22 rain jackets tested: Dry and comfortable for racing, trail and touring

With their sporty cut, rain jackets protect racers from the wet even at high speeds - we tested six models for women and eight for men. Among others from AGU

At Cube, only men will find a suitable model for racing use

Rain classics: Gorewear aims to score points with a sporty cut and robust finish

The Danes from GripGrab know how to deal with rainy weather

12 Images

Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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Whether in a competition or on a relaxed tour in the mountains: a reliable rain jacket is essential for bikers to defy sudden downpours. In our latest test, we scrutinised 22 models from the race and trail categories. Our test clarifies which jackets can withstand even the toughest weather conditions and offer maximum comfort.

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If Peter were a BIKE editor, he would probably have had the foresight to test the rain jackets back in June - and we would probably all have come back a little less soaked from many a tour in this rainy July. But because our climate tends to get milder and even in winter the precipitation falls from the sky in drops rather than flakes, rain jackets are now a year-round item of clothing and are in fashion from the beginning of January to the end of December.

22 rain jackets tested in the lab and in practice

Rain jackets have to do a lot: they should reliably keep out wind and weather, remain vapour permeable, adapt to the sporty posture on the bike and weigh little. For our test, we compared twelve men's and ten women's models from both the Race and Trail categories. The test was based on four practical criteria: Weather protection, fit and comfort, weight and pack size as well as features and function. While racers attach more importance to low weight and a pack size with the volume of a jersey pocket, trail bikers tend to pay more attention to useful details such as an adjustable hood, ventilation options for ascents or better freedom of movement for technical terrain.

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Photo: Georg GrieshaberWe tested how well the rain jackets really hold up in the lab and in practice

We have tested these jackets

Model	Single test	Availability
AGU Ultralight Rain Jacket Perf. Men / Ultralight Rain Jacket Perf. Woman	to the detailed test	>> available here
Alé Elements Rainproof Jacket / Elements Rainproof Jacket Woman	to the detailed test
Cube Road / XC Rain Jacket	to the detailed test
Gorewear Spinshift GTX Jacket Men / Spinshift GTX Jacket Women	to the detailed test	>> available here
GripGrab Rainmaster Waterproof Jacket / W's Rainmaster Waterproof Jacket	to the detailed test	>> available here
Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket / Womens Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket	to the detailed test	>> available here
Poc The Supreme Rain Jacket / The Supreme Rain Jacket	to the detailed test	>> available here
Scott Jacket M's RC Pro GTX WP	to the detailed test	>> available here
Ion Bike Jacket Shelter lite / Bike Jacket Shelter lite	to the detailed test	>> available here
Leatt Jacket MTB HydraDri 2.0 / Jacket MTB HydraDri 2.0 Women	to the detailed test	>> available here
Patagonia M's Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket / W's Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket	to the detailed test	>> available here
Vaude Me Loamer Rain Jacket / Wo Loamer Rain Jacket	to the detailed test	>> available here

Rain cover for racers - lightweight, compact, waterproof

The good news first: most of the jackets performed well, some even excellently. At the top of the podium is the Spinshift GTX from Gorewear alongside the Le Col, which came out on top against the Alé by a wafer-thin margin. What unites this top group is that they stay dry for a long time even in constant rain and splashing water and anticipate the sporty position on the race bike well without stretching or flapping. They are also lightweight and fit easily into the jersey pocket.

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Photo: Wolfgang PappWhether you're on a race bike or a gravel bike, the right cut is what counts in a sporty position

Details such as reflective elements, comfortable collar solutions, well-fitting cuffs and a sufficiently long back section that doesn't ride up when pedalling round off the picture of the perfect racing rain jacket. The models from Agu, Cube and Scott were not quite as convincing. Here, racers have to accept compromises, especially in terms of fit. Poc's ultra-lightweight jacket provides excellent protection from the elements and can be folded up into a tiny package, but the sum of its features does not justify the price of 500 euros.

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Touring jackets - only one shines on the trail

And the trail models? Vaude can take the lead here with the new Loamer. The jacket is reliably waterproof and lets raindrops roll off cleanly even after several washes - only the Ion offers similarly good protection. Striking with Leatt: Although the material itself blocks the rain, the seams are not sealed and let water through. The MTB HydraDri 2.0 is therefore not suitable for real showers - even if it otherwise shines with particularly lavish features.

Rain jackets for touring bikers generally have a looser cut and are generously equipped: hoods, pockets and ventilation openings usually come as standard

Photo: Georg GrieshaberRain jackets for touring bikers generally have a looser cut and are generously equipped: hoods, pockets and ventilation openings usually come as standard

The only thing missing from the Vaude is a ventilation function. Otherwise, the Loamer scores points with its adjustable hood and bike-specific cut. What irritated us here: The mottled material looks as if the jacket has been wrapped up in a rucksack with a piece of bacon. But this visual effect is unimportant as long as you cycle dry through capricious weather like this rainy July.

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These details are important for rain jackets

Short at the front, long at the back: Alé shows how it's done: With its long back section, the jacket provides perfect protection against splashing water, even in a sporty position. The front, on the other hand, is kept short.

Effective protection: long sleeves, comfortable stretch cuffs, small flap - Gorewear shows what the cuffs of a rain jacket should look like.

Difficult handling: If the jacket wrinkles at the front, the zip cannot be opened with one hand for ventilation - a major drawback when riding.

Against sweat: If the zip can also be opened from below, as here on Gripgrab, this improves ventilation on the driveway without rain running into the collar.

Packing bag: With some jackets - here with the Ion - the pocket also serves as a packing bag. This allows the jackets to be stowed small and handy in a jersey or rucksack.

8 Images

Photo: Georg Grieshaber

This is how we tested

The overall score is made up of four different criteria, which were weighted differently depending on their relevance. We determined all measured values in-house, including the Suter and spray test. Before these tests, all test jackets were washed in the washing machine according to instructions.

Weather protection

Waterproofness was determined using the Suter test (see DIN-EN-ISO 20811). We subjected all test jackets to a pressure of 0.4 bar (4,000 millimetres water column) in the area of a seam for two minutes. If water seeps through the material or the seam during the test, points are deducted. Similar to the spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920), the beading behaviour was determined. Depending on the quality of the impregnation of the outer fabric, the water drops roll off to varying degrees.

We test the waterproofness of the rain jackets on the Suter test stand. Particularly critical: seams and tapes often allow moisture to penetrate

Photo: GrieshaberWe test the waterproofness of the rain jackets on the Suter test stand. Particularly critical: seams and tapes often allow moisture to penetrate

Fit / wearing comfort

In terms of fit and comfort, the focus was on how the jackets wear in everyday use. We assessed how the lining feels against the skin and how loud the flapping noise is on fast descents. When it comes to fit, the jacket has to prove its cutting qualities in the bent-forward racing bike position. The back section should extend far enough over the bum, the material should lie as flat as possible on the stomach, the collar should protect against draughts even when the head is stretched out and the sleeves should seal smoothly at the wrists.

Weight / Pack size

It is practical if the rain jacket can be stowed away in the jersey pocket when not in use to save space. The lighter it is and the smaller it can be folded up, the better. This is particularly important for women, whose jersey pockets are often smaller than those of large men's jerseys.

Equipment / Function

As standard, a rain jacket should be equipped with reflective material, a well-fitting waistband (gel waistband), an easy-running zip, an asymmetrically shaped collar and sleeve sections with elastic elements. Manufacturers who add extras to their rain jackets, such as zip pockets or ventilation openings for optimised sweat transport, are awarded bonus points.

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