Mountain biking comfortably in the winter is all about heat management. The idea is to stay warm enough that you’re comfortable, but cool enough that you’re not sweating. Unless you’re riding in sub-freezing temperatures (below 32°F / 0°C), most insulated cycling jackets are going to be overkill. However, for the coldest days, an insulated jacket, jersey, or vest can be the ticket to staying warm.
After testing dozens of pieces of cold weather outerwear, these are the ones that keep us on the trail all winter long. Unlike say a winter coat for wearing around town, a good winter layer for mountain biking doesn’t need a lot of thick insulation, especially with the latest technical fabrics and materials. We’re always surprised how quickly our body temperature rises while mountain biking, even in temperatures below freezing!
Yeti Turq Edge Jacket
Reviewer: Gerow
Right, Yeti makes apparel too. Like their bikes, the clothing is priced at a premium and the brand’s attention to aesthetics runs deep. The Yeti Turq Edge Jacket is a stylish piece for riding trails, snow running, or skinning-up on cool ski laps. It’s available in two colors and six sizes. They sent a medium for testing that offers ample space for layers, but given the warmth of this jacket I would prefer a tighter size small.
This rain layer is insulated with some lightweight and packable material that feels fantastic on rides below 45° F (7° C), and down to 32° F as long as you keep moving. The shell isn’t thick enough to keep you dry in a torrential downpour, and the tradeoff is a little breathability when the sky isn’t trying to wash you into the sea. If it’s cold enough that you’re considering not riding, gear like the Turq Edge Jacket can make the difference.
Yeti used recycled fabrics wherever possible for this jacket, and they seem plenty tough for the job. There’s one zippered breast pocket and two hand pouches for your two hands. The overall form and function is undoubtedly pub-approved as long as you like a tech-gear look.
Club Ride Griffin Flannel Jacket
Reviewer: Daniel Palma
The Club Ride Griffin Flannel Jacket is very unique. At first glance it may look like a nice going-out flannel, which it can be! But under the looks, it is a rugged performance cycling jacket. This shirt plus jacket — aka shacket — is tailored to be ridden out on the trails. It sits nicely on the shoulders while not being bulky or cumbersome.
This flannel is made up of well-thought-out and thoughtfully placed materials. The front is lined with wind-resistant fabric while the back side has a breathable panel. It is double layered to keep you warm during those chilly night rides and the snap buttons unbutton quickly in the event you need to dump heat after a leg-warming climb. A quick-to-access external zipped pocket on the left chest area and an internal mesh stow pocket can accommodate a wallet, keys, snacks, or glasses. I found the sizing guide and fit to be pretty accurate, and you can snag one in Shady Grey Pond (shown here) or Spiced Auburn.
Buy from Club Ride for $99.95.
Pearl Izumi Summit Hooded Thermal Jersey
Reviewer: Jamieelee Palma
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Summit Hooded Thermal Jersey looks very casual but it is a nice flexible piece in your mountain bike closet that can be worn as an outer layer on cool morning rides and mid layer for those even colder rides.
This jersey is an upgrade of your favorite classic zip-up hoodie, tailored for cycling and super breathable thanks to the inner technical fleece grid fabric which lets moisture out while keeping comfortable amounts of body heat in. The hood is designed to be thin enough that it can be worn underneath your helmet, and I found that it also fits over your helmet, so you can decide how (or if) you’d like to keep your head warm! Two sizable side pockets are angled toward the back with plenty of space to stash your phone, snacks, or water bottle even at arms reach.
This jersey has a snug fit, so you may want to size up if you’d like to have more room for layering with a shirt or a long sleeve underneath.
Buy from Pearl Izumi for $120 (women’s styles are on sale for $63 currently)
Ornot Alpha Riding Vest
Reviewers: Jamieelee Palma and Jeff Barber
The Alpha Riding Vest brings together a balance of warmth and breathability, thanks in part to Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation material, keeping you warm during cooler temperatures while also absorbing away sweat on the ride. For a vest, this one provides a lot of warmth, on par with some of the jackets above, just without sleeves for extra breathability.
Made of a stretchy woven fabric, the front of the Alpha Riding Vest provides wind protection but is also porous enough to regulate body heat. The back features a soft material that not only provides warmth but is also ventilated for when riding gets a bit intense. The Ornot Alpha Riding Vest is close fitting, so if you’d like a little extra wiggle room, or plan to layer over a thick jersey or jacket, order a size up.
Sadly, it appears the Ornot Alpha Daily Vest, featuring a more relaxed fit than the Riding vest, has been discontinued.
Giro Cascade Insulated Jacket
Reviewer: Leah Barber
The Giro Cascade Insulated Jacket is designed for cold rides, where the key is to stay warm enough without being trapped in a sweatbox. With insulation on the windward side of the chest and arms, and thinner fabric at the back for venting, the Cascade is a technical jacket designed specifically for biking. Naturally, the material is both wind- and water-resistant, and it’s stretchy for easy movement. Tight wrist cuffs help block the wind, though they make rolling up the sleeves difficult. Smaller riders should take note that the fit is long overall and in the arms.
The men’s version of this jacket is no longer listed on the Giro website, but the women’s version shown is still around (for now).
Of course, a lighter weight casual jacket can be a fine choice for riding in sub-zero temperatures. If you have multiple winter jackets in your wardrobe to choose from, just go pick one a notch down from what you’d wear to the store for a given temperature.
What is your go-to jacket or outer layer for mountain biking in temperatures below freezing?
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