Giro has been making cycling shoes for many years but until recently, their flat pedals shoes were pretty lackluster compared to the competition. That all changed when they launched the Latch Women’s flat pedal shoes a couple years ago, a move that catapulted them to the top of many “best of” lists, including this one.

Straight out of the box, the Giro Latch looks great with relatively traditional flat pedal shoe styling, and they come in three color options including the Harbor Blue/Sandstone (greenish) color we tested. We found them to be immediately comfortable with no break-in required thanks to a true-to-size fit, crowd-pleasing medium volume, and a nicely shaped heel cup that grabs your ankle and keeps your heels locked down. Traditional laces do a great job of drawing tension evenly over the top of the foot with an elastic retainer to keep them tidy while you ride. The lightweight Microfiber upper material is fairly weather-resistant but respectably breathable on hot days due to a large number of perforations above the toes, sides, and even the heels of the shoes. Coming in at just over 319 grams at size 42 (9.5 US W’s), they are super lightweight for their category of shoe.

More importantly, they perform very well on the bike. While the soles feel fairly stiff initially, they’ve got a nicely balanced flex that’s stiff and supportive enough to feel efficient while pedaling while flexing just enough to maintain a good pedal feel. The Mute Foam midsole is noticeably damp, providing comfort on the pedals through the chunky descents and resisting getting bounced while remaining thin enough to feel the pedal underfoot for a strong grip on the pins. Giro’s proprietary Tack Rubber outsole is also nice and tacky to maintain grip when you need it, but the fairly shallow Gamma tread design allows for predictable foot mobility when necessary. Off the bike, the Latch is comfortable and easy to walk in although the shallow tread can be a little slippery in mud or snow.

During testing, the Giro Latch Women’s quickly became the go-to flat pedal shoe of the test group. Despite lots of abuse, the uppers are still in great shape and have proven to be super durable. The soles continue to offer an ideal blend of grip and predictable mobility and the Tack rubber barely shows any signs of wear after months of use. That durability along with a great performance, competitive price, and a one-year warranty make these shoes money well spent.

Ride Concepts made waves when the brand launched a few years back and they continue to be one of the dominant mountain bike shoe brands, especially when it comes to flat pedals. The Livewire Women’s was one of their original models, and it remains in the lineup and has become quite popular given that it’s one of the most affordable models on the market. It has seen some minor changes over time, most recently the move to the Max Grip outsole that has improved its grip on the pedals.

The Livewire has a snugger fit than any of the other flat shoes tested. They are made with RC’s Low Volume last that “is designed for an athletic fit” and intended to provide support and security without the need to crank the laces super tight. As such, they work best for those with low to medium-volume feet, and even then, the toe box can feel a bit cramped which can be relieved by sizing up which Ride Concepts suggests anyway. The tighter toe is due to the custom molded TPU toe protection that does not stretch over time, and while it does provide great toe protection, it won’t really break in and give you more space.

The uppers are constructed of synthetic panels on the sides with “abrasion-resistant mesh” that allows for pretty good breathability on hot days but offers very little in the way of weather resistance. These shoes will get wet on rainy days, stream crossings, and hiking through snow patches. Simple laces effectively snug up the shoes as needed with an elastic lace tuck to keep them in line. The Livewire has a gusseted tongue that helps keep it lined up, provides a snug and secure fit, and also works to keep dirt and debris from entering your shoes. The heel cup is nicely padded to keep the heel in place and provide a little extra protection, and the aforementioned molded TPU around the toes helps keep them well-protected too.

The soles have a flex level 3 on RC’s scale of 1-5, providing a good middle-of-the-road stiffness that works well across most riding styles. They feel efficient and supportive enough to prevent foot and calf fatigue on long pedaling missions and chunky descents while still providing ample feedback from the pedals. The outsole is made of Ride Concept’s tackiest Max Grip rubber with a hexagonal dot tread pattern that we feel rivals the best grip of any model tested and these shoes cling well to the pedal pins. Off the bike, they walk fairly well, but we’ve found they tend to slip around a bit in loose dirt, mud, and snow during hike-a-bikes.

Overall, we feel the Livewire Women’s is a great shoe for any rider, whether you’re just getting into the sport or are an experienced rider who just wants a reasonably priced shoe that will last. These shoes perform nearly on par with more expensive options and are versatile enough to work well for everything from pedal-heavy trail rides to long days lapping the bike park. Ride Concepts also makes a Youth and Men’s version of this shoe, so you can get the whole family matching out on the trail if that’s your thing.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro set the benchmark for flat pedal shoes years ago and it continues to be one of the most popular models on the market. It has enjoyed a very long run of dominance, but recently it has seen some stronger competition. Still, it is one of the best all-around models there is, with grippy Stealth Rubber soles and a design that hasn’t made any significant changes over the years because it hasn’t needed to.

Overall, the Freerider Pro has a comfortable and crowd-pleasing fit, but we found they run a bit larger size-wise than other models and we sized down a half-size to get the right fit. Even then, the toe box is a bit roomier, allowing a bit more movement of the toes and making them more accommodating for those with above-average width feet. That said, riders with narrower feet might find them to be a bit too roomy. Standard laces tighten the shoes over the mid-foot although the lack of a specific lace retainer means you have to use the tongue holder to pin them down while riding.

The synthetic leather upper material breaks in nicely after a few rides while feeling quite durable and weather-resistant. Ventilation perforations through the uppers are limited to the area above the toes, however, the larger diameter of the holes still provides reasonable breathability. They also have a stiff, abrasion-resistant layer around the heel cup and toe, extra padding on the medial ankle for support, and a reinforced toe box to ward off rock strikes and the like.

On the bike, the soles provide great support for the feet with a sole stiffness that lends itself well to long trail rides or days at the bike park alike. They don’t provide the most pedal feedback, but once the feet are planted on the pedals, they tend to stay put. One of the primary reasons for this is Five Ten’s Stealth S1 Rubber outsole with the classic raised dot tread design which is sticky and grabs hold of the pedal pins for a tenacious grip. The tradeoff for that grip is that we found the soles tend to show wear a bit more quickly than other shoes we tested, but the grip remains solid even as they wear. Off the bike, they are comfortable to walk around in, but the flat sole and shallow tread don’t provide the best traction when hiking in loose or slippery conditions.

The Freerider Pro Women’s has a classic look and comes in a range of color options to suit varying tastes, including the Taupe/Purple we tested, as well as a Canvas version that is made partially from recycled ocean plastic. They also have a great size range, going all the way up to 10.5 and 11 for women. While the Freerider Pro may have very strong competition these days, it’s still an excellent option for any rider.

The Giro Sector Women’s is a performance-oriented clipless mountain bike shoe that leans well towards the XC side of the shoe spectrum. With stiff soles, a streamlined design, Boa closures, and a super breathable upper, these shoes are a great option for those who prioritize comfort and pedaling efficiency. They’re also quite versatile and can easily span riding styles from pedal-heavy trail rides to XC races and long days out on the gravel bike.

The Sector W’s is made with a super breathable mesh upper material that Giro calls Synchwire. This coarse mesh material has a thermo-bonded exo structure that covers large portions of the Synchwire material, but it is still incredibly porous and allows for very impressive breathability. The airflow in these shoes is incredible and they are great for riding in warm to scorching hot conditions. Additionally, the uppers have a good amount of flexibility and they conform to the feet quite nicely. We found they fit true to size with a snug, performance fit that is enhanced by the dual Boa L6 closure. The Boa dials make it super quick and easy to get these shoes on and off, plus they’re incredibly easy to adjust on the fly to change tension during your ride. Both the toe and heel feature reinforcements to protect them, but otherwise these are a thin and lightweight model that doesn’t offer much foot protection. Regardless, we found them to be super comfortable and secure on the feet.

The midsole features a stiff carbon composite plate that enhances pedaling efficiency. Along with the snug and secure fit of the uppers, the soles feel like they are transferring virtually all of your pedaling energy into forward momentum with plenty of support to keep the feet and calves from getting fatigued on long rides. The outsole consists of a dual-injected rubber tread with large tread blocks under the heel and bordering the cleat box, with some smaller lugs at the toe. This tread provides surprisingly good grip off the bike, but the stiffness of the soles means they still aren’t the best for extended periods of walking. Still, the cleat box is deep enough that the cleats don’t protrude from the sole when walking on rocks or stopping to grab a mid-ride espresso. They are also capable of fitting removable toe spikes should you wish to add them for grip in loose dirt or muddy conditions.

The construction and features of the Sector Women’s sets them apart and they are in a different performance class from all of the other women’s specific shoes we tested. The fit, comfort, breathability, pedaling performance, and even the look of these shoes are a cut above the rest. That is also reflected in the comparatively hefty price tag, but if you’re looking for a high-performance shoe that has you covered for everything from racing to training in warm to hot weather, the Giro Sector is a great option to consider.

The Shimano XC3 Women’s shoes have a high-end look and feel but come at a fraction of the cost of more expensive XC-style models. With a seamless synthetic upper and Boa closure, these shoes provide a glove-like fit and a high level of comfort with a moderately stiff sole that should work well for many riders and types of riding.

The XC3 Women’s shoes have a seamless, perforated upper with an overlapping tongue that provides a comfortable and secure wraparound fit. Shimano says it fits like a glove and we found that they do, which is partly because they have a lower volume fit. In fact, we’d say that Shimano’s Dynalast fit is the lowest volume of all the models we tested, particularly around the toes, yet the “anatomically curved last that eliminates angles and conforms better to the natural contours of your foot” shows in the fit being perfectly snug but not in a bad way. The shoes are cupped in the right places while still allowing our tester’s foot to sit in an athletic position inside.

The synthetic uppers have lots of perforations above the toes to allow them to breathe, but the rest of the shoe can feel a little stuffy. The flip side is that they repel moisture better than similar options. The toes and heels are protected with a bit of reinforcement with an abrasion-resistant coating to protect those high-wear areas. The single Boa L6 dial works well to snug the shoes around the foot, although the placement in the center takes a little getting used to when putting the shoes on and taking them off the first few times.

Moving to the soles, the XC3 has a glass fiber-reinforced nylon midsole with a stiffness rating of 5 on Shimano’s scale of 1 to 11. While that falls around the middle of their stiffness scale, we found they still provide an efficient pedaling experience thanks to the secure fit while avoiding ever feeling like they are too stiff. The “rubber XC racing pattern outsole” tread pattern walks and hikes surprisingly well, it is less aggressive than some while still having plenty of grip. The cleat box has raised lines so the cleats stay put while attaching and adjusting making it easy to match both sides and get a precise cleat placement.

This Shimano XC3 W’s is an affordable cross-country or gravel shoe that has sleek looks and high-end features at a very approachable price. They aren’t the stiffest shoes out there, but they are sure to meet the needs of most non-competitive riders. Whether you’re grinding gravel or heading out for casual XC rides, these are a lightweight, well-priced option to consider.

The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women’s is the clipless version of the brand’s popular flat pedal shoe, the Hellion. As such, it looks quite similar with a few different features that are designed to enhance its performance for clipless pedal riders. Most notably, they’ve beefed up the sole stiffness, changed the sole rubber compound, and added a velcro strap at the top of the laces to better lock the heel in place. We feel they’re a good option for everything from aggressive trail riding to sessioning laps at the bike park.

The Hellion Clip has a low-volume fit that, not surprisingly, works well for low to medium-volume feet. The fit is quite snug and secure and the lace closure allows you to get a custom fit around the mid and upper foot. The Velcro strap at the top of the tongue adds a bit of additional security to lock the heel down into the heel pocket for pulling up on the pedals while climbing or sprinting and to keep the feet feeling secure over rough terrain on the descents. The microfiber uppers feel a little stiff out of the box and take a few rides to break in and they’ve proven to be quite durable and weather-resistant, but they can feel a bit warm on hot days even though they have quite a few perforations to allow some breathability. That said, they are quite protective with a stout feel, a medium level of padding throughout, and TPU abrasion resistance around the toe and heel with substantial internal reinforcement for the toes.

The EVA midsole works well to mute vibration while the RC Powerdrive shank adds some stiffness and support to give the shoes a flex rating of 5 on Ride Concept’s scale of 1 to 5. While they are noticeably less stiff than the XC-oriented Giro Sector, for example, they provide a reasonable level of stiffness for a shoe of this style. The slight flex in the soles combined with their heavier weight doesn’t make them feel like the most efficient shoes, a tradeoff for their foot protection and downhill-oriented performance, but they work well enough to get you to the top and then shine on the descents. The outsole consists of Ride Concept’s Clip Grip rubber with a raised hexagonal tread. The long cleat box with 42mm of adjustment range means there are plenty of options for cleat placement and clipping in and out with these shoes is a breeze. They are fairly easy to walk around in, but like flat pedal shoes with similar sole designs, they don’t provide a ton of traction in loose conditions.

The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women’s is a beefy all-mountain shoe that caters more towards riders with a focus on the descents. They provide good foot protection, a durable construction, and styling reminiscent of your favorite flat pedal shoes in a clipless package. They aren’t the lightest or the stiffest, but they work well for their intended purpose of dropping your heels and descending with confidence and style.

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit is a unique clipless model that combines medium sole stiffness with a lugged Vibram outsole to create a shoe that performs relatively well on the bike and better than most off the bike. We found they are best for casual-paced, adventurous rides where the terrain might force you off the bike and onto your feet regularly.

The X-Alp Summit Shoes have a seamless, perforated synthetic upper that is secured over the foot by a single Boa L6 dial and a velcro strap to pull some tension over the forefoot. They have a fairly roomy fit, especially in the forefoot, that will work best for those with medium to above-average-width feet. This reviewer has a lower volume foot, and while they felt relatively good initially, the higher volume of these shoes became more apparent as they broke in. That said, they are quite comfortable and the single Boa dial works well to tension the shoe over the upper and mid-foot. The Velcro strap, however, doesn’t do much to snug the shoe around the forefoot, unfortunately. Depending on the volume of your feet, this could provide an excellent fit or result in a bit of movement and potentially a slight reduction in control. The X-Alp Summit is also well-ventilated with ample perforations above the toes and along the sides of the foot, as well as a then mesh tongue that helps keep the feet cool on hot days. Light reinforcement of the toes and generous padding around the ankle pocket provide a bit of additional protection for the feet.

The X-Alp Summit has a nylon composite sole that Pearl Izumi claims balances pedaling efficiency with walkability. The flex of the sole most certainly benefits their walkability and gives them a very natural walking feel with flex through the toes, and the lugged Vibram ECOSTEP outsole provides confident traction more akin to a hiking shoe when you’re pushing your bike up or down a steep section or walking out to a rocky vista point. On the pedals, however, they are by far the softest flexing of the clipless models we tested and you can definitely feel that in comparison. Still, they provide adequate support underfoot for more leisurely riders who aren’t as concerned with maximizing their power or toeing the line at races. A large adjustment range in the cleat box provides the option to find your ideal cleat placement.

While we certainly wouldn’t call these the highest-performance shoes around, the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit Women’s delivers on the goal of creating an adventure-ready shoe that performs nearly as well off the bike as they do on. If you’re more focused on fun and adventure and prefer comfort over power, these shoes might be the perfect match.

The Scott MTB Comp Boa Women’s is one of several women’s mountain bike shoe models in their line and the least expensive with a price of just $120 at retail. It’s got similar looks and some of the features of its higher-end siblings, just in a slightly relaxed package that should suit more casual riders a bit better.

The MTB Comp Boa has what Scott refers to as their Sport Fit with a relaxed and larger volume last. This should work well for those with wider and higher volume feet, especially in the forefoot and toe box where the added volume is the most noticeable. Even with lower-volume feet, the Boa L6 dial works well to get them snug around the upper and midfoot while the uniquely angled Velcro strap over the forefoot worked admirably to add a little tension up front. Still, if you don’t have a higher volume foot, there will likely be a bit of wiggle room by the toes. The synthetic uppers are supple out of the box and quite comfortable with a mesh panel over the toes and loads of perforations on the sides of the feet that provide great breathability. The toe box is nicely reinforced to take the sting out of rock strikes and abrasion-resistant material has been added at the toe and heel as well.

