What are the best running jackets? Our run team tests top waterproof, windproof, and thermal options

A lightweight running jacket can be a saviour when training in unpleasant conditions. It should strike the right balance between breathable, light, and offering good coverage from the elements.

Many on test here can 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 tried and tested 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 10-15°C (50-60°F), especially when there’s windchill risk at play. In colder temperatures, layer up with a running base-layer alongside a run jacket for breathable warmth. Jackets with hi-vis detailing are a smart safety addition, and pocket(s) will ensure you can comfortably carry your phone, key or gels.

While most here stretch over $150/£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 (we love some versatility).

Best running jackets tried and tested for 2026

1. Salomon Bonatti Pro

The Salomon Bonatti Pro is a premium trail running jacket built for serious protection in harsh weather. Inspired by the brand’s alpine heritage, it combines impressive waterproofing with practical trail-focused details. With a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and taped seams, it handled heavy rain effortlessly during testing while still remaining relatively lightweight at 175g (6.2oz).

The jacket strikes a good balance between weather resistance and comfort. Rear ventilation openings improve airflow, although it feels best suited to colder conditions. A standout feature is the hood, which offers excellent coverage thanks to its roomy shape, structured peak and adjustable rear pull, helping shield the face from rain and wind.

Fit-wise, the jacket runs slightly roomy, especially through the sleeves, though the elasticated hem helps secure it in place. Reflective detailing boosts visibility, while a zipped chest pocket doubles as a stash pouch. A unique rear vent also allows runners to wear a hydration pack underneath, making it particularly useful for long trail outings.

2. Inov8 Windshell FZ Women’s

This women’s Windshell FZ Jacket from inov8 is built to cut out the worst of windchill while staying performance-focused. It feels incredibly light when worn, barely noticeable in fact, and weighs in at just 78g. It’s a pure shell, with no insulation.

Despite its simplicity, the Windshell includes thoughtful running features. A chest press stud lets you keep it partly open for ventilation, while a hood clip secures the hood back in place when not in use. The fit is streamlined, with light elastication at the hem and cuffs to block draughts, while still allowing for enough space for a thin base layer underneath. Sizing is accurate, though broader size inclusivity would be welcome.

The Windshell performs well in windy conditions and offers light rain resistance. Extras like thumb loops and a stable hood add comfort, though the hood offers limited coverage over the forehead.

3. Decathlon Kiprun 900 Rain Jacket

The Decathlon Kiprun 900 Rain Jacket is designed to deliver serious waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability—a combination that’s notoriously difficult to achieve. Yet Decathlon manages it impressively well at an affordable price point.

With a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and taped seams, the jacket handles heavy rain confidently, keeping water out even during prolonged downpours. The non-adjustable hood stays secure thanks to side elastication and a high collar, although the limited visor leaves the face exposed in bad weather.

Breathability is another standout feature. A lightweight, stretchy 2.5-layer membrane works alongside ventilation openings across the back and underarms to release heat while preventing rain ingress. A chest clip allows the jacket to remain secure while unzipped for extra airflow in milder conditions.

The fit is roomier than many running jackets, leaving space for additional layers, though some may find it slightly oversized. Two spacious side pockets add versatility, and the jacket packs into one for easy storage. Overall, it’s a practical, lightweight, and excellent-value waterproof running layer.

4. Asics Fujitrail Waterproof Jacket

The Asics Fujitrail Waterproof jacket really stands out on wet runs. At 5.75oz/163g, it packs down into its hood pouch, perfect for stashing mid-run. The Pertex Shield 2.5‑layer fabric, taped seams, and 20,000 mm hydrostatic head rating keep me bone‑dry even in heavy showers.

One feature I love is the clip behind the main zip, which lets me unzip for ventilation while staying protected. The triple-adjust hood offers a snug, secure fit around my face, although it doesn’t cover the cheeks fully. A chest pocket handles my phone neatly, and toggles at the hem help seal out drafts. Reflectivity is minimal, and the hood’s face coverage could be better, but those are minor quibbles.

