The best running jackets 2023: lightweight waterproofs and windbreakers

Collage of the best running jackets
(Image credit: Future)

The best running jackets will keep you dry and comfortable throughout the spring, fending off chilly breezes without adding unnecessary weight. Many are so small they can even be stuffed inside your hydration pack.

For spring showers, some of the best running jackets contain a water-repellent membrane, such as Gore-Tex. While this makes the jacket slightly heavier, it can make all the difference if you have a training session scheduled in inclement weather.

If you're looking for a waterproof running jacket, the R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail Hooded Jacket is our pick of the crop. We particularly appreciated its elasticated cuffs and drawstring hem, which keep drafts at bay, and the fact that it's breathable without any mesh or vents to let in water.

All the running jackets below have been tested in real windy and rainy conditions, during the day and at night. We assess each jacket for weatherproofing, breathability, and visibility, and take into account weight and packability in case the skies clear and the weather warms up.

The best running jackets

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

Waterproof running jackets

R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail Hooded running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Gore)
A fully waterproof and windproof running jacket to keep you dry for hours

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 5.64oz/160g
Colors: Black
Best for: Running, hiking, and fastpacking for long periods

Reasons to buy

+
Fully waterproof
+
Excellent windproofing
+
Breathable for warmer days
+
Suitable for use with a vest or bag

Reasons to avoid

-
Costs over $200 / £200
-
Only available in black

This shiny, jet black running jacket from Gore is completely windproof and fully waterproof.  It’s breathable fabric doesn’t have any mesh or vents which is one of the reasons it's such a great windproof and waterproof.

The R7 Gor-Tex Shakedry has an adjustable hood with a visor that we found effective for keeping the rain off our face, and a drawcord at the waist for a snug fit that doesn't billow in the wind. Nobody needs extra air resistance when they're running. We also appreciated the elasticated cuffs, which keep the sleeves in place and allow easy access to your GPS watch, plus the large pocket on the back that's roomy enough for your running gels and other essentials.

This jacket really is all singing and dancing.  Although it’s the most expensive jacket we’ve reviewed, we think it's definitely worth the money if you need something that'll resist the rain for long training sessions. If the majority of your runs are less than an hour then we would say stick to a cheaper model, but if you’re going to be out for hours then this is the jacket for you.

Read our full R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail Hooded Jacket review

Berghaus Hyper 140 Waterproof running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Getty)
A near perfect waterproof coat/lightweight jacket hybrid

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 138g / 4.8oz
Colors: Men’s: blue / light gray / light blue; women’s: gray / red
Best for: Running and hiking in wet and windy weather

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight at just 138g
+
Surprisingly thin and flexible material for a waterproof running jacket
+
Works well for running and hiking

Reasons to avoid

-
Small carry bag
-
Hood lacks a flexible rain peak

The Berghaus Hyper 140 jacket strikes the perfect balance between weight and waterproofing. We weren't expecting much from such thin, flexible fabric, but it does a fantastic job repelling rain.

The cuffs and hem are close fitting, and we found that the high front zip offered great protection to keep your top dry. However, the hood lacks a flexible peak to direct the water out of your eyes, so we found it works best if you have a water-resistant baseball hat underneath. The jacket comes with a separate stuff sack, which would benefit from being slightly larger as it is not easy to achieve perfectly economical folds on the move. 

This jacket is great for people who love the outdoors, be it hiking or trail running. It is comfortable, lightweight, will fight the elements and offers good breathability for a genuine waterproof jacket. Saying that you will need to provide additional ventilation on warmer days and on runs where you are making more effort.

Read our full Berghaus Hyper 140 lightweight running jacket review

Inov8 Stormshell running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Inov8)
A superb jacket for the experienced or long-distance trail runner

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 6.2oz / 175g
Colors: Black / blue / red
Best for: Trail running on wet and windy days

Reasons to buy

+
Soft, high quality waterproof fabric
+
Sleeves with thumb holes pull down over hands for protection
+
Close-fitting hood for warmth

Reasons to avoid

-
Not many reflective details

The Inov-8 Stormshell is as close as it gets to an all-round running jacket. This well considered design has extra features that make it handy for an array of climates throughout the year, but it really comes into its own in challenging conditions.

Small thumb holes at the end of the sleeve mean you can easily pull the jacket down over your hand to help keep yourself warm on chilly mornings, and you don’t have to burden yourself with carrying gloves around in your pocket for most of your run.

