Best running jackets: 8 top choices for men and women

A lightweight running jacket can be a saviour when training in unpleasant conditions.

Many on test here will 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 separate 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.

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.

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.

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