This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more.
You’d be forgiven had you shoved a lightweight packable jacket some way down the list of your priorities as far as cycling gear is concerned. On the face of it, they admittedly may not seem as crucial as, say, a long-sleeved cycling jacket or thermal.
But actually, you may be surprised by how useful they can be, not least through their removable layer which helps accommodate for all sorts of weather conditions. If it’s particularly chilly, it will come in handy – but on a ‘warmer’ day, you can leave it behind so you don’t drip with sweat too badly.
Read More:
Below, we’ll run you through three of the best for both men and women – including two with hoods and one without – so you can enhance your cycling experience with a lightweight packable jacket too.
But first, a look at the possible criteria when deciding which one to buy:
-
Lightweight Commuting Jacket
Rapha Men’s Lightweight Commuter Jacket
Exceptionally breathable and combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to prevent overheating.
-
Lightweight construction
Regatta Men’s Pack It Jkt III Jacket
Crafted with full zip fastening and long sleeves for a secure fit.
-
Wind-resistant and highly breathable
DHB Men’s Aeron Packable Jacket
Lightweight performance jacket which is perfect for those dry, cool days
-
Lightweight Commuting Jacket
Rapha Women’s Lightweight Commuter Jacket
Exceptionally breathable and combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to prevent overheating
-
Waterproof
Mountain Warehouse Pakka Women’s Jacket
Fully waterproof with taped seams, breathable, lots of handy pockets, a foldaway hood
-
Super-lightweight performance jacket
DHB Women’s Aeron Packable Jacket
Lightweight performance jacket which is perfect for those dry, cool days
What Should I Be Looking For?
- Something you can throw in your bag in case of an unexpected shower – indeed, many of these jackets should fold and roll up into your pockets; if they don’t already pack into a compartment of their own, that is.
- Water Resistance. Obviously. No good buying any cycling jacket which leaves you as waterlogged as the ground you’re riding on.
- Hood vs No Hood – this is down to personal preference, of course – for most people, a hood naturally feels a useful addition to take advantage of. But with cyclists, it’s a bit more complicated – unless the hood fits snugly around the head, it can be a nuisance when riding, in that it almost acts like a hot-air balloon. Although, the ideal option is if it has a hood that can be stored away when not needed.
Looking for women’s jackets? Click here to skip straight to them.
Why You Can Trust Us
Discerning Cyclist’s expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing cycling products so you don’t have to.
Testing stylish gear since 2012
Hundreds of hands-on product tests
Unfiltered opinions from experienced cyclists
Top 3: Best Packable Rain Cycling Jackets for Men
Best Men’s Lightweight Packable Waterproof Jackets (With Hood)
1. Rapha Men’s Lightweight Commuter Jacket
-
£100
-
$122
-
€115
Prices are approximate
- Size: XS to XXL
Built-in bag so you can pack it away
Reflective detailing on rear
Comes in 8 different colours
This Rapha lightweight rain jacket is a commuter’s dream in that it offers so much in the way of breathability and visibility, no matter what the elements may throw your way.
Its two front pockets offer plenty of storage room, as does the storm hood which fits nicely beneath your helmet and folds down seamlessly. Plus, its breathable fabric combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to stop you from overheating, even with lugging your backpack to and from work.
Plus, this super-stylish jacket is now 25 per cent off, so if you buy quickly, you can save yourself some hard-earned dough while doing so. Make sure you check out our full review from earlier this year, too.
A stunningly stylish jacket that is water and wind resistant, has a foldaway hood and can be packed down into it's built-in pocket so you can throw it in a bag.
2. Regatta Men’s Pack It Jkt III Jacket
-
£20
-
$30
-
€30
Prices are approximate
- Size: XS to 5XL
Waterproof and breathable Isolite 5000 lightweight polyamide fabric
Breathability rating 5,000g/m2/24hrs
Durable water repellent finish with taped seams
Cheap and cheerful, and available in ten different colours including ‘lime punch’ and ‘neon spring’ and eight sizes, this Regatta light waterproof jacket is perfect for those working on a more restricted budget.
That’s not to say its lower price equates to lower quality, though, its seam-sealed polyamide fabric is water-resistant and breathable, so you’ll stay dry inside and out, while it also comes with handy features like an adjustable hood, a snap fasten front and two pockets.
