Beat the chill: Best winter motorcycle jackets as chosen by MCN

There are two very obvious requirements for a winter motorcycle jacket; it needs to keep you warm, and it needs to keep you dry. Numerous jackets can do one or the other but for winter, you need both of those qualities with a handy dose of comfort and ease of use. For example, it doesn’t matter how waterproof a jacket is if it takes half an hour to put on or is uncomfortable – if it doesn’t fit or work for you, then it’s little use.

The ultimate in terms of waterproofing is Gore-Tex – the famous breathable but waterproof membrane. It has pores that are smaller than a droplet of water, so the liquid stays out but they are larger than water vapour – hence moisture inside in the form of perspiration can escape.

Again, the ultimate version of Gore-Tex is Pro, a laminated version that helps to prevent the water from soaking into the outer material, as can happen when the membrane is bonded to the inside of the outer material so that water simply rolls off the outside. While some manufacturers invest in genuine Gore-Tex, others may decide to develop their own breathable and waterproof membrane.

Related: Best heated motorcycle jackets and vests

Some jackets feature what are known as drop liners, which are separate linings that form the waterproof and windproof barrier and can be removed in case the weather improves and you need some venting, for example. Most will also include a thermal liner for chilly rides – essential in winter and once removed, they can make the jacket useful in spring or autumn as well.

Here is a selection of our favourite winter motorcycle jackets.

Additional information about winter motorcycle jackets

Of course, winter motorcycle jackets are CE certified as well as those for year-round use or for the warmer months.

The outer should be CE certified for strength and abrasion resistance, from B to A, AA and the highest rating for protection, AAA. Similarly, the armour included will also be CE certified, either Level-1 or the more impact-absorbing Level-2.

Winter motorcycle jackets may also include a host of useful features for the colder and wetter months; storm collars will help prevent water from entering through the neck of the jacket, which is notoriously difficult to prevent and storm cuffs will offer an extra layer of protection to prevent water or draughts entering through the sleeves.

Any jacket can be made warmer by adding a set of thermal base layers, too, and there are plenty of options on the market to choose from.

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

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