True cycling enthusiasts practice the sport regardless of the weather. The implication of this is that appropriate clothing is then needed - especially outer garments. In winter, for example, it will be a softshell cycling jacket, and in summer a thin cycling jacket to protect against the wind and the morning chill.
What kind of jackets can you find in this category, what to choose and which model is best for a particular season? We will try to clarify a few points for you. The most important thing you will be guided by when choosing an outer garment will, of course, be the weather. You will wear something different in summer, autumn and winter. Also, a jacket is not always an essential item - in summer, for example, you'll ride in just shorts and a T-shirt on most days.
In late autumn, early spring and winter, you'll find it useful to have a warm cycling jacket in your closet to guarantee adequate thermal comfort during your rides. Keep in mind, however, that it will not be a thick down jacket, as you would be too warm and the air resistance would make it difficult to ride. When cycling, it's worth betting on clinging, thinner models, but made of special materials and with the right technology. A good solution, for example, would be to choose a softshell bicycle jacket. These are models that guarantee warmth, water resistance, with the added advantage of breathability. Such a jacket, in addition to cycling, will also work well for trips to the mountains or longer walks in the park. A bicycle jacket with a membrane is the perfect solution for most of the colder days of the year. In winter, you can wear a lightweight thermal jersey under it for improved comfort, and in summer, a thin polyester jersey will suffice for moisture wicking. Remember to avoid cotton clothing under your cycling softhhell if possible, as it will absorb all the sweat and thus reduce your comfort during the activity.
Choosing a warm cycling jacket is of course not limited to standard softshells. If you're going to extreme conditions and it promises to be very cold and windy, a good insulated hardshell will certainly work better then. The same goes for torrential days, during which a softshell will let water through in the long run.
Breathable (membrane) cycling jacket can vary in thickness from model to model. You can choose spring, summer or winter models. It all depends on the thickness of the fleece used to lining the material on the inside. On warmer days, you don't need a thick jacket, and thin jackets will work better to protect against wind and rain.
When you're going on a multi-day backpacking bike trip in the summer, consider taking a poncho with you. It's a lightweight rain jacket that you can easily roll up and throw into one of your backpack's pockets. Made of vinyl or durable polyester, it will keep you and your belongings in your backpack dry. It's a good idea to carry at least a disposable, foil poncho with you at all times.
An important feature of a good cycling jacket with a membrane is not only to provide protection from rain and cold. If time is of the essence for you and you want to perform better and better, the garment must be snug-fitting. This reduces drag and ensures you get better times. When trying on a jacket, remember to adopt a position like you would on a bicycle and check that it fits well and has no unnecessary looseness.
Another factor that may determine the choice of a particular model may be the color of the jacket. If you like to ride all year round, you should think about bright colors that will improve your visibility on the road, and thus increase your safety. A good choice might be a jacket with inserts of red, yellow, green, orange or any other color that catches the eye. You can also equip yourself with special reflective bands or LED armbands to improve your visibility from all sides. Safety is paramount, and always keep that in the back of your mind when buying accessories for your bike.
Whether you're interested in a warm cycling jacket or you're looking for a lightweight, breathable cycling jacket, we hope you'll find it in the offer of our MILITARY.EU store. You have a choice of several manufacturers that specialize in the production of sports and tactical clothing and accessories. We have jackets from 4F, Fjord Nansen, Helikon or Pentagon. We invite you to take a look at our full offer.
