What are the best waterproof running jackets in 2026? Our run testers pick 10

While a bit of rain on a short run isn’t really any trouble, if you’re running further, or it’s both cold and wet, then slipping on a good quality and reliable waterproof running jacket can be a saving grace.

Once soaked through when running, your body loses heat quickly, your kit becomes heavy, and performance takes a hit. A well-designed waterproof running jacket isn’t just about staying dry, it’s about maintaining comfort, performance, and safety when conditions turn against you.

Not all waterproof jackets are created equal though. Some excel at keeping out torrential rain but struggle with breathability, leaving you clammy from the inside. Others prioritise low weight and packability, which is ideal for racing, but less reliable for extended downpours during training.

Key features we test for include like fabric technology, hydrostatic head rating, seam taping, zips, vents, and fit, which all make a huge difference in real-world performance.

To cut through the noise, our experts have tested 15 men’s and women’s waterproof running jackets in a range of conditions, from steady drizzles to storm-level rain and biting winds. Each has been assessed not just for waterproofing, but also for breathability, weight, packability, and how they perform mile after mile.

But which jacket is right for you? Let’s get into the reviews…

Best waterproof running jackets in 2026

1. Rab Phantom Pull-on

British outdoor brand Rab only entered the running market recently, but they’ve been making brilliant waterproof jackets for years.

In the Phantom we have a pared back, ultra-lightweight (3.13oz/ 89g, UK size medium) garment that packs down into a stuff sack that’s comparable to the size of an avocado. That makes it a great option for racing, when you don’t anticipate poor weather but need to bring something along just in case.

The lightweight nature of the jacket means there are limited features. There are no pockets or adjustments on the hem, but the latter is elasticated and keeps the elements out well.

The cuffs are also part elasticated, keeping weather out but allowing easy access to your watch. The only adjustment on the elasticated hood is a malleable peak, but the design means this part of the jacket actually fits nice and close.

Like Asics, Rab uses a Pertex Shield fabric here, which offers similar levels of breathability and waterproofing.

2. Scott RC Run WP

Scott’s RC Run is lightweight (4.23oz/120g, UK large), packable and uses Pertex Shield and taped seams for its weather proofing. As a result, weather protection is similarly impressive.

The hood is similar, too, using elasticated edges to achieve a good, close fit. Though there’s no wired peak here, it still does its job well.

So what about the differences? Well, there’s a full-length zip, but this doesn’t use a waterproof zip guard on the inside, so you may find a little water ingress in sustained heavy downpours.

The other big difference is that Scott has added a series of vents to the front and back of the garment to help provide ventilation and temperature regulation. It’s a nice touch, particularly if you tend to run hot like this tester, and we noticed minimal water ingress here during testing.

An elasticated hem and cuffs help keep the elements out, but note that the fit is close, so you may want to size up.

3. Inov-8 Performance Hybrid

The Inov-8 Performance Hybrid doubles as an insulated and breathable waterproof jacket thanks to clever tech. 

Fleecy Primaloft panels repel chilly weather while the Pertex Quantum Air outer shell provides decent water resistance. 

Besides running, several outdoor activities are within the capability of the Hybrid Performance, taking the sting off the price tag. 

Additional welcome features include a peaked hood, snug collar and thumb loops on the sleeves. 

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

4. Asics Core Jacket

The Asics Core Jacket marries Britpop styling with low weight and breathability. 

While not fully waterproof, you can’t expect a jacket costing just over £50 to be better than water resistant. 

It’s also understandable that the Asics Core Jacket’s windproofing isn’t phenomenal. 

But it uses elasticated cuffs and an adjustable waist toggle keep out drafts, and remains a good-value option for spring and autumn running. 

Read my full Asics Core Jacket review.

5. Odlo Dual Dry

Price	$300 / £260
Weight	4.76oz / 135g
Features	Taped seams, reflective details, adjustable hood, elasticated cuffs, zip chest pocket, full zip
Waterproofing / breathability	20,000mm / 50,000g/m2

The Odlo is very pricey, with the 4.76oz / 135g weight of the Dual Dry material coming in at $63 per ounce / £1.93 per gram, close to Iberico ham prices.

So, will the ISPO-award winning Dual Dry have us (we’re sorry) squealing in delight? There’s no escaping that this is a serious rain jacket, with taped seams and a 20,000mm waterproof rating ensuring serious aqua thwarting.

Once stashed in the pocket, it’s quite hard to undo at speed, yet the adjustable hood with peak stays stubbornly in place (and stretchy hems on the sleeves and waists help prevent draughts sneaking in).

The waterproof pocket and hi-vis details add further appeal, as does the translucent material’s breathability, but whether this is $300 / £260-good will depend on your pay packet.

