Best Running Jackets for Women (All Weather Options)

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.

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.

Best Running Jackets for 2025

• Best Lululemon Running Jackets: Lululemon Down For it All Jacket, Mist Over Jacket, Another Mile Jacket
• Best Winter Running Jacket: Athleta Flurry Force  Insulated PrimaLoft® Jacket II
• Best Very Cold Weather Running Jacket  – Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket
• Best Reflective Running Jacket – Oiselle Reflective Vim Jacket
• Best Water Repellant Running Jacket: On Running Weather Jacket
• Lightweight Fully Waterproof Running Jacket: Gorewear Rain Jacket
• Best Jacket with a Hood – Nike Storm Fit Jacket
• Best Lightweight Rain Shell – Patagonia Houdini
• Best Packable and Space Saving Jacket – Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket
• Best Cold Weather Vest – Oiselle Firecracker Vest

12 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.

• Another Mile Jacket – ($228) Primaloft means this is serious business for warmth, but remains a light weight jacket. BONUS points because the vest and hood zip out, which means you can make this jacket warmer by protecting your core or cooler…but again, this is a SERIOUS cold weather running jacket. Not a 32 degree day, you’ll overheat.
• Lululemon Down For it All Jacket – ($228) For days where you don’t quite need a sleeping bag, this is your go to cold weather jacket. It’s designed to move with you, has a great collar to actually keep your neck warm and a good phone pocket! Probably one of the most loved winter running jackets we hear about from runners all the time.
• Mist Over Jacket – ($128) It’s waterproof, wind resistant, lightweight and designed for runners with vents to help release heat. BIG winner for waterproof at this price point!

Best Winter Running Jacket – Athleta Flurry Force Insulated PrimaLoft® Jacket II ($159)

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.

Coach Amanda wore a Medium in this and felt good that I could layer under and it was not too tight.

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  – Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket ($200)

The Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket is designed to go the distance for cold-weather activities. It’s comfortable, warm, breathable, and moves with you – all of which are necessities for running in colder temps.

The Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket (which is also available as a vest) promises a lightweight, insulated option with venting to keep you comfortable, even during a tough workout.

One of our favorite things is a versatile piece of running gear – you can use it for hikes, daily life, whatever, so that you can save space in your closet and when packing. So to test this, we didn’t just take it out for some chilly morning runs, but we also wore it as an extra layer for fall in the Midwest.

Best Reflective Running Jacket – Oiselle Reflective Vim Jacket ($168)

The Reflective Vim Jacket is lightweight and can be used in a range of weather conditions: warm but rainy runs, cool mornings/evenings, or winter runs with layers underneath.

It even folds up and can be worn as an armband if you get warm on a run and need to take it off. There is also a stowable hood that folds up. 

There are a few reflective strips on the jacket: one across the front on one side and another down the back. While the reflective strips are bright, they are only in 2 places.

I think while running in the dark I’d still want to pair this with some other reflective gear.

Best Water Repellant Running Jacket: On Running Weather Jacket ($240)

Technically this jacket is only water repellent and their Ultra Jacket (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 through a wide variety of temps throughout the year. I have worn mine a crazy amount for years and it’s still in good shape.

Super lightweight, easy to layer under it. The hood can stay up… but easier to keep it up if I happen to have a beanie or something on.

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 find that, truly, I was still dry (I mean, minus my normal sweat session).

More importantly, in the warm weather instance, this jacket is light, and since it wasn’t hot enough to want to be wet, it felt like the perfect weight.

**They do also have the On Weather Insulated Jacket.I’ve also tested this out alongside their Core jacket which is listed for cold weather too. So here’s my take…

1. I really like On apparel. It works. It fits. It lasts.

2. But if I were buying a serious winter running jacket, it wouldn’t be the On Weather Insulated. It’s mostly adding some warm through the front panels and a nice fleece collar, which is great for some chilly days, but when it’s serious cold this wouldn’t do anything for me. It is a slimmer fit, so know that when buying if you want to layer under it.

3. The Core Jacket is just a slightly thicker version of the Weather Jacket. So I personally would go for that more versatile thin jacket and just layer. BUT this will do more for wind blocking.

Lightweight Fully Waterproof Running Jacket: Gorewear Rain Jacket ($270)

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.

Honestly, Gorewear has really surprised me this year. I didn’t know that much about them, but having tested a variety of pieces it’s top notch performance.

This jacket is supremely light for being fully waterproof. (sorry I’ll get a photo of me added shortly…why are rain photos so hard?!)

If you’re planning to travel somewhere where it’s typically rainy and windy, this is going to be perfect.

It’s lightweight and easy to throw in a carry on or in a backpack pocket. It’s also super breathable so you won’t have to worry about it getting super smelly if you’re wearing it alot and sweating. 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!

The jacket’s material isn’t super stiff, so you will be able to move or run around in it comfortably, unlike other waterproof jackets that make you feel like the tin man.

Best Jacket with a Hood – Nike Storm Fit Jacket ($150)

The oversized hood is a game changer, especially if you’ve struggled to find one that fits over big natural hair—it’s roomy, stays put, and even shields most of your face. The breathable design kept her from overheating, thanks to well-placed cutouts in the back for airflow.

Plus, the water-repelling material did its job perfectly, with rain rolling off instead of soaking in. Coach Alison also loved the boxy cut with an elastic waist that hit right above the hips, and sleeves long enough to keep her arms dry.

Whether you’re heading out for a windy run or in rainy cooler temps, this Storm-Fit jacket from Nike is going to keep you warm and dry.

The only thing she wasn’t a fan of was that the neck area felt a bit too loose when she picked up the pace.

Best Lightweight Rainshell- Patagonia Houdini ($109)

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 rainsehll that is perfect, especially if you’re on the trails and plan to go up into the mountains and need layers.

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!

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 outlayer for many seasons!

Best Packable and Space Saving Jacket – Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket ($180)

We’re really loving a lot of pieces from Salomon recently so that’s why there’s a few options on this list!

This jacket is one of the lightest-weight waterproof options that Coach Amanda has tested. In a heavy downpour, she came home sweaty, but not wet. It felt comfortable in 40 degree chilly rain.

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.

Best Cold Weather Vest – Oiselle Firecracker Vest ($168)

Ok so…it’s not a jacket, but Coach Stacey and Coach Kaitlyn have very much proved to me that some of you need a less is more approach. Running in a vest means that your organs are warm and protected, which then allows the body to send more bloodflow to your arms, feet, hands, etc.

So if you’re like I’m tired of overheating, but you don’t want to be cold, well a vest could be the answer!

This one has a lot of pockets PLUS reflective designs on the back to keep you safe.

While it’s not the most compactable outlayer, it’s definintely going to keep your core warm on those colder winter days. If you’re someone who tends to overheat, we highly suggest giving a vest a try. Plus, we love the fact that you can pack the hood away in a  zippered pocket so that it’s not flopping around when you’re not wearing it.

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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