The colder days are drawing in so it's time to start thinking about warmer and dryer clothing for the winter. A decent outer layer is your first line of defence against the elements and the right one will help to keep you riding comfortably all year long. Here are our top picks for riding in winter 2021.

A distinctive look and style, the Expedition jacket has been crafted in celebration of biking culture. It is a modern classic with a twist, following heritage styling cues, with a unique look that will help you subtly stand out from the rest.

Lovingly constructed out of Halley Stevensons 12oz Scottish Silkwax cotton for a luxury feel and premium performance, the Expedition features a zip-out Reissa Active Waterproof membrane and 125g Thermal liner - built to weather whatever wild adventures you choose to throw at it. It also comes pre-fitted with D3O armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back to save your skin in the event of a spill.

Beautiful and premium styling in the way of subtle, rich, red gussets at the sleeve, and around the collar, alongside YKK zips with antique snaps, and luxurious quilting at the elbows make for a jacket filled to the brim with classic and premium styling, but crafted with the adventurer in mind. Be prepared for whatever trials you encounter out there with the Expedition jacket.

CE A Rated.

The feature-packed Gable leather jacket is the most versatile jacket on this list. Available in slick Black, and a luscious retro Oxblood, the Gable offers classic style with modern features beyond most other jackets in its price range.

Constructed from a stunning 1.3mm Two-Tone Cowhide Leather that is completely tape seamed for full waterproof performance, it does away with the need for a drop liner/membrane. Combined with locking waterproof YKK zippers, the Gable won’t let a drop of water through. No need to carry around the unsightly over-jackets for when the heavens open.

The Gable is not just designed to protect you from the elements - a CE AAA certification means you can rest assured that Merlin have created a safe garment here. They’ve also been kind enough to include D3O Level 1 protectors at the shoulders, elbows, and back as standard, plus a removable 125g thermal full body liner so you can continue to ride through colder temperatures, and a jacket to jean connecting zipper for added security.

CE AAA Rated.

Based on the summer riding favourite Rev’it Eclipse jacket, the Shade takes that ethos of simplicity-is-best and gives it a cold-weather makeover. There are no frills here, and that is a mighty good thing. Clean, universal lines and a flattering, lightly tailored fit means this jacket is going to suit just about any rider with ease.

In Rev’it’s own words, the Shade is back-to-basics - yet that doesn’t have to mean you miss out on any of the features and practicality of many other far more expensive jackets on the market. Full waterproofing and breathability comes in the way of a Hydratex®|mesh G-liner, meaning you can tackle the inevitable downpours and stay bone dry. The Shade also features a detachable thermal liner, extending the useability of this jacket through the coldest months, and even offering a lightweight waterproof option for Spring and early Summer.

Constructed from a highly abrasion-resistant High-Density 600D Polyester outer to save your skin in a tumble, the Shade comes fitted with the ultra-thin SEESMART™ CE-level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows for impact protection and features a pocket for an optional back protector should you wish to upgrade. Features such as adjustability tabs at the cuff and arm are forever useful, and a universal jeans connection loop will keep the jacket from riding up and letting cold air in.

CE A Rated.

The Belstaff Roberts is the waxed cotton version of their stunning Slider leather jacket. It's a design that translates extremely well to waxed cotton, the material Belstaff built its reputation on. It's the fabric they have been using to make motorcycle clothing for the better part of a century now.

This year, however, marks a special occasion: Belstaff, together with cotton mill British Millerain, have re-invented the wax cotton and upgraded it to TekWax. TekWax is a new innovation that uses high-grade synthetic fibres intertwined with Belstaff’s high-quality cotton to obtain an abrasion-resistant fabric that achieves an A rating in the new CE Abrasion & Tear tests. It does this without adding bulk and sacrificing its lightweight or the classic Belstaff style. Using the synthetic fibres in the weaving process means the fabric does not rely on thickness to provide exceptional abrasion resistance. D3O CE certified Level 1 armour is included in the elbows and shoulders and offers excellent impact absorption and there is of course a pocket for you to add an optional back protector.

Its Tekwax construction means the Roberts is a sturdy, yet not overly heavy jacket. The outer layer will keep mild rain out because of its waxed nature, but should you get stuck in heavier rainfall, the Roberts has a breathable yet completely waterproof Miporex membrane underneath.

CE A Rated.

A couple of years ago, Knox completely changed the game with the Urbane Pro armoured shirt. Magically combining the lightweight and ventilated features of an armoured undershirt with the abrasion-resistant qualities of an outer motorcycle jacket, it completely blew us away, and has gone down as one of the most popular products ever stocked here at Urban Rider - rightly so. So why did a highly vented, mesh summer top make it onto our winter jacket list?

The Urbane Pro MKII is all you will ever need for upper body protection - designed to be worn alone just over a tee for supreme protection and ventilation on the hottest summer days, you can also layer up, adding your favourite winter jacket, or a waterproof over the top so it can serve you year-round.

CE AA Rated.