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While rain might discourage the average cyclist from leaving the house, mountain bikers are a tough group that won’t let a little wet weather prevent them from enjoying time on two wheels. Riding down a trail with raindrops in your face can be a great adventure! But rain is no joke. It can cause serious damage to trails, wreak havoc on bikes, and soak clothes – making for a miserable day.
Here is our guide to mountain biking in the rain: a toolkit to avoid a destroyed trail, an accident, a rusty bike, and a soggy experience.
What is Mountain Biking Rain Jacket?
A good rain jacket for mountain biking will have a waterproof exterior that can keep you dry in pouring rain. The jacket should also have pit zips – which look like unzipped pockets – to assist with ventilation. Most mountain bike jackets also have a high collar to protect your face, a hood for head protection, and adjustable waist or Velcro wrist straps to keep the jacket in place. When selecting a mountain bike rain jacket, look for something that is lightweight and packable. It’s best to bring along a waterproof layer in case of rain rather than struggle with bulky waterproof gear if it isn’t needed.
Why Do I Need a Rain Jacket?
Mountain biking in the rain is a serious concern for the value of your trail, bike, and day. A little rain will not necessarily ruin a trail, but prolonged and steady rain will create ruts that will eventually form into puddles. If the water isn’t draining out of your trail, it is washing away the quality of the soil, and the trail will be deeper at the bottom of any puddles. Trails that are deep at the bottom are difficult for cyclists to traverse and particularly dangerous for downhill bike riders.
In addition to poor drainage and poor trail quality, rain and water on trails carry chemicals and debris which can seep into a bike’s frame and derailleur. While you might want to get a muddy trail at some point, getting muddy is not always your choice.
What to Wear on Mountain Bike in Rain?
When you’re out riding and it’s raining hard, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to keep pedaling or call it a day. When you’re caught in a downpour, think about the following criteria:
- Can I keep my body warm enough quickly enough? If you start to get cold, you may want to cut your ride short. Wear a windproof jacket, and waterproof pants (with a slight stretch to them, like biking tights). Consider the temperature, and don’t wear cotton.
- Will I stay dry? If your clothing isn’t waterproof, you are going to end up wet and miserable when the rain catches up to you.
- How cold is it? Catching a tailwind feels great when it’s 30 degrees outside, less great when it’s 10 and windy. If it’s colder than you planned, consider calling it a day rather than risk hypothermia.
- Do I have appropriate gear with me? If you have a rain jacket, but no warm clothes packed in your bag, pick up your pace or cut your ride short.
How to Do mountain biking in Rain?
Mountain biking in the rain is fun, but it requires extra attention and precaution to protect you, your bike, and your trail.
- Choose the right trails – Check the weather reports for the area you plan to ride. If it’s going to be raining, try to pick trails that run through shaded wooded areas. If it’s raining heavily, pick trails that run along rivers or lakes. Always check the trail head for erosion, and keep an eye out for puddles.
- Wear your gear – Protect yourself from the rain with waterproof pants and a waterproof shell. Conceal your face with a waterproof mask. Clip your helmet straps under your jacket or jersey to prevent chafing. If you plan to push your luck with a full on downpour, take a rain cape with you. These nylon capes look like tiny tents and can be set up quickly and easily if it starts pouring.
- Check your bike – Make sure to check every inch of your bike before you set out in the rain, or stop on the trail to quickly adjust your saddle or derailleur. Keep smooth-soled shoes and your cycling shoes/pedals separate from your everyday footwear so that mud will not infect them.
- Ride in control – Watch your weight distribution to avoid slipping. This means shifting your weight forwards slightly and putting slightly more pressure on the balls of your feet than on your heels.
- Be courteous – Be thoughtful to other trail users, and try to keep the middle of the trail open for faster bikers.
- Go out for yourself – With a little preparation and smart planning, mountain biking in the rain can be a fantastic and rewarding experience.
Just because the weather app says that it’s clear doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pack a rain jacket or have an umbrella with you. It’s always worth it to bring a little rain gear just in case.