The nylon/glass composite sole has a stiffness rating of 6 on Scott’s scale of 1-10, giving them pedaling efficiency that is better than expected for the price. They feel stiff and supportive underfoot, helping transfer your energy directly into the pedals without being punishingly stiff the way some uber-stiff soles can feel. That said, if these shoes are too high volume for your foot, some of your power could be wasted by excessive foot movement. The outsole consists of a number of sole lugs made from Scott’s Sticki Rubber which provide decent off-the-bike grip on most surfaces along with two fixed toe spikes to claw into loose soils or mud. The stiffness of the soles, however, doesn’t lend itself well to prolonged periods of hike-a-bike. The cleat box is a bit longer than average for an XC-style shoe, which makes it easier to find your ideal cleat placement.

If you’ve got wider than average feet and you’re looking for an XC-style mountain bike shoe that provides an efficient pedaling experience and is offered at a very reasonable price, the Scott MTB Comp Boa could be the ideal shoe for you. Whether you’re a trail rider, XC enthusiast, or gravel rider, these shoes perform well, look the part, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Shimano makes a handful of women’s mountain bike shoes and the GR5 is their budget-friendly flat pedal model. While they recently added some new models to their line, the GR5 is still widely available and very reasonably priced, especially now that it can be found on sale from most retailers. We found it to be a very comfortable shoe that will work best for those with high-volume feet and who might prefer a sole that is a bit less grippy than the competition and allows for easier foot mobility.

The Shimano Volume Last is on the higher volume and of the spectrum, meaning there is a lot of space around the toes and the upper part of the feet, making them a solid option for those with voluminous or wider feet. That said, the heel cup with the asymmetric cuff provides additional ankle protection and some added security to hold the heel in place even with a medium-volume foot. The durable synthetic upper lined in mesh features a lightly textured toe protection to provide abrasion resistance and there is an added layer of the same textured material stitched around the heel. The upper did stretch and pack out quickly, but the materials seem very durable and the shoes are well made. There are ample perforations above the toes and on the sides of the uppers, allowing for good breathability while remaining fairly weather-resistant.

As expected with a less expensive shoe, the flex is on the softer side but they have a very distinct pedal feel and provide enough midsole support even on long descents. Given the softer flex and thinner midsole, you can feel the pedal pins and there is a high level of feedback. Shimano’s rubber sole is not the grippiest either, so adjusting the foot on the pedals comes easily and you will always know where you are placed on the pedals, but they don’t cling to the pins like other shoes we tested. This can be a pro or a con, depending on what you prefer, as it means your feet can be less planted without proper pressure control. But, if you like it to be easier to move your feet around, these could be a great option. That said, we found that when the rubber got cold, the grip was noticeably reduced. Off the bike, they do hike relatively well for a flat-soled shoe. The softer flexing sole along with the added toe and heel ridges in the outsole seems to work for added grip.

While they aren’t the grippiest shoes around, the Shimano GR5 W’s is a comfortable higher volume model that allows easier foot mobility, looks good, and won’t break the bank. They could be a great option for the rider on a budget, especially for those with wider feet and for whom grip isn’t the highest priority.

The Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L + 1.5L Bladder has enjoyed a long run as one of the most highly regarded mountain bike hip packs on the market. Though there are many imitators, the Hip Pack Pro still deserves a place at the top for its excellent comfort, stability when riding, well-executed storage, and the option to carry water in the included 1.5L bladder, bottles, or both.

One of the best features of the Hip Pack Pro (and what differentiates it from the standard Hip Pack 3L) is the broad, stretchy, overlapping waist belt that hugs the body and makes it not only very comfortable but impressively stable in use. Unlike simpler strap designs that are static, this one is a little bit dynamic, so it moves well with the body and doesn’t dig in anywhere, even with the pack fully loaded. The waist belt also widens as it meets the main body of the pack, making a larger contact area where the wings cradle the hips. Also helping to enhance comfort is the well-executed Airflow back system with open mesh atop deep ventilation channels that keep air moving as well or better than any other model we’ve tried. The Ventiflap feature also allows you to adjust how closely the pack sits to your back with the pull of a string for extra ventilation on the climbs, and even Airo Flex the waist belt allows air to pass through.

The Hip Pack Pro 3L has, you guessed it, 3 liters of storage capacity. The pack has 2 primary zippered compartments with the main one housing the included 1.5-liter bladder (it is also sold without the bladder for less) behind a nylon sleeve along with adequate space for a packable layer, spare tube, mini-pump, or other larger items. The front compartment folds down for quick, easy access with 3 mesh storage pockets to organize tools and a zippered internal pocket for valuables. Two sizeable pockets on the hip wings provide additional storage space for snacks or smaller phones and there’s a key clip inside too.

The 1.5-liter bladder has a slide-open top that makes it easy to fill and clean, and the hose has a quick connect fitting that makes removing it from the pack super easy. If that isn’t enough water, there are two expandable mesh bottle holders with retention cords that hold bottles securely. Impressively, even when fully loaded with water, tools, and other gear, the back panel of the pack retains its structure well, and if you’re carrying less, the side compression straps can be used to snug it up and keep it tidy.

Overall, we don’t think it gets much better than the Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L. And, it’s also pretty easy to find on sale right now considering an updated version called the “Pro 3” just released that’s essentially the same with updated colors, graphics, one less bottle sleeve, and a bump in price to $150.

Patagonia has been slowly but surely growing its line of mountain bike apparel and accessories including the affordable and well-designed Dirt Roamer Bike Waist Pack 3L. With excellent comfort, great stability, a good storage layout that includes two water bottle sleeves, a smart built-in external strap system, and a $69 price tag, it represents the best ratio of performance and price of any model we tested.

While the Dirt Roamer is a medium-volume, 3-liter pack, we were consistently surprised by how much we could fit into it. With minimal padding and stretchy materials, it adapts to larger loads than expected, and the well-designed external strap system makes it easy to attach knee pads or a jacket on the outside. The main, top entry pocket is surprisingly roomy, with two open compartments against your back for tools and a large open area for snacks, a first aid kit, or other bulky items. The smaller zippered front pocket holds a phone safely and has a key hook so you’ll be able to drive home even if you forget to zip it up. Lastly, two zippered hip pockets are surprisingly spacious and allow for quick and easy access to snacks and other essentials while you ride.

Two bottle sleeves, one on each side of the main compartment, are quite easy to reach and fit standard-size water bottles snugly and securely with retention cords that keep them in place no matter how rough the trail gets. Depending on your needs you can carry two, one, or no bottles, and the bottle sleeves can also double as a place to stash a light packable layer. Even when fully loaded with gear and water, we found the Dirt Roamer to be exceptionally stable, secure, and barely noticeable on our hips and back in all riding, hiking, and even running situations.

Patagonia is often associated with high-end products and correspondingly high prices, but at $69, the Dirt Roamer Waist Pack is one of the least expensive models we tested and a great value. This pack looks good, fits great, carries well, and has your water and storage needs covered for most rides without breaking the bank.

The Osprey Seral 4 is a medium-volume hydration pack with a simple design and a 1.5-liter hydration bladder. With only a main compartment with a small zippered section inside of it, the Seral 4 prioritizes comfort through stretchy mesh hip bands, easy bladder fills with a convenient handle, and good stability with a slim design that sits in the small of your back.

The Seral 4 takes a relatively no-frills approach when it comes to storage. There’s a single zipper across the top to access the main compartment that comprises the entirety of the pack’s carry capabilities. Inside this compartment, the 1.5-liter bladder sits closest to the back, separated from the rest of your gear by a small nylon sleeve. Otherwise, it’s basically just an open area to toss your stuff into, along with a small zippered internal pocket on one side to keep important things separated. The less refined design makes it a bit of a free-for-all storage-wise, but you can cram quite a bit into the 4-liter space. Even when fully loaded, the pack conforms nicely to the body and remains stable on the lower back, and when it isn’t full, compression straps tighten up the load.

The simple design continues through the hose routing, which exits the main compartment in an opening directly at the end of the zipper. This, along with the built-in bladder handle, makes it very easy to remove the bladder for refilling or cleaning. The handle is a great touch, making it easy to work with and hold the wide, flat bladder while filling. We typically prefer a quick-connect system where the hose meets the bladder, but the open design and easy hose routing of the Seral 4 make it unnecessary.

At $90 retail (often found on sale for less in previous year’s colors), the Osprey Seral 4 is a solid value, especially for those who might prefer the more open storage design. It’s exceptionally easy to use, reasonably comfortable, quite stable and should meet most riders’ basic needs quite well. Need more storage capacity? The Oprey Seral 7 ($110) fits nearly double the volume with two storage compartments, more organization, and zippered hip pockets.

USWE might be better known for their super stable hydration backpacks for motocross and mountain biking, but they make several models of hip packs with the same intent. The USWE Zulo 6 is the largest hip pack they make with a 6-liter storage volume, a 1.5-liter hydration bladder, a super comfortable overlapping belt, and excellent stability while riding, even when fully loaded.

The Zulo 6 has a broad, overlapping waistband, similar to the Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L but even wider. It wraps comfortably around the waist and distributes the weight and pressure more evenly for extra comfort, even with a heavier load. The “banana shape” of the pack gives it contours that conform to the shape of the body when wrapped around the hips, contributing to its stability in use and overall comfort. Compression straps keep the load close to your back, and the ventilated back panel does a reasonably good job of keeping things cool, although the extra width of the waistband does feel a bit warmer overall than those that are a bit narrower or more air-permeable.

The 6-liter storage capacity of the Zulo 6 is broken into two compartments. The main compartment opens wide and houses the 1.5-liter water bladder along with space for bulkier items like a tube, first-aid kit, mini-pump, and packable layer. The front compartment folds open to reveal three mesh sleeves and a zippered pocket for tools or other things you want to keep organized and easy to find when you need them. Zippered hip pockets on the waistband add additional capacity and on-the-go access to smaller items like snacks. While it doesn’t necessarily look as voluminous as the 6-liter capacity might suggest, we always found a way to get everything we needed in this pack, and the extremely stable and comfortable fit kept us riding with the Zulo 6L even when we didn’t need its full volume.

The Zulo 6 comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder that makes drinking while you ride a breeze. It does not have the capability to carry any additional bottles, but when combined with a bottle on the bike, we found it to be adequate for just about any length of ride. With a quick-connect fitting at the bladder/hose junction, removing it for filling or cleaning is a breeze, and the slide top opens up nice and wide for both as well. Getting the full bladder back into the pack is a bit of a squeeze, however, so we found it best to leave the bladder inside when filling most of the time.

If you want the best of both worlds – to pack heavy but feel light in terms of pack stability and weight management, we feel the USWE Zulo 6L is one of the best options available today. If you’re looking for something smaller, USWE also makes the Zulo 2 Plus with a 1-liter bladder and 2 liters of cargo capacity.

The Bontrager Rapid Pack has been around for a few years and is an excellent option for those looking to carry just the essentials in a super comfortable and stable hip pack. This low-profile model has a simple design that carries a single water bottle centered between two stretchy pockets that make up the 1.64-liter cargo capacity.

While the dual pocket design is not ideal for larger or bulkier items, you can fit a surprising amount of gear and snacks into them. You can easily fit a multitool, tire levers, CO2, a tube, and small snacks like candy bars, gels, or bags of fruit snacks. Where the pocket size can be limiting is with longer, flat items like cell phones or mini-pumps, but it swallows the essential tools well with a touch of room to spare for keys and a bit of food. It’s not really the ideal pack for rides where you’re carrying a spare layer, but we’ve seen riders stuff a super packable wind shell into one of the stretchy pockets in a pinch.

The central bottle sleeve holds a water bottle very securely, and it’s relatively easy to reach back and grab without needing to spin the pack toward the front. When used in combination with a bottle on the bike, we found it provided enough water storage for most short to medium-length rides. And, even when fully loaded with a bottle and gear, the Rapid Pack is the most stable and unobtrusive of all the models we tested, nearly going unnoticed while out on the trail. It’s also slim enough that you could wear it under your jersey or mountain bike jacket.

If you’re looking for an affordable, sleek, and very well-executed hip pack to carry the essential gear plus a bottle, the Bontrager Rapid Pack is worthy of serious consideration. This pack is so comfortable and stable that you almost forget you’re wearing it, yet all your gear is still right within arm’s reach. Bontrager also makes a version of the Rapid Pack with a bladder called the Rapid Pack Hydro ($100) that’s essentially identical but comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder.

Thule is much better known for making a huge range of racks and related products for bikes, skis, and other outdoor gear, but the brand has been making a push into the luggage and pack market as well. In fact, they’ve got a pretty big lineup of travel luggage as well as ski packs, hydration backpacks, and hip packs for mountain biking. The Thule Rail 4 is the largest of the three hip pack models they make with a 4-liter cargo capacity, a 1.5-liter water bladder, and a very well-organized and structured storage layout.

The main things that set the Rail 4 apart from the competition are the shape of the pack and the way that the storage is organized and compartmentalized. The structured design forces you to follow its organizational strategy to get the most out of the low profile, medium volume pack, but we were happy to adapt to the very well-considered layout. This isn’t the kind of pack you just stuff things into willy-nilly, instead, everything has a place, and when you pack it as intended, it results in a very tight and well-organized package. And, it also holds its shape, for better or worse, better than pretty much any other pack we tried, maintaining its streamlined rectangular look for a super tidy appearance.

With a velcro flap front pocket, centered zippered phone sleeve, and compartmentalized main pocket/bladder area, the Rail 4 is a great choice for organized riders looking to separate snacks, cell phones, and tools. This pack holds the essentials and you can squeeze a light, packable layer in there if needed as well. While it doesn’t have zippered pockets on the hip wings, there are two mesh pockets that Thule refers to as “jersey pockets” that are a great place for on-the-fly items like small snacks or gels. The zippered phone sleeve is also a nice touch as it keeps the phone separated from the rest of your gear in a soft pocket that’s relatively easy to reach back and access while riding or when stopped.

Even when packed full, the Rail 4 is stable and predictable, with the broad, overlapping mesh waistband holding it in place comfortably. The waistband is similar to those found on the Evoc Pro 3L, USWE Zulo 6, and the Deuter Pulse Pro 5, and it works in the same way to distribute pressure more evenly while keeping the pack from bouncing around over rough terrain.

The 1.5-liter bladder provides the water storage of the Rail 4 along with the unique ReTrakt hose management system. Instead of a tiny magnet, they’ve created longer magnetic strips on the hose and waistband that hold it super securely and make it very easy to remove and replace. We wished the bladder/hose connection had a quick release so the bladder could be more easily removed for filling and cleaning, but it’s easy enough to fill without removing it from the pack.

If you prioritize organization, then the Thule Rail 4 is a solid choice that’s well-designed, super stable, and competitively priced compared to similar options. If you don’t need that much storage capacity, the Thule Rail 2 and Thule Rail have similar designs in smaller packages. For more info, you can check out our Thule Rail launch article.

The German brand, Deuter, has been producing some of the best backpacks on the market for over 100 years. While hiking and skiing backpacks and luggage are their bread and butter, they’ve also been making a small line of mountain bike hip packs for several years. The Pulse Pro 5 is their top-of-the-line hip pack and one of their latest models. With a 1.5L bladder, space for an extra water bottle, and an extremely usable, well-organized five-liter capacity, it’s our pick for longer rides and carrying lots of gear.

Interestingly, much like Evoc, Deuter makes the Pulse 5 and the Pulse 5 Pro with the “Pro” moniker denoting the overlapping waistband. This is an upgrade over the static belt and along with the highly padded back, it keeps the Pulse Pro 5 comfortable on longer rides. Given this pack’s greater cargo capacity, however, we found it to be a bit less stable over rough terrain compared to some other options when packed to the gills with water and gear. Not a deal breaker by any means, and the stability was also much better when carrying a lighter load.

