Updated on November 2, 2021

When choosing the best MTB jacket for your cycling excursions, the main factors to keep in mind are comfort, performance and durability. A mountain biker needs all of these working together in order to remain warm and dry for extended periods in a variety of riding conditions. So, consider these questions: Will the design allow for movement and breathability? Will its features maximize convenience and momentum? Will its materials protect against the weather and elements?

Meeting these requirements can help you find the right style for hitting those trails. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’re taking out the guesswork with a breakdown of our favorite MTB outerwear picks. Whether you’re conquering the steep elevation and frigid climate of the Rockies or navigating the rugged desert landscape of Phoenix, we’ve got you covered with the best options available––no matter where that love for nature and passion for mountain biking takes you!

For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Mountain Bike Shorts.

 

Quick Answer - The Best MTB Jackets

  1. Showers Pass Elite 2.1
  2. Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier
  3. Marmot 41200 PreCip
  4. Gore Bike Wear Phantom Windstopper
  5. Columbia OutDry Ex Eco
  6. The North Face Venture 2
  7. Wolfbike Fleece Thermal

 

Comparison Table - Best MTB Jackets

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NameWeightWaterproof?WindproofPriceRatingReview
Showers Pass Elite 2.1453.60 gYesYes$$$4.4Read Review
Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier90.70 gYesYes$$4.3Read Review
Marmot 41200 PreCip362.90 gYesYes$5.0Read Review
Gore Bike Wear Phantom Windstopper589.70 gYesYes$$$3.8Read Review
Columbia OutDry Ex Eco340.20 gYesYes$$$5.0Read Review
The North Face Venture 2330.00 gYesYes$$4.7Read Review
Wolfbike Fleece Thermal861.90 gNoYes$3.6Read Review
NameWeightWaterproof?WindproofPriceRatingReview

Reviews - The Best Jackets for Mountain Biking

Showers Pass Elite 2.1

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 453.60 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: Nylon and eVent Membrane
Showers Pass Elite 2.1

BEST FOR: LONG-DISTANCE RIDING

PROS: This jacket is body-mapped to keep you ventilated on the inside and protected from the weather outside, while the large pockets and reflective trim maximize both storage and visibility

CONS: Due to its impressive safety and performance features, this jacket is among the most expensive currently on the market

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 90.70 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: Polyester and Elastane
Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier

BEST FOR: EXTENDED SEASON RIDING

PROS: This jacket is excellent for year-round usage in a variety of altitudes and conditions due to its contoured and semi-form fitting ergonomics that create an elasticized, weather-tight seal

CONS: Because the structure of this jacket tends to feel snug on the body, those who want a breathable fit should consider sizing-up

Marmot 41200 PreCip

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 362.90 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: Nylon NanoPro Ripstop

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL RIDING

PROS: This jacket is both affordable and multi-functional, offering unrestricted movement, reducing moisture build-up, and compressing into its own pocket for convenient portability

CONS: The construction of this jacket is on the looser, baggier side which might not be ideal for bikers who prefer a more athletic fit

Gore Bike Wear Phantom Windstopper

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 589.70 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: 4-Way Knit Spandex

BEST FOR: SPEED RIDING

PROS: This jacket is engineered for the technical athlete who needs moderate protection in cool or damp environments without feeling weighed down, and its detachable zipper sleeves offer just that

CONS: Since its main purpose is to elevate performance and momentum, this jacket likely won’t sustain body heat over long periods of time

Columbia OutDry Ex Eco

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 340.20 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: Polyester/OutDry Extreme Membrane

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL RIDING

PROS: This jacket is not only a proven line of defense against rain, it’s also among the most eco-conscious biking garments available, thanks to a process of turning plastic bottles into weather-tight fabric

CONS: Earth friendly gear doesn’t often come cheap due to labor intensive manufacturing, so this jacket might not work within your budget

The North Face Venture 2

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Weight: 330.00 g
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: DryVent Nylon and Polyester
The North Face Venture 2

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL RIDING

PROS: This jacket is made with innovative water repellent technology to ensure multi-layer protection and moisture permeability and breathable comfort, no matter the season or trail conditions

CONS: The cut of this jacket is more relaxed which could be a hindrance to cyclists who don’t like their outerwear to flap or billow on the descent

Wolfbike Fleece Thermal

Specs
  • Weight: 861.90 g
  • Waterproof?: No
  • Windproof: Yes
Features
  • MATERIALS: Polyester and Spandex

BEST FOR: SPEED RIDING

PROS: This jacket is an economical option for winter riding, as the windproof outer shell and fleece inside layer retain body heat, while the streamlined jersey fit optimizes your speed training

CONS: The materials are not waterproof, so this jacket won’t shield you from precipitation, making it more conducive to drier, low-humidity climates

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MTB JACKETS

 

 COMFORT

According to Road.CC, a MTB jacket should allow the upper-body to bend over the handlebars for optimal steering in high-altitudes. Lightweight ergonomics help you maneuver through uneven surfaces, abrupt turns or sharp inclines without restricting speed and agility. The most practical jackets combine a streamlined fit, relaxed comfort and weight compression to support your range-of-motion.

 

PERFORMANCE

When you’re pedaling in mountainous terrain, it’s crucial to keep the hands free, so you can focus on safety and efficiency. So, you need an MTB jacket with convenient storage for all that gear and equipment. The Clymb suggests front or rear pockets with simple closure and waterproof lining to stash your wallet, keys, phone, GPS, snacks and other items. This feature promotes the accessibility and functionality to perform on all cylinders.

 

DURABILITY

Venturing off-the-grid means you’ll encounter unexpected weather and temperatures. So, prepare for environmental shifts with a jacket made of materials that offer insulation and ventilation. Choose fabrics with rain- and wind-proof membranes to protect yourself in climate extremes. Also, consider the jacket’s moisture wicking, or breathability, since your internal temperature rises with exercise. The goal is conserving warmth, but not to a stifling degree.

 

BUDGET

High-quality jackets range from $120 to over $200, so consider this a long-term investment. A higher price equals better function and lifespan, so if you can afford a more expensive option, it’s the ideal choice. For bikers on a budget though, you can forego certain features to reduce the cost. For instance, waterproof is pricier than water-resistance, so if you ride in mild conditions, this tradeoff makes sense.