinder Kinetic jacket is one of the most comfortable jackets I’ve used. Despite a somewhat slim fit, especially through the arms, the stretchy construction doesn’t feeling restrictive on the bike, but all that stretch comes at a cost. Its 10,000mm waterproof rating is low, and the outer fabric starts to soak up water faster than the others. If you’re looking to maximize breathability and shed off short periods of light rain, it’s functional. However, if you regularly spend multiple hours riding in the rain or seek protection from those conditions, I’d suggest taking a look at the Rab Cinder Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket or Cinder Phantom. Both of these jackets have a 20,000mmm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m² breathability.

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On the bike, it’s easily the most comfortable waterproof jacket I’ve used. Rab nailed the fit, and although the Proflex fabric might not be enough for a winter in the Pacific Northwest, it’s been great for day rides and laps on our local trails. It’s been nice having a small chest pocket for a phone, the stretchy fabric makes wearing the hood over a helmet far more comfortable than other jackets, and the jersey-style pocket on the back is helpful for stashing gloves or other extra small layers. It’s not the lightest jacket (another downside of stretchy, soft fabrics), but it’s a thoughtfully designed option that has be turned on to trying more of Rab’s offerings. Those considering the environment will be pleased to know that it’s made from Fluorocarbon (PFAS) free fabrics and over 50% recycled materials. There is no integrated storage pocket to stuff the jacket in, but it rolls up neatly inside its hood and can be secured using the hood’s cinch cord.

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• Size Range: Womens: XS – XL / Mens: XS – XL
• Material: Proflex, 100% nylon
• Weight: 336 grams / 11.8 ounces (large)
• Place of Manufacture: China
• Price: $270 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: RAB: MEN’S / WOMEN’S

7mesh Skypilot Jacket

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm / Breathability: 25,000g/m²

The 7mesh Skypilot Jacket is the slightly heavier-hitting sibling to the Copilot Jacket. Despite its similar look, the Copilot is constructed from a two-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus fabric, while the Skypilot is made from a three-layer GORE-TEX Active fabric. The simplest way to differentiate between the two is that the Copilot is a touch heavier but packs down small, and the Skypilot is more expensive, offers better breathability, and is more durable.

The Skypilot Jacket is kept minimal with no armpit vents, two small hand pockets, and no back jersey pocket like the Copilot. It has a helmet-compatible hood with a cinch cord, a dropped rear hem, and a watertight Vislon #3 zipper up front. Like all 7mesh apparel, the Skypilot jacket has a slim, athletic fit that’s comfortable on the bike but not the most roomy option for those who might want to layer a light puffy underneath. Fun fact: Meaghan Hackinen relied on the Skypilot Jacket during the 2024 Tour Divide and continues to wear it today.

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The Skypilot Jacket has become Emily’s go-to rain jacket for most of her bikepacking trips in the last two years. She appreciates its simple styling, minimal branding, and fit both on and off the bike. Despite not having a dedicated storage pocket, it can easily be rolled up into its hood and secured with a bungee for packing. Like most 7mesh apparel, the Skypilot Jacket has a slim fit and doesn’t leave much room for layering underneath. It’s holding up well after a lot of use, and aside from an above average price tag, we both agree it could take the top spot for the best bikepacking rain jacket.

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• Size Range: Womens: XS – XL / Mens: XS – XXL
• Material: Gore-Tex Active, 100% nylon, 3 layer
• Weight: 214 grams (women’s small)
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $450 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: 7mesh: Women’s / Men’s

More Rain Jackets for Bikepacking

We did our best to round up the top-rated rain jackets suitable for bikepacking, but we know there are more out there. Below, you’ll find other popular options that we believe would also fit the bill for anyone on the hunt for a new rain jacket. If you’ve got a rain jacket you love, make sure to let us know in the conversation, and we’ll add it in.

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  PEdALED Shell Jacket

  The PEdALED Shell Jacket is made from “shower-stopping” Japanese Toray fabrics with a waterproof rating of up to 20,000mm, with a reasonable 10,000g/m² breathability rating. It has three front pockets, jersey-style storage on the back, a cycling-specific fit, and a helmet-compatible hood.

  Made in Italy / $400 at PEdALED.com

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  Endura MT5000 II Jacket

  The MT5000 II Jacket is one of Endura’s best-selling jackets. It’s made from a breathable and durable ExoShell40DR 3-Layer waterproof fabric, it has durable shoulders with silicone grip and ergonomically positioned stretch panels, there’s an adjustable helmet-friendly hood and two large zippered vents under each arm. It has a waterproof rating of 20,000mm and a breathability rating of 40,000g/m².

  Made in TBD / $330 at EnduraSport.com

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  Rapha Gore-Tex Jacket

  Made from Gore-Tex 2L Paclite Plus fabric, the Rapha Gore-Tex Jacket is designed to be packable, durable, and perfect for on and off the bike. It has an under-the-helmet hood, reflective detailing, and adjustable cuffs and hem combine to keep the elements out. It has a waterproof rating of 28,000mm and a breathability rating of 15,000g/m².

  Made in China / $365 at Rapha.cc

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  Gore Endure Gore-Tex Jacket

  The Gore Endure Gore-Tex Jacket is fully waterproof, lightweight, and packable. It has a cycling-specific fit with articulated arms, an adjustable hem, reflective details, and a stowaway pocket when the jacket isn’t needed. It has a waterproof rating of 28,000mm and a breathability rating of 25,000g/m².

  Made in TBD / $280 at Gore Wear Men’s Women’s

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  Albion Zoa Rain Shell

  The Albion Zoa Rain Shell is popular among bikepackers because of its comfortable on-the-bike fit and highly breathable Pertex Shield Air construction. It has a helmet-compatible hood, waterproof zippers, mesh pockets for venting, and adjustable cuffs. It has a waterproof rating of 20,000mm and a breathability rating of 20,000g/m².

  Made in Italy / $480 at Albion Cycling

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  Rapha Explore Gore-Tex Jacket

  Lucas has been using the Rapha Explore Gore-Tex Jacket for over a year and loves everything about it except for the price. It has built-in vents on the upper back, a waterproof two-way zipper, a nifty adjustable hem to avoid bunching, and comes in six sizes from XS to XXL. It has a waterproof rating of 28,000mm and a breathability rating of 20,000g/m².

  Made in China / $530 at Rapha.cc

You’ve likely noticed that “cycling-specific” rain jackets are usually much more expensive than their non-cycling counterparts. While it’s not always worth forking out the extra cash for cycling gear, the features that come with cycling rain jackets, like a dropped rear hem, oversized hood, and higher breathability ratings, are great for bikepacking. If you’ve had good luck with a rain jacket (from a cycling brand or not), let us know in the conversation below!

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