The Pulse Pro 5 has 5 liters of cargo capacity, but surprisingly, it feels like you can pack more into it than the larger volume USWE Zulo 6, primarily due to the shape of the pack and the layout of the storage. The main compartment houses the wide, winged 1.5-liter water bladder and has ample room for larger items like a tube, mini-pump, and packable layer. The zippered front panel folds down to reveal two open mesh organization pockets for tools and one zippered mesh pocket for other small/medium-sized items. Moving outward, the rider’s left side has a water bottle sleeve with a retention strap and the rider’s right side has a small zippered mesh hip pocket that’s good for keeping a phone or other essentials easily accessible. Additionally, a stowable strap system is included to lash bulkier gear like knee pads to the outside of the pack.

The wide, wing-shaped bladder of the Pulse Pro 5 is nice in that it spreads the volume of water out into the hip wings and over a larger area in the pack. That said, it makes it more difficult to worm back into the pack when it’s full. Regardless, the slider top of the bladder opens nice and wide for filling and cleaning with a handle of sorts that makes it easy to hold open under the faucet. The hose also has a quick connect fitting and it secures on the waistband with a small clip that we found to be less likely to pop off than many of the magnetic attachments.

Overall, the Deuter Pulse Pro 5 is a great option for longer rides or heavy packers who like to carry lots of water, gear, and snacks. It’s not the most stable pack we tested, but it is quite comfortable and something we’d reach for all day over a backpack for rides where you’re bringing lots of gear.

The Evoc Hip Pack 3L is a medium-capacity hip pack featuring a 1.5-liter water bladder in a fairly open top access area, a dual zip/velcro top closure compartmentalized section for tools and small items, and two small hip pockets, one with a key ring. It is quite similar to the Hip Pack Pro 3L detailed above, just without the stretchy waistbelt or any sleeves to carry water bottles.

While there is nowhere to stash an extra water bottle, the 3-liter cargo capacity, smart organization layout, and 1.5-liter water bladder should provide just enough space and water to be prepared on short to medium-length rides. Organizing the essentials into the Evoc Hip Pack 3 is intuitive – larger items like a tube, mini-pump, and packable layer fit easily into the main compartment with the water bladder. Smaller items like a multitool, CO2 cartridges and nozzle, and tire plugs were easily organized in the compartments of the front, fold open pocket, a great area for anything that will live in the pack and you want to find easily. The small pockets on the hips are great for small items like snacks, chapstick, or keys, but they aren’t quite big enough to hold a phone.

The bladder is easy to remove, fill, and reconnect with the high-quality quick-connect fitting at the end of the hose. The slide top opens wide for easy filling and cleaning and has a great leak-free seal. The hose is attached to the waistband with a magnet and it is easy to reach, drink, and replace while riding. The grey color of the hose looks pretty cool, but it does hide any mold growing inside that would be more obvious with a clear tube.

Once loaded up, the small footprint and low profile of the Hip Pack 3L sits well in the small of the back, feeling very stable and secure. While the waist belt is not stretchy like the Pro version, it still feels quite comfortable in use. The strap system, while very secure and easy to get on and off, isn’t the easiest to adjust on the fly, however, as the slip lock slide buckles require some extra fiddling to tighten and loosen.

Beyond that, we feel the Evoc Hip Pack 3L + 1.5L Bladder is a great option that should serve most riders well. It’s well organized, stable, and a good size for carrying the gear and water needed on most medium-length rides.

The PNW Rover is a 2.72 liter capacity hip pack, with a bespoke look and feel. While it is fairly small, the large main compartment, zippered phone sleeve, and two small hip pockets keep things organized while easily fitting all of the essentials, and the detachable bottle holder (it comes with one but can carry up to 2) allows you to carry ample water on your rides.

We love how the Rover is organized and constructed – a simple yet effective layout, comfortable back and hip padding, water-resistant Sailcloth fabric, waterproof zippers, and a dedicated, padded phone pocket. It feels very well made and durable, plus the materials provide great water resistance for riding in the rain or wet trails. The roomy main pocket opens nice and wide and holds more gear than expected given its 2.72-liter capacity with mesh pockets on both sides to keep things organized so you don’t have to fish around to find your tools. The neoprene-lined front pocket also keeps your phone relatively well protected in the event of a crash while the small zippered pockets on the hip wings provide easy access for items you want to keep in arms reach.

The PNW Rover comes with one detachable bottle holder and you can add an additional Booster Bag Water Bottle Holder for $15, giving it water storage nearly on par with most packs that have 1.5-liter water bladders. Of course, you can also stuff a packable layer or other gear into the bottle holders to expand the cargo capacity. The only issue we really had with the Rover, however, is that when carrying bottles, they tend to swing around over rough terrain. This doesn’t really affect the pack’s stability, though we found it to be a bit distracting and something that could be improved on an otherwise stellar pack. We did find that you can mount the bottle holder inside of the compression strap for enhanced stability, though that doesn’t appear to be the recommended way to do it.

Still, the PNW Rover is a great-looking and well-made pack that’s got your cargo-carrying needs handled for most rides. With good weather resistance and a tough, durable feel, we think it’s a solid choice that should last a long time and is great value at $79. For more info, check out our PNW Rover launch article.

The Hot Laps 5L has been a staple in Dakine’s lineup for many years and it is among the most popular models you’ll see out on the trails. It hasn’t changed much over the years, but the recent redesign now includes a fleece-lined hip pocket that’s large enough to fit a phone for protection and quick and easy access while you ride. Otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward pack that gets the job done and comes in way more color options than any other hip pack we know of.

The Hotlaps is available in 1, 2, and 5-liter capacities with the 5 also coming with a 2-liter water bladder. Whether you’re going for a quick local ride or out for a long day, the Hot Laps has the storage and hydration capacity for you to bring adequate sustenance and supplies. The storage consists of a large water bladder compartment that also has room to stuff some other items inside along with it. The front pocket opens nice and wide with ample space for bulkier items along with some organizational pockets and straps to keep it from becoming a free-for-all. Stowable straps on the bottom of the pack are there when you need them to attach pads or a jacket to the outside of the pack and the sizeable hip pocket on the right side of the waist belt fits a phone or a pair of shades.

The 2-liter capacity of the Hydrapak reservoir is more than most hip packs and provides ample water for just about any length of ride. It’s quite easy to pull out the pack and the slide-top closure makes it easy to fill and clean. The hose nests in a magnetic clip that’s easy to reach and replace whether you’re still rolling or stopping for a break.

The large hip wings and back panel are covered in Airflow mesh that provides decent breathability and relatively good stability. The one caveat, however, is that when this pack is fully loaded with gear and water, it tends to bulge a bit which results in slightly reduced stability. Also, the 2-liter bladder takes up a bit of the cargo space when full, effectively making the storage feel a bit smaller than 5 liters.

Regardless, the Dakine Hot Laps 5L is still a solid option for any length of ride but especially those big days where you need to bring lots of water. Assuming you don’t overpack it, it’s comfortable and stable, good-looking, and ready to stand up to years of use. Plus, the wealth of color and pattern options means you should be able to find something that suits your personal style, and the $100 price tag comes in a bit lower than most other bladder-equipped competitors.

Fox Racing makes just about every article of apparel and accessories you can think of for mountain biking, including three models of hip packs. The Fox Standard Hip Pack is a relatively low-volume, streamlined model with a 2-liter cargo capacity and two collapsible sleeves for water bottles. Given the limited storage, it’s best for shorter rides or carrying the essentials in warmer weather when you’re not bringing along spare layers.

The Standard Hip Pack has a very slim rectangular shape with storage split into two zippered compartments. The main compartment holds the bulk of the cargo capacity and is best for larger items like a tube, first aid kit, and a mini pump with small divider pockets to keep tools organized. The zippered front panel folds down to reveal a zippered mesh pocket and additional space for smaller items. The only real downside to the slim shape of the pack is that oddly shaped tools or snack containers may be more difficult to fit and there aren’t any hip pockets for those things you want to access on the go. That said, you can wear it under a mountain bike jacket or jersey if you aren’t carrying any bottles.

The two bottle sleeves hold regular-size water bottles and they collapse down when not in use to maintain the sleek looks of the Standard Hip Pack. You can carry up to 40 or 50 ounces of water depending on bottle size, which is roughly the equivalent of packs with a 1.5-liter bladder, and they’re relatively easy to reach back and pull out on the fly. We did notice, however, that with two full bottles, the pack had a tendency to bounce a bit over the rough stuff compared to some other options.

Overall, at $70 the Fox Standard Hip Pack is an affordable low-volume option for bringing the essentials on your daily rides. With a well-organized 2-liter cargo capacity and the ability to carry up to two bottles, it has you covered for short to medium-length rides where you don’t need to bring tons of gear. Should you need more cargo capacity, Fox also makes the Lumbar 5-Liter Pack ($125) which has 5 liters of storage space and comes with a 2-liter bladder.

The Castelli Espresso GT Glove is the best all-around winter glove we tested. While it does not win outright on any individual criteria, it’s clearly the glove of choice for riders who only want to buy one pair of gloves that will protect them for a few hours of riding during 95% of the conditions that winter will throw at them.

To be fair to the Espresso GT, its comfort is absolutely top-shelf and we’d quickly point out that its breathability is simply on another level compared to similarly warm models. That’s important because conditions in winter are highly variable, day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. Changes in ride intensity relative to speed, changes in altitude, changes in precipitation, and wind speed all conspire to make keeping hands comfortable a tricky test.

The Espresso GT features PrimaLoft Gold insulation along with a GORE-TEX membrane that makes them completely waterproof and windproof. While Castelli isn’t explicit about what makes the Espresso GT breathe so well, this is really what separates it from other gloves offering a similar level of warmth and protection. Why this breathability is so important isn’t about extreme cold, but rather more mild conditions. Most gloves in this category are not useful above the mid-40s F and thus leave a gap where they are way too warm. Thanks to their impressive breathability, this gap all but disappears with the Espresso GT.

This leads us to another great feature of the Espresso GT, which is the zippered back. While other gloves offer a nice flexible cuff, the Espresso GT goes further, opening up completely thanks to a YKK zipper that runs from the cuff to the knuckle area. This makes removing and refitting the Espresso GT mid-ride super easy, which is a nice upgrade over all the other winter gloves we tested.

At $120, the Castelli Espresso GT Glove sits at a high price point but offers a corresponding level of performance thanks to a pitch-perfect blend of warmth, waterproofing, breathability, and ease of getting in and out. If you only want one glove for anything winter will throw at you, the Espresso GT is the one to buy.

The Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Gloves from Showers Pass provide excellent protection from the rain to keep your hands dry while cycling. The Crosspoint Gloves are fully waterproof with 3 bonded layers: a wear-resistant knit exterior that feels like a regular knit glove, a waterproof-breathable Artex membrane, and a Coolmax moisture-wicking antibacterial knit lining.

What makes the Crosspoint shine is their simplicity and supple comfort during the ride, especially considering how much protection they provide against rain and wind. The Crosspoint gloves are barely noticeable after a few minutes on the bike because they fit and articulate so well. When the intensity ramps up, there is no loss of control or feedback through the handlebar, making the Crosspoint glove a great choice for fast group rides and road races. Silicone print on the palm provides a reliable grip in wet conditions. 

While the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit gloves fit and feel like just about any other knit option, Showers Pass ups the ante with the Artex membrane. Most knit gloves only provide moderate protection from wind and little, if any, protection from water, so this really expands the versatility of these gloves to a much wider conditions range.

At just $47, the Crosspoint is a great value and outperformed a few gloves we tested that were nearly double the cost. Showers Pass also keeps the branding on these gloves subtle, so they pair well with whatever winter kit you choose to wear. If you want a simple, durable, and high-performance glove that is ready for anything from fall all the way through to spring races, check out the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Gloves from Showers Pass.

The name of the Ornot Merino Gloves is a bit of an oversimplification. While they are 20% Merino wool, there are a host of other materials, mainly nylon and polyester, that help them fit and perform better than a 100% merino glove ever could. Thankfully, these gloves still feature that soft and natural comfort we associate with wool fiber. 

Before even putting on the merino glove, we knew they would be comfortable, just from their appearance. The blended fabric is clearly well-sourced and has a nice density to it. The Merino Gloves are not articulated, but that’s not necessary for a high-quality merino-blend fabric in this application, as its stretch allows it to conform perfectly to the individual shape of the hands and fingers. The Bluebird color scheme of our test pair is brilliant and gives the merino glove a cheerful look that actually makes us want to wear them. The subtle Ornot patch on the cuff also matches the pattern of the grippy texture applied to the palms, giving them a subtle yet classy style. 

Getting the merino gloves on was even easier than expected, because the cuff is ribbed and the wrist hem is reinforced, making it easy to tug on this part of the glove to get them in place. These gloves make a great “just in case” option for rides that start or end in colder weather, or feature long descents. Keep them in your pocket until your hands are cold, and they will still be super easy to put on, even while riding. 

Of course, the Ornot merino gloves also work great for rides that start cold and stay cold. They pack a surprising amount of protection for such a lightweight and simple glove. A big reason why they stay comfortable in cold conditions is that they breathe well, preventing any chilling effect from clammy hands. Yet, there is enough density in the weave of the merino blend to block light to moderate wind.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, packable glove that excels in mild to moderately cold weather, such as the mid/low 40s F, the reasonably priced Ornot Merino Glove is a great choice. 

You can usually tell a good product when it doesn’t change year after year, or better yet, ever, like the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves. These gloves are aptly named and are honestly overkill for what most riders are willing to venture out into during the dark and cold months. But for those of us who road ride just as much in the winter as in the summer, these are a wise investment in comfort.

Built with a bevy of technical layers, including a waterproof and breathable OutDry membrane, as well as PrimaLoft insulation, it’s fair to say that your enthusiasm to ride might fade before you hit conditions these gloves can’t handle. We’ve ridden them in sleet, hail, and wind chill into the single digits, for century rides and beyond, and never once lost feeling in our fingers. 

The fit of the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves is on par with their excellent protection. Because of the articulated shaping, these ride like much thinner gloves. There is just enough freedom inside to allow the hand to relax and move naturally, which is vital to maintaining circulation and comfort. Although Rapha offers a merino liner (sold separately) to go inside, we think it would need to be exceptionally cold for that to be necessary.

Getting into the Deep Winter Gloves isn’t hard, assuming you’re still at home and your hands are still warm. Thankfully, a wide Velcro strap ensures that the generously sized, flexible cuff is sealed completely against cold air and moisture. The shell also extends separately over the cuff, allowing the sleeve of a jacket to slide between them for a nice sandwich of protection around the wrist.

When things warm up, the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves do an admirable job of staying comfortable, but there is only so much a glove this burly can do to wick away sweat vapor. The good news is that the lining is so luxurious and fits so well that even with a bit of moisture build-up, there is no discomfort or loss of dexterity. 

If you love heading outside to ride when others on the group text have lost hope and given in to the indoor trainer, or you hate cutting the ride short because of numb hands, the $190 price tag for the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves makes some sense. There are less expensive gloves that can match their comfort or their protection, but few that can do both.

Pearl Izumi’s AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves take the simple route to keeping your hands super warm by grouping the outer fingers together instead of isolating each finger on its own. The look of these gloves is a bit different, and dexterity isn’t their strong suit, relative to less protective, more stretchy gloves, hence the reference to lobster claws.

However, when you consider that the ring finger and pinky do virtually nothing for shifting and braking, while the warmth gained from the split-finger design is substantial, the AmFib Lobster Evos make a lot of sense. It’s a function-over-form product, and when it’s below freezing and we’re 20 miles from home, the look of our gloves is about the furthest thing from our mind.