Overall, the Asics Fujitrail is a brilliantly lightweight, packable, and feature-rich waterproof jacket, ideal for high-intensity trail runs where breathability and storm protection are key.

Read my full Asics Fujitrail Waterproof Jacket review here.

5. Asics Core Jacket

The Asics Core Jacket delivers a blend of everyday versatility and lightweight comfort. It’s water‑repellent rather than fully waterproof, but as the cheapest jacket on test, that seems fair. I find the Britpop styling refreshingly fun, and the elasticated cuffs plus adjustable waist toggle do a solid job at fending off light wind and drizzles.

Breathability also impressed me, the jacket performs well in spring and autumn temps. Side zippered pockets are practical for storing essentials mid‑run. At 153g/1.9oz, the Core Jacket feels ultra-light on the body and (cliché alert!) you’ll easily forget that you’re wearing it.

The fit, for me, sat neatly over both a running tee or long-sleeved base layer, and it compresses down neatly into either of the pockets if you want to stash it in a backpack when the mercury rises. The hood adjusts easily, adding modest protection when needed. Sure, it’s not insulated, so chilly days will have me layering, and it’s not suited to heavy rain, but for value, light showers, and year‑round runs, it’s hard to fault.

Read my full Asics Core Jacket review here.

6. Compressport Hurricane Windproof

This offering from Compressport comes in at a mere 4.2oz/120g for my size L and felt like a comparable jacket to the Rab Windveil above in this test. Very light, it packed up extremely small and did a great job of protecting against cold, wind, and light rain (though not heavy rain).

The fabric was great at protecting from chilly gusts, with longer sleeves and stretchy cuffs helping with that. More breathable fabric on the back and sleeves stopped things from getting sweaty, and the second-skin cut was designed to move with you as you run—something I found true in testing, and it was easy to forget I was wearing it. There’s a front pocket and a couple of reflective details—though I’d prefer a brighter colour option.

7. Montane Sirocco Lite

The Sirroco Lite comes in a hooded ($200/£160) and unhooded version ($190/£150), as on test here. It’s also available in lilac or black for women and green or black for men. This is the only jacket in this round-up to feature insulation and is designed for multiple outdoor uses, including hiking and trail running, with a snug fit that allows ease of movement.

The women’s size range is 8-16, and I’m in a 14 here, which weighs 8.6oz/243g—making it the heaviest and bulkiest on test (though still pretty small!). That’s not surprising, given the Featherlite Air fabric with insulation on the front and back and stretch brushed fabric on the sleeves and sides. There are also two zipped pockets. While I liked this jacket for hiking, it was just a little too warm for my UK winter runs. Maybe one to try out in much chillier countries!

8. Inov8 Performance Hybrid

The inov8 Performance Hybrid Jacket earns its spot as the favourite jacket of our male tester thanks to its excellent gender-specific fit (female version also available), along with its blend of warmth, ventilation, and weather resistance. The jacket’s hybrid build uses Primaloft fleece in key areas (head, back, chest, arms) combined with a Pertex Quantum Air shell that blocks wind while still breathing well. This makes it reliable in chilly conditions and light showers, though it won’t hold up in heavy rain.

Practical features stand out: thumb loops keep sleeves secure, two roomy side pockets and an inner mesh compartment handle storage, and the hood folds neatly into the collar while its brim directs drizzle away from the face. I found the fit close but not restrictive, leaving room for an extra waterproof layer.

Compared with rivals, this jacket offers stronger water resistance and a more refined look, albeit with slightly more weight. Overall, it’s an excellent cold-weather running companion, especially for the male fit.

Read my full Inov-8 Performance Hybrid jacket review.

9. Soar All Weather

Not only is the Soar All Weather an excellent waterproof jacket, it is warm, breathable and stylish, in my view. Weighing 12.7oz/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 dizzyingly high price tag ($470/£350). 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

What features should you look for in a running jacket?

Lightweight and breathable 

Key in a running jacket, but harder to get right than you think. A run jacket should be breathable, with a lightweight construction and possibly some ventilation panels or slits to keep you at a comfortable temperature as you run. 

