The 11 Best Running Jackets To Beat The Rain & Cold This Winter
Layering with the best running jacket to beat the elements can be exactly what you need to stay motivated when the weather takes a turn. You can’t control the weather, but you can control what you wear.
Brush off the temptation to hibernate at home when cold and rainy conditions take hold with an excuse-busting running jacket. These 11 cold weather and rain running jackets from top sportswear brands like 2XU, Nike and Ronhill meet the criteria to keep you toasty warm, dry and comfortable.
With specialised fabrics and run-ready technologies, they help you to not only endure the elements, but to enjoy them. But first, a quick guide on how to buy the right winter running jacket for you.
How To Choose A Running Jacket
When shopping for a weather-ready running jacket, keep an eye out for the following terminology in the product description or on the product tag. This can help you make informed decisions to buy the best running jacket for the conditions – turning cold or stormy weather into a challenge, not an obstacle.
Thermal: Thermal refers to the ability of a garment to hold in your body heat, whether through using insulating materials, specialised grid pattern or shapes like a ‘honeycomb’ or ‘waffle’ construction to create air pockets that trap in warmth. In this way, thermal materials make your body heat work in your favour to help maintain warmth in cold conditions.
Water-resistant: Water-resistant running jackets feature densely woven material that blocks water from soaking into the fabric. They’re made from breathable synthetic fibres like polyester as opposed to natural cotton which is moisture-absorbing. As the lowest form of wet weather protection, they can only shield against rain for so long before the water sneaks through, making them best suited for running in light showers or during shorter rainy day runs.
Water-repellent: Water-repellent running jackets are ‘hydrophobic’, providing a barrier that repels water. Water beads on the exterior of the garment and slides off rather than penetrating the fabric. This characteristic may be referred to as a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish or coating.
Waterproof: Waterproof running jackets create an impermeable membrane with fully sealed seams and are the most effective at keeping water out. Despite the benefits of waterproofing in a downpour, the trade-off is they’re generally less breathable than other options – potentially keeping rain out but trapping sweat in.
Top sportswear brands will find that sweet spot of waterproofing and breathability by including a very fine internal mesh membrane or ventilation system that allows sweat to escape without compromise to the waterproof characteristics. We recommend purchasing a waterproof jacket only from a research-driven, reputable brand like those named below - because the last thing you want is for your running jacket to behave like a wearable sauna and cause you to overheat.
Reflective: Reflective materials contain specialised glass beads that capture light of an external light source such as vehicle headlights and bounce it back as a bright and focused beam to increase your visibility when running in low light conditions. Wearing reflective gear at night or in rainy, gloomy conditions when road running is highly recommended to keep you safe and seen. Keep in mind that in winter there are less hours of natural light in a day, making reflective gear an essential part of your running wardrobe.
Ideally, your winter running jacket should feature:
- Sweat-wicking and breathable panels/fabrics where needed
- Warmth without feeling bulky, stuffy or restrictive
- Lightweight technical fabric that allows you to move freely
- A hood or stand-up collar for extra protection against the elements
- Front zip for customisable ventilation and easy on/off
- Zip pockets that create a secure and dry environment to store small essentials
- A comfortable design that feels natural to wear from neck to hem
In no particular order, let’s dive into the fun part - the running jackets themselves.
Best Running Jackets For The Road
Hers & His
1. Ronhill Core Women's Running Jacket & Ronhill Core Men's Running Jacket
Wind and water-resistant for rainy parkruns, breezy road sessions and beyond
The Ronhill Core running jacket is your versatile and breathable shell to zip up and brave the elements. A wind and water-resistant finish packed into a lightweight design creates a distraction-free layer in light showers.
Activelite performance fabric keeps you primed to perform and the feather-soft, fleece-lined collar provides extra protection of your neck against the cold. Articulated sleeves improve your mobility, allowing your arms to pump freely. Semi-elasticated cuffs and hem prevent the warmth from escaping and help block out wind and water.
The front zip pocket keeps your small valuables tucked away securely and the reflective detail enhances your visibility after the sun goes to sleep. Available in vibrant colours, it's a standout choice for road running in the rain.
Fabric: 100% Polyester
2. 2XU Ignition Shield Women's Running Jacket & 2XU Ignition Shield Men's Running Jacket
Strong and packable waterproof/windproof design for any distance
Your element-fighting layer for whatever weather nature throws at you, the 2XU Ignition Shield running jacket provides wind and rain protection in a lightweight package while adapting to your movement. It's your do-it-all running jacket - tough to tackle everything from your daily training to your next half marathon or marathon in heavy rain.
The waterproof ripstop shell with critically taped seams keeps you dry when storm clouds roll in. Comfort you can zip on and forget about during long runs, it’s made with innovative fabrics for breathability – keeping the rain out without locking sweat in. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish ensures rain slides off the nylon fibres rather than absorbing into the fabric.
The generous hood keeps the rain out of your face and eyes. A packable design complete with chest pocket ensures your valuables have a safe and dry home on your running adventures.