Digging deeper into the technology of the AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves, we find a 170g PrimaLoft Gold insulation w/Crosscore technology, which provides supreme warmth while minimizing bulk. The AmFIB fabric that constitutes the main body is highly water-resistant and windproof but also articulates easily to the position of riding on the brake hoods. An Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm makes the AmFIB Lobster Evo Glove as grippy as it is durable. A 3D-shaped gel pad provides bar comfort without any loss of feedback or control at the handlebar. 

One of the drawbacks to a glove like the AmFIB Lobster Evo is that it might be able to protect against conditions that you’re just not that interested in riding in. This is a glove for folks who live and ride where winter is harsh and relentless and isn’t just a game of waiting for mild conditions to go outside. Likewise, while you are still able to use the pointer and middle fingers independently, these gloves are simply bulkier than lighter options, and therefore dexterity and tactility are slightly limited as a result. Given the right conditions, however, that is a tradeoff that most people are willing to make for warm hands.

If you routinely face sub-freezing temps or maybe have issues with keeping your hands warm in the upper 30s to low 40s with traditional five-finger glove designs, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Glove is a great pick. At $95, they’re also offered at a competitive price relative to the competition.

While not completely waterproof, as their name might suggest, Sportful’s No Rain Gloves are made to fend off light precipitation and road spray, and do so effectively. The No Rain Gloves also feature a dense pattern of silicone across the un-padded palm for exceptional grip and dexterity whether shifting, braking, sprinting, or taking a selfie.

What impressed us most about the No Rain Gloves, however, was how incredibly comfortable they are. From the moment we put them on, our hands felt cradled by their soft interior, which provides balanced stretch and light compression across every part of the hand and fingers. Every seam is positioned correctly to avoid irritating or restricting the fingers, which helps them achieve a level of comfort that its rather simple construction hides nicely. 

On the road, the No Rain Gloves feel weightless and take away nothing from the control and feedback we are accustomed to when riding gloveless. Depending on the intensity of the ride, the No Rain Gloves can protect against temperatures as low as the upper 30s F, provided it’s dry. At a more chill pace, the No Rain Gloves can breathe well enough to be comfortable into the low 50s. The sweet spot is high 40s F, with light precipitation. The No Rain material not only expels small amounts of water readily, but also seems to adapt to a humid environment to become even more comfortable. 

Those who live in mild but damp winter climates could get a lot of use out of the Sportful No Rain Gloves. They are perfectly suited for the best conditions of temperate winter riding, with light precipitation and temps that rarely approach freezing. Even for milder days in typically harsher winter climates, the comfort of the Sportful No Rain makes them worth having as an option, at just $50.

Rapha’s Merino Gloves are a wonderful choice for milder temperatures and weather and place a premium on grip and dexterity in all conditions, as well as touch-screen compatibility by featuring a palm constructed with Ax Suede. The top panel on the back of the Merino Glove is a merino blend that is 38% merino wool, and 62% nylon. The weave of the top panel is a waffle pattern that encourages body heat to insulate the hand until it turns to sweat vapor, then wicks away quickly. 

One of the reasons some folks avoid wearing gloves is that palm padding can take away from handlebar control or even affect bike fit in some cases. Thankfully, the Rapha Merino Gloves have no padding and the AX Suede palm is thin and provides a great bar feel so controlling the front of the bike feels just like riding gloveless.

Designed to slide seamlessly under jacket sleeves, the ribbed cuffs are elasticated for a secure fit, with a pull tab making for easy removal. While they are not designed for steady rain, they can protect your digits from road spray on long wet descents, or a moderately damp road race or group ride.

The Rapha Merino Gloves are a great option for mild conditions, from the upper 50s to mid/low 40s, depending on intensity. They are on the expensive side of the spectrum for what they are, but if you prioritize dexterity, natural bar feel, and touchscreen compatibility, these are a great option to consider.

The Assos Ultraz Winter Glove is the warmest glove Assos offers and is built for deep winter riding, featuring Assos’ twinDeck construction, a double-layer of brushed Lycra, and the Airblock membrane. This type of fabric increases loft to keep warm air close to the skin to insulate the hands, while the Airblock membrane fends off the bitterly cold winds of winter.

The fit of the Ultraz Gloves is excellent, assuming you choose the correct size. These ran smaller than we expected, and our tester’s hands were cramped and restricted in the size large Ultraz on his typically size large hands. So, size up and you’ll be able to enjoy how well the Ultraz articulates to the position of riding on the brake hoods. 

The Ultraz Gloves feature a neoprene cuff to seal out the elements and fit easily under most jackets’ wrist cuffs. A Microfiber palm and padding keep hands comfortable on the bars. On the outboard side of the pinky finger, a reflective fabric lends a hint of visibility for the low light conditions of winter riding. 

As is the case with much of the Assos winter collection, the Ultraz Winter Glove does not protect against steady rain and road spray. The Ultraz gloves are hydrophobic enough to cope with light and intermittent moisture for a long time though. Being designed in Switzerland, this makes sense, as this alpine climate has little rain in the winter, but a consistent pattern of snowy stretches punctuated by cold, windy, dry days.

So, if that sounds like the climate where you ride, the Assos Ultraz Winter Gloves could be a great pick. Just trust us when we say that you’ll want to size up for a comfortable fit with great dexterity.

Featuring a durable nylon construction and insulation in key areas, the Sportful WS Essential 2 Glove with GORE-TEX Infinium is a versatile model for moderately harsh winter conditions. The gloves work well in temperatures ranging from cool to cold, depending on riding intensity, and conditions between dry and damp.

Gore-Tex Infinium is one of the most popular and effective materials in the world of cycling apparel, as it is highly water-resistant, blocks wind, and breathes easily, thanks to its densely woven but lightweight composition. It provides a nice balance of moderate warmth and good weather protection for riding in light, intermittent showers, or on unpredictable weather days. The microfiber palm is soft and padded for a nice balance of support and cushioning, along with a great feeling of control and feedback on the handlebars. Silicone texture applied to the areas that interface with the brake hoods further bolsters confidence in wet weather.

The velcro closure ensures that winter stays out, and a microfiber panel down the center of the inner wrist helps increase grip when sliding the WS Essential 2 Gloves on and off. The length of the cuff also ensures gap-free coverage of the wrists when worn with a cycling jacket. The WS Essential 2 Gloves are also available in a nice selection of colors that can coordinate or contrast with many of Sportful’s most popular winter jackets. 

The Sportful WS Essential 2 Gloves are comfortable across a wide range of temperatures from the mid-50s down to the high 30s F, possibly even lower at very high intensity, making these a sensible option for the conditions experienced most often during early season training and racing.

The Perfetto Light Gloves from Castelli are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, because they stand up resolutely to cold wind and light rain, but also offer excellent breathability and are supremely light. The key to the Perfetto’s versatility is GORE-TEX Infinium fabric, which provides complete protection from wind and a high level of water resistance in a thin material that never feels clammy or heavy, even if temps or the ride intensity soar. 

The Perfetto Light Glove features the Castelli Damping System (CDS) on the palm to absorb jarring vibrations. This gel pad is positioned at the lower-middle portion of the palm and noticeably dissipates road buzz and adds security to the grip over bigger hits like potholes and fissures in weathered road surfaces. 

Around the CDS palm, silicone grippers further bolster grip and dexterity, allowing the Perfetto Light to mimic that feeling of riding gloveless. Touchscreen-friendly material on the thumb and forefinger ensures relatively good smartphone control while reflective accents lend a bit of visibility for motorists.

We wish these were made in colors to match or contrast the wide range of color options available in the Perfetto range of jerseys, but alas, the Castelli Perfetto Light is only available in black. Still, these are attractive and low-profile gloves that are great for fast rides and races in mild to moderately harsh winter conditions.

An excellent choice for damp and cold early-season races and fast-paced training rides, Rapha’s Pro Team Winter Gloves use a warm, fleece-lined fabric for wind protection and breathability. The exterior is treated with DWR to fend off light rain and road spray. 

The palm is suede which means that the Pro Team Gloves have excellent grip in dry or wet conditions as well as all the control and feedback akin to riding gloveless. The index finger and thumb feature a conductive material that is touchscreen-compatible for relatively easy operation of smartphones and cycling computers. 

The Pro Team Winter Gloves cuffs are handsomely stamped with the Rapha Pro Team type and are also elasticated so they merge well with jacket sleeves to keep the elements out while a burly pull tab provides a generous anchor for pulling the Pro Team Gloves on and off. 

The Pro Team Gloves work well in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, depending on riding intensity. At higher intensities, they will protect against moderate amounts of rain, road spray, and wind, in temps as low as the low 40s F. On easier-paced rides, the Pro Team Gloves breathe well enough to stay comfortable up into the mid-50s F. 

Overall, the Pro Team Gloves are a massive upgrade over their predecessors, because they not only offer better performance but look and feel made to hold up to much greater use and abuse. At $110, the Rapha Pro Team Winter Gloves aren’t exactly cheap, but for riders who tend to ride in milder winter conditions or at very high intensities, they could be the perfect quiver-of-one glove for all your winter riding.

The Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Glove is a perennial bestseller for cool weather, and it’s easy to understand why when looking into all the nice benefits they offer at such a reasonable price. 

On the back of the Cyclone Glove, the three-layer softshell material provides a luxurious fit, robust cold-weather protection, and excellent dexterity. An Ax Suede Uno synthetic leather palm allows four-way stretch for unparalleled fit, breathability and bar feel. The cuff is extended to encourage overlap with jacket sleeves for a fully sealed wrist. 

The index finger and thumb feature a conductive material that is touchscreen-compatible for easy operation of smartphones and cycling computers. A large patch of reflective material spans the back of the Cyclone gloves, adding well-positioned visibility for rides in low-light conditions.

While gel padding inserts in a winter glove may not be for everyone, we acknowledge that many riders are used to having them in summer gloves, and will appreciate the continuity of having them in the Cyclone Gel during their winter riding.

The Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves are an excellent value not only because of the $45 retail price but also because they are useful during the many months of the year when temps hover in the mid-40s for at least a few hours daily. If you’re looking for a glove to get you through most fall, spring, and mild winter conditions, these are a versatile and affordable option to consider.

Sportful’s Giara Thermal Gloves are a midweight option that is more useful in milder conditions than their name would suggest. We categorize these as nice jersey-pocket insurance against cold that hasn’t yet arrived, or as a temporary glove to wear until both body and temperature have warmed up enough to go gloveless. There is a narrow sweet spot where they are just right, between about 42 degrees and 52 degrees F. They aren’t quite insulated enough for temps below 40°, and above 52° they feel too insulated and can’t breathe sufficiently from within. 

The palm is synthetic suede and features gel padding in the ulnar nerve region, along with silicone stripes across the top of the palm for added grip. The back of the Giara Thermal Gloves is made of a windproof face and a soft-brushed interior. The overall feel is luxurious and dexterity is well-preserved.

The cuff is a stretchy double layer and forms a pleasantly tight seal against the wrist to keep wintery conditions out. A hearty pull tab features on the cuff to help ease getting them on and off. All the seams are placed intelligently to pamper the hand and fingers without irritation.

By forgetting the “Thermal” label, these gloves immediately performed better in our minds. Sometimes, there’s a lot in a name, and if it’s just not a very accurate one, that can be distracting. So, if you’re looking for a solid glove for cold starts or twilight chilliness, and tend to go gloveless above the low 50s, the Sportful Giara Thermal Gloves could be an excellent pick.

Although only named after two seasons, we could see the Assos Spring Fall Gloves Evo being used year-round, especially for those of us who like to experience the golden hour. These are the ultimate gloves for staying 100% comfortable when there is just a slight chill in the air, as there often is as the sun is just breaking the horizon or about to disappear beyond it. 

Another thing we love about these gloves is that although they would never be described as “burly,” they could definitely be called “bomber,” and look like they will probably outlast most bikes. Since most of our most used gloves end up with split seams and relegated to the trash bin, it’s nice to see Assos taking durability seriously, especially in a glove that costs $80 and isn’t necessarily all that warm. 

We love Assos products, but versatility is not a high priority for the luxury cycling brand from Switzerland, and this glove is further evidence of that observation. Many people would probably just suck it up and go without gloves in the slim temperature range where the Spring Fall Evo glove is most effective, which is from about 48-55 degrees F. And many still would go gloveless even below where these gloves are only marginally better than bare hands. In other words, these are another niche offering from a company that arguably has every niche dialed in perfectly. 

If you see that narrow temperature range as another opportunity to ride in supreme luxury, then the Assos Spring Fall Gloves Evo may be worth the cost, because they are supremely comfortable, look great, are built to last, and preserve 99.9% of the control and handlebar feedback of bare-hand riding.

Pearl Izumi’s Thermal Gloves prioritize dexterity and handlebar feel in cool conditions. We loved stashing them in pockets for long chilly descents during rides that were otherwise warm enough to go gloveless. We also utilized the Thermal Gloves on chilly starts and twilight rides into the late-autumn sunset, which always seem to arrive way too early and bring with them a biting chill.

The soft microfiber palm of the Thermal Glove is both durable and quite supple and provides an excellent grip and feel on the bars. The index finger and thumb feature a conductive material that is touchscreen-compatible for simple tasks on smartphones and touchscreen cycling computers. The back of the Thermal Glove features a brushed thermal fabric for warmth and comfort with no excess bulk.

The Thermal gloves have an extended slip-on cuff that fits neatly under the wrist cuffs of most cycling jackets. They are also available in Arctic Blue as well as black and the branding is super minimal, matching the simple and functional vibe of this glove. 

The Thermal Glove is thin enough to be used as a supplemental liner inside of a much thicker glove during extreme cold. On their own, we can recommend them for temps as low as 45 F, but not much lower, as the material isn’t dense enough to effectively block wind. Conversely, this lack of density helps the Thermal Glove breathe well enough to keep on into the high 50s F when desired.

At just $30, the Pearl Izumi Thermal Gloves are a very affordable cool weather riding glove that will keep your hands happy and comfortable while riding in mild temperatures and weather during the fall, winter, and spring.

The MAAP (Modern Articulated Apparel Platform) Training Winter Jacket features a waterproof and windproof Drytex TPU membrane designed to keep the elements at bay without compromising breathability. Steady rain, arctic wind, and freezing cold are no match for this jacket, which exudes a matter-of-fact readiness for the worst of the worst. 

The fit of the Training Winter Jacket is slightly more relaxed than expected, coming from MAAP, a brand known for its aero cuts. This semi-spacious fit makes sense, though, because of its burly construction, and allows for different layering strategies based on the conditions. This jacket is stout enough that with a substantial base layer and perhaps an optional mid-layer, comfort is ensured down to freezing or even below.  Conversely, with only a thin base layer, the Training Winter Jacket breathes enough to work well into the mid-50s. The whole interior is fleece-lined, so we don’t recommend pairing the Winter Training with a sleeveless base layer, as the arms could feel a bit clammy with the fleece lining directly on the skin. 

Three deep pockets with drain holes grace the tail of the Training Winter Jacket, along with a zippered valuables pouch on the right-hand edge. The three main pockets provide a nice mix of snug security for contents and easy access, even while wearing thick winter gloves. The 2-way front zipper makes it so the jacket can be vented both from the top and bottom. The zipper pulls are meaty and easy to engage with gloves and the zipper track is reinforced and semi-rigid, making opening and closing the Training Winter Jacket quick and confident. 

Perforations behind the upper arms allow excess heat to escape freely and are positioned so as not to take in unwanted elements while taped seams and a TPU membrane ensure that water stays out. The cuffs are elasticized with a separate stretchy polyester internal cuff to seal out wind and rain with a comfortable grasp around the wrist. 

The MAAP Training Winter Jacket is for riders who either relish riding in nasty conditions or don’t have the flexibility to wait for the weather to improve. While versatility isn’t lacking, it is truly a jacket for riding through the depths of winter, much more so than the mild and variable conditions of spring and fall. At $345, think of it as an investment in getting outside on the bike when other jackets simply won’t be up to the task.

