Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced runner, you’re going to sweat when running. Good running jackets will not only protect you from the elements but also help you shed extra heat and moisture. A great running jacket will protect you from the wind to make things more comfortable or keep you dry or through those cold winters help ensure you stay comfortable enough to do the miles.
Lack of breathability in a jacket might cause it to feel like a damp, swampy plastic bag. In contrast, running jackets with breathable materials, zippered vents, or mesh panels efficiently wick moisture away.
Recently, when I asked what gear you really wanted to know about, I was surprised that what’s the best running jacket was the top question. Testing out gear is something I actually really enjoy. It’s an excuse to go for a run as part of my job, I mean really…how is that so hard?
But jackets meant, I was going to get to run in a variety of conditions. Bring on the snow, the rain, the wind, I shall fear thee not with my new gear.
Over the last few years, I’ve pulled on a lot of jackets and gone for a run.
✅HINT: I LOVED all of these, but if I had to spend my money on just one, you’ll see it below.
The results below are jackets for a wide variety of situations that I would absolutely recommend. There were others tested that simply aren’t included here because they didn’t perform as well or better than the one’s I’ve listed.
9 Best Running Jackets for Women
What’s the best running jacket? The one that meets your needs for that day, but you’ll find many of these are versatile for a variety of conditions and temperatures.
Honestly, I wanted to test out jackets for a variety of weather conditions. So you’ll find that some are better for maybe a spring run and some for a cold winter run, hopefully showing you what you need year round to make running as comfortable as possible.
Best Lululemon Running Jackets
I feel like I’m often asked if they make good running gear, so I might as well answer this question first. Yes, I run in a lot of Lululemon shorts, tanks and even jackets because they do make gear that works.
I used to think they were pricey, but really…nope.
They are right on par with other high quality brands that you’d want a long lasting running jacket from.
- Lululemon Down For it All Jacket – ($199) If you’re running through the serious cold, this is what you want. It’s designed to move with you, has a great collar to actually keep your neck warm and a good phone pocket!
- Mist Over Jacket – ($120) It’s waterproof, wind resistant, lightweight and designed for runners with vents to help release heat. BIG winner for waterproof at this price point!
Fit: I tend to size up in jackets if I want to layer much under them from Lulu because they are a bit more fitted.
Durability: A jacket you can wear for running and all over town still feeling stylish…unlike say the neon one I mention below. It’s gonna last like all their gear.
Best Winter Running Jacket – Athleta Flurry Force Insulated PrimaLoft® Jacket II ($149)
One of the things that we often find troubling with winter runs is that we start cold, begin sweating then are in a strange hot cold scenario.
This jacket felt so extremely light, but with the Primaloft through the front chest it’s designed to keep your core warm and when that happens your body will continue to work on warming your fingers and toes!!!
Love that it’s also going to break the wind there, which helps with warmth.
Since your core is warm, this has light sleeves and the back is actually lightly aerated. All of these means a good fit that keeps you warm, but not over heated.
There are two side pockets which you could shove a phone it, but I rarely like a phone in my running jacket. No matter how snug I feel like it bounces.
Fit: I wore a Medium in this and felt good that I could layer under and it was not too tight.
Durability: Definitely a jacket you could wear with packs and not worry about rips.
Not sure what you need for winter running gear layers?? I’ve got you covered with my guide on what to wear running at every temperature >>
Best Very Cold Weather Running Jacket Saucony Hurricane Insulated ($175)
When are hitting some of the TRULY cold days of winter, this is a real winner. It’s warmer than most on the list, but without becoming something overly bulky.
I love that it’s anti-odor as well because I’m always going to sweat no matter how cold!
Having worn this for both running and Cross Country Skiing I can say for certain this is meant for the truly cold days. I was definitely overheated on a 30 degree full sun Colorado day!
Chest area is a quilted pattern with recycled polyester, while the sleeves are a brushed fabric. This is ideal because we want the maximum amount of warmth around our core to ensure our body then keeps sending blood to the hands and toes.
Fit: Looser, I was able to wear a base layer and second shirt if desired under.
Durability: Super durable due to the slightly thicker fabric.
**Note personally the fit of this was too big for me, so you may want to size down.
Best Waterproof Running Jacket: On Running Weather Jacket
✅If I had to pick ONE jacket from them all this one would be it.
Technically this jacket is only water repellent and their Waterproof Anarok (which I have tested as well) is legit going to keep you dry. But this is still my top pick for a jacket when drizzly or snowing.
Hands down this jacket is worth every single penny if you find yourself running in wet conditions. I was skeptical of the price tag and because I’ve tried waterproof jackets that just made me feel like I was in a sauna.
Nope, not this one!!
I used it over my winter fleece on a day where snow was falling and on a warm rainy trail run in Sedona. In both cases I was amazed to finish up finding that truly I was still dry (I mean minus my normal sweat session).
More importantly in the warm weather instance was that this jacket is light and since it wasn’t hot enough to want to be wet, it felt like the perfect weight.
Fit: I went with a small. It’s a good fit with plenty of movement in arms and shoulders even when I had on a couple layers underneath. Doesn’t look baggy when wearing just a short sleeve shirt. I did pull the hood up and actually had it stay in place while running.
Durability: This has been tossed in an out of bags and worn with a pack, I feel pretty confident it’s got a very long life.
Fully Waterproof Running Jacket: Nathan Sports Protector Rain Jacket ($150)
When you need to get your run done and the rain just won’t stop, this is your jacket. Active technology that helps to ensure it’s breathable, windproof and doesn’t just keep off a little rain, but is truly waterproof for most rains.
This has become a biking staple for David. He likes that it’s waterproof and that it’s going to keep him a bit warmer.
So that’s important to note when choosing what temperature you’ll be wearing it in. Checkout my full guide on what to wear running at every temperature, to prevent overdressing!
Fit: Thicker jacket with a looser fit.
Durability: Super durable, David has worn in mountain biking all over the place.
Best Space Saving Run Jacket – Patagonia Houdini – ($109)
You’ve entered that weird how do I dress phase of Fall and Spring…usually a layer too many or one not enough. Enter this jacket from Patagonia.
If you’re doing Ultra runs or long trail runs where you need to take layers, this one is going to be the winner.
It’s super light weight, water resistant and it packs down super tight, so you could throw it in your pack if you decide it’s too much. But likely even if you warm up, I think you’ll find this layer can stay on. It’s just a lightweight addition that will block some of the early morning breeze and help you adjust to varying temperatures.
I’ve probably had my jacket for a least 10 years, it just lasts. And with a solid color it never really goes out of style.
Fit: A size small was a good fit. Not tight, a general fit that leaves a little room. I’m not sure I could ever get the hood on this to stay up, so it feels a little unnecessary, even if cute.
Durability:Highly durable
Best Early Spring/Fall Jacket – Nathan Sports Stealth ($100)
File this under things that surprised me and that you’ve now seen me run in a million times! It’s super light and packable, but has provided me with the exact level of warmth I needed on a lot of cool spring mornings or just as a top layer when it’s windy.
The fit is loose and light, so I have no issue tossing it over a long sleeve shirt and feeling comfy. I’m never going to overheat because of this jacket.
It also has a small front pocket which is perfect for my car key! Plus, if you’re packing for a hiking trip or long day on the trails, this jacket can be folded down and zipped in to that pocket!
Fit: A size small is still a loose fit. I liked it this way, but if you want tighter you may size down.
Durability:Highly durable
Best Reflective Running Jacket – Proviz Fully Reflective Jacket
Sometimes you aren’t as concerned about the elements as you are the darkness that sets in for a good portion of our running year! Which means it’s time to take your reflective wear to the next level with this jacket.
No need to remember extra blinky lights, you are now the light and I guarantee you’ll be seen in this.
It looks gray in the daylight, but as soon as the lights hit it you are visible to the max! If you want a little less, they have shirts and vests too, but today we’re talking jackets.
This jacket is water repellent and a bit heavier than the other options reviewed here, simply due to the materials needed. I could see getting warm in this jacket if it was a normal Colorado morning where the temp jumps quickly as the sun comes out, so definitely for those dark runs or cooler days.
Fit: This is one to size down. The small is swimming on me, which isn’t uncomfortable, but also not super flattering.
Durability: Thick quality material, no fears of it ripping or losing it’s reflection! Can be machine washed, which is not the case for a lot of these.
Should You Wear a Jacket While Running?
Running layers are always useful, but more so when you are dealing with the elements. A running jacket is a great tool to ensure that you don’t use the weather as an excuse to skip your run.
Honestly, I probably didn’t think much about them for the first 10 years of running.
Now they’re my go to piece for Fall and winter. I LOVE that they block the wind, which makes me feel a million times better in the cold.
What’s the Difference Between Waterproof, Water resistant, and Windproof Jackets?
Waterproof refers to a fabric’s resistance to water penetration. It creates a barrier between you and the elements.
Water resistant resists the penetration of water at low levels, which is sufficient for mild drizzle or light rain, but water will penetrate the fabric if pressure is applied, such as by a backpack strap.
Windproof is the fabric’s resistance to air penetration. It can be done by the way the fabric is made or by covering it with a membrane or layer that doesn’t let wind through.
Yes, everything here was reviewed as a women’s running jacket because that’s what I wear.
But have no fear, these are also the best men’s running jackets I feel very confident in saying as the overall features and technology are the same.
More questions on running jackets or other gear?
Let me know so I can keep reviewing exactly what you need!
- Best Men’s Running Pants
- Cold Weather Running Gear Must Haves
- Best Running Gloves – variety of weights and features
- Great Winter Running Hats and Headbands
- Best Wool Running Apparel for All Seasons
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Holly
I need a new one! I have a bright pink Brooks running jacket but it’s about 6 or 7 years old now and well past it’s prime.