Almost every cyclist on the planet owns a jersey or two, but a good quality cycling jacket is just as vital to long-term performance and enjoyment. To excel, you have to want to ride. And to do that, you need to stay warm and dry in the saddle during seasons when the weather attempts to keep you inside.

As we lock in for a new season, MAAP has the most comprehensive lineup of new cycling jackets and vests yet, in both Road and Alt_Road collections, using new tech and designs to protect across the whole spectrum of wind, rain and cold. This guide outlines the different kinds of cycling jackets on the market, explaining all the things you should consider before picking one up for yourself. 

There’s a reason why cyclists invest in good jackets. It’s not just because they look flash at the cafe, but because they are deeply functional and potentially ride-saving pieces of kit. Here are some facts you need to know.

Cycling in cold conditions can increase energy expenditure by 40%. The body has to work much harder to keep warm, which takes energy away from cycling.

• Being wet can cause rapid heat loss. A jacket prevents moisture absorption, keeping you dry, warm, and efficient. 
• Wind chill makes temperatures feel much colder for the body than they are. A windproof jacket is an essential piece when it comes to long days out or variable conditions throughout the day.
• The right jacket keeps you warm while letting your body breathe. Overheating on a ride leads to excessive sweating, fatigue, and often a rapid heart rate.
• Having a jacket can also give you psychological confidence. Knowing you can handle colder conditions means those rides can be longer, and you don’t need to head home early.

There are several types of cycling jackets available, each built to combat a specific issue or external factor that can influence your rides. MAAP has developed three main styles of jackets - windproof, insulated and waterproof jackets. Across the new products launching their season, plus some of your all-time favourites back in action, we have all the bases covered.

We’ll take a closer look at our collection later in this piece, or you can peruse the full selection of MAAP cycling jackets in men's and women's right now.

If you are looking for an ultra-versatile jacket, then look no further than the Flow Jacket. Its minimal weight makes it easy to wear and store, and it doesn’t feel like a burden on your ride while offering all the protection you need. Because changing conditions shouldn’t break you out of your flow.

Lazer cut for precise ventilation, using mechanical stretch, and articulated for a more comfortable fit while riding, the jacket falls into place on your body. Also, the low profile bonding from the hem and engaging rear elastic keep the jacket snug at all times.

The Flow features wind-blocking leading edges and breathable sides, giving perfect temperature regulation. It also features a 2-way YKK zip system, reflective elements for night riding, and an internal pocket.

The Vest version features the same technology as the jacket, with the ability to reduce the effects of the wind on the front and rear but offering excellent breathability on the side. The obvious difference being the sleeveless silhouette, making it even lighter and more packable.

Discover Flow >

A pioneering product in the MAAP range, the Flow Insulated offers the same great experience as the Flow but with more insulation for tougher conditions or longer bike rides. It’s for the rider who wants to go further when it’s colder, and our first insulated option for the road.

Utilizing Teijin Octa® provides extra protection and warmth. It is strategically placed on leading edges and shoulders to provide warmth alongside that front and rear wind-breaking ability. You will find it in the front, sleeves, and shoulders.

Styled minimal, but built with maximal protection from then cold, the Flow Insulated features all the breathability you need, and is still very packable. As far as warmth-to-weight ratio, the Flow Insulated can’t be beat.

We also make a Flow Insulated Vest. Great for keeping warm with your arms free, offering better packability, and still featuring Teijin Octa® to ensure those cold days are ridden easy.

Discover Flow Insulated >

Riding on the road can be fast and furious, and the conditions are magnified at speed. The faster you go, the more you need to keep yourself at the right temperature and ride your best. For superior support on the roads, the Atmos Jacket & Vest will offer what you need. With 20k waterproofing and 2-way Pertex® Shield protection, this ultralight jacket is more than a marginal gain.

Discover Atmos >

Alt_Road™ Insulated might just be the future of adventure jackets. This is for the riders who want to take the lonelier roads or go the extra mile, riding at dusk or dawn when the heat goes out of the day. A jacket for the tougher conditions. Security when the mercury drops and support when the road stretches further than you originally planned.

The Alt_Road™ Insulated Jacket has a wind-resistant shell that blocks the chill out from the front and rear. With internal Teijin Octa® situated in the places it matters and breathable elements for cooling. It ticks all the boxes regarding being protected from the elements but also offers the performance you need when the tough trails come chasing. Synch cable hem grants adjustability on or off the bike, so you can ride with garment precisely in place, but relax things a little when the pedals stop spinning. It also benefits from dual front hand pockets for extra storage and a 2-way YKK zip for extra cooling ability in changing conditions.

For rides where the conditions don’t look so mean, the Alt_Road™ Insulated Vest will be your perfect companion. It is more packable and frees the arms, increasing functionality while riding technical trails.

The Alt_Road™ Jacket & Vest employ a slim silhouette, designed perfectly for use with the Alt_Road Cargo Bibs. The Alt_Road™ range is bold on the bike but subtle when the ride is over for the day. 

Finally, we have the Alt_Road™ Lightweight Anorak. One of the most wearable jackets off-the-bike, don’t let the silhouette fool you. This remains one of the best rain-protection options in our range, with Drytex shell fabric and thermo-taped seams. You get extra storage with a zippered kangaroo pouch, and it’s also stashable enough to throw in a bag for longer adventures.

Discover Alt_Road™ Lightweight Anorak >

What differentiates Alt_Road™ jackets from the products in our Road line? On the surface, they sometimes look similar, but there are small but significant design choices made to reflect their varied functionality.

• Fit -  Alt_Road™ jackets are usually designed for a more comfortable fit over longer hours, while Road jackets typically deploy a more aerodynamic fit.
• Aerodynamics - The Road will have superior aerodynamics in a road position compared to the Alt_Road™ jacket, designed for relaxed performance.
• Different fabrics - Not all jackets are made with the same fabric. Road jackets, such as the Atmos use Pertex® Shield which is chosen for its extremely low weight, while the Alt_Road™ Insulated Jacket uses Teijin Octa® insulation which focuses more on heat retention. 
• Durability - When it comes to durability, the Alt_Road™ range is made to be tougher to handle both off-road conditions, and possible spills. Road jackets are designed more with lightweight and performance in mind.

Jackets cannot be made from just anything. The materials make a huge difference in what the jacket can do, whether you are looking for water protection or just fighting off the wind. MAAP, with its expertise and experience, works with some amazing materials from industry leaders, ensuring the highest quality for your needs.

• Pertex® Shield - Lightweight and ultimate packability for changeable conditions.
• Drytex® - TPU Membrane with a thermal brushback for cool to cold conditions.
• Teijin Octa® - Lightweight, moisture wicking, breathable, and quick drying. Perfect for a day cycling jacket.