The Castelli Squadra Stretch Jacket is a lightweight shell jacket made from coated ripstop nylon that keeps the wind off on cool-weather rides or long descents. Tightly knitted stretch panels on the sides and inner arms keep the Squadra Stretch Jacket fitting close to the body to reduce flapping fabric. The Squadra Stretch is also easily packed into a jersey pocket or cargo bibs as conditions change and needs warrant. 

The Squadra Stretch is available in a larger selection of colors than most shell jackets, six in total. To help with visibility in low-light conditions, Castelli has applied a reflective strip to the tail and chest of the Squadra Stretch Jacket. 

If flapping material is a big concern, we recommend choosing your typical size, as opposed to most Castelli items, for which we often recommend going up one size. The fit of the Squadra is excellent, easily accommodating an aggressive riding position while providing the optimal sleeve, torso, and collar length to keep the chilly wind out. Still, it has enough stretch to fit comfortably over tight snug baselayers or long-sleeve jerseys.

At $70, the Castelli Squadra Stretch Jacket is a great value because it can ensure that you are prepared for changing conditions, chilly descents on crisp mornings, or high-altitude adventures for much less than most other competitors. 

Gorewear’s C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket is a 100% water and windproof, extremely lightweight, breathable, and packable rain jacket. Shakedry is a remarkable material because it is simply a membrane with the typical face fabric removed. This allows it to be extremely light and avoid the chilling effect that can occur when a face fabric takes on water. 

This jacket succeeds because of its simplicity. It’s not insulated, so there’s never a question of whether it might be too warm. If staying warm is a concern, the jacket is windproof but also has a moderately relaxed fit allowing for easy layering of a thermal jersey beneath. Plus, if conditions improve, the Shakedry 1985 is easily stowed away in a jersey pocket. In other words, you have choice and control with this jacket, to a much greater extent than some other winter jackets we tested that attempt to provide an all-in-one solution to wet and cold weather. 

As mentioned above, the fit is fairly relaxed, so, if excess material flapping at high speed is a concern, you may wish to size down. The lower hem is elasticated on both sides, which keeps the bottom of the jacket from separating from the hips and letting in cold air. The collar is tall in front and on the sides, with a slight taper around the back and two Velcro patches provide choices in how to close the collar for optimal throat comfort. The cuffs feature a lycra panel on the inside edge, which provides ample stretch for easy in/out.

A single zippered pocket with a reflective panel graces the back. The pocket is small, but large enough for a phone, very thin gloves, or a couple of ride snacks. The front zipper is a two-way design, allowing the Shakedry 1985 to be vented from both the top and bottom. 

The Gorewear C5 Shakedry 1985 Jacket is a great choice because of the freedom it promises. Even if it’s just carried around in a jersey pocket for a few hours, it’s worth having the piece of mind that a sudden change in the weather won’t ruin the ride. And when the time comes, the C5 Shakedry 1985 is up to the task of protecting against the worst of the worst, provided the proper layers and accessories are involved.

Sportful’s Hot Pack No Rain Jacket is a robust and lightweight jacket that packs away easily when conditions improve. This jacket blocks wind and rain while also providing an efficiently snug but comfortable fit, making it a great insurance policy to have in your jersey pocket during uncertain weather conditions. 

While the Hot Pack No Rain is certainly lightweight, it has just enough rigidity to avoid constant flapping at high speed. For riding in high mountains or unstable weather, the Hot Pack No Rain creates a nice barrier to wind and water, then easily packs up into its rear pocket and disappears into a jersey pocket.

Looking more closely at the panels of the Hot Pack No Rain Jacket, you’ll notice that the heavier, less flappy materials are used in places where this is typically a big problem, such as the upper back, side panels, and inner arms. Not only does the heavier polyester blend used in these zones help reduce flapping, but also keeps the Hot Pack No Rain Jacket quiet during dynamic movements like out-of-saddle climbing and sprinting. 

While the Hot Pack No Rain will handle moderate showers with ease, there are better options for riding in steady rains all day. And, the lightweight membrane used in its construction does sacrifice a little in terms of breathability compared to some other options we tested.

Overall, the Sportful Hot Pack No Rain Jacket is a versatile and effective jacket for a variety of conditions. With the correct layers beneath it, the Hot Pack No Rain can serve as a first line of defense during frigid cold and on-and-off rains. On more mild and variable days, it can sit in your jersey pocket until the time comes, then keep you comfortable while you hammer through a passing storm.

The 7Mesh Freeflow Jacket is a luxuriously warm and staggeringly lightweight jacket that pairs Polartec®️ Alpha insulation with a ripstop nylon outer that both quickly moves moisture out and restricts the air coming in.

Performance is more important than style, but the Redwood colorway we tested happens to look brilliant and features a contrasting bright orange color for the Polartec Alpha lining that extends just beyond the edges of the collar. Two reflective logos grace the chest and upper back. Overall, the Freeflow is one of, if not the best-looking jacket we tested.

The fit is excellent, with tapered arms that never flap at high speed, a snug but accommodating shoulder and trunk, and just enough length to protect the hips and tailbone area, without any bunching around the front zipper. The medium-height collar gives just enough coverage of the neck without interfering with the chin or jaw and an elasticated hem with silicone grippers keeps it from riding up in the back.

The ideal conditions for the Freeflow jacket are cold and dry. On test rides in the mid-40s with clear skies and steady winds the Freeflow keeps you warm on descents and at high speed on flat ground but also manages to pull away sweat vapor rapidly so that whenever the speed drops and the effort increases on climbs, there’s little to no need to unzip it. 

Packability isn’t normally a strong suit for jackets that are this warm. Here again, the Freeflow jacket exceeds expectations with its Stash System, which allows the Freeflow to pack easily into its rear pocket, and also attach to the bike if needed, thanks to a pair of straps inside the rear pocket. This means that the Freeflow is a great pick for all-day rides with huge fluctuations in temperatures.

The only condition in which the 7Mesh Freeflow Jacket isn’t going to dominate is heavy or constant rainfall. It’s a better jacket for drier days that are or may become bitterly cold due to wind chill. At $220, we still consider it a solid value, because it has a great fit, transitions perfectly from blocking wind to pulling away excessive body heat, and looks amazing doing both.

The Ultralight Jacket is Velocio’s technical three-season outer layer, safeguarding against wind and passing showers. This jacket’s packability and ultra-lightweight construction make it a great companion for adventures into the high mountains, rides that start chilly before warming up, or that could feature a passing afternoon rain shower. 

Ventilation is excellent and has been updated in the latest version of the Ultralight Jacket by using laser-cut perforations in place of the original mesh panels. Velocio chose this design not only to help the Ultralight keep riders more comfortable but also to enhance durability. Holding the Ultralight Jacket, It’s clear that durability was a priority for Velocio in this design. The Polyamide material has a noticeable texture on the outer surface, to help defend the Ultralight Jacket from snagging the super thin material on objects in your jersey pockets or in the laundry. 

The standout feature of the Ultralight is its highly refined fit. Unlike many lightweight jackets that flap like crazy above 20mph, the Ultralight manages to keep the rippling to a minimum and not waste rider energy by producing aerodynamic drag. 

The Ultralight Jacket features a single pocket that is zippered, into which the jacket stashes, making it easy to store in a jersey or cargo bibs, and the feathery, 70-gram weight means it won’t weigh you down either. 

If you’re looking for the best lightweight and packable jacket, the Velocio Ultralight Jacket is worth the extra cost over many similar-looking options. While this category of jackets may not have many obvious differences among the individual offerings, the Velocio Ultralight stands out as a clear favorite.

“You could be a rolling billboard, Ornot,” is an appropriate tagline for the clean aesthetics and minimal branding of Ornot cycling apparel. Based in San Fransisco, the folks at Ornot are quite familiar with highly variable weather conditions, so it’s no surprise that the Magic Shell is a versatile jacket that is effective in temperatures ranging from sub-freezing (with correct layering) to the mid-50s. 

Just picking up the Magic Shell is impressive, because it’s remarkably lightweight, at just 255g in size small, but also exudes an ability to fend off some nasty weather. The seams are now bonded and taped – an update from the original version – and the Polartec NeoShell looks and feels seriously hydrophobic. Overall, it has a sleek aesthetic, minimal branding, elegant seam construction, and a svelte cut.

One thing that stands out about the Magic Shell is its perfectly balanced fit. It deftly avoids being too tight or restrictive without excess material to bunch or flap. The sleeve length is spot-on, just a little bit past the wrists when standing, but perfectly positioned once the arms extend forward to the handlebars, and the collar is substantial but doesn’t rub or irritate the chin or jaw. Torso length is also perfect, protecting the hips and lower back without bunching up around the stomach. Despite the snug fit, there is also no binding around the armpits or upper back. 

Storage is a simple zippered pocket on the back that is accessed from the side and is large enough to store typical things like a phone, bars, or gloves. With a 2-way front zip, it’s also easy to access jersey pockets by unzipping the lower zipper to reach inside the back of the Magic Shell.

On the road, the Magic Shell blocks wind effectively and the NeoShell and PFAS-free DWR coating repel water from mist, drizzle, and light showers very well. While generating heat on climbs, we found the temperature to rise evenly inside with easy venting to dump heat thanks to the 2-way front zipper. Dropping back downhill, the NeoShell does its job to maintain warmth and a consistent body temperature.

The Ornot Magic Shell is so well-balanced that it can adapt to almost any weather or riding intensity in an instant. While OrNot is quick to point out that the intent of the Magic Shell isn’t to be completely waterproof, our experience is that it does keep nearly all water from making its way inside while simultaneously regulating body heat and moisture in a way that can only be described as, well, magic. 

Rapha’s Pro Team line is tailored and styled for those looking for maximum performance from their apparel. The Pro Team Insulated GORE-TEX Rain Jacket brings an aero fit, low weight, and technically advanced materials to a rain jacket that’s ready for racing and high-tempo riding in nasty weather. 

This jacket features the GORE-TEX Paclite Plus® membrane, as well as an abrasion-resistant face fabric, which combines to form a shell that meets Gore’s Black Diamond standard for waterproofness. Inside, 65gsm synthetic insulation adds warmth, moisture wicking, and breathability to help prevent overheating. The insulation is thin and soft, meaning it can be worn with only a lightweight, or even sleeveless base layer. Insulation on the arms is even lighter than on the torso and was likely chosen to provide better on-skin comfort and moisture control and is in line with the Pro Team ethos of designing products meant for riding flat out and generating a fair bit of body heat. 

Conversely, to layer much of anything beneath this jacket, you may need to size up, because the fit is snug and the shell material is not stretchy. The forearms are especially snug-fitting, and thankfully feature zippers to aid in getting arms in and out while adding a ventilation option. The location of the zippers – directly on top of the forearm when riding – is a bit curious. We could feel the zipper pull against the back of our hands most of the time, especially when we flexed our wrists when riding out of the saddle. 

The tail hem is elasticized to give the waist a bit of stretch so it can accommodate stuffed pockets and silicone on the inside helps keep it in place to prevent cold air or moisture from creeping in. The two pockets on the tail of the jacket are easily accessible thanks to their generous width and an internal chest pocket is great for stashing important items like keys and cards. Reflective bars on the back side of the sleeves and a tab stitched between the two rear pockets add visibility for motorists approaching from behind.

Aside from the minor issue with the sleeve zipper location, and assuming you choose the correct size based on your layering preferences, the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is a perfect choice for days when constant rain and high-speed are given, and cold temperatures are likely. Yes, the price is astronomical, but it reflects how well the Pro Team Insulated GORE-TEX Jacket balances protection, breathability, and a race-ready fit. It’s fair to say that this jacket could save you from having to purchase others in the future since it can truly do it all. 

The Assos Mille GTS Spring Fall Jacket C2 blurs the line between a jacket and a long-sleeve jersey, offering a well-balanced mix of warmth, stretch, and protection from light moisture, wind, and cold. It’s not as hydrophobic as some of the competition, but its comfort is tough to beat. 

The fit is streamlined and stretchy, mimicking a jersey, but with just enough space to use a burly base layer for colder temps down into the upper 40s. With a lightweight base layer, the Mille GTS offers sufficient ventilation to work comfortably into the low 60s. 

While the proprietary AIRBLOCK.888 membrane shields the chest, sides, and upper back from wind and road spray, the arms are not shielded in this way. Since arms are one of the most vulnerable areas for rainfall, we recommend layering a packable shell jacket over the Mille GTS in properly wet conditions. A good way to think of the Mille GTS is as a dry-weather jacket for a wide range of temps when paired with the correct base layer and other accessories like a neck warmer, vest, and gloves. 

On the road, the Mille GTS performed like a jersey, easily accommodating an aggressive riding position, without feeling restrictive or bulky. One key to this comfortable fit is the material used in the arms, which Assos calls RX Evo Light. It’s a lightly insulated fabric that Assos claims can fend off a light drizzle and road spray, although we’d still pack a shell for potentially wet rides. After testing, we feel that the sweet spot for the Mille GTS is dry days with temps in the 50s, paired with a long-sleeved base layer. These are conditions that are common in spring and fall, so this jacket is aptly named. 

The struzzoKragen collar is easily one of the most comfortable jacket collars there is. Thermoregulation in the collar and upper chest is exceptional, and even on climbs, we never had the urge to unzip the collar to expose my throat to the cold air in order to get better ventilation. 

For riders who like riding in Spring and Fall, in pleasantly cool weather, the Assos Mille GTS Spring Fall Jacket C2 could be a valuable addition to the wardrobe. It’s light enough to feel like a jersey in warmer weather, and with the right layering system, can also be effective in the mid-40s. At $290, it’s actually one of the more competitively priced pieces that Assos offers, relative to its competition.

Freedom of movement is an oft-neglected aspect of jacket design and into this void steps the Alpha Doppio RoS Jacket from Castelli. Donning this jacket feels like slipping on a favorite sweater, but with all the performance and protection you’d expect from a Castelli jacket bearing the RoS (Rain or Shine) label. 

On the road, the Alpha Doppio RoS jacket performed so well that it was almost boring. It adjusts to both the external and internal temperature so quickly and effectively, that homeostasis was never disturbed once throughout testing. Ripping a chilly downhill before even having a chance to warm up, it formed a thermal barrier that let in not a whisper of wind. At the other extreme, charging up a climb in the big ring on a damp afternoon, the Alpha Doppio RoS felt weightless and full of air, allowing whatever moisture had built up to act as a natural coolant. 

The fit of the Alpha Doppio RoS is absolutely dialed. Not only the cut but also the weight and stretch of the Gore-Tex Infinium Windstoppper deliver the perfect blend of flexibility and flap-free aerodynamics, making fast-paced rides a joy. Unlike many other jackets with excess material or baggier fits, the Alpha Doppio RoS accommodates any position while retaining a snug, aero fit. 

Inside the Gore-Tex Infinium shell, Castelli has included a separate Polartec® Alpha Direct insulating layer to let you regulate temperature and ventilation. Essentially this is an integrated insulated vest, that provides a choice in how much warmth the Alpha Doppio RoS retains. We were amazed at how warm the Alpha Doppio RoS was with both the Gore-Tex Infinium and Polartec Alpha layers zipped up, especially considering how light this jacket is. With the Gore-Tex layer zipped and the Polartec Alpha layer left open, the breathability is enhanced greatly. This design makes it impressively versatile, which we expect from a jacket that runs $400 US.  

If you’re looking for a luxurious cycling jacket that has a favorable weight-to-warmth ratio, as well as a high degree of versatility and a stellar fit, the Castelli Alpha Doppio RoS should be on your list. At $400, it’s a sizeable investment in comfort but will pay a nice dividend as winter grinds on.

Shower’s Pass jackets are designed in Portland, OR, a place that gets quite a bit of precipitation, making it no surprise that the Cloudburst Jacket is brilliant for not only keeping rain out but also allowing excess heat to escape freely. The Cloudburst is also a handsome piece that can work for a number of other activities on a dreary day outdoors. 

The Cloubdurst features a 3-layer fabric called eliteAIR that breaths at a very impressive rate of 42,000 g /m2, which is 25% better than any other jacket in this test. So, it’s safe to say that if you need a jacket that can fend off constant rain but also wick away the sweat vapor of intense riding, the Cloudburst should be on your list. 

