Best running jackets for men and women

A lightweight running jacket can be a saviour when training in unpleasant conditions. It should strike the right balance between breathable, light, and offering good coverage from the elements.

Many on test here can tackle a bit of rain, wind, and even the cold, but if you’re looking for options to really fend off wet weather, check out our tried and tested list of the best waterproof running jackets.

When picking your garment of choice, think about the conditions you’ll be using it in. Is it for mountain running, city loops, or rural lanes? Night or day?

We use these jackets for anything lower than 10°C. They’re also far better at thwarting wind and rain chills than a base layer and run tee combo.

Elsewhere, the hi-vis aspects are a smart safety addition, and the pocket(s) will ensure you can comfortably carry your phone, key or gels.

While most here stretch over £100, we’ve used our own run jackets for many seasons and some will easily double as casual wear, so having something that looks good in both the trails and the tavern is an added bonus.

Jump to the end of this articles for the key features to look out for in a running jacket for more advice.

Best running jackets for men and women at a glance

• Best running jacket for men: Inov-8 Performance Hybrid | Buy now from Inov-8
• Best running jacket for women: Rab Windveil Jacket| Buy now from Rab
• Best lightweight jacket: Soar Windbreaker | Buy now from Soar

Best running jackets for men

Inov-8 Performance Hybrid

• £150 / $175

The Inov-8 Performance Hybrid jacket shines in chilly weather thanks to its cosy, comfortable lining and does a decent job in the wet.

Despite its Pertex outer shell, I wouldn’t pick it to run in heavy rain, but you could pop a light waterproof over the top.

Considering its versatility, which an abundance of pockets augments, the Performance Hybrid presents good value. I wore it to spectate and coach sport, and walk and run, so you’re getting several functions in one jacket.

Read my full Inov-8 Performance Hybrid jacket review. MB

Soar All Weather

• £350 / $470

Not only is the Soar All Weather an excellent waterproof jacket, it is warm, breahable and stylish, in my view.

Weighing 360g, you’ll struggle to pack this away, but you can carry plenty of snacks and valuables in its internal pockets.

I do though object to All Weather’s dizzingly high price tag. Several jackets on test perform nearly as well for much, much less. And there’s not a specific women’s version either.

Read my full Soar All Weather review.

On Running Weather

• £190 / $196

For such a slender construction, the features list for On’s Weather Jacket is long, with arm cuffs that extend to two different lengths depending on the conditions and an engineered hood that, no matter how many headwinds we face, just won’t fall down.

There’s a split design along the ribs to heighten ventilation, yet not at the expense of water intrusion, but it can look a little odd if the wind whips under it.

The jacket folds into the water-resistant chest pocket and has a neat carry handle, but it comes in twice the size of the others once stashed.

The DWR water-repellent coating is okay at preventing precipitation ingress but can’t match some of the jackets listed in our roundup of the best waterproof running jackets, something we’d hoped for given the price. We’ve had this a while so can vouch for its durability.

Trimtex Instinct 2.0

• Buy now from Trimtex

• €169

Based on appearance, the Instinct 2.0 looks like it’ll be hot and stuffy, but that’s not the case at all.

Yes, it gives you some handy warmth, but the use of a light, perforated fabric on the back and mesh-lined pockets means it actually breathes pretty well.

Of course, as you’d expect, the rear panel isn’t waterproof, nor are there any taped seams, so this isn’t a jacket to reach for if protection from heavy downpours is the aim.

That said, the fabrics used on the front and shoulders does shed wind and light rain well. The fit is true-to-size, while the lined collar and soft elasticated cuffs ensure top-notch comfort. Meanwhile, the hem is easily adjusted with one hand via two toggles.

Admittedly it’s not the lightest on test (252g, UK medium), nor the most packable, but it didn’t feel heavy. All this adds up to a cosy jacket that’s ideal for cooler temps, windy days and light rain. It’s not bad for on the bike, either.

• Best long-sleeved running tops

Best running jackets for women

Soar Windbreaker

• Buy now from Soar Running

• £150

This long-time 220 tester is often moaning about dark-coloured winter run and bike kit from a visibility and safety point of view, so pulling open the packaging to reveal this bright orange top with reflective details made us very happy (black option also available).

First up, we need to tackle that £150 price tag, which for a running top might see some of you skim over this review.

