Don't let the rain put you off cycling the kids to school, with our roundup of the best cycling ponchos you can buy right now
The best kids packable waterproof cycling jackets
Home » advice » kids clothing & gloves » The best kids packable waterproof cycling jackets
Don't you just love those days? The ones where you're hoping to get out for a cycle ride with the kids, but you're not quite sure whether it's going to rain or not.
Do you take their waterproof jacket? Where do you store it if they get too hot to ride in it? Suddenly you're carrying a large rucksack full of "just in case" items!
This is where kids waterproof cycling jackets that fit into a stuff sack or pack away into a pocket come into their own.
Lightweight but offering good protection from the elements, these cycling rain jackets pack down small and discreet.
They can be carried in a small rucksack, panniers, a saddlepack, around the waist on a belt or in a rear jersey pocket (and I manage to squeeze mine into a bottle cage!).
Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best kids waterproof lightweight cycling jackets
Here's our pick of the best packable waterproof cycling jackets for boys and girls, to help you ride out whatever the weather.
We've reviewed a couple, and the others all come from reputable brands and retailers - all you need to do now is head out on your bikes and look forward to some rain! (Just don't forget to pack the jacket.....)
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 £49.99
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 £29.99
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 £39.99
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
Another spring and summer weight cycling jacket that fits into a stuff sack is the Funkier Storm Stowaway.
The jacket has mesh underarms to keep the rider cool on those muggy, rainy summer days. The fabric is see-through, so useful if you're wearing team kit and need your logo to be seen through it - either during or before/after racing.
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
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 £12.99
Quechua Kids Waterproof Packable Jacket
Another not cycling-specific waterproof jacket is the Quechua hiking jacket for children, 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 also 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
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
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!
Keep up to date with the latest Cycle Sprog articles
Sign up to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox.
Everything you need to know to keep cycling through winter
Related Posts
Keep your child dry on their next cycle ride with an easy to carry, packable waterproof cycling jacket
There aren't many kids sized winter cycling jackets around, but we've found them for you!
Comments