Waterproofing is bolstered by taped seams, but it’s the supple feel of the Cloudburst that really makes an impression. While most jackets offering this level of waterproofing have a rigid and plasticized feel to them the Cloudburst has a soft, flexible surface feel that translates to how it feels against the body. 

Branding is minimal and discreet, which is always a welcome thing in any piece of activewear. The general vibe of the Cloudburst is casual, allowing it to look the part on both an epic century ride, daily commute, or working from a coffee shop. 

The rear pocket is large enough for a phone plus other small items, with a robust zipper track that is easy to use. The dimensions and construction of the pocket ensure that everything stays snug and tidy inside. Since the Cloudburst is also marketed by Showers Pass as a running jacket, the tail is not as long as most cycling jackets. 

The Showers Pass Cloudburst surprised us by bringing a casual vibe to a segment of the market that is very tech-heavy, but more than held its own against the rest of the test group. A jacket that reflects where it’s designed, the Cloudburst is perfect for a temperate winter climate like the Pacific Northwest of the US, or the British Isles, where riding through winter can be super fun with the right balance of protection and breathability.

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 is the brand’s most capable jacket for all types of fall, winter, and spring training, and is ready for the fastest rides and races. Castelli designers tailored the Perfetto to have the fit and feel of a jersey, but never compromised on its ability to protect against seriously harsh weather. The result is an aerodynamically optimized, lightweight, and incredibly versatile jacket. 

Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric is the key to the Perfetto’s performance. Infinium is hydrophobic and it takes sustained heavy rainfall and road spray before it will take in any moisture. If that actually happens, the fabric’s dense weave and lightweight fleece backing will prevent any drop in temperature through wind chill, and dry out rapidly once the rain stops. Taped seams around the shoulders prevent moisture ingress, further delaying any moisture from penetrating through the Perfetto in the most horrid conditions. 

The sleeves are just long enough to cover the wrists without any bunching or flapping. The collar is tall and lined with a soft, perforated lycra that won’t irritate the neck or jaw areas. Breathable lycra panels are placed under the arms, out of the way of wind and rain, and zippered vents on the sides of the trunk can be opened to bring rapid ventilation to the Perfetto when conditions improve. 

Two large pockets grace the rear, and the right-side pocket features a smaller internally sewn pocket for storing valuables. Perforated reflective trim beneath the pockets adds visibility in low-light conditions. 

The only small quibble with the Perfetto is the use of several heat-bonded Castelli logos, which will eventually chip and peel. This is something that Castelli has begun to transition away from on some of its high-end bibs, and we hope we see the jerseys and jackets receive the same stitched rubber medallion branding in the future. 

If going fast through the worst of winter is in your future, the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 Jacket should be in your closet.

Pearl Izumi has created a jacket that excels not only in wet but also in cold and dry conditions. Thanks to a Polartec® NeoShell® membrane as well as taped seams and zipper, the Pro Neoshell WxB Jacket is ready for whatever winter has in store. Even if conditions improve dramatically, the Pro Neoshell WxB Jacket is light, stretchy, and breathable enough to remain comfortable, and should you choose to take it off entirely, it packs up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket. 

The fit is snug enough to avoid flappy excess material but also accommodates an aggressive riding position without feeling restrictive. The sleeves are sufficiently long and terminate at a nicely designed cuff that features an angled opening with an elasticized inboard edge. These features are meant to help the cuff better fit the wrist as it articulates to the position of riding with drop handlebars, and they work very well. The collar is tall enough to protect the throat, but short enough to avoid rubbing or irritating the chin or jaw. Silicone grippers applied to the inside edge of the tail help keep the rear hem in place. 

The 2-way zipper is burly and easy to vent from both top and bottom. The zipper track is also taped and reinforced, so no wind or moisture gets through. The zipper track isn’t the smoothest, and takes some effort to operate, but also looks like it will last forever. 

Reflective elements are featured on each elbow to lend some visibility for motorists approaching from behind. I would like to see a little bit more effort put into visibility on a $325 jacket, but something is better than nothing. The lack of a rear pocket is another small nitpick with the Pro Neoshell WxB Jacket. While this does keep the weight down and helps ensure easier packability, the single chest pocket just doesn’t seem as useful as a standard rear pocket of similar size. 

On the road, this jacket performs as expected, providing supreme protection from wind and rain, while allowing all excess body heat and sweat vapor to escape before it’s even noticed. At $325, the Pearl Izumi Pro Neoshell WxB is competing in a price point with some tough competition but makes a strong case as a one-piece solution to winter riding.

Constructed from a windproof material and featuring panels of an innovative insulating inner liner with octagonal yarn fibers that are more efficient at trapping heat, the POC Pro Thermal Jacket offers luxurious warmth without overheating.

POC also applies a DWR treatment to the Pro Thermal jacket, which resists water absorption and allows raindrops to bead up and quickly fall off the surface. Factoring in its easy packability, the POC Pro Thermal makes a strong case as a one-piece solution for fall, spring, and mild winter conditions. 

The POC Pro Thermal Jacket offers a massive amount of storage, with three large pockets surrounding the back and sides of the jacket’s tail. The central pocket is nice and spacious with a zipper that’s easy to operate. The zippers of the side pockets both run in the same direction, so opening or closing each one requires grabbing the zipper in a different location. The front zipper is a two-way design, which affords the option to vent the POC Pro Thermal Jacket from the bottom. 

It is critical that buyers of this jacket size down, as it runs large and can be quite flappy across the shoulders and chest. Even with sizing down, the POC Pro Thermal Jacket won’t have a super snug fit, especially around the stomach. Sizing down will not only reduce aerodynamic drag but will also ensure that the insulation inside the POC Pro Thermal Jacket has a chance to do its job correctly, as it will remain close enough to the skin to actually hold on to body heat. 

Assuming you get along with the cut, which is not the most aero available, the POC Pro Thermal Jacket is an excellent choice for riding in winter climates with cold and wind, but only intermittent rain. And, at $200, it’s competitively priced among similar models.

The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket is ready for anything winter can unleash, from biting arctic wind to ceaseless rainfall and the road spray that comes with it. What impressed us most was the Total Comfort Jacket’s ability to defend against the outside while also providing a sanctuary of lightweight luxury and mobility inside. Thanks to two Polartec fabrics, NeoShell and Alpha, this jacket has the ability to fend off water and also utilize natural body heat, without any excess bulk or restriction. In fact, the Total Comfort looks and feels like a burly jersey, more so than a jacket, and that’s about the best highest praise possible.

The Total Comfort is a masterpiece of minimal style, with a two-tone color scheme with a black midsection contrasted with a colorful chest and upper arms, then transitioning back to black below the elbows. Two small Sportful logos adorn the chest and rear pocket. Inside, the Polartec Alpha insulation is bright orange, which gives the Total Comfort Jacket some verve and accentuates this material that provides supreme insulation. 

This is indeed a warm jacket. So warm, in fact, that we had limited opportunities to truly test its limits. Even on chilly autumn mornings, the warmth that quickly stored up inside the jacket led to a limited effort level and sticking to a steady pace on flat terrain. That’s not to say that wearing the Total Comfort Jacket was akin to a session in the sauna, in fact quite the opposite. The heat stored inside the Polartec Alpha insulation was evenly distributed and felt airy, like riding through the desert, and more often than not, the base layer underneath remained dry.

Thanks to a DWR treatment on the tail and cuffs, the Total Comfort Jacket kept drizzle and road spray out of these vulnerable areas. While Polartec NeoShell is a waterproof material, it allows enough air exchange that even when riding in moderately wet conditions, we stayed warm and comfortable. This is why we like materials like NeoShell, which fend off 99.9% of moisture while remaining breathable enough to handle a wide range of conditions in comfort.

The cut of the Total Comfort is slim but the NeoShell material provides enough stretch that there is no binding or pulling anywhere. Despite the accommodating stretch, the NeoShell material resists flapping at high speed and the arm and torso lengths are spot on, providing enough coverage to the wrists and waist without any bunching. Three rear pockets are easy to access, and further help the Total Comfort Jacket mimic a long sleeve jersey. 

While $300 isn’t a bargain, the Sportful Total Comfort Jacket is more affordable than some other jackets that it outperformed. If you want one jacket for all your rides under 55 degrees, rain or shine, the Total Comfort is worthy of consideration.

Weighing just 1.5 ounces, or 46 grams, the Pearl Izumi Attack Barrier Jacket is a lightweight insurance policy that stashes easily in a jersey pocket and can save you during unexpected or quick-passing weather conditions. 

Made from ultralight Barrier ripstop fabric, the Attack Barrier Jacket is windproof with a DWR treatment that can also fend off light showers, and it features nice details that elevate it above the basic rain capes of yesteryear. Perforations between the shoulders allow excess heat to escape. Further enhancing ventilation is a two-way front zipper that allows air intake to be zoned based on rider preference. A rear hem silicone grip keeps the fit tidy and reduces flapping. Reflective tabs are sewn into the seams at the side of the torso, to lend some visibility for motorists approaching from behind.

The fit is snug without being constrictive or difficult to get on quickly, perhaps even whilst continuing to ride for those with the skills to do that safely. The arms and shoulders will flap a bit at speed, as is typical of shell jackets like the Attack Barrier. If that’s a big concern, sizing down will help mitigate this, as the ripstop fabric is just stretchy enough to comply with the tighter fit. 

The Pearl Izumi Attack Barrier Jacket is a simple but effective layer for days when the weather is mild but unstable. Even if it just sits in a jersey pocket, it’s worth having for the peace of mind on a long adventure. Make no mistake, when the time comes, it will be worth a lot more than its low price would suggest.

Velocio’s Signature Rain Bootie is a lightweight shoe cover that performs well in milder temperatures and wet or dry conditions. Taped seams and a waterproof softshell polyester material keep rain, road spray, and wind out, while allowing any excess heat and moisture to be pulled away from the foot, maintaining a nice environment for your feet in temps ranging from 40°-55° F, depending on shoe and sock choice, as well as ride intensity.

In the low 50s, with lightweight race shoes and thick socks, the Signature Rain Bootie felt airy and light. In colder conditions, with a less-ventilated pair of shoes and thick wool socks, this combination provided a nice barrier against the cold. So, we consider the Signature Rain Bootie to be a versatile and adaptable option for riders living in a temperate winter climate. For really cold conditions, however, we feel there are better options.

Reflective triangular panels on the rear-facing heel and underside of the toe and a reflective stripe along the rear zipper lend visibility in low-light conditions. The subtle Velocio logo on the outside of the forefoot is also reflective, for added visibility from the side.

The patterning of the Velocio Signature Rain Bootie gives it a snug, sleek, and comfortable fit. There is zero rippling or rubbing of the material, ensuring excellent aerodynamics. The reverse-coil zipper in the rear is reinforced so it’s easy to pull open and shut and stays sealed against the elements. 

Velocio is known and loved for making great kit, and the Signature Rain Bootie is yet another example of a thoughtful design that is well-executed. It is not a deep winter shoe cover, instead, it’s a great versatile option that works well for the vast majority of fall, winter, and spring conditions that most riders will encounter. At $99, the Signature Rain Bootie doesn’t come cheap but will perform well and stand up to many seasons of frequent use.

The Fizik Waterproof Winter Overshoe is a beautifully designed piece of kit. Its neoprene construction serves up excellent insulation and the fully seam-sealed design prevents rain and road spray from absorbing through the stitching. The pattern integrates an extended upper panel in a three-layer laminated fabric that is waterproof and breathable. Overall, the Fizik Waterproof Winter Overshoe works brilliantly across a wide range of winter conditions, from high 30s to low 50s F in wet or dry conditions.

The exterior of the three-layer fabric is also reflective for added visibility to oncoming motorists. The rear zipper is topped by a Velcro closure which provides an adjustable fit around the lower calf muscle to ensure that water and cold air are shut out as well as possible. The bottom sole is constructed of a burly and wear-resistant fabric, which extends onto the toe to ward off tears or abrasion from toe overlaps with the front tire. 

The fit of the Fizik Waterproof Winter Overshoe is snug and nicely articulated to the motion of pedaling, ensuring a smooth surface and compact profile with excellent aerodynamics. A YKK water-repellent zipper protects from moisture ingress and allows for easy entry and exit, and a wide reflective “Fi’zi:k” side logo adds more visibility and some bold styling to the otherwise stealthy look.

The Fizik Waterproof Winter Overshoe sells for $70, and considering its excellent protection, versatility, and quality construction, we highly recommend it as a comprehensive shoe cover for any type of winter road or gravel riding.

Warm, rugged, and designed from scratch to be a serious weapon in the fight against winter conditions, the Spatzwear Spatz Pro 2 Overshoes are like no other offering we tested. They certainly look serious, but that look belies their comfort and easy-to-wear design. 

Using what Spatz calls “Aero-Armour” Neoprene, which is finished smooth to shed water, topped with Kevlar for abrasion resistance in key areas, and lined with warm Thermo fabric to trap air and wick away moisture, the Spatz Pro II succeeded in keeping not only our feet, but also ankles, calf muscles, and shins completely warm and dry during some nasty rides done sans fenders. The Pro 2 is heat-welded and features taped seams throughout. 

Looking at the Pro 2, it seems like they could present an epic battle just getting them on. Surprisingly, these were some of the easiest shoe covers to get into that we’ve ever used. The Aero-Armour Neoprene is flexible, and the “step-in” design and sole closure of the Spatz Pro 2 means they take mere seconds to get on and fixed into place. 

Out on the road, there was no binding, pulling, or unwanted pressure anywhere inside the Spatz Pro 2 Overshoe. While the extra mass is noticeable when holding them in hand, they do such a great job of keeping road spray and rainfall out while also wicking away any moisture buildup inside, that they feel light as air while riding. 

After a 2+ hour test ride in a steady drizzle, the thermal lining was dry as a bone and the shoe’s knit upper was also dry, which speaks to how well the Spatz Pro 2 Overshoe fits. This is key because of its “step-in” design. Without such a tidy fit, a lot of water could have come in through the bottom and sides of the shoes. 

While the look is indeed polarizing and the graphics may leave a bit to be desired, the triangular reflective panel in the calf muscle area should help motorists see you more easily in dark conditions. Just know that during group rides, you may have to explain why you’re wearing knee-high overshoes to curious observers. 

At $125, the Spatzwear Spatz Pro 2 is an investment in being able to ride comfortably in cold and wet conditions. As such, they’re probably going to leave a bit of a gap for most riders, between the apocalyptic conditions in which they shine, and conditions that are mild enough to go without any shoe coverage at all. The Spatz Pro 2 is for cyclists who want to ride no matter the weather, and just want to ride longer and in more comfort, even on the worst days

The Estremo Shoe Cover from Castelli offers protection from extreme cold by way of a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper outer layer and Polartec Power Stretch Pro inner layer that wraps the feet in a luxurious haven of insulation. 

With a claimed temperature range of 8° to 41° F, we had to test the Estremo Shoe Cover at night in order to ride in temps cold enough to warrant wearing them. Breathability, and therefore versatility are limited unless you suffer from hopelessly cold feet after a certain period of time, even in milder conditions. Typically though, the Estremo needs temps in the mid-40s F and lower to avoid feeling too warm. 

The Gore-Tex Infinium material is not completely waterproof, but it does a good job of shedding moisture in damp conditions while providing enough insulation to keep the feet warm should they get a little wet. A YKK Aquaguard zipper helps make these burly shoe covers easy to get on and off and also seals out moisture from road spray and light rainfall. The sole is constructed of highly durable polyurethane that resists tearing and offers decent grip walking on hard surfaces. 

The fit of the Estremo Shoe Cover is snug without any binding, pulling, or unwanted pressure. For how much protection the Estremo offers, it still feels light and supple on the feet while pedaling. For logos, Castelli has thankfully opted to use a rubber medallion that is stitched into the upper material. Reflective stripes on the forefoot and heel add a little visibility in low-light conditions.

