Best Packable Cycling Rain Jackets: 6 Lightweight Waterproofs

This Rapha lightweight rain jacket is a commuter’s dream in that it offers so much in the way of breathability and visibility, no matter what the elements may throw your way.

Its two front pockets offer plenty of storage room, as does the storm hood which fits nicely beneath your helmet and folds down seamlessly. Plus, its breathable fabric combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to stop you from overheating, even with lugging your backpack to and from work.

Plus, this super-stylish jacket is now 25 per cent off, so if you buy quickly, you can save yourself some hard-earned dough while doing so. Make sure you check out our full review from earlier this year, too.

Cheap and cheerful, and available in ten different colours including ‘lime punch’ and ‘neon spring’ and eight sizes, this Regatta light waterproof jacket is perfect for those working on a more restricted budget.

That’s not to say its lower price equates to lower quality, though, its seam-sealed polyamide fabric is water-resistant and breathable, so you’ll stay dry inside and out, while it also comes with handy features like an adjustable hood, a snap fasten front and two pockets.

Like we said earlier, a hood isn’t everyone’s thing. If you’re someone who thinks you can do without them, have a look at this Aeron jacket, now available at the reduced price of just £44.

Hugely versatile, windproof and showerproof, with an improved fit and extra reflective elements for the colder months, this is an excellent and extremely lightweight packable jacket which fits snugly into its integrated pocket.

It also comes with side entry openings for access to pockets, a full-length YKK zip, and mesh side panels for added breathability. What more could you want?

Whether in ‘high-vis pink’ or ‘dark yellow’, you’ll have no worries as to whether you’re visible enough with this brilliant women’s commuter jacket.

It boasts an incredibly breathable fabric which, like its male counterpart, combines with a mesh panel over the shoulders to prevent overheating even when wearing a rucksack. It also the same two front pockets and storm hood which fits perfectly beneath your helmet.

And again, it can either be packed into an integrated stuff sack or fit in virtually any bag, so it’s about as portable as they come.

Plus, its reflective pixel printing and oversized dot on the lower back sit beneath a backpack and in drivers’ line of vising, while its reflective cuffs assist with signalling, too.

Check out our full Rapha Lightweight Commuter Jacket review here.

With 12 sizes and seven colours to pick from, you’re spoilt for choice with this women’s jacket – though all of them will no doubt offer you a stylish look as well as reliable protection from the weather.

Made from 100 per cent nylon, this long-sleeved jacket’s waterproof and breathable membrane allows moisture out and stops rain from getting in, while its reflective piping only increases your visibility when cycling in the dark.

It’s also got a helpful zipper for fastening and is machine-washable, which is always handy.

And finally, if you’re a woman looking for a hood-less lightweight packable cycling jacket, we’d direct you to the same place as the men – Aeron.

In fact, the women’s Aeron pocket raincoat has many of the same perks as that of the men’s. An improved fit, extra reflective elements, windproof and showerproof – again, it’s an ideal choice if you want all the best features without the hood.

There’s the same mesh side panels to make it more breathable, the same full-length YKK zip, and the same integrated pocket in which to pack it after finishing your ride.