Are you looking to weatherproof yourself for the winter ahead without having to sell a kidney?
A week before the clocks turn is a good time to assess the state your kit is in. As the post-ride pint has be taken indoors as you turn off your lights, you’re going to want something to keep the elements out.
Riding in the UK means that a waterproof jacket sees a lot of use, and they can get worn out pretty quickly after multiple runs through a mucky washing machine. You don’t need to splash out on the absolute most expensive jacket, there’s plenty of options out there for those with a smaller budget.
Below are our favourite jackets that won’t cost you more than £100. Yes, we know that’s no small amount of money, but it’s where jackets stop being throwaway items and start lasting and performing that much better.
Endura Singletrack II (£109.24 at Rutlands)
Endura have made a name for themselves by producing a great many number of jackets that suit the British conditions to a T. More than just that, they seem to offer an admirable amount of waterproofing and breathability while not costing an arm and a leg.
The Singletrack II is the latest incarnation of this way of thinking. Coming in at £114.99, it’s easy to pick these up online for less than £100. For that, you get 20,000gm/m2/24h breathability with a 10,000 rated Exoshell20™ 3-layer fabric.
It’s not just all about the material though, for under a tonne, you get armpit vents, a roll-away hood and a ‘Napoleon’ zipped pocket with a media port. There’s also arm-warmer pockets and adjustable cuffs and hem.
Endura’s kit does tend to size up small, but with an S to XXL size range, there should be a size to fit everyone.
Buy online: Endura Singletrack II jacket at Rutlands for £109.24
Madison Zenith (£47.99 at Tredz)
Ever since Madison launched its line of riding kit, they’ve steadily built on kit that punches well above its weight. The Zenith waterproof continues that trend.
You would be hard pushed to pick a winner of these out of the Madison or Endura offerings. Coming in at £119.99, again, it’s easy enough to find these cheaper online.
There are subtle differences though. While you get the same waterproofing and breathability ratings, the hood isn’t designed to pack away, but does sport a stiffened peak and an adjuster.
Arm-warmer pockets are replaced by chest pockets that can hold a map, but you do get the same adjustable cuff and hem.
One big thing going for the Zenith is the lifetime warranty.
Alpinestars All Mountain 2 (£92 at Chain Reaction Cycles)
Easily the most expensive jacket on the list but one that you can pick up for a steal online. The Alpinestars All Mountain is a heavier jacket better suited for those colder or stormier days.
A three-layer hardshell does the job of keeping the elements out, while the bonded interior deals with the breathability. Fully taped seams and a waterproof YKK zipper means the only way the elements are getting in is through the neck or hem.
Pit zips let you cool off when the rain slacks off, while the hood is designed to go over your helmet, with vents to keep your head from getting too sweaty.
Side and forearm pockets with waterproof zippers should keep the slop away from your valuables. Reflective elements also ensure you get seen should you have to venture onto the road.
Buy online: Alpinestars All Mountain 2 jacket £92 at Chain Reaction.
Leatt DBX 1.0 (£43.49 at Chain Reaction)
Coming in at £86.00 retail, you’re unlikely to find a cheaper jacket on the list. That said, the DBX 1.0 isn’t the most feature-laden jacket here either.
Designed to fold into its own chest pocket, the DBX 1.0 jacket has to lose some features compared to the other jackets here. It’s ideal for those days where you want something light either in your pack or on you for those showers.
It’s waterproof and windproof, but the lack of vents and built-in breathability means you’ll need to have the right amount of layers on underneath to not boil.
Stretch cuffs and hems make sure no slop makes its way inside, the the adjustable, peaked hood sports reflective elements too.
Buy online: Leatt DBX 1 Jacket £43.49 at Chain Reaction Cycles
Altura Mayhem 2 (£64.68 at Ribble)
Altura’s Mayhem 2 joins the battle with Endura and Madison for putting together a jacket packed with features for just over the £100 mark.
Likely the best of the bunch for those mountain forays, the high neck, 15,000 waterproof and breathability, zippered hand pockets and fully taped seems, the Mayhem is ready to see whatever action you might have for it.
Size range is the biggest of the lot, starting at XSmall and heading all the way up to XXL.
If you’re looking to head out whatever the weather this winter, the Altura Mayhem may well be the right tool for the job.
Buy online: Altura Mayhem jacket £64.68 at Ribble