Fabric: 100% Nylon with PU Membrane
Pair it with: 2XU Ignition 1/4 Zip Women's Long Sleeve Running Top & 2XU Ignition 1/4 Zip Men's Long Sleeve Running Top
Makes your body heat work in your favour
The 2XU Ignition ¼ Zip long sleeve running top is a must-run mid layer, working in harmony with the best running jackets with its feather-light yet full coverage of your arms, torso and neck.
A double-knit 3D waffle construction forms small air pockets to capture your body heat and prevent it from sneaking out. To keep your cold hands cosy, it features thumbholes on the cuffs and flip-over mittens for when you’re short on running gloves. ¼ zip front closure allows you to let cool air in once you warm up.
Reflective details make it ideal for running in the low light hours, when wearing visibility accessories is vital to your safety.
Made with a high content of recycled materials, you can stay warm and protected while keeping your carbon footprint lighter on the environment.
Fabric: 94% Recycled Polyester / 6% Spandex
For Her
3. 2XU Aero Women's Running Jacket
Lightweight breathability, optimal stretch and water resistance to flow through rainy runs and showers
The 2XU Aero women's running jacket is just-right - featuring water-resistant woven fabric and an environmentally responsible C6 DWR treatment without compromise to breathability. When the intensity heats up or the clouds roll in, this rain running jacket is your essential layer.
The stretch woven fabric allows you to move naturally, with a streamlined fit that encourages you to pump your arms freely. 360 degree visibility with reflective logos keep you easily spotted by the road in overcast conditions or during your night runs.
Topped off with a 3-piece hood for confidence-inspiring coverage and front zip pockets to keep your essentials close, 2XU haven't spared any details. Pair it with 2XU women's compression tights to keep you covered from hood to hem.
Fabric: 100% Polyester
4. Nike Sportswear Essential Windrunner Woven Women's Running Jacket
Nike heritage vibes meets roomy, winter-ready comfort
The Nike Sportswear Essential Windrunner Woven women's running jacket gears you up in the iconic and trusted reputation of Nike running clothing. Giving a nod back to the 1978 Windrunner jacket, it features a chevron style detail while keeping true to Nike's sustainability goals, being made with recycled polyester and recycled nylon.
Gear up in a buttery-soft comfort with Nike's lightweight crinkle woven fabric, combined with the full coverage of long sleeves, a stand-up collar and oversized feel. With back vents for breathability teamed with an internal bungee and drawcord at the hem to cinch in the fit against the chill, Nike's eye for detail can be felt in every thread.
To take your Nike pride to the trail, you'll also feel cocooned in comfort wearing the Nike Dri-Fit Repel Women's Trail Running Jacket that features sweat-wicking technology, a water-repellent finish and hood.
Fabric: Body: 100% Nylon, Mesh: 100% Polyester
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Nike Sportswear Essential Windrunner Woven Womens Running Jacket -
Nike Sportswear Essential Windrunner Woven Womens Running Jacket
5. Nike Swift UV Women's Running Jacket
Stay sun safe and sweat free to achieve your running goals all-year round
Even when it's cold and cloudy in the winter months, the UV levels can pose a real threat to the health of your skin and overall wellbeing. The Nike Swift UV women's running jacket protects you from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays in areas covered by this sleek performance fabric. We recommend wearing a high-quality sunscreen like Premax Sports Sunscreen SPF50+ where skin is exposed.
Nike's Dri-Fit technology offers sweat-wicking power, transferring perspiration away from your skin for swift evaporation. It offers coverage of your head, torso and arms, while keeping you feeling free and unrestricted to chase your PB. The hood with visor provides on-the-go shade and the thumbholes allow the sleeves to hug to your hands with a cosy, protected feel.
Complete with zip pockets for easy storage and reflective elements to increase your visibility from dusk till dawn and on overcast days, this women's running jacket is an essential all-year round.
For Him
6. Asics Silver Men's Running Jacket
Cosy and durable water resistance for everyday runs
The Asics Silver running jacket is your excuse-busting running buddy – ensuring you don’t need to skip your workout when the chill closes in. This no-nonsense running jacket is made with quick-drying and durable woven fabric to tackle regular use without wearing out early.
Made with a minimum of 50% recycled content as the main material, it's an eco-conscious choice. The bulk-free design makes it easy to layer over your men's running t-shirt, while providing the breathability you need to allow excess heat to escape.
Being moisture-wicking and water-resistant, it’s perfect for training sessions where sweat or light rain can weigh you down. Full-zip closure makes it easy to shed a layer when your workout heats up and a spacious front pockets provide a cosy spot to stash your small valuables.
A reflective Asics Spiral helps keep you safe and seen in dark or cloudy conditions.
Fabric: 100% Polyester
7. Ronhill Tech Hyperchill Men's Running Jacket
Thermal protection to unleash your potential
You’ll feel unstoppable during winter with the Ronhill Tech Hyperchill men's running jacket keeping you shielded from the bitter cold and wind. Specialised fabrics including Octa fabric, Tornado fabric and recycled Prism fabric are strategically placed for key zones of breathability and thermal control.
