A lightweight windbreaker is an essential piece of cycling gear that will help make your rides more fun.
A good windbreaker is lightweight and packable so you can stow it away when the wind dies down or temperatures rise. These lightweight jackets not only keep you safe from wind, rain, and cold, but also let your skin breathe.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to find the right windbreaker for your cycling adventures.
Thankfully, we’re here for you with the best lightweight cycling windbreakers on the market, so you can find the right one to keep you comfortable on windy days.
Key Features to Look for in Lightweight Windbreakers
The first things I like to think about when choosing a good windbreaker for cycling is if it’s lightweight and breathable.
It should be lightweight because you obviously don’t want anything to weigh you down when cycling. Also, a lightweight jacket is easier to carry around, especially if it can fold up into a compact and small bag.
Another important detail is how well the windbreaker fits. It needs to fit well enough to allow you to freely move your arms and body when cycling.
A good cycling windbreaker should also have reflective parts, so drivers and other road users can easily see you, especially if it’s dark outside. This helps keep you safe when you’re on the road.
Lastly, it’s helpful if the windbreaker can fold up small. Sometimes you might not need it all the time when you’re riding, so it’s handy if you can put it away easily when you don’t need it.
Here’s a quick list of factors to consider in the best windbreakers for cycling:
- Lightweight and packable
- Wind and water-resistant
- Breathable fabric
- Reflective details for visibility
- Longer back for coverage while riding
- Secure zippered pockets
6 of The Best Women’s Lightweight Cycling Windbreakers
Check out our roundup of the best lightweight women’s cycling windbreakers for wind protection without weighing you down.
1
BEST OVERALL
BALEAF Women’s Waterproof Windbreaker
Price at time of publication: $53.99
This is a jacket that ticks all the boxes for me—high-quality, functional, and versatile.
It’s super comfortable, sturdy, and fits just right. Even though it’s light, it’s very good at keeping water out and folds up small for trips or long runs. I like that it packs up into a small storage bag, so I can easily carry it in case it rains unexpectedly.
It’s not insulated, but it works great with a base layer on chilly days. Even in heavy wind and rain, I’ve stayed dry and warm, thanks to its hood and quick-drying fabric.
It has a very practical design with large side pockets and a spacious back pocket for storing all your small essentials. Plus, it has a sturdy build with very strong zippers and pull cords.
2
BEST FOR RAIN PROTECTION
Champion Women’s Packable, Wind & Water-Resistant Hooded Jacket
Price at time of publication: $41.25
The Champion Women’s jacket is lightweight, roomy, and incredibly comfortable. It’s made from durable material that can withstand wear and tear.
What sets this jacket apart is it’ll actually keep you dry in the rain. The zipper goes all the way up, and the collar completely covers the neck, so your clothes are protected from the weather. The hood also stays put, so you don’t have to deal with it falling in your face when it’s windy.
It’s wind-resistant, and the hood adds an extra layer of protection from the elements. And the adjustable shock cords let you customize the fit.
It folds small so you can pack it up and carry it around when not in use, this is very convenient in case of unexpected rain.
If you want a practical and affordable jacket to keep you dry and comfortable during your cycling adventures, definitely check this one out.
3
BEST FOR NIGHT RIDING
33,000ft Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Windproof Jacket
Price at time of publication: $52.99
The jacket is a cozy companion for chilly days. Its soft material feels gentle against the skin, and the tailored fit adds a touch of style.
The zippered back pocket is handy, and the reflective strips will make you more visible in low-light conditions; which is great for safety.
I appreciate that it’s not just a shapeless box—it actually has some form to it. The fit is just right, with flexible arms and the perfect length.
The fit is just right, with flexible arms and the perfect length. It has 2 zip-up hand pockets and 2 internal pockets, which are perfect for keeping your small items safe and accessible.
You can fold it into its back pocket and turn it into a small bag, which makes it easy to carry around. It’s also waterproof, which is great, but it’s not very breathable.
The best part is its versatility, thanks to the zip-off sleeves that transform it into a sleeveless vest for warmer weather.
4
BEST FOR COMFORT
FitsT4 Sports Women’s Cycling Windbreaker with Hood
Price at time of publication: $39.99
The FitsT4 Sports Windbreaker strikes a perfect balance between warmth and breathability. It’s made with a high-quality fabric that’s ultra-lightweight and will keep you warm without overheating.
It has a big hood to protect you from wind and rain, while the collar keeps your neck warm when zipped up.
This jacket has practical features like lots of pockets for storing small items, a hood that can be tucked away into the collar, and reflective designs on the back for better visibility.
It also has a ventilation system in the back to help keep you cool and dry during intense activities, and it’s easy to fold up the entire jacket and store away when you’re not using it.
