Layering can be tricky when it comes to running as you need to manage both your changing body temperature and any adverse weather conditions.
This is where a gilet comes in handy, providing coverage to help keep you warm without overdoing it and causing you to overheat. Many are water repellent, too, in order to keep the worst of any downpours at bay.
Due to the lack of sleeves you’ll also retain full range of motion, so you can wrap up without affecting your form.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best running gilets below for you to consider, taking into account their water and wind resistant material and visibility so you can run whatever the weather, day or night. These picks have been made after in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Best running gilets to buy in 2024
Proviz REFLECT360 Hi-Viz Reflective Running Gilet
Designed primarily to keep you visible at night without having to commit to a full jacket, this running gilet from Proviz has full reflective coverage on every side to make sure you're safe and seen.
The brand says the material has been made with millions of high reflective glass beads that will bounce the light back from any headlights to make sure you're well lit in low light.
Weighing just 100g, it's lightweight enough that your run is unlikely be compromised, while the mesh positioned on the back and under the arms is designed to let any heat easily escape to keep you cool during your training session.
Higher State Stretch Women's Gilet
- Buy now from SportsShoes
This women's gilet from Higher State is designed to provide some additional warmth on your next run without overheating you.
It has stretch fleece panels on the outside, as well as a windproof material to protect you on chilly runs, and is said to be tailored in such a way that it won't limit mobility and hinder your form.
It also has a handy zip pocket, so you can keep your keys and phone out of the way, or use it as a place to store an energy gel or two.
Reflective strips are included to help maintain visibility, especially during early or late runs.
Buy Higher State Stretch Women's Gilet now from SportsShoes
Ronhill Core Gilet
Designed to be both lightweight and breathable, this running gilet from Ronhill uses an outer material is both wind and shower resistant in order to help keep poor weather conditions at bay on your runs. Meanwhile, the fabric's said to wick sweat away and breathe well to stop you from overheating.
It boasts an ergonomic fit to help keep you comfortable and in control of your movement, with reflective tape in areas to make sure you're easy to spot at night. It also has a zip pocket for any mid-run essentials.
Kalenji Run Wind Gilet
Available in a range of sizes from small to XXL, the sleeveless Kalenji gilet is designed to keep you warm on colder runs while making sure the heat can escape from your body as you work up a sweat.
The outer material is said to be windproof in order to help keep the chill at bay as you run and there's also a hood attached that you can pop on if the temperature starts to drop.
There are also pockets so you can store gloves if necessary to find the perfect temperature balance while training in different weather conditions.
Asics Lite-Show Vest
This body-warmer style gilet can be worn rain or shine, with wind- and water-repellent features making it an option if the weather changes throughout the course of your run.
It has thermal properties, a long neck collar and adjustable cords that are designed to help keep you warm on those frosty mornings, but the brand says you wont overheat as it's still a lightweight material.
There are two pockets so you can separate your personal items and your energy gels, and the print is reflective to help keep you safe at times where there's little light.
Buy Asics Women's Lite-Show Gilet now from SportsShoes
Soar Ultra Lightweight Gilet
- Buy now from Soar
This ultra lightweight gilet from Soar was made for milder days where you just need a thin, additional layer to see you through your workout and keep the worst downpours away.
The thin fabric uses a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on both the yarn and the finished fabric, which means there's no need to use a waterproof membrane, according to the brand. In theory, this means a boost in breathability and a reduced chance of overheating mid-run, as well as protection against the rain.
It has a tailored fit to ensure it hugs the body and doesn't get in the way or catch the wind, while the high-stretch nylon back panel is designed to boost comfort and allow an unrestricted range of movement.
The snugness also means your belongings shouldn't bounce around if you opt to use the pocket at the rear, which is said to be big enough to store your phone and other essentials.
Buy Ultra Lightweight Gilet now from Soar
Montane Featherlite Trail Vest
Keep your core temperature at a consistent level on windy runs with this Featherlite trail vest from Montane.
It's made with a wind-resistant material to keep the worst of the wind chill at bay, and even has an internal wind strip which stops any billowing from the breeze.
There's a pocket on the chest to keep your valuables nearby, and if it becomes too warm you can fold the gilet up into itself and seal it in this same pocket as a convenient carrying bundle.
TCA Men's Excel Runner Lightweight Padded Gilet
Whether you want to opt for a subtle black stealth option or the much more visible lime punch colour, this gilet is designed to help keep you warm on your next run thanks to its insulation, which holds onto your heat while simultaneously blocking the wind.
It's been designed to keep you warm without being too cumbersome or limiting your movement and is said to boast a flexible feel thanks to the stretchy fabric on the back.
If you opt for the darker colour there are still reflective strips in the design to ensure you're visible.