Coming from Hackney-based run brand Soar, though, those in the know will understand the brand’s passion for textile innovation and functional design, and guess that this is more than a zingy colourway. They’d be right, too, as the quality of this shirt was second-to-none.

Getting the balance just right between substance for warmth and a lightweight feeling for unencumbered running, it felt like a keeper as soon as we pulled it on, with just the right amount of stretch and a nifty adjustable cord at the back to cinch it in and stop draughts.

A large fit this UK12 runner perfectly, though the XS-XXL sizing (so up to a UK16) will be disappointing for some.

The main function of this top is to stop wind, though (as the name suggests), so how did it fare? Well, during a sudden December cold snap with breezy conditions we found it kept the wind from cooling our body and felt like very good protection from the elements, without being sweaty once we got up some speed.

Soar doesn’t claim waterproofing, but against chills and wind this top did a great job of keeping us warm and comfy. Finally, there’s a zippy pocket on the back with taped seams, handy for gels/keys.

Rab Windveil Jacket

• £105

As the name suggests, this jacket from outdoor gurus Rab is designed to keep off the worst of windy weather – but in this test, it also quickly became one of my top picks. 

Why? It’s very light in weight (125g for my UK16) but was a near-perfect fit, with enough room for movement but not so tight it felt restrictive. 

The Pertex Quantum Air and jersey panels are designed for warmth in cold conditions, but also for breathability, perfect if used for running. 

A small rear pocket acts as a stuff sack and I found this jacket easily stashed in my run pack for longer days on the trails. 

There’s no hood but the main body of the jacket could cope with light rain – just not heavy downpours. 

Elastication at the wrists stopped drafts, while I really liked the popper which kept the jacket together when unzipped.

Compressport Hurricane Windproof

• £110

This offering from Compressport comes in at a mere 120g for my size L and felt like a comparable jacket to the Rab Windveil above in this test.

Very light, it packed up extremely small and did a great job of protecting against cold, wind, and light rain (though not heavy rain – see the option above for that!).

The fabric was great at protecting from chilly gusts, with longer sleeves and stretchy cuffs helping with that.

More breathable fabric on the back and sleeves stopped things from getting sweaty, and the second-skin cut was designed to move with you as you run—something I found true in testing, and it was easy to forget I was wearing it.

There’s a front pocket and a couple of reflective details—though I’d prefer a brighter colour option.

Montane Sirroco Lite

• £150

The Sirroco Lite comes in a hooded (£160) and unhooded version (£150), as on test here. It’s also available in lilac or black for women and green or black for men.

This is the only jacket in this round-up to feature insulation and is designed for multiple outdoor uses, including hiking and trail running, with a snug fit that allows ease of movement.

The women’s size range is 8-16, and I’m in a 14 here, which weighs 243g—making it the heaviest and bulkiest on test (though still pretty small!).

That’s not surprising, given the Featherlite Air fabric with insulation on the front and back and stretch brushed fabric on the sleeves and sides. There are also two zipped pockets.

While I liked this jacket for hiking, it was just a little too warm for my UK winter runs. Maybe one to try out in much chillier countries!

Keela Cloud Smoke

• £49.95

This unisex smock comes in three size options – S, M, and L (mine is a M here) – and two colourways, orange or blue. I wouldn’t usually consider a smock, as I like the ease of taking a jacket on and off while running, but it’s a minor inconvenience in reality, and the price point puts the Cloud Smoke into real bargain territory in this test.

Very lightweight (87g) and packable into a nifty internal zipped pocket, this jacket was easy to stash away in a bag or pocket until needed.

Elasticated cuffs and an elasticated dropped hem kept it in place while running, and while the oversized fit was a bit flappy, it didn’t rustle much!

There’s no hood, but I liked the high collar, and the bright colour gets extra points for visibility. It did a good job against windchill and showers and could be used on the bike, too.

Proviz Classic Jacket

• £84.99

Another Proviz classic in style and visibility, this jacket is one of the comfiest on test thanks to its four-way stretch. It offers great protection from the wind and rain, which is aided by secure, elasticated cuffs and hem.

The integrated hood with elastic edging stays up, but it won’t keep the rain out of your eyes. Like the Keela, the jacket boasts two side pockets, which prove useful for stashing gloves and other valuables.

