The best running jackets protect you from the elements—that includes sun, cold, rain, wind, snow, and more—with a lightweight design that stays out of your way by letting you move freely. Here’s the low-down on how to find the best running jacket for you.
Fabric and Materials
The type of fabric used in every running jacket dictates its two most important qualities: How well it protects you from the elements and how warm it’ll keep you. Most modern running jackets use synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or a blend of the two, because they’re lightweight, protect against wind, are water-resistant (or weatherproof), and quick-wicking to keep your sweat situation in check. The best insulated running jackets also add a layer of wool or Merino wool because it’s naturally insulating and offers the best level of moisture management.
Weatherproofing and Water Resistance
By design, synthetic fabrics don’t absorb moisture. But, they can still allow rain to pass through. If you’re looking for a running jacket to wear in the rain too, be sure to note whether your potential jackets are treated with a durable weather-repellent (DWR) coating. This is a secondary treatment that’s applied over a coat’s base fabric to bolster its weatherproofing.
Even the best DWR coating won’t keep you completely dry in a hard rain. If you’re looking for maximum weatherproofing, look for running jackets with a water-impermeable membrane. Gore-TEX is the most popular brand name, though there are others. A jacket with bonded or taped seams helps too. Just know that, in general, the more waterproof a jacket is, the less breathable it is.
Breathability
No matter the temperature outside, run hard enough and long enough, and you will sweat. That means you’re going to want a running jacket that can dump heat efficiently—keeping your core warm without overheating, while wicking away sweat and moisture in the process. The best running jackets do this effortlessly, while the worst can feel like you’re running with a Hefty bag on.
Insulation
If you’re an all-season runner, you’ll likely want at least two running jackets: One for mild to warm weather and another for cold weather. For some runners, a mild-weather jacket could be just a breathable, non-insulated shell to protect against sun, wind, and rain. But, if cold weather is also a possibility where you live (most of the United States), a second running jacket with some form of insulation (like the Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport Ultralite Hoodie) is key.
Other Features
Running jackets tend to be pretty straightforward with few other features. But, there are some other things to consider. If you typically run anywhere with a lot of snow or rain, you may want a model with a hood—preferably adjustable for a snugger fit—to keep your dome dry. For hotter climates, a jacket with zippered vents can help with moisture and temperature management. If you carry small items (a smartphone, keys, protein bars) with you while running, consider a jacket with enough pockets to stash your essentials. Lastly, some jackets feature a clever design that allows them to stuff neatly into their own sewn-in pocket which is great for travel.
