6 Best Waterproof Saddles For Rainy Rides Built for All-Weather Miles

You’re 20 miles from home when the sky, once a friendly blue, turns a bruised purple and opens up. Soon, everything is soaked, including your traditional leather or foam saddle, which now feels like a cold, heavy sponge. A waterproof saddle transforms this miserable slog into just another part of the adventure, keeping you comfortable and focused on the ride, not your soggy chamois.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Why a Waterproof Saddle is a Non-Negotiable

Riding in the rain is one thing; riding on a waterlogged saddle is another. A traditional saddle with a porous cover or exposed foam can absorb an incredible amount of water. This creates a cascade of problems, starting with a miserably cold and wet rear end that can ruin the morale of any ride.

Beyond simple discomfort, a wet saddle accelerates chafing and saddle sores, as moisture increases friction between your skin and your shorts. Over time, this water absorption can also degrade the saddle’s internal materials, causing the foam to break down and the shell to lose its supportive shape. A waterproof saddle isn’t a luxury for fair-weather-only riders; it’s a fundamental piece of gear for anyone who commutes, trains, or explores in climates where rain is a possibility. It means you can hop on your bike right after a downpour without a second thought.

Brooks Cambium C17: The All-Weather Classic

For riders who value durability and a timeless aesthetic, the Brooks Cambium line is legendary. Unlike its leather B17 sibling, the C17 is crafted from vulcanized natural rubber and topped with a tough, organic cotton canvas. This construction makes it waterproof right out of the box, with no break-in period or conditioning required to keep it weather-sealed.

The Cambium C17 is renowned for its unique hammock-like feel, flexing with your pedal strokes to provide all-day comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for tourers, bikepackers, and commuters who need a saddle that can handle daily abuse and unpredictable weather without complaint. The main tradeoff is weight; it’s heavier than performance-oriented saddles, but what you gain in resilience and ride quality is, for many, well worth the extra grams.

Fizik Antares R3 Adaptive for Performance

When you’re chasing speed and every gram counts, even in the wet, a saddle like the Fizik Antares R3 Adaptive stands out. This isn’t your typical foam-and-cover saddle. It’s built using 3D-printing technology to create a complex lattice structure that provides zonal cushioning, offering firm support where you need it and softer compliance elsewhere.

The key benefit for all-weather riders is the material itself. The polymer lattice is completely waterproof and incredibly easy to clean—a quick spray with a hose is all it takes to clear away road grime. Water passes right through it, so it never gets waterlogged. This saddle is for the serious road cyclist or gravel racer who wants cutting-edge technology and a featherlight setup, but be prepared for a premium price tag that matches its high-tech construction.

Ergon SM Sport Gel for Long-Distance Comfort

If your rides are measured in long hours rather than top speeds, comfort is king. The Ergon SM Sport Gel is designed specifically for long-distance mountain biking and touring, where an ergonomic shape can make all the difference. Its wide, flat rear supports the sit bones, while a pronounced relief channel reduces pressure on sensitive areas.

The "SM" stands for Saddle Men, highlighting its gender-specific design, and the gel inserts provide an extra layer of vibration damping. Its durable microfiber cover repels water effectively, preventing it from soaking through to the foam and gel beneath. While it’s not as flashy as a carbon race saddle, its focus on anatomical support makes it a top contender for bikepackers and endurance riders who need a reliable, comfortable perch for multi-day trips in variable conditions.

WTB Silverado: Versatile and Weather-Ready

Some gear just works, no matter where you take it. The WTB Silverado is that kind of saddle—a true jack-of-all-trades seen on everything from cross-country race bikes to trail-shredding mountain bikes and gravel explorers. Its long, relatively flat profile allows for multiple riding positions, which is great for shifting your weight on technical climbs or settling in for a long fire road grind.

The Silverado typically features a durable synthetic cover that sheds mud and water with ease, keeping the padding beneath it dry. It strikes an excellent balance in the weight-comfort-durability triangle, offering reliable performance without the eye-watering cost of more exotic options. For the rider who has one bike to do it all, the Silverado is a proven, weather-ready choice that won’t let you down.

Selle Italia Model X for Eco-Conscious Riders

Riding a bike is an environmentally friendly act, and some riders want their gear to reflect that ethos. The Selle Italia Model X is manufactured using a patented "Greentech" process that is completely free of glues and polyurethanes, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and waste. The entire saddle is produced mechanically, and its components can be easily separated for recycling at the end of its life.

From a practical standpoint, this construction results in a totally sealed, 100% waterproof saddle. The single-material cover and shell are impervious to rain, making it a great choice for commuters and recreational riders. It combines Italian design and ergonomic principles with a forward-thinking production method, proving that high-performance, all-weather gear can also be sustainable.

Fabric Scoop Race for Minimalist Durability

For the rider who appreciates clean lines and efficient design, the Fabric Scoop is a masterclass in minimalism. Its unique three-piece bonded construction—base, foam, and waterproof microfiber cover—eliminates the need for staples or excess material. This creates an exceptionally smooth, easy-to-clean surface that water simply beads off of.

The Scoop is prized for its simplicity and is available in multiple profiles (Flat, Shallow, and Radius) to match different rider flexibility and posture, a key factor in finding true comfort. The "Race" version uses titanium rails to keep weight down, making it a popular choice for road, cyclocross, and gravel racers. It offers a firm, supportive platform that is built to withstand nasty conditions without absorbing an ounce of water.

How to Choose Your Ideal Waterproof Saddle

Finding the right saddle is deeply personal, but focusing on a few key factors will guide you to the perfect all-weather companion. Don’t get hung up on brand names; focus on what fits your body and your riding style. The "best" saddle is the one you don’t notice.

Consider these points before making a decision:

• Riding Discipline: Are you a road racer counting grams, a mountain biker needing durability, or a commuter prioritizing comfort and weather resistance? A lightweight, 3D-printed saddle is great for performance, while a gel-padded model is better for upright, long-distance touring.
• Saddle Shape and Width: This is the most critical factor. Your saddle should support your sit bones, not your soft tissue. Many bike shops have tools to measure your sit bone width, which is the single most important piece of data for choosing a saddle. A saddle’s shape (flat, curved, cut-out channel) should match your flexibility and typical riding position.
• Material and Construction: Vulcanized rubber offers a unique flex, 3D-printed polymers provide zoned support, and bonded microfiber is sleek and lightweight. Each offers a different ride feel and level of durability. All the options listed here are waterproof, so you can focus on which material best suits your performance and comfort needs.
• Budget: Waterproof saddles exist at nearly every price point. You can find excellent, durable synthetic options for a modest price, while high-end models with carbon rails and advanced materials will command a premium. Define your budget, but be willing to invest in comfort—it pays dividends on every single ride.

Ultimately, the perfect waterproof saddle is the one that lets you forget about the weather and focus on the joy of the ride. Use this guide to narrow down your options, but remember that gear is just a tool. The real goal is to get outside and put in the miles, rain or shine.