The snug hood and high front zip kept us nice and snug when the weather took a turn for the worse, with only a small part of our head exposed to the elements. The lightweight and breathable fabric means this jacket is very easy to wear. The jacket comes in black as well as some brighter colours. We appreciate the fact that the logos are reflective, but a couple of additional reflective details would give us peace of mind when running after dark.

The silky smooth jacket does come at a price, and for a new runner there are probably better entry options. However an experienced, long-distance runner will certainly appreciate all the features that it offers.

Read our full inov-8 Stormshell running jacket review

Columbia OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Columbia)
Waterproof and wind-resistant, but not breathable enough for warm days

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 6.7oz / 190g
Colors: White
Best for: Short training sessions and races

Reasons to buy

+
Fully waterproof
+
Stylish design and great for visibility
+
Easy to wipe clean

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for use with a running vest due to rear ventilation panel
-
Only available in white
-
Hood isn't adjustable

This smart running jacket from Columbia only comes in white, which won't suit everyone's preferences, but means you'll be nice and visible at night. 

It's fully waterproof with sealed seams, making it a solid choice for rainy training sessions, and has a vented back to allow airflow. It's a smart design, but doesn't work well when worn with a running backpack or hydration pack that blocks the vent.

The hood isn't adjustable, but in our tests it stayed in place even in high winds. On dry days, you can stash it out of the way to minimize wind resistance. The jacket can also be packed into its own chest pocket if you start to warm up.

If you are looking for a stylish waterproof at a great price then this jacket is a great option. We’d recommend it for shorter sessions when you don't need to carry additional water, gels, and other gear.

Read our full Columbia OutDry Ex lightweight shell jacket review

Reflective running jackets

Proviz Reflect360 running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Proviz)
The best and brightest reflective running jacket on the market

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 5.99oz/170g
Colors: Silver and black
Best for: City and trail runs on cold nights

Reasons to buy

+
Super reflective
+
Lightweight material
+
Great for cold weather

Reasons to avoid

-
Hot when worn with a vest
-
May dazzle other runners
-
No hood

The Proviz360 is covered in millions of tiny, highly reflective glass beads. During the daytime the jacket is silver and black, but when it catches even a little light, the material appears to shine bright white.

At night the jacket comes into its own. It’s highly visible in the headlamps of passing cars, grabbing the attention of all onlookers. It’s also great on the trails as headlamps bounce off the jacket, turning you into a beacon of light for others to follow.

The Proviz360 running jacket is made from a thicker material than most and has mesh panels on the back, sides and arms for breathability. However, we found it could get quite hot when worn with a running backpack or hydration pack, as this blocks the main mesh panel.

The jacket has elasticated cuffs and a collar to keep drafts at bay, but no hood. There are two pockets on the front of the jacket for gels and other essentials.

We highly recommend this jacket for running at night on colder nights. It keeps you warm and, more importantly, helps you to be seen.

Read our full Proviz Reflect 360 Men’s Running Jacket review

Evadict Waterproof Trail Running Jacket on white background

(Image credit: Evadict)
All the features of a more expensive jacket for a bargain price

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 7.4oz / 210g
Colors : Black (men's) / honey (women's)
Best for: Chilly trail runs

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof 
+
Good reflective features
+
Snug hood to prevent drafts

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable as some
-
Quite noisy

We tested this running jacket on several sub-zero training sessions, and once we eased into the run, the jacket retained our heat very nicely. The fabric has a reassuring, yet sometimes distracting rustle, akin to a full on waterproof coat so you know it will put up a good fight against the elements. The flip side to these insulating properties is that you can easily get quite hot and sweaty as the fabric isn't as breathable as that of higher end jackets, but you could argue that a quick unzip to let air circulate will help restore homeostasis.

The jacket has simple yet stylish reflective lines on the front and some smaller lines on the back. A tight-fitting hood, along with a high front zip will offer your face a lot of shelter on wetter days. When you try the jacket on you will soon find a small carry bag nestled in one of the two front pockets, which is a nice addition. These features are often reserved for higher end jackets, finding them all in this very well priced jacket makes it a strong buy in our book.

Read our full Evadict Trail Running Waterproof Rain Jacket review

Sustainable running jacket

Patagonia Houdini Air running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Getty)

7. Patagonia Houdini Air Jacket

Lightweight, breathable jacket for use as summer segues into fall

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 116g / 4.1oz
Colors: Black, blue, green, and more
Compatibility: Good for late spring, summer and early fall

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight at 116g
+
Water-resistant for light showers
+
Breathable

Reasons to avoid

-
No reflective elements
-
Tight fit to stow into its own pocket

When the temperature drops during late summer and early autumn, when you are up early hitting the trails on fresh mornings and increasingly chilly evenings, this is a strong jacket to have with you on your adventures. As you would expect from Patagonia, the jacket has good eco credentials with 51% of the material coming from recycled sources. 

