The best winter cycling jackets

Bike-packing is a genre of cycling all of its own and requires specialist kit - some of which, like this down jacket, is equally useful for more day-to-day pedalling too. Light and packable, it's small enough to stash in a backpack until needed, and weighing only 328g means you won't notice it in there either.

Best of all, the 750-fill responsibly sourced goose down keeps the cold out, while a water-resistant treatment keeps drizzle off too.

The hood fits over a helmet (just) and the drop tail protects your back from flicked-up mud and cold tailwinds. Plus, the two-way zip means you can unzip it from the bottom or top to improve comfort.

A lightweight, windproof and water-resistant jacket made from breathable Gore-Tex Infinium, this is a packable and comfortable top layer with an aerodynamic cut and full-sized hood. It keeps the elements out without the usual boil-in-the-bag properties of a more traditional waterproof jacket, too.

The Perfetto ROS Convertible Jacket comes from Italian industry-leader Castelli. It carries a great sense of ingenuity, with multiple materials and techniques being brought together to create a very versatile cold-weather cycling jacket. The front of the jacket uses a light Gore-Tex fleece to keep in heat, and a stretchy back panel to offer breathability and flexibility. There are zipped side vents for extra ventilation. The Gore-Tex materials are water-resistant. For warmer conditions, the sleeves can be removed to just above the elbow. According to Castelli, this jacket is recommended for temperatures between four and 16 degrees Celsius.

The dhb Aeron Deep Winter Softshell Jacket is a remarkable offering for those who can't help but hit the roads and trails, no matter the weather. By combining softshell fleecing with a wind and waterproof membrane, the jacket offers riders protection in weathers as low as -2 degrees Celsius. This protection doesn't sacrifice flexibility, as the materials all stretch. Extra effort has been made around the bottom hem, cuffs and YKK zip to ensure that the cold weather is blocked at all times.

We're big fans of Endura's waterproof SL ExoShell. It turns out that this high-esteem can be carried over to the brand's winter jacket, too. The SL Thermal Windproof will protect the wearer from cold temperatures and wind chill using a great synthetic outer-shell with a thermal and windproof lining. The high-collar prevents cool air from rolling into the jacket when leaning forward, and the cuffs have extended cuffs that can be tucked into gloves for additional protection. The athletic cut negates drag. The jacket is rated for use in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius, so ideal for deep winter rides and chilly morning cycles.

By bringing Polartec's NeoShell material to this jacket, Sportful has created a fantastic and reliable garment that'll help cyclists throughout winter and autumn. NeoShell is a remarkable material, being waterproof and windproof as well as breathable and heat regulating. So, the jacket protects you from Mother Nature's harshest weather while allowing you to maintain optimum performance and comfort. The fabric is also very flexible, allowing the rider to position themselves with ease. Suitable for temperatures as low a 5 degrees Celsius.

The standard Gore Wear C5 Shakedry is a favourite of ours and an international best-seller. This insulated variation of the C5 has all that there's to love about the original but with, you guessed it, insulated. The jacket uses SHAKEDRY material technology which is impenetrable to water, with even wind-driven rains simply beading off of the body. Likewise, wind is buffeted away. This exemplarily Gore-Tex waterproofing is reinforced by Polartec Alpha insulation, which is specially designed for heat-regulation during physical activity and is hydrophobic, breathable and extremely lightweight. For those heading to wet climates with a temperature of around five degrees Celsius, this is going to provide comprehensive protection.