Although it’s not completely waterproof, it can handle light rain, and give you some protection. Overall, this Windbreaker is a practical, stylish, and versatile choice for cycling and other outdoor activities.
5
MOST PACKABLE
Little Donkey Andy Women’s UPF 50+ Cycling Windbreaker with Removable Sleeves
Price at time of publication: $49.99
This is a cute and practical jacket that’s perfect for layering during outdoor activities like mountain biking. It’s lightweight, but keeps you warm and actually blocks the wind.
The design of this jacket lets air flow through easily, with the zip-off sleeves and open options, which is very useful if you tend to sweat in the cold.
It has two zippered side pockets and a big back pocket where you can store some of your essentials. The fabric is stretchy and lets you move easily when you’re active.
It also has a full zipper in the front, a chin guard, and a flap inside to keep you protected from bad weather.
You can even fold it up and put it in the back pocket, this transforms it into a small bag for carrying around when you’re on the go.
6
MOST AFORDABLE
Avoogue Women Lightweight Waterproof Packable Outdoor Hooded Windbreaker
Price at time of publication: $31.99
If you want to stay comfortable and stylish on a budget, this Avoogue Windbreaker is a good pick. It’ll keep you dry and protected from light rain and wind.
It’s incredibly lightweight and folds up neatly without getting too wrinkled, so it’s easy to carry around, which is perfect for cycling in unpredictable weather.
Made of waterproof material, this hooded rain jacket is both breathable, comfortable, and versatile enough to be worn as a light coat in various seasons, from spring to winter.
While it’s definitely water-resistant and effective at blocking out the wind, it can feel a bit sticky in warm weather. However, it dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space, which is a plus.
The casual loose style allows you to layer clothes underneath if you need to, and the 2 large pockets are convenient for storing essentials.
It also has adjustable drawstrings on the hood and hem, so you can keep the jacket snug against you to stay warm and dry in light rain.
Although it might not withstand heavy downpours, it’s still a practical choice for outdoor adventures in any season.
5 Maintenance Tips for Your Windbreaker
To make your windbreaker last longer, here are 5 maintenance tips to follow:
- Washing: Wash your windbreaker with a mild soap in cold water on a gentle cycle so it doesn’t get damaged and keeps its ability to keep water out. And don’t use any harsh chemicals.
- Drying: let it air dry by hanging it up or laying it flat. Don’t put it in the dryer because the heat can hurt the fabric, especially if it’s labeled as water-resistant or waterproof. Also, don’t put it in direct sunlight because that can make the colors fade.
- Storing: Keep your windbreaker in a cool, dry place where it’s not in the sun or near moisture. Don’t fold it up for too long because that can make creases and make the fabric weaker. Instead, hang it up on a soft hanger to keep its shape.
- Avoiding Scratching: be careful not to scratch your windbreaker and make it wear out faster. Keep it away from things like rough backpack straps or scratchy Velcro.
- Making it Water-Resistant Again: After a while, the water-resistant coating on your windbreaker might wear off. You can restore the water-resistant feature by giving your windbreaker a special treatment called DWR (Durable Water Repellent).
FAQs
How do I choose the right size windbreaker?
The best way to find the right size windbreaker for you is to measure your body (in inches) and compare the measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart for the windbreaker you want to buy.
First, you need to measure your chest or bust, sleeve length (which corresponds to your arm length), your shoulder-length, and your waist accurately.
And then look at the size chart from the brands you’re considering to find the size that matches your measurements.
Remember that sizes can be a little different between brands, so it’s best to use the size chart from the brand you’re buying from.
Also, think about how you’ll use the windbreaker—whether you’ll wear it over other layers or just by itself—and choose a size that lets you move freely without being too big or tight.
Are windbreakers actually waterproof?
Short answer, yes and no. Some windbreakers do have some level of water-resistance, and it’s common to find those. But 100% waterproof windbreakers are quite uncommon, but they exist.
Water-resistant windbreakers will protect you from a light rain or drizzle and actually keep you dry, but won’t do much against a heavy downpour.
Kind in mind that the primary purpose of a windbreaker is to block the wind, so the waterproof feature in windbreakers is good to have but not compulsory.
Wrapping Up
Every cyclist needs a lightweight windbreaker, and investing in a good one is the only way to make sure you get your money’s worth.
With that in mind, when choosing a high-quality windbreaker, be sure to focus on features like how easy it is to pack, how breathable it is, if it’s water-resistant (in case of an unexpected rain), and if it has secure pockets.
The windbreakers we mentioned above give you lots of choices to fit different needs and budgets, so you can find the perfect one for your rides.
However, a jacket that checks all the boxes is this Baleaf Women’s Waterproof Windbreaker, you should definitely check it out, and let us know what you think.
Happy riding!
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