A great jacket is an essential part of your running gear, whether you need a lightweight layer for daily training or something a bit more robust for your off-road adventures.
But with so many running jackets on the market, it’s not always easy to determine which is the right one for you.
You need something that strikes the perfect balance between protection from the weather and breathability… and some brands just don’t quite meet the mark!
To make life easier, we’ve put together this guide to the best running jackets available right now, each sold in both men’s and women’s styles.
We’ve outlined the features we love about them and the conditions they’re most suitable for, helping you narrow down your options.
First, though, let’s take a look at the factors to consider when choosing the best running jacket for your next run!
How to Choose the Best Running Jackets for Your Needs
When choosing a good running jacket, there are a few optional features you might like to look out for, depending on personal preference.
If you regularly run at night or early in the morning, for example, you might want a jacket made from a reflective fabric, or at least with some reflective details to keep you visible.
If you tend to run long distances – particularly off-road – then a jacket with a hood would be useful for fending off unexpected showers.
Pockets are another consideration, so make sure you’ll have somewhere to stash your keys, cards, gels, and even your phone if you like to take it along with you.
Other things to think about include:
Protection From The Elements
The primary purpose of a running jacket is to protect you from the weather, keeping you warm, blocking chilly breezes, and repelling rain.
Check the specs to see just how well each jacket is rated for each of these conditions, and pay particular attention to waterproofing.
Many ‘waterproof’ jackets (including those mentioned here) are merely water resistant rather than fully waterproof.
Whilst these will protect you from a light shower, they won’t stand up to a real downpour (for that, you’ll want to check out our list of the best running jackets for heavy rain).
But remember that truly waterproof jackets tend to be heavier and less breathable than water-resistant ones, so we don’t recommend investing in one unless you really need it.
Fit
Getting a perfect fit is important, both in terms of your comfort and your running performance.
A jacket that’s too restrictive will limit your range of motion, but one that’s too loose can flap, bunch up, and generally slow you down!
Make sure that the jacket you choose allows for layering underneath if you tend to run in changeable conditions.
Breathability
Sweating is an inevitable consequence of running, so the best running jackets will be made with breathable fabrics that help you shed excess moisture and heat.
Look out, too, for details like mesh panels and ventilation zippers, as these will help maintain airflow to keep you cool.
Portability
For optimal performance, it’s important for a running jacket to be as lightweight as possible.
Lightweight running jackets are also easier to pack away when they’re not needed, which is an important consideration for longer runs.
Of course, there’s a bit of a trade-off here.
Lighter running jackets also tend to be less resistant to wind and rain, so it’s important to prioritize between weight and protection from the elements.
So, now that you know what features to look for, here are our favorite picks:
- Best for Cool, Dry Days – New Balance Impact Run Packable Jacket
- Best Running Jackets for Low-Light Conditions – Proviz Reflect360 Running Jacket
- Best for Trail Running – Marmot Tempo Softshell Jacket
- Best for Winter Runs – Gore WEAR Insulated Running Jacket
- Most Versatile – Nike Sportswear Windrunner Windbreaker Jacket
- Best Running Jackets Overall – Brooks Canopy Jacket
The Best Running Jackets for Any Weather
#1. Best for Cool, Dry Days – New Balance Impact Run Packable Jacket
Fabric: 100% Recycled Nylon Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large, Packable Pocket: Yes, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Wind and water resistant | Won’t withstand prolonged rain |
| Reflective details | Limited color options |
| Great for unpredictable weather |
With a relaxed fit that skims the chest, waist, and hips, this is a comfortable jacket that can be layered over clothing and allows you to move easily.
The fabric is lightweight and breathable enough to keep you cool when the pace heats up, plus there’s no flapping in the wind to distract you from your run!
It’s easy to pull on and off, too, so you can keep up with changeable weather conditions, plus it folds into a waist pack for convenient storage as you run.
This is a relatively thin jacket, so it won’t keep you warm during the very cold months, but it’s perfect for the mild temperatures of spring and fall.