6. Montane Minimus Lite Jacket

Price	$235/£185
Size range	XS – XXL
Features	taped seams, peaked hood, drawstring waist, x2 zip pockets, part-elasticated cuffs
Waterproof rating	20,000mm HH

The Montane Minimus Lite’s rain defence comes from a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield, taped seams and an impressively high 20,000mm hydrostatic head.

In addition, it’s fairly light at 7.4oz/211g and has handy features like a three-point adjustable hood and two zip pockets on the hip.

Breathability is also pretty good but the boxy fit causes the fabric to flutter in the wind.

Read my full Montane Minimus Lite review.

---

7. Compressport Hurricane 10/10 Waterproof 

Price	$340 / £270
Weight	3.59oz / 102g
Features	Taped seams, elasticated cuffs, hood
Waterproofing / breathability	10,000mm / not stated

Meeting the requirements of ultra races, this jacket is constructed from 10,000 Schmerber water-resistant fabric, with sealed seams and zip combined with efficient sweat-wicking fibres. 

It has an element of stretch too, which allows for a close yet comfortable fit without any annoying rustling. 

The zip is slightly offset which stops the top ending under the chin and makes it easier to quickly pull open/closed. 

While that hood might be giving crime-scene-cleaner vibes, it nevertheless fits snugly and is shaped in a way that doesn’t impede movement or visibility. 

Like the Windproof model in our best running jackets test, this is a very lightweight jacket (3.59oz / 102g for my size L) and balls up to fit within one hand – impressive performance for a jacket that stashes away to nothing. 

Review by Helen Webster

8. Dynafit Traverse GTX Jacket

Price	£275 (US pricing N/A)
Weight	6.06oz / 172g
Features	Taped seams,elasticated cuffs, chest pocket, water resistant front zip, reflective details, adjustable hem
Waterproofing / breathability	28,000mm / breathable

Dynafit is a brand focused on mountain endurance sports, their Snow Leopard logo a nod to their ethos as well as the Snow Leopard Trust, which the brand supports.

Sadly for me, the ‘Dawn’ colourway here is a men’s jacket (there are five colourways each for men and women), and although the fit for both is described as athletic, that explains why this jacket swamped me a bit in a medium! That aside, though, the features here were superb.

The Gore-Tex shell is 100% waterproof, and I loved the clever details, including the hood with an internal stretch band to keep it in place and a peak to keep the rain off my face.

It’s windproof yet breathable, features elasticated cuffs and hem, and has a generous chest pocket. One for the toughest conditions—I’m keen to see more from this new-to-220 brand.

9. Inov-8 Stormshell

Price	$185 / £160
Weight	4.93oz / 140g
Features	Taped seams,elasticated cuffs, water resistant front zip, reflective details, adjustable hem
Waterproofing / breathability	20,000mm / 20,000 B-1

Weighing only 4.93oz / 140g and extremely waterproof, the Stormshell features the kind of quality you would expect from a brand based in the fells and using some of the UK’s toughest conditions as their test bed.

Once on, this was the easiest jacket on test to forget about, fitting well and feeling barely-there. Once the heavens opened it proved its worth, though, keeping us bone dry yet not at all clammy.

The light weight and packability (it packs down inside its own zippy pocket) also made it the easiest to stash in my trail pack and forget about until needed.

The peaked hood includes a wire for adjustability as well as a cord to draw it in, plus there’s a waterproof zip with storm flap and soft fabric on the chin.

A single popper at the top of the zip allows the jacket to be held closed while the zip is open, which is a nifty feature for breathability.

10. Salomon Bonatti Trail

Light, breathable and packed with subtle features to set you up for a comfortable run, the Bonatti Trail is a decent value jacket when you consider performance vs price.

So we were keen to test it to its limits in the torrential English rain and see if it’s worth the cash. Impressively, it does a great job fending off wind and rain, even in sustained, heavy downpours.

It fits well, too, with a secure hood, elasticated cuffs, waist adjustment and a drop tail at the back. Meanwhile, a press stud fastener behind the zip allows you to keep the zip open while maintaining weather protection, which is great for ventilation.

At 6.2oz / 167g (UK small), it’s light, portable, and packs neatly away into the only zip pocket on the chest when not in use.

Read my full Salomon Bonatti Waterproof jacket review.

How we tested waterproof running jackets

Experienced 220 Triathlon gear testers Rob Slade, Matt Baird, and Helen Webster have reviewed the waterproof running jackets in this list. 

All our reviews are 100% impartial and we put in the testing hours in our training and races. 

Above all, of course, our testers tested the jackets’ waterproofing by seeking out showers. Besides evaluating the effectiveness of the waterproof membrane, they assessed how well the zips and seams kept out water.

Breathability is important too because you don’t want to get wet on the inside of a poorly ventilated jacket.

They also judged how light and packable the jackets were – portability is important when you’re running long distances in variable conditions.

Jackets with extra features like pockets and hoods got credit too. It’s ideal if pockets have waterproof zips and can fit things like keys, phones and snacks. 

