The best kids packable waterproof cycling jackets

We’ve all had those days—you’re planning a family bike ride, but the sky can’t decide if it’s going to pour or stay dry.

Do you bring the waterproofs? And if the kids get too hot wearing them, where do you stash them? Suddenly, you’re lugging around a bulky rucksack full of “just in case” gear.

That’s where packable kids’ waterproof cycling jackets really shine.

Lightweight yet protective, these rain jackets fold down into their own pocket or stuff sack, making them easy to carry wherever they’re needed. Whether it’s in a pannier, saddle bag, waist belt, jersey pocket, or even squeezed into a bottle cage (yes, really!), they’re the perfect solution for unpredictable weather.

We’ve included a mix of options; some more premium jackets with cycling-specific features like reflective detailing and helmet-compatible hoods, and others that aren’t strictly made for cycling but do the job just fine for everyday riding and school runs.

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The best kids waterproof lightweight cycling jackets

We’ve rounded up the best packable waterproof cycling jackets for boys and girls, perfect for staying dry when the weather turns.

A couple of these jackets we’ve reviewed ourselves; the rest come from trusted brands and retailers we rate. If you’re after a jacket that works well with a helmet, look out for cycling-specific designs, some come with helmet-compatible hoods or ones that can be folded away when not needed.

All that’s left is to grab your bikes, embrace the adventure… and don’t forget to pack the jacket!

packable waterproof cycling jackets for kids

Perfect for spring and summer riding the Funkier Storm Stowaway is a lightweight cycling jacket that fits into a small pouch in the rear pocket.

The jacket has mesh underarms and a rear vent to keep the rider cool on those muggy, rainy summer days.

This jacket comes in larger sizes than some of the other kids ranges making it ideal for those older kids who aren't yet big enough for adult kit (biggest size is 14 years). It packs down into a rear pocket.

Sizings are given as:

8 years  (Chest 70cm / Hips 74cm)
10 years  (Chest 74cm / Hips 76cm)
12 years (Chest 78cm / Hips 80cm)
14 years (Chest 82cm /Hips 84cm)

Price: from £29.99

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Quechua Kids Waterproof Packable Jacket

This waterproof jacket is a hiking jacket for children, but perfectly fine for everyday journeys by bike. It's available in a smaller kids version with sizes for 2-6 years old and for older children and teens, with sizes for 7-15 year olds.

This waterproof and breathable jacket has sealed main seams, is lightweight and can be stored in one of the pockets.

Because the jacket is not designed for cycling it doesn't come with reflective details or lower cutback. The hood also doesn't pack away into the collar.

It's cheap and packs away small though, so a great option for leisure rides and this jacket can easily be worn for walking to school too.

Price: from £12.99

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Altura are another brand renowned for making great all year round cycling kit, designed for British weather.

One thing I like about their Airstream kids jacket is that it has a navy blue option which is more subtle if your child is wanting to wear it off their bike too.

They also do brighter pink and yellow options if you prefer (and I do find it easier to spot my Sprogs when they ride off ahead of me on the trail when they're in hi-viz!)

Altura claim that the jacket is lightweight with a relaxed fit which is repellant to both wind and rain whilst offering high levels of breathability.

The Altura Darkproof tech with reflective child-friendly print offers a level of hi-visibility to keep your kids safe and seen. This jacket comes in sizes 5-6, 7-9 and 10-12 years.

The jacket packs away into an integral pocket with zipper closure.

Price: from £24.99

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Endura are renowned for making quality cycling clothing, designed to keep you warm and dry whilst out on your bike.

The Endura Kids MT500JR waterproof jacket is their year round model for 7 to 12 year olds. Made from 100% polyester, it offers good protection from the rain.

The jacket offers all weather protection with a waterproof and breathable 2.5 layer fabric and front pockets that double up as vents so the rider doesn't get sweaty.

The hood comes with a reflective trim which will ensure your child is visible when the light fades. Some people like a hood, others prefer a jacket with no hood, so it can't obscure their vision.

This jacket doesn't come with a stuff sack but can be rolled up fairly compact.

Price: from £59.99

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This jacket is a great choice for older girls (and mums!) - especially those who race their bikes, as the fabric is designed to show your race number through it.

But you don't need to be racing to wear this jacket - the lightweight, waterproof and breathable ExoShell20ST™ fabric has a built in stretch which anyone moving about a lot on their bike will appreciate.

It comes with its own stuff sack and has reflective trim for extra visibility if you're out cycling after dark.

Sizing starts at XXS which equates to UK size 6/8, and the jacket is available in a choice of 4 colours.

Price: from £52.99

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Dads and older sons don't worry - there's a male version of this pack away cycling jacket too!

It's the same specification of the women's version, but with a cut designed for the male body.

In terms of sizing, the male version starts at an XS, which Endura say will fit a 89-94cm chest and 74-79cm waist.

There's a choice of 5 different colours in the male sizing.

Price: from £56.99

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If you're looking for a less "cycling" type waterproof jacket and more one that can be used for all sorts of occasions then it's worth looking at Mountain Warehouse's Pakka jacket.

They've got a great range of colours and sizes in their Pakka range - and do ponchos and waterproof trousers too.

The downside of these jackets is that they haven't been designed with cycling in mind so are lacking some of the details sound on other jackets featured on this page (such as reflective and hi-viz materials and lower cutbacks).

However, the big plus is that they're a lot cheaper and more suited to all-round wear. They've got a hood, which you can pack away into a collar pocket so it doesn't get in the way when you're cycling.

Children's sizes start at 2 - 3 years and go through to 13 years.

The adult packaway jacket start at women's size 4 and men's XXS so these are ideal too for taller kids and teens.

Price: from £12.49

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Proviz jackets are becoming more popular and their clever reflective materials are very useful for children who cycle in the early morning or evening.

This hi-viz coloured waterproof jacket is lightweight and waterproof and comes in sizes suitable for 5 to 12 years old.

The Proviz Classic Spray jacket is waterproof, highly breathable and can be packed away small although it doesn't come with a stuff sack or internal pocket.

This hi viz waterproof kids jacket can be worn over winter clothes in the darker months, for extra visibility.

Price: from £42.94

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We do hope you've managed to find a suitable packable waterproof cycling jacket from the list above.

If we've missed your favourite out, do please drop us a comment below to let us know your recommendations, thanks!

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Here at Cycle Sprog we help thousands of families each week find the information they need about kids bikes and cycling together as a family.

We've got hundreds of articles on the website, and we do hope you enjoy browsing them, but if you're in a hurry these are our most popular articles that will get you started.

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The summer is here and it's the perfect time to get your kids outside and having fun outside on their bikes.

Cycling is a great way to get the entire family off their screens, doing something together and keeping fit at the same time.

It's important to pick a family friendly cycle route that is suitable for the age and ability of your child.

That's why here at Cycle Sprog we've compiled a range of family friendly bike rides that suit all ages and abilities, from tiny balance bikers through to confident teens.

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