The cost of warm toes in sub-freezing temperatures is $170 in the case of the Castelli Estremo Shoe Cover, which is more than many nice pairs of road shoes, and approaches the cost of some dedicated winter riding boots. Still, we feel they are worth the asking price for those seeking to keep the feet warm on bitterly cold days in the heart of winter.

Assos apparel and accessories are highly specialized, meaning that versatility isn’t always their strong suit. The GT Ultraz Winter Booties are another example of this – a shoe cover that excels beyond all others tested in cold and dry conditions but doesn’t cope well with spray from wet roads. 

Contrary to our expectations of a “winter bootie”, the Assos GT Ultraz Winter Booties are light and soft, with a small waffle pattern to the TwinDeck textile. After an initial test ride in very wet conditions, the GT Ultraz soaked through relatively quickly, but further testing in cool and dry(ish) conditions quickly turned our impressions around and we began to hold them in high regard for their ability to keep the feet warm and also not interfere with the pedal stroke at all. As long as water isn’t spraying all over the GT Ultraz, they are excellent.

So what makes the GT Ultraz Winter so impressive on cool dry days? Foremost is the fit, which stays snug and smooth around the shoe without any ripples or excessive bulk that can rub the crankarms or chainstays. Moving up from the foot, the cuff of the GT Ultraz is finished in a raw cut that lies completely flat against tights or leg warmers, called Zero Cuff by Assos. This feature is important because many fabric shoe covers have a thick stitched hem that can bunch up during the pedal stroke and create a distracting rubbing sensation around the lower shin and ankles. No such issues with the GT Ultraz, which is able to flex and accommodate the extension of the ankle. 

This fit, flexibility, and low weight all result from the TwinDeck Textile developed by Assos. The TwinDeck textile is thicker in the forefoot, which is where the brunt of the elements is born. Around the ankle, the material gets thinner and that’s part of what makes the GT Ultraz lighter (129g/pair) than most shoe covers with similar insulating capabilities, and light enough that you really don’t notice them if they haven’t absorbed any water. The GT Ultraz offers impressive insulation from cold thanks to an ultra-soft fleece lining, and Assos clearly knows how to layer materials to create more warmth than bulk. 

At $120 US, the Assos GT Ultraz Winter Booties are a premium product with usefulness limited to dry winter days or days when moisture isn’t getting sprayed up from the road. If you’re a fair-weather rider or live somewhere with dry winters, the GT Ultraz might be the only shoe cover you need. For those who need wet weather protection as well, another pair of shoe covers would need to be added to the arsenal to complement the GT Ultraz.

Neoprene is a sure-fire choice of material for cycling shoe covers, and there may be no better example of this than the Endura Road Overshoes. Designed and tested in Scotland, this shoe cover hasn’t changed much over the past decade or so, because Endura nailed it long ago, and if it ain’t broke…

A smooth outer face allows the Neoprene material of the Road Overshoes to shed water easily and insulate against wind. Neoprene also offers a decent amount of stretch to accommodate different shoe upper profiles and doesn’t ripple or flap at high speed. Neoprene also has an unsurpassed ability to keep things warm even when moisture is present. When we’re honest about whether it’s possible to keep water off our feet for a 4-hour ride in the rain, it’s pretty clear that keeping feet warm once they are a bit damp is actually a more essential demand, and on that the Road Overshoe delivers. 

One important update to the Road Overshoe is the new offset rear zipper, which improves pedaling comfort by moving the zipper away from the flex point behind the ankle, reducing the chance of it digging in. Reflective stripes on both sides of the zipper also add some much-needed low-light visibility.

One of our favorite aspects of the Endura Road Overshoe is the hard-wearing sole material that features aramid thread. This construction ensures that the Road Overshoe won’t disintegrate as quickly along the sole the way so many other shoe covers do. Not only is it sad and unsightly when this happens, but it also allows moisture to creep in more easily from below. These concerns are things of the past with the Endura Road Overshoe, which is $70 well-spent and can often be found for much less.

Sometimes full shoe covers are just overkill, and their lack of easy packability can lead you into riding with bare shoes only to get very cold toes. The remedy for this is affordable, humble, and surprisingly effective toe covers. The VeloToze Toe Cover – Road is a shockingly simple but effective rubber barrier that slips onto the front of your shoes and around the cleat, keeping wind, mist, and road spray from affecting your toes. 

The latex rubber material is thin and flexible enough to operate BOA dials concealed beneath it. Once in place, the rubber grabs hard and doesn’t slide down the shoe at all. With white shoes, the white covers are basically invisible and keep you looking tidy. If you’re not into the Velotoze logo, however, we recommend resisting the urge to reverse the Toe Covers when wearing white shoes as the black printed logo can discolor white materials if it stays in contact with the shoe’s upper surface for a long enough time. 

We, and many others, tend to just put these on in September and leave them on our shoes until the truly nasty winter weather arrives and do the same in the spring. They’re stretchy enough that putting shoes on with the toe covers on isn’t an issue, and it helps prevent tearing the rubber around the cleat opening while putting them on/taking them off repeatedly. If you want to take them off during a ride, it’s super easy to store them in a jersey pocket or storage container on your bike.

Given that they are made from latex rubber, than can be prone to tearing if they come into contact with sharp objects or are scraped on the pavement. Another thing to avoid is wadding these up after a ride when they are wet. The rubber tends to stick to itself and makes returning them to their original form a bit of a challenge. Again, it’s easiest to just leave them on your shoes until they don’t make sense for the day’s weather, then remove them gently and store them flat. 

Regardless, at just $15, the VeloToze Toe Covers are a great value, easy to use, and effective for those less-than-perfect days. At 25g per pair, they won’t slow you down at all and can keep you focused on your ride, instead of frigid toes.

Yes, you read that right. These are waterproof socks and something that many budget-oriented cyclists have been using for years. While not marketed as a shoe cover, the Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks are a highly effective option when modified to work with road cycling cleats. You may have seen other knit shoe covers that work this way, by requiring an incision be made along the front end of the sole so that the material can spread out around the cleat.

The Crosspoint Waterproof Sock is similar, but unlike basic wool overshoes, sometimes called “Belgian Booties”, the Crosspoint Waterproof Sock features a three-layer construction comprised of a waterproof breathable Artex™ membrane sandwiched between a Coolmax FX moisture-wicking anti-bacterial lining and a stretchy and hydrophobic knit outer layer. So, while they are called “socks” and look like socks stretched over your cycling shoes (in a good way), the Crosspoint is packed with advanced materials that keep your feet so much more comfortable than most traditional knit overshoes ever could. 

You’ll need to size up so they are big enough to stretch over your cycling shoes, but in the right size, the Crosspoint Waterproof Socks easily accommodate the full range of motion in your pedal stroke, with no binding, pulling, or unwanted pressure. Another benefit of the sock shape is that there are no zippers, Velcro, or stitched seams anywhere. Unlike many “step-in” style shoe covers that feature Velcro joining both sides together along the sole, the Crosspoint Sock completely covers the entire bottom of the foot, making it much warmer than its weight and flexibility would suggest. 

To make sure the cleat hole is cut in the correct place, we recommend sliding the Crosspoint socks on over your road shoes with the cleats installed, and marking where the cleat is with a simple line down the middle. Then, simply make an incision along this line. For an extra-durable finish on your incision, use a lighter or other heat source to singe the incision and prevent fraying. 

At just $40 US, the Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Sock is by far and away the best value option for protecting your feet against cold wind and soaking rain this winter. Yes, they are a little unorthodox, but they work well and won’t break the bank. If you’d rather not wear them over your shoes, get them in your normal size and wear them as socks where they provide great warmth and weather protection just the same.

Castelli’s Pioggia 4 Shoecover is a lightweight, waterproof, and insulated shoe cover that provides excellent protection across a wide spectrum of fall, winter, and early spring conditions. Comprised of a waterproof polyurethane stretch fabric with a fleece-lined interior, the Pioggia 4 excels not only in wet but also in cold and dry conditions.

The fit of the Pioggia 4 is snug but not as tight as some other shoe covers we tested. It is also available in 5 sizes, which provides a huge sizing range. So, it might be worthwhile to order two sizes to see which one fits better over your specific shoes and ankle. 

The rear zipper is topped by a velcro tab at the top meant to snug the upper cuff around the lower calf to discourage water from migrating down the high ankle area. The cuff itself is a ring of thin and stretchy polyurethane that fits tightly and also helps minimize moisture creeping in from above. Reflective pull tabs at the heel help not only with pulling the Pioggia 4 securely back and around the rear of the shoe but also lend a bit of visibility for low light conditions. 

At $80, the Castelli Pioggia 4 represents a solid value because it can work on all of your fall, winter, and spring rides with temps under 55° F and above freezing. In the correct size, it also offers a more aero fit than many shoe covers offering similar levels of protection, making the Pioggia 4 a great choice for fast training rides and races early in the spring season.

Sportful rates the Infinium Bootie All Road for not only road but also gravel use, due to the reinforced stretch fabric that is used across the base of the upper. Not only does this stretchy, abrasion-resistant fabric stand up to grime and debris that kicks up off the roads in winter, but it also gives the Infinium Bootie a snug, aero fit that many other high-end shoe covers could not match.

The Infinium Bootie gets its name from the Gore-Tex Infinium fabric used across the entire upper. Infinium is an excellent choice for this application because it copes well with road spray and rainfall, but just as importantly, provides an unyielding barrier against wind, while also wicking away interior moisture. Infinium is also flexible and lightweight, which helped Sportful create a very well-balanced and versatile shoe cover in the Infiumium Bootie. 

Reflective tabs lend some visibility in low light conditions, and the zipper is positioned to the outboard side of the bootie, to avoid bunching or irritation. Branding is very minimal, with just a simple Sportful “S” logo near the cuff. 

At $95, the Sportful Infinium Bootie sits at a premium price but has a fairly modest look. Don’t let that fool you. Gore-Tex Infinium is arguably the best material for riding in cold and wet conditions, and combined with the reinforced footbed, makes the Sportful Infinium Bootie an excellent choice for anyone seeking a shoe cover that has them covered on both paved and gravel roads.

The Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite Shoe Cover is the solid choice to keep your feet warm and dry whether riding in road shoes with triangular plastic cleats or in MTB shoes with sole tread and small metal cleats or if you’re looking for a single shoe cover to handle both styles of shoes. 

The AmFIB Lite shoe cover’s three-layer softshell fabric blocks wind and repels moisture while offering excellent breathability. The cuff is cut high to ensure generous overlap with tights, creating a weatherproof seal around the lower calf and ankle. 

BioViz reflective elements on the toe, side, and heel increase low-light visibility. Our test pair features the radiant “sunfire” orange colorway that is aimed at highlighting the rider’s biomotion which has been demonstrated to help motorists more rapidly identify approaching cyclists. 

The AmFIB Lite shoe covers feature larger-than-average openings in the sole that accommodate the tread of MTB shoes. This sole design along with a slightly looser fit around the ankle and heel makes the AmFIB Lite shoe cover super easy to get into so you can spend less time getting dressed and more time riding. This does result in a less precise fit, however, and they tend to be a little looser around the feet than most other models we tested.

At $65, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite Shoe Cover is competitively priced against other shoe covers that offer the same level of protection. Seeing as it can protect across a wide range of both wet and dry conditions, while significantly enhancing daytime visibility for motorists, and is compatible with MTB and road shoes, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite shoe cover deserves serious consideration as your next pair of shoe covers.

The GripGrab RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers are an affordable and well-made option that is ready for cool and wet weather. Taped seams and a snug fit around the cleat and heel openings help keep rain and road spray out. An elasticated cuff around the ankle will stretch to fit around the ankle and the fit runs a bit large, so we recommend sizing down. Thankfully, the RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers are offered in six sizes to help you find the right balance of snug, aero fit, and easy on/off.

The sole material is textured to avoid tears and extend the lifespan of the RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers. The RaceAqua is available not only in black but also in a flashy hi-vis yellow colorway that is aimed at enhancing your visibility in the low-light conditions often present on dreary weather days of the fall, winter, and spring. 

While the RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers are amazing in the rain, we noticed that even in the low 40s, they didn’t keep our feet as warm as some other lightweight shoe covers we tested. So, we recommend the RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers for milder conditions from the mid-40s to upper 50s. We also strongly recommend choosing the smallest size you can, based on the range of shoe sizes assigned to each size of the RaceAqua. For example, we tested size XXL for a size 46 shoe but could have easily fit into an XL instead, for a more aero fit and more secure fit around the ankle.

Regardless, at $55, the GripGrab RaceAqua Waterproof Road Shoe Covers is an affordable option that’s great for blocking wind and water while keeping the feet comfortable on cool days.

The Pearl Izumi AmFIB Toe Cover is a minimal but effective solution for riding in cool weather and on damp roads. The softshell fabric provides excellent protection against wind and moisture and is also stretchy enough to make the AmFIB Toe Cover quick and easy to put on. 

Increased stretch was a specific goal for Pearl Izumi with the most recent update to the AmFIB Toe Cover, and we can confirm it’s ready to stretch over any shoe easily, whether it uses laces or BOA, and can accommodate wider shoes and shoe sizes that are on the verge of being too large. The opening on the sole is sized for any three-bolt road cleat and is shaped to avoid rubbing against the cleat, but also reinforced to avoid tearing if that does happen.

A reflective Pearl Izumi logo on the toe lends a touch of visibility in low-light conditions. The AmFIB Toe Cover is just $20 and can be the difference between toasty warm toes and cutting a ride short, so we recommend making the small investment to have them at your disposal for those nippy days in fall, winter, and early spring.

Silca calls the Venti “the Italian Army Knife” and “the kitchen sink of multi-tools,” and we couldn’t agree more. As is typical of all their products, the Silca Venti is one ingeniously designed, rugged, and artfully crafted tool that we kept coming back to when we debated which multi-tool deserved our “Best Overall” rating.

The Venti is everything you’d want in a tool for road, mountain bike, or gravel cycling. It’s sturdy, feature-packed, small, easy to access, and solid in your hand. The side plates are textured for extra grip in sweaty palms and it has great ergonomics for a tool of this style. Like any good bike multi-tool, the Italian Army Knife comes loaded with all the hex sizes you’ll likely ever need while riding from 2mm to 8mm, along a whopping 4 Torx sizes (T8, T10, T20, and T25), and Phillips and flat head screwdrivers. The forged bits are also plated with a type of chrome that gives them better grip, or bite, on the heads of stubborn bolts.

Look closely, and you’ll find some other clever little touches in the Venti. The removable chain tool handle is much larger than most making it solid for grasping and easier to handle when working on a chain. It also serves as a spoke wrench, valve core remover, 10mm nut wrench, and disc pad spreader. Inside the side plates, there’s a nifty storage space with magnets that can hold a master link for most chains. And, if you don’t have a master link, the conventional chain tool makes fixing a broken chain as easy as it can be when you’re out on a ride.

At 177 grams, it isn’t a featherweight, but it certainly won’t weigh you down, and its reasonably compact size makes it easy to stash in your saddlebag, jersey pocket, or fanny pack. At $55, it isn’t exactly cheap either, but the Silca Italian Army Knife – Venti is a well-made and highly functional multi-tool that’ll quickly pay itself off over its long lifespan.

The Pro Bike Tool 20-in-1 offers great value in a compact multi-tool with a nice range of functions to cover most needs. Its slim, sleek, compact design and carrying case make it easy to tuck into a saddle bag or fit very comfortably against your back in a jersey pocket, and its chromed steel construction feels strong and smooth in the hand.

The 20-in-1 has a decidedly polished look and feel, with 20 total functions that fold down into a super slim and compact form that is very lightweight at just 118 grams. The small storage sleeve also does a great job of keeping the tool tidy when not in use so the bits aren’t flipping open or snagging on other things in your pockets or pack.

