What to wear for winter cycling - the essential tips

These are all the winter riding wardrobe essentials

Suvi Loponen

Dec 11 2023

As winter tightens its grip, the most dedicated mountain bikers and gravel enthusiasts will not let the chill keep them off the trails. Riding in colder temperatures does take a little more thinking to ensure you stay comfortable, dry and warm without looking like a Michelin man on the trails. To help you figure out what exactly to wear on those colder cycling days we've put together a guide for the essential winter wardrobe for mountain biking and gravel riding, taking a look at all the options, layering techniques, and accessories to keep you pedalling through snow, mud, and frigid winds.

It all starts with layering

Winter cycling is all about layering, but instead of simply adding another jacket on top of your existing jersey, it's really the baselayers where the magic of warmth lies. How warm your layers and clothing need to be depends on the conditions you will ride in, but also on the intensity of the ride. When you are designing your winter cycling wardrobe, consider different scenarios: hard training rides which include efforts up and down the trails, cafe rides with friends, or even multi-day bikepacking trips. All of these require different things from your clothing, as you traverse at different speeds and intensity.

There is one garment that every winter cyclist should have, though, and that is a baselayer. A moisture-wicking base layer is effective in keeping sweat away from the skin, which means you will feel comfortably warm and dry for longer. Baselayers come in natural and synthetic versions, and it is somewhat down to your preferences which one you prefer. Woolly baselayers are naturally odour-resistant and require less washing, but some of the more advanced synthetic baselayers utilise technologies that are super efficient in keeping your core dry.

On top of that base layer, you should add an insulating mid-layer for warmth. This can be a cycling-specific jersey and based on the temperatures you're about to face, you can decide on the thickness. The mid layer can also feature a water-repellent coating (often called DWR), which means it can keep you dry in a little drizzle, or windproof panelling for keeping the breeze out. The mid-layer is the most versatile layer and you could also utilise what you have in your broader outdoor wardrobe – a fleece jacket or a thick jumper can also work as a cycling mid-layer.

Lastly, you want to finish off your layering with a more windproof and water-resistant outer shell to protect against the elements. Usually, very waterproof cycling jackets are not the most breathable, and similarly, if you opt for more thermal properties, you are compromising on the waterproofness. So always look at the forecast and decide based on that. Synthetic materials such as PrimaLoft and Polartec can provide you with lightweight warmth and water resistance, ideal for winter cycling conditions.

If you only have one outer layer, then you can likely get the most bang for your buck out of a waterproof jacket, as that can be paired with thermal layers underneath. But by doing this, you are compromising the breathability, which is why having a couple of different jacket options is great – although not mandatory.

Your outer layer should have an adjustable hood, so you can secure it snugly around your helmet (or underneath it), ventilation zips for letting moisture out, and a dropped tail so your lower back stays dry. A well-designed cycling jacket not only protects you from the weather but also ensures a comfortable and distraction-free ride, so make sure you get one that fits you well and try the size with the base and mid-layer on, as well.

Winter cycling bottoms

When it comes to lower body protection, you again have multiple options depending on your preference and riding style. In essence, you have three options; bib tights, mountain bike trousers, or mountain bike shorts – or you can combine two of these.

Cycling-specific thermal bib tights provide insulation while allowing for a full range of motion. Bib tights feature a padded chamois, fit quite closely which prevents them from snagging on your saddle or catching the drivetrain. With the bib straps that keep the tights in place for your whole ride and from falling down, bib tights also make for a more aerodynamic option. Bib tights can feature thermal insulation, windproof panels and even water-repellent coatings to make them more winter-friendly, and some come with cargo pockets placed on the thighs for carrying extra snacks.

If you prefer a looser fit, then mountain bike trousers are the way to go. MTB trousers fit looser than bib tights and often come without any padding around the saddle area. This means that most riders pair them with bib shorts or padded undershorts underneath. They come in many different fits, materials, and styles. Most MTB trousers taper on the ankle so that you won't have to worry about the legs catching on your pedals or the drivetrain. Some trousers come with fleece lining, which is great for chilly winter rides, and many are treated to repel water and spray from the trails to keep you dry.

When choosing your MTB trousers, consider models with reinforced knees and seat areas for added durability, especially if you regularly tackle rugged mountain trails where falling off is likely.

Then there is the last option: mountain bike shorts. In the winter, your best bet is likely to be waterproof mountain bike shorts, paired with a pair of padded liners or bib shorts. The shorter leg length is not going to work for those of us who feel the cold easily, but for some riders, a pair of shorts is okay through the UK winters.

Wrap up your feet

When it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry, insulated, water-resistant cycling shoes are the best bet. You can get both clipless shoes and flat MTB shoes that have more thermal insulation and water resistance built into them, and often these come with a higher ankle to keep the water from seeping into your shoe.

If you don't want to invest in another pair of mountain bike or gravel cycling shoes, you can winterise your existing cycling shoes with some accessories. Neoprene shoe covers provide an extra layer of protection against cold and wet conditions and are a relatively affordable investment. On warmer winter days you might get away with just toe covers.

You can also add a little bit of winterproofness inside your shoes. Wear woolly socks, or for wetter days, pull on waterproof socks. If you're on a limited budget, wrapping your feet in plastic bags is something perhaps all of us have done… And so is wrapping our feet in tin foil. This works well if you have a thinner pair of socks on first, then wrap your forefoot in strong foil (otherwise it just breaks apart), then top the foil with another pair of socks, and you have some added heat insulation.

Add winter gloves and accessories

Cold hands can quickly ruin a winter ride, so it's worth investing in windproof and waterproof winter cycling gloves with sufficient insulation. Consider options with touchscreen compatibility, as this allows you to use your devices without exposing your hands to the elements if you are for example taking a picture mid-ride.

You can also layer gloves - if your waterproof gloves have some room in them, you can pair them with a pair of merino liners which adds some much-needed warmth to the hands.

On your head, you can wear a thin cap or hat, or opt for a full balaclava-type hat that covers your head, ears and neck all in one piece. If you want to just protect the ears, get a headband.

Tube scarves, often called "buffs" are a great way to protect your neck from windchill. The tube can also be pulled over your nose when temperatures are really cold, or you can wear the scarf as a hat in a pinch, too.

Don't forget to shield your eyes from wind, rain, and debris with cycling glasses or goggles, which ensure you have clear vision throughout your winter ride and the cold wind won't dry your eyes out.

Author block

Suvi Loponen

Tech writer

Suvi joined off.road.cc in 2022 as a tech writer and brought in her enthusiasm for gravel and long-distance riding. She's a lover of underbiking and exploring on the bike both on and off-road, especially if it means finding more great cafes and some good viewpoints.