Rob, Matt and Helen considered the jackets’ visibility and reflectivity as well. When it’s wet, it can be dark too, and being seen is always a good idea. 

Lastly, they took into account value for money by assessing the jackets’ performance relative to their price. 

What should I look for in a waterproof running jacket?

The first question must focus on how the jacket will be used and what your specific needs are.

Breathability

If you run hot while exercising, you’re not going to want anything too stuffy, but rather something with decent breathability and ventilation.

To that end, vents, mesh-lined pockets and breathable fabrics can be a godsend.

You can easily layer up with warmer base layers underneath, too, so you don’t need to worry about getting any warmth from your waterproof running jacket. That way, you can add or remove layers as you get cold or hot.

So what should you look for when choosing a waterproof running jacket? Well, first and foremost, it needs to keep the weather out. Read more about that in the next section of this article.

Hood

Hoods are down to personal preference, but if the jacket has one we like it to fit close to the head so it doesn’t blow around. If you can roll it down and fasten it away, even better.

Extra features

We also like to see elasticated cuffs, a close-fitting hem (often aided by adjustment points), hi-vis detailing and a pocket for essentials (though this is less important if you use a pack/belt while running).

That aside, it also has to fit well so it doesn’t catch the wind, otherwise it can feel like a parachute on really breezy runs.

Weight and pack size is key so you can stow your jacket away if it stops raining or you overheat, while we also like it to look good – obviously!

Of course, you may just want something super lightweight to chuck in a pack as mandatory kit at a race – just make sure you check the requirements for your race first, as some races will stipulate taped seams and a minimum hydrostatic head rating.

What makes a jacket waterproof?

Most waterproof running jackets will use either a waterproof membrane, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating or a combination of both.

That membrane is usually bonded to the inside of the jacket, which will form part of a two or three layer (or sometimes 2.5 layer) system. Often, these membranes are provided by a third-party company such as Gore-Tex (widely regarded as industry leaders) eVent and Pertex.

DWR coating

Brands typically then apply a DWR coating to the outside to ensure water beads up on the surface of the jacket.

The DWR coating will wear away over time, particularly when it gets dirty or is faced with a lot of abrasion, such as from a running pack.

When that happens, the outer fabric may ‘wet out’. That means that water soaks into the fabric on the outside of the jacket, though doesn’t go through the membrane (if the jacket in question has one). As a result, the jacket can start to feel cold, heavier and breathability can suffer.

To avoid this happening, DWR coatings needs to be reapplied periodically with a special wash or spray, such as Nikwax or Grangers.

For a jacket to be truly waterproof, its seams need to be sealed. This typically comes in the form of taped seams, which stop any water from passing through.

Hydrostatic head

When looking at waterproof running jackets, you’ll probably see a figure (in millimetres) quoted in the product description. That’s probably the hydrostatic head (sometimes written as HH), which measures how waterproof a fabric is.

To be classed as waterproof, a fabric should have a minimum rating of 1,500mm, though most waterproof kit will typically have hydrostatic head ratings of 5,000m upward, and most waterproof jackets will have a rating of 10,000mm. That last figure is a good benchmark when searching for your jacket.

What about zips?

One final note… due to the very nature of them, zips are rarely described as 100% waterproof. Many utilise DWR coatings and waterproof materials in their construction, and do a fine job of keeping the elements out, but they can still be a weak point in weather protection when in particularly bad conditions.

As such, we like to see a storm flap behind the zip to protect against any water ingress.

For more highly rated run gear, head to our guides to the best running leggings for women and the best running tights for men.

Meet our testers

Rob Slade has been testing outdoor gear for over a decade and is 220’s previous Content Editor. A self-proclaimed connoisseur of the ‘long game’, Rob will always run for a view and likes to take his time doing it. Rob started on the team as a beginner triathlete and now has multiple races under his belt. A lover of the details, Rob brings us technical and detailed reviewer knowledge to the table. Based in the UK, he’s no stranger to the rainy and stormy British running scene.

Our women’s jacket tester is 220’s editor extraordinaire, qualified swim coach, and experienced triathlete, Helen Webster. Helen gets stuck into all things gear on the daily and when she’s not submerged in water, she’s seeking out the next shower to fully put our jackets through their paces.

Author Matt Baird has been racing triathlon for over 20 years, he’s a previous 220 team member, with experience as editor of Cycling Plus, and now as BBC Countryfile. Matt dives headfirst into every challenge, be it racing extreme distances, tough events (Ironman Wales being a prime example, or simply heading out for runs in the pouring rain to bring you the best waterproof jacket reviews possible.

Recent updates

• 26 January 2026: We updated our running jacket recommendations to suggest the most recent options, updated our selection of the best jackets, and made our suggestions more unisex for both men and women.
• 14 April 2026: we refined our list of recommendations and checked that everything was in stock.