Though the Classic is the heaviest on test at 242g (UK10) and we’d question the breathability of the sweat-inducing inner, it feels durable and reliable during adverse conditions.

For this reason, it’d be our pick for cold and dark runs, where visibility and warmth are the priority.

Inov-8 Trailshell

• £150 / $120

Previous Inov-8 jackets have long been our trusty ally and the Trailshell, although not cheap, continues that streak.

Taped seams and a 2.5-layer fabric with a 20,000 HH (hydrostatic head) rating Pertex Shield fabric meant rain bounced off this jacket and, when we got caught in a Cornish coastal path deluge, our only problem was the water running off it soaked our run tights through!

An elasticated hem and cuffs ensure a neat fit (if a touch snug on the hips on this pear-shaped tester), while vents under the arms add breathability.

A wire edging to the hood is a neat touch, as it means you can mould it to the right shape for waterproofing and visibility. An internal zippy pocket fits keys and a card and it comes in at 140g versus 183g for Montane.

Buy from Inov-8

Brooks Canopy

• £95 / $130

The Canopy from Brooks may lack taped seams, but the ‘Drylayer Seal’ fabric is extremely light and breathable, feeling more like a light top layer than a waterproof.

It performs well in light showers and doesn’t get hot or sweaty. Yet, in real downpours, we did see a bit of water ingress and rain got in through the elasticated cuffs that, although handy for pushing the sleeves up in warmer weather, don’t offer as much security against winter storms, plus it felt a bit chilly in strong winds.

You get a well-fitting hood, two spacious zipped pockets and a clever mesh bag inside with drawstrings that turns the jacket into a mini backpack. Overall, this is a clever warmer-season jacket but not one for long wintery runs.

• Best women’s running tights

How we tested the best running jackets

Our team of 220 Triathlon expert reviewers have years over 20 years of testing experience between them. These running jackets were tested in the UK in different weather conditions and temperatures. 

When testing, we consider not only the comfort and fit of the running jacket, but also whether it does what is says on the tin. Namely for running jackets, do they offer adequate wind and shower protection? 

Each was tested for comfort, performance, breathability, durability, and run-specific features like pockets and a secure hood. We also tested the jackets over varying running distances and terrains, to ascertain whether they can go the distance, or feel more like a sweaty crisp packet when on. 

Packability is also a feature to consider, especially if you’re likely to be slipping the jacket on and off as weather conditions change. 

Any running jacket that scored 90% and above is a market-leading product, while those scoring between 80-90% are also deemed to be impressive.

Jackets scoring between 70-80% offer good performance, as long as the highlighted flaws aren’t much of an issue for you. Products scoring below 70% can still be worth considering if the price is right, but don’t come highly recommended.

What features to look out for in running jackets

Lightweight and breathable 

Key in a running jacket, but harder to get right than you think. A run jacket should be breathable, with a lightweight construction and possibly some ventilation panels or slits to keep you at a comfortable temperature as you run. 

Weatherproofing 

Depending on the kind of jacket you go for, you may want some weatherproofing in the form of wind protection or shower-proofing, to protect you from the elements as you run. 

Of course, if you’re after a fully waterproof running jacket, then the hydrostatic head rating will also be key here. Take a look at our best waterproof running jackets for our top options. 

Zips

Zips and other closure mechanisms should sit comfortably against the skin. This will with the help of a zip garage at the top of the jacket, and a lining so that there’s no scratching. If you’re after a shower-proof jacket, then look also for bonded zips that don’t let the rain through.  

Hood

Another personal preference here, but if you opt for a running jacket with a hood then you should aim for one that snugly secures it in place. You don’t want it falling down mid-downpour. 

Look for peaked caps to extend the hood and add extra coverage for the eyes, and drawstring closures to keep the hood in place. 

Pockets

At least one small zipped pocket can prove useful in a running jacket for stashing valuables and the like. Often, a pocket on a run jacket will double up as a stuff sack for stocking away the coat when not in use. 

Sleeves

For jackets that aim to keep out the elements, you should find some means of securing the sleeves to the wrists to prevent water ingress. This could be in the form of an elasticated wrist, or velcro tabs, to keep the worst of it out. 

Reflective details 

If you’re running in inclement or grey weather, you may as well be wearing gear with reflective detailing to boost your safety out on the roads and trail. Bonus points if the coats also a bright colour to increase your visibility for those around you.