We found the Patagonia Houdini Air Jacket very comfortable, lightweight and easy to run in. The fabric is quite breathable, and there are additional design considerations such as loose cuffs and hem to provide better air circulation, which we did notice and appreciate. When you want to stow the jacket away, you can stuff it into its own pocket and it will all but disappear. 

This isn’t a winter jacket, and won't keep you dry when the rain really comes down, despite the hood. Also, there are no reflective details (although you could always sew on your own if you're so inclined).

Budget running jacket

Rab Vital Windshell running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Rab)

8. Rab Vital Windshell Jacket

A no-fuss running jacket to beat back the wind and the rain

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 4.4oz / 125g
Colors: Shadow, acid, ink, pine and more
Best for: Runs and short hikes in light rain and wind

Reasons to buy

+
Packs into its own pocket
+
Shower-resistant
+
Can be unzipped and secured with buttoned tab for ventilation

Reasons to avoid

-
Few reflective details

When the weather is turning and you want to head out for a 30- to 60-minute run, the Rab Vital Windshell Jacket is a good choice. It is also well suited for the mountains and trail walking as lightweight layer that won't up loads of space in your bag and packs down into its own pocket.

In our tests, the jacket kept the wind at bay, and although it's not fully waterproof, its hydrophobic coating shrugged off light rain showers. To help you keep cool on the move, when you unzip the jacket you can secure the two sides together three quarters of the way up with a little buttoned tab, which stops the sides flapping around, while at the same time making the jacket nicely breathable.

Aside from a couple of small logos, there are no other reflective markings, which makes this a jacket best used on traffic free routes and trails if you are running at night.

Lightweight running jackets

Nathan Stealth running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Nathan)
A lightweight windbreaker that’s well ventilated, silent and stylish

Specifications

Weight (men's small): 125g / 4.4oz
Colors: black, bright lime, charcoal and more
Best for: hikes and trail runs in all but very wet conditions

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely light at 125g
+
No swishing sound
+
Packs into its own storage pocket
+
Moisture wicking and fast drying

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited reflective details
-
Not suited to really harsh conditions

The Nathan Stealth Jacket is well named. It lets you run light and silent on the trails, while providing a decent amount of protection against the elements. The barely-there feel and ventilated back make it a great jacket for hitting the trails, whether you’re hiking or running.

It’s also wonderfully lightweight, weighing in at only 125g (4.4oz), packs down small, and is moderately priced too. Made from moisture wicking and fast drying nylon, it’s a great, minimal soft shell windbreaker, perfect for chilly winter and shoulder season runs.

Of course, being an ultralight soft shell, it’s not designed for taking on harsh and wet conditions, though there’s a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for the occasional drizzly spell or sudden shower. We found that the Stealth effectively stops windchill in its tracks. However, when persistent rain is forecast, you’ll need a running jacket that's more robust.

Read our full Nathan Stealth Jacket review

Salomon Sense running jacket on white background

(Image credit: Salomon)
Super lightweight and compact running jacket

Specifications

Weight (variable by size): 2.82oz/80g
Compatibility: Super lightweight, compact, fair weather running only, stylish
Colors: White/opal blue/dark denim

Reasons to buy

+
Super lightweight
+
Compact and packs way into small pocket
+
Stylish design
+
Soft to touch

Reasons to avoid

-
Fair weather running only

The Salomon Sense is so light, you can easily forget you're wearing a running jacket at all  It folds away into a tiny pocket and can be stored easily. This jacket comes in two colour ways; white and opal blue.  Both are very light, so we'd avoid wearing it on wet trails for fear that it would be stained, and the lack of pockets or a hood means we'd prefer to keep it as an extra layer for mild days.

It has a tapered fit, and although the soft fabric has laser cut air holes for breathability, it's also water repellent and wind resistant.

This jacket is perfect for those early morning chilly starts so you could whip it off later into the run when it warms up or for those chilly evening runs in the city. It is the softest running jacket we've tested, and there's no noisy rustling to interrupt your runner's high.

