The best waterproof cycling jackets 2024: Thoroughly tested to keep you dry in the harshest conditions

A white man in a navy blue waterproof cycling jacket stands against a graffiti wall
(Image credit: Will Jones)

The world of waterproof tech is in flux thanks to the ban on PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals'. For now there are still some very good pre-ban options for riding still out there on the market, but you want to avoid PFAS entirely I've added a brand guide at the bottom of my guide to PFAS to help you navigate as you like. 

For road riding the best option is the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket. It uses the old Gore-Tex membrane, and is what I reach for when it's really hammering it down when I want to hammer it on tarmac. For off-road and adventure riding the incredible Albion Zoa Rain Shell is the place to go. It's so good it went in my Gear of the Year last year, and I wear mine all the time. 

Tested by
Will Jones
Tested by
Will Jones

I've been testing waterproof jackets for Cyclingnews for three years now. Every fall as my colleagues retreat to Zwift I pop the mudguards on and venture into the wet. Having tried a huge variety of waterproof jackets I've got a real eye for what works and what is just a gimmick, and I've spent my time doing my homework on the science behind the changing world of waterproof membranes to help demystify things for you.  

Recent updates

October 21st, 2024 This guide has been refreshed for winter 2024/25 with a slightly new format. The list of recommended jackets has been pared back to make it more useful. There are a few new additions to the guide, and some discontinued products have been removed. An 'also tested' section has been added to include those jackets that didn't make the grade, and why.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Will Jones
Senior Tech Writer

Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.