Insulated with a jacquard honeycomb pattern that holds warm air against your skin in tiny air pockets without compromise to the streamlined design, it’s an instant favourite this goosebump season. It also offers advanced moisture management and ventilation to prevent sweat from ruining your runs. 2 zip pockets provide a warm home for cold hands or keep your small essentials safe and secure.
Fabric: Main Body: 100% Polyamide, Contrast Panels: 92% Recycled Polyester / 8% Elastane, Lining: 100% Polyester
Best Running Jackets For The Trail
Whether you're trail running through dense bushland in the pouring rain or scaling windy, mountainous terrain - Ronhill's collaboration with Mountain Equipment and Gore-Tex has you covered.
For Her
8. Ronhill WindstopperTech Gore-Tex Women's Waterproof Running Jacket
Waterproof and wind-blocking protection for wild weather and rugged environments
Stay inspired to run in rainy weather with the Ronhill WindstopperTech Gore-Tex women's waterproof running jacket, topping off your winter wardrobe with adventure-ready features to make your trail runs easier.
Engineered by Ronhill in collaboration with Mountain Equipment, experts in gear designed for off-road exploration, this running jacket is ideal for tackling technical terrain.
With Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric to fight the chill, a waterproof design and strategic ventilation, Ronhill have the balance spot-on. This trail running jacket provides rugged protection while remaining lightweight and breathable.
It provides optimal stretch to flow with your stride, 2-way zip for customisable coverage and secure pocket for your essentials or running nutrition like energy gels.
Fabric: Main Body: 87% Polyamide / 13% Elastane, Contrast Panels: 88% Polyester / 12% Elastane, Pocket: 100% Recycled Polyester
For Him
9. Ronhill Tech Gore-Tex Mercurial Men's Waterproof Running Jacket
Waterproof and windproof protection to transform stormy weather into your next adventure
The Ronhill Tech Gore-Tex Mecurial men's waterproof running jacket keeps you primed and protected for everything up to your next ultra-marathon. Combining Ronhill's running passion with Mountain Equipment's adventure-ready expertise, it's the pinnacle of your trail running wardrobe.
Lightweight, waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex Active fabric allows you to climb mountainous summits to reach your running goals.
Made for long or intense runs in challenging environments, it provides trustworthy coverage with an adjustable hood to shield your face and head from the elements. The hem and cuffs are also adjustable for locked-in protection and warmth, and the taped seams ensure you stay dry even in a downpour.
The breathable construction allows sweat vapour to escape for extreme comfort. With a zip chest pocket to keep your trail essentials convenient and a packable design to easily shed a layer when the wet weather clears, it's adaptable for every challenge. It features a high content of recycled materials so you can also tread lighter on the environment.
Fabric: Main Body: 100% Recycled Polyester, Lining: 88% Recycled Polyester / 12% Elastane
Best Reflective Running Jackets For The Dark
Hers & His
10. Proviz Reflect 360 Women's Running Jacket & Proviz Reflect 360 Men's Running Jacket
Ultra-reflective & windproof to rule the road after dark
With winter welcoming shorter hours of daylight, the award-winning Proviz Reflect360 is among the best running jackets this chilly season. With 100% reflectivity, the Proviz Reflect360 running jacket lights you up like a beacon in vehicle headlights at night.
The lightweight and flexible performance fabric is windproof to run strong and train hard even when conditions aren’t ideal. Mesh is strategically placed in sweat-prone zones of the underarms and back to allow your skin to breathe for temperature regulation.
This reflective running jacket features full-length front closure with lock zip for a distraction-free run.
11. Sub4 Reflective Breathable X Women's Weather Jacket & Sub4 Reflective Breathable X Men's Weather Jacket
Wind & shower-proof to crush your running & cycling goals
Protection without the bulk, the Sub4 Reflective Breathable X running and cycling jacket is ideal for transitioning between changing weather conditions seamlessly. When the wind churns or storm clouds are brewing, you’ll be ready.
4-way stretch ensures a non-restrictive fit so you can move efficiently, and the breathable back panel offers air circulation in this sweat-prone zone. Its quick-drying technical fabrics keep you feeling light and focused, while thumbholes create a stay-put fit of the sleeves and a cosy feel.
Reflective elements at the front and back boost your visibility in dark or gloomy conditions – a must-have if you’re running or cycling by the road at night.
The Wrap Up
A weatherproof or winter-ready running jacket can make the difference between keeping your fitness on track throughout the chiller months or losing sight of your running goals and staying cocooned indoors all season.
Training in less-than-ideal weather can build your tolerance of unexpected or challenging conditions. The grit and determination you earn by conquering the elements can be a valuable quality when channelled into your race day performance or everyday training.
You can turn bad weather into history by layering wisely during your runs. It’s about more than just having a go-to running jacket – it’s about having the right running jacket for the conditions to run strong and stay motivated all-year round in any weather.
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