Read our full Salomon Sense Jacket review

Running jackets comparison table

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Best running jackets comparison table
JacketList priceWeightStyleCompatibility
R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail Hooded Jacket$3005.64oz/160gWaterproof running jacketWaterproof, windproof, breathable, all weather conditions
Berghaus Hyper 140 Waterproof Jacket$250138g /4.8ozWaterproof running jacketWaterproof, lightweight and breathable, this is a real all rounder
inov-8 Stormshell$2306.2oz/175gWaterproof running jacketTrail running, waterproof, windproof, reflective, breathable, lightweight, soft fabric
Columbia OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell Jacket$1996.7oz/190gWaterproof running jacketWaterproof, Wind resistant, lightweight
Proviz Reflect360$1405.99oz/170gReflective running jacketReflective, night trails, city runs, cold weather, night race
Evadict Waterproof Trail Running Jacket$907.4oz/210gReflective and waterproof running jacketTrail running, waterproof, windproof, reflective
Patagonia Houdini Air Jacket$169116g /4.1ozWater-resistant running jacketGood for late spring, summer and early fall
Rab Vital Windshell Jacket$894.4oz/125gWater-resistant running jacketTrail running, lightweight, windproof
Salomon Sense Jacket$1502.82oz/80gUltralight running jacketSuper lightweight, compact, fair weather running only, stylish

How to choose a running jacket

The best running jackets can be quite an investment, so you need to consider what you will need from the garment. Does it need to be suitable in all weathers for long periods of time?  Will you need to store things in it or will you be wearing it with a running vest or bag?

We've broken down some of the key considerations below:

1. Waterproofing

If you are looking for the best running jacket for adventures in all weather conditions, and for long periods of time, then you should up your budget and look for fully waterproof and windproof jackets. Look out for products with durable water repellency (DWR), the layer that makes rain bead delightfully on your jacket. Even better still, a jacket with a membrane like Gore-Tex will stop water soaking through but also let sweat evaporate out as vapour, which is key for runners.

Waterproof qualities come at a price, both in terms of dollar and in terms of weight. Fair weather runners may be better served by getting a jacket that is water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof. A water-resistant jacket will fend off rain to a point but won't keep you dry if you're out for hours on end. On the plus side, it won't break the bank (quite as much) and it will probably weigh a little less.

Runner wearing jacket in mountains

If you're out in the mountains for long periods, a fully waterproof running jacket is a good option (Image credit: Getty)

2. Ventilation

As well as keeping rain out, we demand that the best running jackets also allow sweat to escape. However, on a long run in your jacket, you're going to get hot regardless of the conditions. The best running jackets have ventilation zips under the armpits that facilitate the flow of air, reduce condensation and cool you down.

3. Weight

Perhaps the biggest distinction between a hikers' jacket and a running jacket is the consideration that goes into its weight. Where speed is concerned, weight – or the lack of it – is key. There's often a trade off between a jacket's weight and its ability to repel the worst of the elements, but advances in materials mean that jackets like Berghaus' Hyper 140 strike a compelling balance. At just 138g, it performs the task of much heavier rivals commendably. (If you're really looking for a layer that keeps the ounces to a minimum, check out our guide to the best lightweight running jackets.)

If you’re looking for the best running jacket for short runs, as an extra layer, then perhaps you don’t need to spend the big bucks. Water-repellent jackets are usually lighter, much cheaper and stow away more easily than fully waterproof garments. If you don't often find yourself running in the rain, garments like the Salomon Sense Jacket – which weighs in at just 80g – are a good option. Just don't expect it to keep you warm and dry on a mountain in January.

Runner wearing jacket approaching mountain

A hood is recommended for mountain running (Image credit: Getty)

4. To hood or not to hood

This decision may come down to the kind of running you intend to do. If you're pounding the city streets a few times a week for an hour at a time, you will probably be fine without a hood. On the other hand, if you're looking to do long trail races in the hills and mountains, or multi-day races, having a hood is as wise a choice as having a pair of running gloves.

5. Fit

When you buy an outer shell for hiking, you want quite a loose fit because of all the layers you may have to wear underneath it in cold conditions. However, this is not the case with running. You want your running jacket to fit snuggly over your base layer, as the rest of your warmth will come from your exertion. However, don't go for too tight a fit, as you want as much freedom of movement as you can. This is the age old compromise with waterproof materials – protection vs freedom.

Alex Foxfield

Alex is a qualified Mountain Leader, adventure writer and content creator with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He is currently the President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a Winter Mountain Leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow. Find out more at www.alexfoxfield.com (opens in new tab)


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