Weatherproofing 

Depending on the kind of jacket you go for, you may want some weatherproofing in the form of wind protection or shower-proofing, to protect you from the elements as you run. Of course, if you’re after a fully waterproof running jacket, then the hydrostatic head rating will also be key here. Take a look at our best waterproof running jackets for our top options. 

Zips

Zips and other closure mechanisms should sit comfortably against the skin. This will with the help of a zip garage at the top of the jacket, and a lining so that there’s no scratching. If you’re after a shower-proof jacket, then look also for bonded zips that don’t let the rain through.  

Hood

Another personal preference here, but if you opt for a running jacket with a hood then you should aim for one that snugly secures it in place. You don’t want it falling down mid-downpour. Look for peaked caps to extend the hood and add extra coverage for the eyes, and drawstring closures to keep the hood in place. 

Pockets

At least one small zipped pocket can prove useful in a running jacket for stashing valuables and the like. Often, a pocket on a run jacket will double up as a stuff sack for stocking away the coat when not in use. 

Sleeves

For jackets that aim to keep out the elements, you should find some means of securing the sleeves to the wrists to prevent water ingress. This could be in the form of an elasticated wrist, or velcro tabs, to keep the worst of it out. 

Reflective details 

If you’re running in inclement or grey weather, you may as well be wearing gear with reflective detailing to boost your safety out on the roads and trail. Bonus points if the coats also a bright colour to increase your visibility for those around you.

Frequently Asked Questions about running jackets

See all our winter running kit suggestions to mix and match your kit based on conditions, and you’ll stay warm, dry, and visible.

How we tested running jackets

Our team of 220 Triathlon expert reviewers have years over 20 years of testing experience between them. These running jackets were tested in the UK in different weather conditions and temperatures. When testing, we consider not only the comfort and fit of the running jacket, but also whether it does what is says on the tin. Namely for running jackets, do they offer adequate wind and shower protection? 

Each was tested for comfort, performance, breathability, durability, and run-specific features like pockets and a secure hood. We also tested the jackets over varying running distances and terrains, to ascertain whether they can go the distance, or feel more like a sweaty crisp packet when on. Packability is also a feature to consider, especially if you’re likely to be slipping the jacket on and off as weather conditions change. 

Any running jacket that scored 90% and above is a market-leading product, while those scoring between 80-90% are also deemed to be impressive. Jackets scoring between 70-80% offer good performance, as long as the highlighted flaws aren’t much of an issue for you. Products scoring below 70% can still be worth considering if the price is right, but don’t come highly recommended.

Meet our testers:

Rob Slade has spent over a decade testing outdoor kit and was 220’s former Content Editor. Once a beginner triathlete, he’s now raced widely and brings sharp technical insight to reviews. Based in the UK, Rob knows all too well the challenges of testing in stormy British weather.

Helen Webster, our women’s jacket tester, is 220’s editor-in-chief, a qualified swim coach, and an experienced triathlete. She dives into gear testing daily—whether in the pool or chasing down the next rainstorm to push kit to its limits.

Matt Baird has raced triathlon for more than 20 years, with editorial experience at 220, Cycling Plus, and now BBC Countryfile. From Ironman Wales to wet winter runs, Matt thrives on tough tests to bring you dependable waterproof jacket reviews.

Recent updates

• 23 October 2025: we added more information about the availability of each jacket in both men’s and women’s versions which included updating imagery and available sizing.
• 15 December 2025: we checked all products were in stock and expanded the image captions.
• 15 January 2026: we made sure all product recommendations had the best possible deals and updated our authors.
• 17 February 2026: we explained how to wash running jackets and how breathable a running jacket should be.
• 03 April 2026: we updated all of our reviews and did an overhaul of our review format.
• May 2026: we added new reviews for the Salomon Bonatti Pro, inov8 Windshell, and Decathlon Kiprun 900 Rain. We also added schema tables and a comparison table to all of our specs and deleted reviews for products no longer available.