5 Best Women’s Winter Cycling Jackets | And How To Pick!

If you’ve ever braved the winter cold on a bike, you know how important it is to have a good waterproof cycling jacket. 

Seriously, a reliable waterproof cycling jacket is an absolute necessity. And choosing a good one can be quite tricky.

In this article, I’ll talk about some of the best women’s winter cycling jackets out there, focusing on the best waterproof options available.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been cycling for ages, I’ve picked my favorite waterproof cycling jackets—these jackets will keep you warm, let your skin breathe, and keep moisture away. 

So, if you want to enjoy your winter rides without freezing or getting wet, stick around to find out about the top women’s winter cycling jackets.

How to choose a good winter cycling jacket 

The whole point of a dedicated winter cycling jacket is to keep you warm, and keep water out. With this in mind, your ideal winter cycling jacket should be waterproof, breathable with sufficient ventilation, and insulated enough to keep you warm.

First, you need to prioritize jackets made from high-quality waterproof and breathable materials like Gore-Tex. These materials keep you dry from rain or snow and let your sweat dry up so you stay comfortable. 

Also, think about how warm you need to be; some jackets with good insulation like down or synthetic materials keep you cozy during cold rides. 

Choosing the right winter cycling jacket means looking at a few key things. And here’s a quick list of some very important features:

• Should be waterproof and windproof
• Provide enough insulation, but also breathable
• Is lightweight and can fold small
• Has handy pockets to hold your essentials
• Is adjustable and has a good fit
• Has reflective parts for safety

BALEAF Women’s Thermal Windproof Cycling Jacket 

This cold weather cycling jacket has a solid build-quality and offers great value. It effectively blocks the wind and will keep you warm even in 30-degree weather. 

BALEAF Women’s Rain Jackets Waterproof Windbreaker

This jacket is light, looks stylish, and resists water. The fabric is breathable, and there’s a ventilation system in the back to keep you feeling cool and dry during activities. 

Bikewa Women’s Windproof Reflective Jacket with Packable Hood

This jacket is waterproof, super breathable and light, which is great for cycling in winter. 

Little Donkey Andy Women’s Windproof and Waterproof Cycling Jacket 

This jacket is a total win for winter commuting! It’s light, stylish, and handles rain surprisingly well. I initially thought it was just a windbreaker, but it kept me dry in rain showers too.

FitsT4 Women’s Lightweight Windproof Cycling Windbreaker with Hood | Best Budget Option

This jacket is light and super comfy, with lots of roomy pockets and a hood to shield you from both wind and rain.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Good Winter Cycling Jacket

Choosing a waterproof jacket for winter cycling means thinking about a few key things to make sure you stay comfy, safe, and ready to ride even when it’s cold and wet. 

Here are some very important features to look for:

Waterproof & Breathable Material

When you’re cycling in winter, you never know when it might start raining, or snowing. That’s why it’s very important to have a jacket that keeps you dry. 

Jackets made of high-quality waterproof fabric like Gore-Tex will stop water from getting in and getting you soaked, so you stay nice and dry as you ride. 

But it’s not just about keeping rain out; you also want a breathable jacket that lets sweat and moisture from your body escape. If your jacket isn’t breathable with enough ventilation, you’ll end up feeling sweaty and cold. 

So, having a jacket that’s both waterproof and breathable is key. It keeps you protected from the outside wetness while letting your sweat out, making sure you’re comfy and cozy while cycling in the cold.

Enough Insulation

It’s a no-brainer that your winter cycling jacket should have enough insulation to keep you warm in the cold.

The best winter cycling jackets will trap heat close to your body and act like a shield or protection against the cold. 

I recommend you choose jackets made from materials like down, synthetic fibers, or fleece because these materials provide the best levels of insulation. 

They’re able to retain warmth and keep you comfortable during long rides in chilly conditions.

Some jackets also have removable liners or layers that allow you to adjust according to the temperature.

Windproof

It’s great to have a waterproof jacket with good insulation, but a windproof cycling jacket will protect you from cold wind chill, especially during high-speed descents or windy conditions. The wind can make it feel way colder by taking away the warm air around you. 

A windproof jacket helps stop that cold wind from getting in, keeping the warmth from your body inside. This means you stay comfy, hold onto your heat better, and keep riding strong without getting too cold or feeling unwell because of the cold.

So, having a windproof jacket for winter cycling is important to keep you warm, especially when going fast or downhill. 

Ventilation

It’s important for winter cycling jackets to have good ventilation to control temperature and manage sweat and moisture during intense rides. 

While insulation keeps you warm, cycling is a physical activity that can make you hot and sweaty. And it can be very uncomfortable when the sweat doesn’t get out.  

Jackets with a good ventilation system like zippers, mesh parts, or adjustable openings let you control the airflow and get rid of extra heat and sweat. 

This will prevent you from getting too sweaty, keep your body temperature just right, and make sure you stay dry, cool, and focused, improving your overall riding pleasure and performance. 

Having ventilation in winter cycling jackets finds a good balance between keeping warm and letting your body breathe, which is great for long rides in all sorts of weather.

Adjustable Fit

Jackets with adjustable cuffs, waist, and hoods will let you get the right fit based on how you feel and the weather outside. 

A good and snug fit stops cold air or wetness from getting in, but still gives room if you want to add more layers or let some air in. 

Plus, with an adjustable jacket, you can move freely without restrictions, switch up their riding stance or change position, and keep performing at your best during the ride.

Reflective Elements

Being seen is crucial for cyclists, especially in winter with fewer daylight hours and tricky weather. 

Reflective parts on cycling jackets make a big difference in low-light situations, making sure drivers, walkers, and other folks on the road can spot you easily. 

These reflective parts reflect backlight, which helps you to stand out more and reduce the chance of accidents. 

With reflective designs on jackets, like strips or logos, you can be very easily seen, feel safer, and ride with confidence even when visibility isn’t great.

Pockets

Having pockets in cycling jackets is really handy because you can store essentials like your keys, phone, snacks, or tools. 

As a cyclist, you might need extra gear, especially in winter, so having good pockets is key. Well-made pockets in jackets are easy to get to, will keep your stuff safe, and won’t get in your way or make you feel bulky. 

If the pockets are waterproof or sealed, it’s even better because your important stuff like phones and valuables stay dry. 

Other Great Features You Might Want

Hood:

• If you prefer a hood, make sure it’s adjustable and can fit over your cycling helmet. Some jackets have removable hoods for versatility.

Sealed Seams:

• Jackets with sealed or taped seams offer better protection against water penetration, they keep you stay dry during prolonged rides in wet conditions.

Length & Coverage:

• A longer back or tail can provide more coverage when leaning forward on the bike, this will protect your lower back from splashes and rain.

Cuff Design:

• Jackets with longer cuffs or adjustable closures can help seal out water and cold air, and keep your wrists protected.

Durability:

• Invest in a jacket made with durable materials with a study build-quality to ensure longevity, especially if you plan to use it frequently in harsh weather.

Compatibility with Layering:

• Also consider the jacket’s fit and design to ensure it can accommodate base layers or mid-layers without feeling too tight or restrictive.

Weight and Packability:

• While you want a robust jacket for winter conditions, it’s important that the jacket is lightweight and compact, in case you need to carry or stow it during rides.