Let’s be honest: Most of us don’t do enough cold weather and winter mountain biking to justify expensive, dedicated clothing. Not only is the gear pricey, it takes up space and rarely gets used.
But, with the right accessories you can use the MTB gear you already own — jerseys, pants, shoes, and helmets — all winter long. Check out our picks for keeping warm on the trail this winter, including a few splurges toward the bottom that are worth the investment if you can swing them.
Do you have any tips for adapting your MTB kit for cold weather riding without spending a lot? Share them in the comments below!
Sealskinz Waterproof Socks
$55.00
Waterproof mountain bike shoes are great if you ride in wet conditions often, but they are usually expensive. For the occasional wet or snowy ride, and truly cold days, our choice is a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks.
The mid height keeps feet dry even in water that’s above the ankles, unlike many waterproof shoes we’ve tested. These aren’t very breathable so we tend to reserve our Sealskinz socks for cold weather riding. They work great in snow!
Buy from REI
Smartwool Merino Beanie
$25.00
The Smartwool Merino Beanie is thin enough that it fits under a helmet and unlike other wool caps we’ve tried, it doesn’t leave our ears feeling itchy. REI members: Buy the Smartwool Merino Beanie at REI to earn member rewards.
Buy from Smartwool
Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Shell Pants
$60.00
For those bike days when you just want to play in the snow (or have to commute in the rain), these shell pants will get the job done. The thin Columbia Rebel Roamer overpants feature an adjustable leg opening to keep wind out while keeping the right cuff out of your drivetrain.
Buy from Dick’s Sporting Goods
Neck Gaiter / Face Mask / Head Cover (4-pack)
$9.98
Don’t underestimate the power of a neck gaiter to keep you warm on the bike! Wear it as a scarf to keep wind out of your jersey and for especially cold days, use another as a face mask or hat. These inexpensive Amazon polyester/spandex blend gaiters will easily do the job, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, the Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter is worth considering as well.
Buy from Amazon
Smith Rhythm MTB Goggles (Clear)
$80.00 | $48.00 sale
Protect your eyes from cold winter wind, and keep your face warm too, with a pair of Smith Rhythm goggles. Bonus: you’ll have them for dusty summer bike park riding! Available in multiple tints at various price points, many of which are currently on sale.
Buy from Smith
Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire Glove
$54.95 | $27.94 sale
The Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire gloves are a popular choice for cold weather riding thanks to their fleece lining, touchscreen fingers, and slim fit for a good bar feel.
Buy from Jenson USA
Pearl Izumi Men’s Summit ECOLoft™ Vest
$150.00 | $105.00 sale
Mountain biking in the winter is all about heat management. Obviously you don’t want to be cold, but you also want to avoid sweating as wet garments tend to bring on a chill. The zippered Pearl Izumi Summit Vest keeps your core warm while providing adjustable ventilation. Wear it underneath another layer on the coldest days for extra warmth. This Rapha insulated vest is also on sale, $126, normally $210.
Buy from Pearl Izumi
Icebreaker Merino Thermal Leggings
$125.00
Turn any pair of pants you already own into thermals with Icebreaker 100% Merino Thermal Leggings for men and women. And check out Icebreaker thermal baselayer tops too!
For those on a tighter budget, these REI-brand thermals for men and women (polyester/spandex) are on sale for just $27.93.
Buy from Icebreaker
Bar Mitts
$74.95
Speaking of bar feel, a lot of riders in especially cold climates swear by Bar Mitts. These fit over your bars and controls so you can wear thinner gloves for more natural shifting and braking. Epic winter conditions? Go for the Mountain Extreme version priced at $125.
Buy from Trek
Ride Wrap
$65.00
You’re all bundled up for winter riding, but don’t forget to protect your bike! Snow and mud can be rough on finishes, plus winter is a great time to show your bike some love and prep for spring. Muc Off frame protection kits are also available for about the same price (on sale) as this Ride Wrap kit.
Buy from Competitive Cyclist
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof Glove
$69.95
We’ve tried a number of winter mountain bike gloves over the years and have found few if any that provide the right mix of warmth and control as Endura winter gloves. These are not cheap, but they are worth every penny.
Buy from Jenson USA
Fox Defend Fire Pants
$209.95
Insulated? Check. Water-resistant? Check. Comfortable? You bet. For those who plan to ride all winter long, Fox Defend Fire pants are a good investment in comfort and joy.
Buy from REI
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
$239.00
We’ve been waiting since November to find a deal on the Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, and outside of a few odd colors and sizes, it just hasn’t been on sale. Like the Fox Defend pants and Endura MT500 gloves, this is an item that’s worth paying full price because you’ll get a ton of use out of it, pre- and post-ride.
Buy from Patagonia
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2 Comments
3 hours ago
Prices vary compared to those shown above, but the Varusteleka ones are made in Europe.
3 hours ago