#2. Best Running Jackets for Low-Light Conditions – Proviz Reflect360 Running Jacket
Fabric: 100% Reflective Polyester, Sizes: X-Small to 5X-Large, Packable Pocket: No, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Keeps you warm at night | Can feel too warm in mild weather |
| Zipped pockets with handy zip pulls | Expensive |
| Secure front zipper won’t slide down |
Reflective trim can be useful when running at night – but when it comes to safety, nothing can beat the incredible visibility you get from this jacket by Proviz.
The fabric uses millions of tiny glass beads to reflect back light and almost make you look as if you are shining in the dark!
It features breathable mesh panels on the arms, back, and sides to keep you cool – pretty important when you consider that the fabric is quite thick compared to other jackets.
We also love the adjustable waistband and cuffs that keep out the chill, plus the zip garage to protect your neck from chafing.
#3. Best for Trail Running – Marmot Tempo Softshell Jacket
Fabric: 100% Nylon, Sizes: Small to XX-Large, Packable Pocket: No, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Feels stretchy and comfortable | Too thin for very cold conditions |
| Easy to roll into a day pack | Runs a little long |
| Lots of storage |
Marmot has been making outdoor sporting goods and clothing for almost 50 years and its Tempo Softshell jacket reflects the company’s expertise, designed to be both breathable and durable when out on the trail.
The fit is snug without being restrictive and the water-repellent fabric effectively protects you from light drizzle or morning dew.
It also helps keeps out those chilly breezes, with Lycra-bound cuffs, handwarmer pockets, and a drawcord hem that you can cinch in for a secure fit.
Perfect for layering, this jacket has a generous chest pocket that is large enough for your phone and holds it against your body, so it won’t bounce when you run.
#4. Best for Winter Runs – Gore WEAR Insulated Running Jacket
Fabric: GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ fabrics with GORE® WINDSTOPPER®, Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large, Packable Pocket: No, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | No way to secure the hood when not in use |
| Totally windproof | Expensive |
| Reflective details |
This is one of the best running jackets for poor weather, keeping you well-protected from heavy showers and cold wind, yet still breathable enough to stop you from feeling clammy.
Voted Product of the Year for runners at the 2020 ISPO awards, it has some great features, including a close-fitting hood to keep out moisture, stretch inserts at the hem and cuffs for a snug fit, and plenty of storage for your essentials.
Its form-fitting and runner-specific cut, meanwhile, is designed to keep you comfortable and moving freely.
The price is definitely steep, but it’s worth remembering that GORE WEAR products are made from high-quality, durable fabrics designed to give you years of use.
#5. Most Versatile – Nike Sportswear Windrunner Windbreaker Jacket
Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester, Sizes: Small to XX-Large, Packable Pocket: No, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Packs to a small size | Pockets are not ideal for a phone |
| Snug, stretchy cuffs | The fit may be too loose for some |
| Wide choice of colorways |
The Windrunner was Nike’s very first running windbreaker and its design inspired this new iteration for a classic Nike look!
Made with water-repellent materials, it has a standard fit for a relaxed feel, with ventilation slots at the back to keep you cool during long runs.
You’ll have plenty of room for layers if you need them, plus there’s a drawcord on the hood to cinch it in tight when the heavens open!
The pockets are spacious and zippered for security, but we would have liked to have seen a dedicated chest pocket for our phone.
#6. Best Running Jackets Overall – Brooks Canopy Jacket
Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester, Sizes: Small to XX-Large, Packable Pocket: Yes, Extra Pockets: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight, flexible fabric | Not ideal for very cold or wet conditions |
| Flatlock seams to prevent chafing | |
| UPF 30 sun protection rating |
This fantastic jacket from Brooks ticks all the boxes for runners, with some great details that set it apart from the rest!
We love the snaps at the front – a simple design detail, maybe, but very useful as they allow you to fully unzip the jacket without it flapping in the wind.
The packability has recently been improved and you can now fold it into its own pack and wear it as a side sling!
The breathable woven DriLayer Seal fabric protects you from the elements whilst shedding excess heat, and the adjustable hood stows down in the collar, so it won’t distract you when you’re not using it.
The Best Running Jackets: Key Takeaways
On days when the weather isn’t ideal for running, the best running jackets can give you the extra protection you need to train in comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy option like the insulated jacket from Gore Wear or a more versatile style like the Windrunner from Nike, we hope our guide has helped you find the perfect jacket for your next run.