Best Men’s Lightweight Packable Waterproof Jacket (Without Hood)
3. DHB Men’s Aeron Packable Jacket
-
£42
Prices are approximate
- Size: XS to 2XL
DWR coated for rain protection
Reflective detailing on front and back
3 colour options available
Like we said earlier, a hood isn’t everyone’s thing. If you’re someone who thinks you can do without them, have a look at this Aeron jacket, now available at the reduced price of just £44.
Hugely versatile, windproof and showerproof, with an improved fit and extra reflective elements for the colder months, this is an excellent and extremely lightweight packable jacket which fits snugly into its integrated pocket.
It also comes with side entry openings for access to pockets, a full-length YKK zip, and mesh side panels for added breathability. What more could you want?
A super lightweight jacket without a hood that is both rain resistant and extremely breathable. Folds down into its own pocket for easy storage.
Top 3: Best Packable Rain Cycling Jackets for Women
Best Women’s Lightweight Packable Waterproof Jackets (With Hood)
4. Rapha Women’s Lightweight Commuter Jacket
-
£100
-
$122
-
€115
Prices are approximate
- Size: XXS to XL
Built-in bag so you can pack it away
Reflective detailing on rear
Comes in 8 different colours
Whether in ‘high-vis pink’ or ‘dark yellow’, you’ll have no worries as to whether you’re visible enough with this brilliant women’s commuter jacket.
It boasts an incredibly breathable fabric which, like its male counterpart, combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to prevent overheating even when wearing a rucksack. It also the same two front pockets and storm hood which fits perfectly beneath your helmet.
And again, it can either be packed into an integrated stuff sack or fit in virtually any bag, so it’s about as portable as they come.
Plus, its reflective pixel printing and oversized dot on the lower back sit beneath a backpack and in drivers’ line of vising, while its reflective cuffs assist with signalling, too.
Check out our full Rapha Lightweight Commuter Jacket review here.
A stunningly stylish jacket that is water and wind resistant, has a foldaway hood and can be packed down into it's built-in pocket so you can throw it in a bag.
5. Mountain Warehouse Pakka Women’s Jacket
-
£20
Prices are approximate
- Fastening: Zipper
- Collar Style: Band
Tested to withstand 1,500mm of rain in a 24 hour period, suitable for light to moderate rain
Reflective detailing on rear
Packaway hood and packaway bag
With 12 sizes and seven colours to pick from, you’re spoilt for choice with this women’s jacket – though all of them will no doubt offer you a stylish look as well as reliable protection from the weather.
Made from 100 per cent nylon, this long-sleeved jacket’s waterproof and breathable membrane allows moisture out and stops rain from getting in, while its reflective piping only increases your visibility when cycling in the dark.
It’s also got a helpful zipper for fastening and is machine-washable, which is always handy.
Best Women’s Lightweight Packable Waterproof Jacket (Without Hood)
6. DHB Women’s Aeron Packable Jacket
-
£42
Prices are approximate
Size: UK 8 – UK 16
DWR coated for rain protection
Reflective detailing on front and back
Integrated pocket which you can fold the jacket into
And finally, if you’re a woman looking for a hood-less lightweight packable cycling jacket, we’d direct you to the same place as the men – Aeron.
In fact, the women’s Aeron pocket raincoat has many of the same perks as that of the men’s. An improved fit, extra reflective elements, windproof and showerproof – again, it’s an ideal choice if you want all the best features without the hood.
There’s the same mesh side panels to make it more breathable, the same full-length YKK zip, and the same integrated pocket in which to pack it after finishing your ride.
A super lightweight jacket without a hood that is both rain resistant and extremely breathable. Folds down into its own pocket for easy storage.
Lightweight Cycling Jackets – FAQs
What is the best lightweight waterproof jacket?
In our humble opinion, the Rapha Lightweight Commuter Jacket is the best lightweight waterproof jacket for cyclists right now. It’s highly breathable, visible and portable, and decent value for money, too.
Are packable jackets warm?
Not really – they’re more of a top layer. It’s good to have warm layers beneath them, in that respect.
How to wash a waterproof jacket?
Some will be machine-washable, but before washing, make sure you remove any loose dirt on its outer layer. Use gentle liquid detergent, rinse it twice, then set your dryer to low and tumble-dry it.
How to reproof a waterproof jacket?
Every now and again you’ll need to reproof a waterproof jacket – especially if you wash it often. Fortunately, reproofing a jacket isn’t hard and you can do so by using a waterproofing spray. You can check out our guide to the best DWR sprays around here.
Read More: