Best Running Rain Jackets | Tested By Runners in the Elements

Are you one of those runners who refuse to let a little rain get in the way of your training? If so, then you know the importance of finding the best running rain jackets. Not only does a great running rain jacket keep you from feeling chilled to the bone, but you’ll enjoy the experience more!

Do you go for the most expensive jacket with all the bells and whistles, or do you opt for a budget-friendly option that gets the job done? What features should you look for?

As long-time runners and coaches who train in all kinds of weather, our team has tested our fair share of rain running jackets.

So we’re going to help give you a breakdown of this pricey piece of gear. The good stuff does cost a lot, but we’ve also seen that jackets are lasting 10+ years with lots of usage and even wearing a pack frequently to rub and pull on the material.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect rain running jacket for you!

Best Running Rain Jackets of 2026

• Best Lightweight Waterproof-  Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket
• Best for Drizzly Days in all Seasons- Lululemon Mist Over Wind Jacket
• Best for Super Rainy Days- On Running Weather Jacket
• Best Waterproof Stylish Jacket- Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch
• Best Trail Running Rain Jacket- Patagonia Houdini Jacket
• Best for Taking Off During a Run- Brooks Canopy Jacket

• Best Rain Jacket for Cold Weather- Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket Shell 
• Best For Cool Rainy Days- Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0

Best Running Rain Jackets

Running rain jackets have come such a long way in just the last few years.  They’ve created gear with better breathability to help you stay dry without overheating, which was a HUGE issue for a lot of us runners.

Here’s one thing you will quickly notice…waterproof is going to cost more than water repellent!

As always with gear like this, think of it like a running watch that should last years and years, not 500 miles like shoes. So get ready to go running in the rain!!

Best Lightweight Waterproof – Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket that’s lightweight and waterproof (which is very rare to find!)

We’re loving a lot of pieces from Salomon, so of course this had to be on the list.

This jacket is one of the lightest-weight waterproof options that Coach Amanda has tested. In a heavy downpour, she came home sweaty, and felt comfortable in 40 degree chilly rain. Was it entirely waterproof….ehhh we aren’t sure. It’s hard to tell when you’re warm, but also just in a complete deluge.

However, on some misty mornings and light rains, definitely found my core to be dry.

It also packs easily into the front pocket for travel or trail days where you’re taking layers on and off.

This is a jacket that’ll get you through different seasons, which we love! Perfect for fall or spring days and even as a top layer during the winter. It was designed for runners so it’s flexible and meant to move with you as you run.

Details

• Colors: 4
• Size: XS-XL
• Care: Machine wash delicate, tumble dry
• Available from Salomon.com for $180

Quick Take

Pro

• The loose fit makes it comfortable to layer as needed based on temperatures.
• Highly durable

Con

• Arms not as waterproof as core
• Some have reported sizing to be too small

Best For Drizzly Days in all Seasons- Lululemon Mist Over Wind Jacket (Water-Resistant)

Best for: If you’re looking for a lightweight shell to throw on as an outer layer during any season.

Probably one of the best rain jackets in terms of having a waist and not just a big boxy fit. For some of you that’s not a concern, but let’s be honest for some of you it absolutely is! You feel good when you look good!

This jacket will be similar to the On Weather jacket where it’s going to be great for a variety of seasons (though probably less ability to layer under this jacket). It’s not designed to  keep you perfectly dry in the rain, but it’s going to do the job on a drizzly grey day.

I don’t find that the hood on this is going to stay in place as well. So it may be good to wear a hat, pull the hood over that and get a little friction to hold it in place.

You’ll also find hand pockets, which are not on many of the other jackets.

Details

• Colors: 13
• Size: 0-14
• Care: Machine wash delicate, tumble dry
• Available from Lululemon.com for $128

Quick Take

Pro

• Lightweight and perfect for windy or drizzly runs
• Packs into it’s pocket making it perfect for when you travel
• No bounce loop so the hood stays in place as you run

Con

• Only water repellent, not waterproof
• Slim fit cut may make layering challenging
• Super duper lightweight, so treat it like a shell

Best for Super Rainy Days – On Running Weather Jacket (Water-resistant)

Best for: If you’re looking for a high-quality rain jacket that’ll last for many, many seasons.

This has been one of our top recommended pieces of running gear for the last 5 years! It’s light enough to wear through all seasons and offers enough water resistance for light rain (or snow!).

Coach Amanda has run hundreds and hundreds of miles in this jacket with a hydration pack, even in hail! It’s been extremely durable for the light material.

The front pocket isn’t large, but you can squeeze a phone into it, and it’s snug enough that it won’t bounce around while you run. So if you don’t pull your phone out much, this has been a great option for me on some wet days.

We’re not going to lie, the price point feels high,  BUT it averages out over lasting years…totally worth it.

Details

• Color: 3
• Size: XS-XL
• Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry
• Available from on.com for $240

Quick Take

Fit

• It’s a good fit with plenty of movement in arms and shoulders, even with a couple of layers underneath.
• Doesn’t look baggy when wearing just a short-sleeve shirt.
• Hood stays in place while you’re running

Con

• Some have reported the fit as super slim, so may want to size up
• The zipper can be annoying/irritating at the chin

Best Waterproof Stylish Jacket – Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket that has your back on the run but for walking or commuting too.

The Outdoor Research Women’s Stratoburst Stretch SE Rain Jacket has moved to the top of my preference list as a great spring/summer rain jacket.

I tested the jacket during prime spring rain in both Minneapolis and on a trip to Boston, and it performed perfectly in rain and as a light jacket. I was very pleased with the jacket’s waterproofing when worn out in the rain.

It was also lightweight and easy to pack in my carry-on, and easy to layer over a light sweatshirt.

The hood itself is also one of the best functional hoods I’ve ever seen on a jacket. I never had to hold it on my head or try to push it back from covering my eyes. The jacket is perfect for someone with a short torso, so I absolutely loved it. It’s not cropped in any way, but it wasn’t a jacket that I had to unzip to sit down since it fell perfectly at my hip.

It is not a breathable or activewear jacket, but it is perfect for a commute or for being outside during unpredictable spring weather. This Outdoor Research Women’s Stratoburst Stretch SE Rain Jacket is my new go-to.

Details

• Colors: 5
• Size: XS-4X
• Care: Machine wash delicate, tumble dry
• Available from Outdoorresearch.com for $175

Quick Take

Pro

• 100% waterproof
• Hood stays in place whether walking or running
• Stretchy fabric so you don’t feel like you can’t move

Con

• It’s a shell, so it’s not super duper warm
• Length is a little short
• Not the most breathable jacket to wear if you’re pushing the pace

Best Trail Running Rain Jacket- Patagonia Houdini

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket that dries quickly on-the-go.

Don’t sleep on the Patagonia brand. They have a lot of great gear outside of the classic fleece jacket.

The Houdini is a super lightweight rain shell that is perfect, especially if you’re on the trails and plan to go up into the mountains and need layers for whatever the weather throws at you.

The material is water-resistant, with a durable water-repellent coating that lets water roll off rather than leaving you wet the entire time. If you happen to get caught in a rain or snow shower, the material will dry relatively quickly!

Coach Amanda has had her jacket for over a decade and it continues to wear well. It’s definitely not meant for heavy rains, but will keep you feeling good when you just need a little protection.

It’s a slim-fit design, so if you’re planning to layer underneath, you may want to size up.

We really love that the cuffs have elastic built in so that you don’t have to worry about wind or rain getting in while you’re running, hiking or even cycling.

This is going to be another great option as an outer layer for many seasons!

Best for Taking Off During a Run –  Brooks Canopy Jacket

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket you can pack up and comfortably carry on the run for when you get overheated, or the rain stops.

All right, this one wins in the convenience space for me. Not only does it pack down, but then you could strap it across your body to carry. No more tying things to your waist and having them continually slip down your hips as you run!

Toggle chords on the hood will keep it in place, and a snap means you can also roll it away so it’s not flapping around behind you if that’s bothersome.

I’d say this falls in line with the Nathan Jacket, where it’s not super thick like a winter jacket, but it’s not top-of-the-line ultralightweight. It’s absolutely going to do the job for most of us!

Best for Rain Jacket for Cold Weather- Lululemon Cross Chill Jacket Shell

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket with a fleece lining and lots of pockets.

If you live in the Northwest and find yourself running through a lot of very wet winter conditions, this might be a go-to piece. It’s heavier than many other options, so it should keep you warmer in that very cold rain.

I like the zippered back pocket for keeping my phone. Because let’s be honest, even if my phone is supposed to be ok in the rain, I’d rather not find out! Placed at the back in this slim-fit jacket, it’s not going to bounce around too much. Though I should note there is also a front chest pocket available for easier access.

Sleeves also have the thumbholes, which help to keep them pulled all the way down on your arms.

I’m also a fan of the reflective pieces on this jacket and the cinchable hood, which I’d wear with a hat.

Best For Cool Rainy Days- Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0

Best for: If you’re looking for a rain jacket that prevents you from overheating while running in the rain.

This is going to be a great option if you want a jacket that’s a little thicker and going to keep you dry as you’re running.

Many of the ultra-light jackets are great for seasonal runs in the 30s or even 40s, but if you run a bit cold or are dealing with even a shorter run in the rain where you don’t warm up as much, something slightly thicker can be good.

Size up if you plan to wear this as a shell with other layers underneath; the arms are a little form-fitted compared to other jackets out there.

It feels thicker because it’s fully laminated, but again, you will be dry!!

Do You Need a Waterproof Running Jacket?

It’s super important to know whether you’re buying a waterproof or water-repellent (water-resistant) jacket! They are different.

A waterproof jacket is designed to completely block out water, even in heavy rain or snow.

It uses a specialized waterproof membrane or coating that prevents water from penetrating the fabric. This means that a waterproof jacket will keep you completely dry in wet conditions, but often is not as breathable as a water repellent jacket.

On the other hand, a water repellent running jacket is designed to repel water, but it is not completely waterproof.

It may use a durable water repellent (DWR) coating or a water-resistant fabric that can withstand light rain or drizzle, but it may not be effective in heavy rain. A water repellent jacket can be more breathable than a fully waterproof jacket, but it may not provide as much protection in wet conditions.

When deciding between a waterproof jacket and a water-repellent running jacket, consider the conditions you’ll be running in. If you live in an area with frequent heavy rain, a waterproof jacket may be the better choice. If you’re more likely to encounter light rain or drizzle, a water-repellent jacket may be sufficient.

Either way, look for a jacket with good ventilation to prevent overheating and discomfort during your runs.

Common Waterproof Terms on Gear

Here are some of the common technology names you might see brands refer to:

1. Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is a popular waterproof and breathable fabric that is often used in outdoor apparel. It’s made up of a membrane with microscopic pores that are too small for water droplets to penetrate, but large enough to allow sweat to escape.
2. eVent: eVent is another waterproof and breathable fabric that is commonly used in outdoor clothing. It uses a patented Direct Venting technology that allows moisture to escape while keeping water out.
3. Pertex Shield: Pertex Shield is a waterproof and breathable fabric that uses a microporous coating to keep water out while allowing moisture to escape. It’s often used in lightweight rain running jackets due to its packability and durability.
4. Polartec NeoShell: Polartec NeoShell is a waterproof and breathable fabric that is designed for high-performance outdoor activities. It uses a membrane with air-permeable technology that allows heat and moisture to escape while keeping rain out.

How We Tested

Our team of 25 gear testers is spread across the U.S., so we test rainy running gear in just about everything: snow, rain, and plenty of super windy days.

Coach Amanda alone has spent years running through Florida and Colorado rain and snow and has personally tested many of the pieces that made this list.

Our testers include men and women with different body types, running paces, and preferences. But at the end of the day, we’re all everyday runners looking for the same things you are: gear that fits well, feels good on the run, handles the weather, and lasts for more than one season.

We hope this breakdown of running rain jackets gave you some insights on what to look for and what the different technology even means!

If you’ve got questions, we always love to hear them in the comments.

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