2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Cold weather jackets
Have a cyclist on your holiday shopping list who’s not afraid to ride alongside Old Man Winter? Sure you could buy them a pair of warm socks, beanie, or gloves. But why not go a step further and help them beat back the chills with one of these top-flight cool and cold weather cycling jackets.
Pearl Izumi MTB WRX Jacket
This top won’t actually go on sale until mid January, but we got our hands on a test model and have been hugely impressed. Indeed, go ahead and splurge on a gift certificate because Pearl Izumi has a sure fire winner with its new MTB WRX Jacket, which is wind and water resistant, easily packs inside a hydration pack, and has a vented hood that fits overtop your helmet. Plus the sleeves are abrasion resistant, meaning it wont tear the first time you sideswipe a branch. $175
Shimano Compact Windbreaker
As the name implies, this 100-percent polyester Compact Windbreaker jacket from Shimano is lightweight, highly compactable, and water repellent and wind resistant. Subtle reflective accents make you easier to spot in low light conditions, a wide back pocket provides ample storage capacity, and the elastic silicon gripper on the back helps keep the hem in place. $75
Rapha Hardshell Jacket
Even the worst weather is no match for this all-conditions outer shell that’s 100-percent waterproof and windproof. Rapha employs a special proprietary breathable fabric with a laminate membrane, allowing the Hardshell Jacket to perform whether you’re hammering hard or just out for a casual spin. We’ve done both and can attest to its top-line performance. Additional features include fully taped seams, reflective logos, and three easy-to-access rear pockets. $273
Bontrager RXL Convertible 180 Softshell Jacket
This versatile RXL Convertible 180 Softshell jacket from Bontrager has zip off sleeves allowing it to do double duty as a vest. Mid-weight Profila fabric up front is windproof and water-resistant, while the rear panel and underarms are breathable. Three back pockets and one zippered security pocket on the left chest provide ample security, and thumb loops in the cuffs help keep wrists and hands warm. And as you can plainly see, color options include Visibility Yellow, which will help keep your special someone a little safer when riding in low light conditions. $180
Sugoi Zap Jacket
In daylight, the Sugoi Zap jacket is a functional commuter top that will help keep you warm and dry. But at night its true feature comes to light — literally. The Zap Jacket utilizes a pixilated material that lights up when hit by car lights. Additional features include a rear drop tail that protects you from tire spray, plus a waterproof front zip and taped seams which add additional foul weather protection. There’s even a rear zippered pocket for stowing a phone, cash, and an ID. $160
Pactimo Evergreen Jacket
Part of Pactimo’s RFLX line of high visibility cool-weather clothing, the roomy Evergreen Jacket features reflective trim and high visibility color accents along with an easy-to-grab two-way zipper. Made with wind- and water-resistant fabric and rated for temperatures between 45-70 degrees, this jacket easily packs into a jersey pocket. $85
Bellwether Aqua-No Jacket
When wet riding conditions are a certainty, Bellwether’s Aqua-No jacket will keep you dry. Fully wind and waterproof, the Aqua-No rugged top features seam-sealed waterproof construction, an extra long fold-away tail, adjustable shock cord collar and waist, and a comfortable fleeced collar. There are also Velcro closures at the wrist, a large rear storage compartment, and a ventilated back panel in case things heat up. $130
Hincapie Arenberg Zero Jacket
Named for the infamous Arenberg forest that features prominently in Paris-Roubaix, this mid-weight jacket from Hincapie Sportswear is made from textured four-way stretch fabric that’s wind and water resistant. The Arenberg Zero Jacket also features a reflective treatment for enhanced lowlight visibility, and it has thick back panel for added warmth. The ergonomic design improves riding comfort, while three rear pockets provide ample storage, and weather protective hem, cuffs and collar help keep the cold at bay. $200
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