It covers all the common functions necessary for most mid-ride fixes and adjustments, including a chain tool, hex keys between 2 and 8mm, T25 and T30 Torx bits, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. One nice touch: Each tool has its size stamped on the side, which helps in quickly selecting the right tool for the job. Like most multi-tools, the bits are on the short side, which can make accessing tight, small spaces tricky; and we found that the small, chromed chain tool was short and slippery, which made gripping it for the high-torque task of breaking a chain slightly challenging.

At $29, the Pro Bike Tool 20-in-1 is the least expensive model we tested and still provides the tools and functions most riders need in a compact and lightweight package. This tool would be more than adequate for most cyclists regardless of discipline, and would also be a nice, budget-friendly gift for a cycling friend.

The Unior Multitool Euro17 deserves a place among the best for its functional, sturdy design and great range of features in a small package. Unior is based in Slovenia, a small European country that’s also produced some of the world’s top cyclists, including Grand Tour winners Primoz Roglic and Tadej Pogacar, and they make some of the best workshop tools on the market.

Slovenia’s passion for cycling is reflected in the Unior Euro17’s design: simple, functional, durable, and precision-made. Its selection of 17 tools can handle the most common repairs and adjustments you’d face on any type of ride. It contains hex sizes between 2 and 8mm, the 2 most common Torx sizes (T10 and T25), a good chain tool, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, several spoke wrench sizes, and valve core removers. Additionally, the way this tool folds means those tools are longer than most to get to harder-to-reach bolts, and the heads have black oxide tips for enhanced durability.

At 175 grams, it isn’t exactly heavy, though it isn’t a featherweight, nor is it the most compact. That said, it still easily fits in a jersey pocket, saddle bag, or pack, and feels great in the hand for a solid grip and leverage on stubborn bolts. The tools are also easy to identify and deploy for quick fixes and adjustments. Assuming you don’t require master-link storage or integrated tubeless repair tools, we think the Unior Euro17 is one of the best bike multi-tools on the market.

Boasting a remarkable 30 functions – the most among the models we tested – the ToPeak Mini PT30 is ready for just about any adjustment or repair you’ll ever need to make on the road or trail and then some. Perhaps even more impressive than the number of functions is how ToPeak packed them all into such a compact multi-tool. The Mini PT30 is smaller than many options that have significantly fewer tools while being respectably lightweight at 173 grams.

While it is a great option for any type of cycling, we think it would be especially handy off-road, where cyclists are more apt to need the tire plug (doesn’t come with plugs) and master link storage and tools. It also has the most hex wrench sizes, with 2 to 8mm and the addition of a 10mm that fits over the top of the 8mm head. Three Torx wrenches (T10, T15, and T25), Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a disc spreader, a chain tool and chain hook, several spoke wrench sizes, and even a small, lockable knife blade round out the tool selection. The tools are made from Chrome Vanadium (CrV) steel for added strength and corrosion resistance, and most are marked with their size for easy identification.

While most multi-tool cases don’t add a lot of value, the Mini PT30’s neoprene case is well made and keeps it super tidy. The tool feels quite comfortable against your body in your jersey or cargo-bibs pocket and will keep it from rattling around in a saddle bag or hydration pack. And if you want something similar but a little smaller, lighter, and without the tubeless tools, the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro is a solid option.

The only real drawbacks to the Mini PT30 are that with so many tools packed into such a compact size, the bits are on the short side and some of the tools are tricky to use. For example, the L-shaped 2mm hex is fairly awkward to operate, and likewise for the master-link tool. Regardless, the ToPeak Mini PT30 is an otherwise well-designed multi-tool that will help keep you rolling anywhere and could be a ride-saver when the trails get rough and gritty.

Take a good look at the Blackburn Switch Wrap Tool Kit, and you may ask yourself, “Who needs a saddlebag?” In addition to the handy multi-tool that is stored inside it, the Switch Wrap is designed to hold everything that most cyclists will stash in a separate saddlebag or throw in a fanny pack: a spare inner tube, one or two tire levers, a couple of CO2 canisters, and a CO2 inflator. And you could probably fit a few more things inside. Bonus: The wrap is designed to be attached snuggly either under your saddle or on a frame tube, saving you from either carrying weight on your back or needing to buy a saddlebag altogether.

Though the wrap design makes it a little more time-consuming to deploy the tools, the Switch Wrap comes with a solid selection for most trail or roadside fixes and adjustments. While not a traditional, fold-out multi-tool, the kit includes multiple dual-headed bits that fit into a handle that functions either as a T or L-shaped grip as well as a bit extender. This provides excellent ergonomics, great leverage, and options to access hard-to-reach places that folding tools often can’t.

The caveat is that the bits are all separate, so can misplace them or drop them in the dirt if you aren’t careful. The chain tool is on the short side and hard to grip while removing a rivet (a common issue with small multi-tools), but it was certainly functional and adequate for fixing a chain mid-ride. You’ve also got to pull the whole wrap off the bike every time you need to access any of the tools.

Still, if you’re looking for a handy solution to carry your tools and other repair essentials such as a tube, CO2, and tire levers on the bike instead of your back, the Blackburn Switch Wrap Tool Kit is a fantastic option. One of our editors has had one of these strapped to his mountain bike for years so it’s always there when he needs it, and even when he doesn’t.

You can find out more about the Blackburn Switch Wrap Tool Kit in our mini-review.

While most bike multi-tools will provide you with years of dutiful service before you either lose it or strip a hex head, the Crankbrothers M19 will probably outlast most of them. One of our testers has had one of the super durable M-Series tools since 2002, and, while it has a bit of corrosion on the bits, it’s still going strong. Longevity like that is hard to come by these days, and at $33 to $37 (depending on the color), it makes the M19 an outstanding value.

The overall design of the Cranksbrothers M-series multi-tools hasn’t changed much over the years. They’ve still got the timeless, industrial look of the original versions with perhaps the biggest change being the texture added to the side plates for enhanced grip. It’s a great size that fits nicely in the palm, and the tools are a reasonable length for reaching most common bolts. It even comes with a “tool flask”, a slim metal case to contain it and keep it tidy in your pocket or pack (though it adds approximately 40 grams of weight).

With 19 functions, the M19 has pretty much all of your tool needs covered. Hex sizes 2 to 8mm, T10 and T25 Torx bits, a chain tool, 2 sizes of Phillps and a flathead screwdriver, and 4 spoke wrenches integrated into the chain tool. The one thing it lacks is tubeless repair tools, but Crankbrothers makes the M20 ($40) which comes with a plug tool, plugs, and small storage case to hold them for those seeking an all-in-one solution

The Crankbrothers M19 features high-tensile steel bits that are super durable with aluminum side plates that come in 4 colors options. If you don’t need the T10, the Phillips #1, or the metal storage case, you can save yourself a few bucks by going with the M17. Either way, you can’t go wrong with Crankbrothers’ durable M-Series multi-tools that will likely outlast your next several bikes.

You can learn more in our article about the latest M-Series tools.

Cannondale isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking about bike multi-tools, but they recently partnered with Dynaplug to create one of our favorite new models on the market, the 18-in-1 with Dynaplug. This slender and lightweight tool (just 125 grams) boasts 18 functions including a fold-out Dynaplug tubeless plugger that comes loaded with two of their plugs. Having used virtually every tubeless plug on the market, we feel that Dynaplug are some of the best.

For such a small tool, Cannondale really packed the functions into the 18-in-1. It has hex sizes between 2 and 8mm, a T25 Torx bit, Phillips #2, and flathead screwdrivers. The chain tool also has 3 sizes of spoke wrenches, magnetic quick-link storage, and works as a disc pad spreader and bottle opener. The star of the show is the addition of Dynaplug, a reversible dual-headed plugger that comes preloaded with 2 plugs. These short metal-tipped plugs are super quick and easy to use and seal small punctures better than other plugs in our experience.

Like similarly sized tools, the Cannondale 18-in-1 has relatively short bits that may make it hard to reach certain bolts. The 8mm hex also nests on top of the 5mm, so it is possible to lose it if you aren’t careful, and the chain tool needs to be removed from the tool to use it as well. There’s also the price, which at $80 sounds like a lot. When you consider, however, that standalone Dynaplug kits cost around $60, that doesn’t seem so bad.

If you’re a fan of Dynaplugs and want an all-in-one multi-tool and tubeless plug solution, the Cannondale 18-in-1 with Dynaplug should definitely be on your list. It’s got all the tools you need for most fixes in a slim profile at a lightweight that makes it a no-brainer for any type of riding.

The Blackburn Wayside feels like it was designed and built by off-road cyclists who know not only what tools you’ll need, but how you’ll actually use them. The range of seven hex tool sizes is impressive, but what really stands out for us is that five of them are removable and have ball ends, which means they’re much easier to fit into and use in hard-to-reach spaces. The beefy 8mm hex key attached to the tool also works as a mini breaker bar, or extender, that the smaller, detachable hex keys fit into for added leverage.

The rest of the Wayside is similar to other multi-tools with tools that fold out including 6 and 8mm hex keys, T25 and T30 Torx bits, a flathead screwdriver, a chain tool, and even a long-ish serrated knife blade. The chain tool has integrated 0, 1, and 2 spoke wrenches and a Presta valve core removal tool. Although the chain tool is a little on the short side, working with it is made easier thanks to a wire chain hook that holds your chain in place for removing or adding a link. The chain tool has another redeeming quality: a brake disc pad spreader. It makes simple work of resetting a disc brake; a common issue when removing wheels for transportation and pressing the brake levels accidentally.

The Wayside is a bit larger than in size than similar tools, so it takes up a bit more storage space in your pocket or pack. That said, it feels good in your hand and is easier to grasp than some of the pint-sized competition. It’s also a tad heavier than many of the other models we tested, a tradeoff for the awesome removable hex keys.

At $40, the Blackburn Wayside is a great option for the rider who wants the functionality of individual hex keys in a well-designed multi-tool they can take anywhere on the go. It’s not the smallest or the lightest, but it’s reasonably priced and works great.

When you are miles from nowhere and are depending on a multi-tool to get back on the road or trail, you’ll be glad you packed the Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit Two. The kit actually includes three stackable multi-tools held together by magnets (all of which are sold separately too), providing 26 functions (give or take depending on how you count) that cover just about any repair that doesn’t require a bike shop.

The 8-Bit Pack Pliers ($69.95 sold separately) are the backbone of the kit with 17 functions on its own. These master-link pliers have eight attachments magnetically nested inside the handles that fit into an 8mm swivel head on the end. The bits include 2 through 8mm hex keys, T10 and T25 Torx bits, Phillips #2 and flathead screwdrivers, a spoke wrench and valve core tool, and a valve cleaning rasp. The other side of the tool is the 8-Bit Chainbreaker + Utility Knife ($69.95 sold separately) that has both of its namesake tools plus a tire plug inserter, storage for tire plugs, a master-link, and a valve core, and a 16mm hex. Sandwiched between the two is the 8-Bit Tire Lever + Disc Brake tool ($19.95 sold separately) that is a large tire lever, rotor truing tool, and an 8mm flare wrench.

Either stacked together or separately, its three multi-tools feel solid in hand and have long, ergonomically designed handles that offer excellent grip and leverage. It’s fairly long but well-contained to keep its size quite reasonable for the tools available, and it’s shockingly lightweight at just 172 grams. It’s also beautifully machined and sturdy, as we’ve come to expect from Wolf tooth products.

We chose this as the best tool for bikepacking and far-flung adventures where you might be very far from civilization because of the wealth of tools offered for handling tricky fixes. Sure, it takes some fiddling around to remove the separate bits from the handle compared to a conventional multi-tool, and the bits are also black, which makes them potentially easier to lose in the dirt or at night. But, if you’re not in a rush and want the right tool to cover a huge range of fixes and adjustments, the Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit Two is an excellent option.

You can find out more in our deep dive into the Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit Two.

If you travel a lot with your bike and find yourself reassembling it in airports, hotel rooms, campgrounds, and parking lots, the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ would be a sweet multi-tool to have in hand. Its fine-toothed reversing ratchet works like a miniature version of a shop tool and makes tightening nuts and bolts a breeze.

The ratchet’s handle design allows bits to be driven three ways: at a right angle, with an extension, and in a straight, screwdriver-like configuration. We found that it fits into tight, awkward spaces better than any tool we tested and made quick work of adjustments. It offers a good range of solid steel bits including the normal hex sizes between 2 and 8mm, 3 Torx bits (T10, T15, and T25), and a Phillips head screwdriver. It also comes with a quality chain tool and two tire levers.

We’re not generally fans of loose bits for multi-tools, because they’re so easy to drop and lose, especially on trails and in low-light conditions. But the DX+ case holds the bits securely and features a little pouch that’s perfect for holding a couple of spare bits, a tire patch, and a $20 bill for emergencies. The case also makes it relatively comfortable to carry and slide into a pack, and the 195-gram weight is super reasonable for what it is.

Overall, the ToPeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ is a well-executed ratcheting tool kit that can easily be brought along on rides, taken on bike trips, and/or work well as an addition to the home workshop. At $53, it’s also competitively priced and brings something unique to the table compared to more traditional options.

One of the benefits of riding a high-quality, well-maintained bike is that breakdowns are generally less frequent and easier to fix when you’re in the middle of a ride. Sometimes the best option for some riders is the smallest and lightest tool they can find. We think the Lezyne SV Pro-17 would be an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a lightweight, compact, high-quality tool that can handle the occasional mechanical or flat tubeless tire without a lot of fuss or delay.

This stainless steel, 17-function tool feels finely machined and solidly made, with a nice mix of the most common tools. With hex sizes between 2 and 6mm, T10 and T25 Torx bits, and a Phillips screwdriver, it should have everything to handle most riders’ needs. The chain breaker is on the small side, but it’s something most road riders will seldom, if ever, use and is certainly adequate for an emergency roadside fix. One touch we liked: a tubeless needle and plug holder with a few bacon strips included – a feature that will save you from fishing around in your saddlebag for a separate tubeless tire repair kit.

At 119 grams, the Lezyne SV Pro-17 weighs almost nothing and its compact size, held together neatly with a stretchy rubber band to keep it tidy, means it easily fits in your jersey pocket or saddle bag and goes virtually unnoticed until you need it. While it would be great if it had an 8mm hex and quick link storage, Lezyne makes a huge range of other tools like the Super V and Super SV that include them and more. They also make smaller and lighter versions of the V Pro that have between 5 and 13 tools for those with other needs.

Still, the Lezyne SV Pro-17 is a well-made and versatile tool that can handle most trails and road riders’ needs, including tubeless repairs. Its got a clean look, quality feel, and its lightweight and compact size makes it easy to forget about until you need it.

You can find out more about the full Lezyne Multi-Tool range in our launch article.

Bontrager’s Pro Multi-Tool, also branded as Crankbrother’s F15, is a sleek, compact multi-tool that can handle basic adjustments and repairs, and packs easily into a saddle bag or pocket. It’s a great choice for road bikes, which take less punishment than mountain or gravel bikes and typically require far fewer mid-ride stops for mechanicals.

With 15 functions, this is an ideal tool for a quick stop to tighten a loose bolt, adjust your saddle or handlebars, or align a chattering derailleur. Overall, it’s a good, solid, simple tool for most cyclists and the most common mechanicals. With all the common hex keys between 2 and 8mm, a T25 Torx bit, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, it should cover the bolts on most people’s bikes. The chain tool also houses 4 sizes of spoke wrenches.

The Pro Multi-Tool’s sleek carrying case doubles as an ergonomic handle that fits well in the hand and provides solid leverage for the tools. It also keeps it sleek and well-organized for stashing in a pack or saddle bag, or for comfort in a jersey pocket. Bonus: The case also has a bottle opener to help you enjoy a frosty libation after a long ride with your buds.

It may not have the largest selection of tools or any for tubeless repair, but the Bontrager Pro Multi-Tool (or Crankbrothers F15) is a great option that carries well and covers the basics you need for most simple repairs out on the road or trail.