Beat the elements: Best waterproof motorcycle jackets

Best waterproof motorcycle jackets
Best waterproof motorcycle jackets
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Coping with changeable weather is a conundrum that faces all riders, but arm yourself with a waterproof motorcycle jacket and you’ll always be ready to face the worst of it. Textiles lend themselves more easily to this as waterproofing can either be attached to the outer layer during construction in the form of a laminate, or attached directly beneath as a drop liner. Some textiles come with a re-treatable coating to prevent water ingress, much like the traditional wax cotton jacket.

The biggest advantage of choosing a waterproof motorcycle jacket instead of an oversuit is that the waterproof layer will be breathable too. This will prevent you getting wet from condensation, which can be very unpleasant, especially in winter.

Whichever you choose, it will likely come down to price and personal choice, however consideration should always be given to protection, as with all bike kit. The CE rating will give a good indication as to how it will perform should the unexpected happen, as well as to how durable it’s likely to be in general use. Ratings range from B at the bottom end to AAA offering the highest level of protection.

Armour at the shoulder and elbow should feature as a minimum, and most manufacturers will include provision for a back protector, if not the actual item itself. This will also be CE rated, to either level 1 (good) or 2 (better).

We’ve gathered a selection of the best waterproof motorcycle jackets here

Price: £239.98 (was £299.99)
All season laminated waterproof jacket with Outlast thermal liner, zip ventilation and CE armour.
Price: £176.20 (was £269.99)
The Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Textile waterproof Motorcycle Jacket has been designed using Drystar construction, offering 100% waterproofing and high levels of breathability, even when riding in difficult weather conditions.
Price: £173.16 (was £257.61)
AA-rated textile jacket with removable thermal liner and breathable water- and windproof membrane. Level 1 armour at the shoulder and elbow, plus provision for optional back protector.
Price: £129.99 (was £219.99)
All season armoured waterproof textile jacket.
Price: £99.99 (was £199.99)
Waterproof year-round classic look dry waxed jacket with removable thermal liner.

Pros

Price: £361.93

This sporty, stylish jacket from prestige, leading Italian motorcycle clothing brand Dainese combines textiles, leather and waterproofing into a great, sporty-looking but versatile garment. The main construction is textile with a water-repellent treatment but there's also a waterproof and breathable 'D-Dry' lining.

There’s cowhide and even aluminium panels and inserts, lots of stretch panels for a snug, sporty fit, adjustment at the waist and wrists and even an aerodynamic spoiler. It’s also safety certified to EN 1621.1. A very versatile, stylish, sporty jacket that also happens to be waterproof.

Pros

  • Premium brand
  • Lots of features
  • Truly versatile

Cons

  • More expensive than some
Price: £99.99 (was £199.99)

Part of RST's textile jacket range, the GT features CE level two armour in the shoulders, elbows and back alongside a SinAqua waterproof and breathable liner. What's more, there's also a removable thermal liner - ideal for colder rides.

External TPU armour is visible on the shoulders and there is reflective piping to offer a little more visibility in low-light conditions. Strong zips should also offer more strength in the event of crash.

Pros

  • Great protection
  • Reputable brand

Cons

  • Limited sizes available
Price: £369.99 (was £399.99)

This leather jacket from Weise is an excellent waterproof option if you want something that looks a little more stylish. Made from 1.2mm - 1.4mm Monaco Performance leather, the jacket comes complete with a removable waterproof lining.

What’s more, with CE approved back, shoulder and elbow armour, a removable 120-gram thermal lining and neoprene finish to the collar and cuffs this jacket is perfect for any weather. It even has waterproofed zipped venting and breathable vents in the chest and back.

Pros

  • Doesn't look like a waterproof
  • Added protection of leather

Cons

  • Not so good in cold conditions
Price: £24.88 (was £34.99)

Sometimes the best solution to having waterproof bike wear is simply to stash either in a rucksack or on your bike itself, a quality, lightweight waterproof over jacket, and the Rainseal from respected British brand Oxford Products is one of the best.

It’s fully waterproof, comes with a Velcro adjustable waist and cuffs for excellent fit over your gear, is finished in a safety-conscious fluoro-yellow colour for maximum visibility in the murk and is durable and good value, too.

Pros

  • Lightweight solution
  • Respected brand
  • Great rainproofing

Cons

  • Not the most stylish
Price: £246.99 (£259.99)

From quality, respected, stylish Italian motorcycle clothing brand Alpinestars, this mid-range textile jacket is designed specifically for women. It looks great on and off the bike with its tailored cut so isn't too bulky, is waterproof and comes in black with three different contrasting colours (white, teal or fuchsia).

It has a detachable thermal lining for multi-season use, CE-approved armour protection in the shoulders and elbows and also has a zipper connector to optional matching trousers should you wish to upgrade to a full, two-piece suit.

Pros

  • Good brand and style
  • Versatile, mid-range spec
  • Matching trousers available

Cons

  • Perhaps too ‘bikey’ for some

Rrp: £79.49

Price: £79.99

Another over jacket, which acts as emergency waterproof overwear if caught out in the rain, but one that certainly more stylish and versatile than most. It's from quality American off-road brand Scott and packs down into an ultra-convenient small carry bag when not in use.

It's made from 65% polyurethane and 35% polyester, has a ‘Dryosphere’ breathable windproof and waterproof stretch membrane and also has adjusters on the collar and cuffs. We even think it looks pretty good, too!

Pros

  • Easily packable
  • Great features
  • Looks good, too

Cons

  • Some rain jackets are cheaper
Price: £219.98 (was £299.99)

Before you laugh, thinking we've lost our minds, this stylish retro leather from Spada is not only super-cool with its classic design, AAA CE certification, Level-2 armour throughout and removable thermal lining, it is also waterproof and has a breathable membrane to keep the wet out and let the body breathe in warm weather.

So you can look cool while staying dry at the same time. Who’d have thought that waterproof motorcycle jackets could look this good?

Pros

  • Classic styling
  • Top-level protection
  • Waterproof and breathable

Cons

  • Perhaps not for sustained wet-weather riding

Rrp: £120.99

Price: £124.09

Classic, vintage-look 'waxed-cotton' style jackets are a great option for those wanting a stylish motorcycle jacket that can be worn on and off the bike, but also is waterproof.

There’s a variety of styles and some very well-known (and sometimes pricey) brands available but this leather version from Bikers Gear Australia looks good. Being full-grain leather makes it durable with great protective qualities.

It also has a hand-waxed and oiled finish to make it water repellent. There’s lots of quality YKK zips, adjusting belts and pockets, there’s five-piece CE1621-1 certified removable armour and it’s good value, too.

Pros

  • Great mix of style and practicality
  • Treated leather outer
  • Good value

Cons

  • Lesser-known brand
Price: £99.99 (was £199.99)

If your preference in motorcycle gear is for the lightweight, urban, 'streetfighter' style you might think your options for a waterproof jacket are limited - but think again. This jacket from Merlin may tick all the streetfighter-style boxes, such as camo print, snug fit and more, making it a great urban option both on and off the bike.

However, it also has a waxed-cotton construction, a ‘Reissa’ waterproof and breathable membrane, CE level-1 and 2 armour, including a back protector, quality antique-brass finished YKK zips throughout and even has a jacket-to-jean connecting zip.

Pros

  • Great style
  • Waterproof and protective features
  • Decent value

Cons

  • Not everyone’s taste

Justin Hayzelden is a Commercial Content Writer at MCN Products. He has extensive industry experience, having spent over 10 years as a freelance road tester and journalist.

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