Packing a rain jacket means that you’re prepared for a ride no matter what the weather, so be sure to pack it in any bag that you might take with you where there is a chance of rain, like when you’re traveling somewhere by bike. Most importantly, make sure that you have a rain jacket when you’re taking part in a group ride or a race.
Even if you’re not taking part in a group ride or a race, you should always make sure that you’re wearing your rain jacket and other rain gear, especially as you’re getting started. Rain gear is easy to put on and take off, so it’s not a big hassle to put it on.
What Type of Mountain Biking Rain Jacket Is Best For Me?
A good rain jacket for mountain biking will have a waterproof exterior that can keep you dry in pouring rain. The jacket should also have pit zips – which look like unzipped pockets – to assist with ventilation. Most mountain bike jackets also have a high collar to protect your face, a hood for head protection, and adjustable waist or Velcro wrist straps to keep the jacket in place. When selecting a mountain bike rain jacket, look for something that is lightweight and packable. It’s best to bring along a waterproof layer in case of rain rather than struggle with bulky waterproof gear if it isn’t needed.
Wearing a lightweight rain jacket during critical moments on a trail can be the difference between a good experience and a great experience. While you may not always need a rain jacket, you’ll likely be glad that you brought one along if it is pouring rain on your ride.
Gore C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Insulated Viz Jacket
This product was recommended by Liam Emery from Triumph Bike Reviews
This is an easy choice for me. There’s 3 key reasons why this is my rain jacket of choice for cycling.
1) It’s extremely lightweight, weighing only 134g. So it isn’t going to give you that feeling of being weighed down in the rain.
2) It’s made out of Shakedry material, which is very breathable.
3) It’s at a great price point. Some cycling rain jackets can get really expensive, but with this, you get a lot of bang for your buck. I personally haven’t found (or heard of) many other jackets of this quality being sold for $300.
Men’s Dirt Roamer Jacket
This product was recommended by Patrick Nugent from NYCPhoto
The Dirt Roamer by Patagonia is an excellent choice for wet weather days in the woods. It will keep you dry while also having incredibly good ventilation to keep you cool in a summer rain. They clearly paid attention to detail on this jacket and it has a tailored fit and all of the seams taped up on the inside.
Mt500 Waterproof Jacket
This product was recommended by Ali Rizvi from Dream Superhero
A multiple award-winning product, the men’s MT500 waterproof cycling jacket has been the undisputed go-to garment for pro riders like Dan and Gee Atherton.
ARSUXEO Winter Warm-up Thermal Softshell Cycling Waterproof Jacket
This product was recommended by M. Ammar Shahid from SuperHeroCorp
This jacket keeps you warm and moisture-free because of its three layers technology. The uppermost layer resists wind and prevents stains. The second layer is a breathable membrane that makes the jacket waterproof, and the last layer is a soft film that makes you feel comfortable. The two pockets provide you storage space, and neon color enhances your night visibility.
Marmot PreCip Stretch Jacket
This product was recommended by Adrienne Carrie Hubbard from Hubbard Family Travels
It is made of Nano Pro fabric that is completely waterproof and breathable as well as its Stretchy material that gives you an athletic fit and a proper range of motion. It also has underarm vents that can be opened to allow airflow; Zippered pockets keep your essentials secure, adjustable hood protects from rain and wind, and also hook-and-loop cuffs to seal out wind gusts.
Fox Racing Wind Breaker
This product was recommended by Tim Bigknee from SightsAndInsights
Fox Racing Head jacket is ideal for use as a rain jacket while mountain biking. It’s durable windproof design will help protect you from the rain while also keeping you dry. It’s durable design will make it more likely to survive a fall when compared to a regular rain jacket.
Alpkit Gravitas Jacket
This product was recommended by Patricia Johnson from Pedal Lovers
- Has 3 layers for complete protection
- Extremely light and efficiently packable despite its 3 layers.
- Has a wonderful waterproof breathable material
- Neat smart cut with no visible stitching
- Cuffs to protect the backs of your hands and semi-elasticated openings for comfort
- Combines a single hood adjuster with a semi-elasticated opening that allows you to pull the hood on or off without having to undo the main-zip every time.
