Fitness
The best waterproof running jackets for men and women
What to look for in a running jacket
Level of water protection
Rain jackets are not universally waterproof. For runners, it’s helpful to separate rain layers into two broad groups: Waterproof and water-resistant.
Waterproof jackets offer the most robust protection against water, and in the case of the models in this guide, they’re designed to be breathable enough for high-intensity activities. These are the jackets to look for if you’re planning on running for extended periods in steady rain.
Water-resistant jackets are lighter, often more breathable jackets (similar to windbreakers). They will stand up to light precipitation for brief periods, but water will eventually soak through in more intense rain conditions.
Breathability
A waterproof jacket is great for staying dry, but it can also trap swampy heat mid-run. The best jackets allow for some fabric permeability, so they release sweat vapours and keep you from overheating.
Some jackets also feature perforated zones on the fabric and interior mesh linings to boost breathability. The perforations promote airflow, and the mesh keeps the jacket from sticking to your skin. For maximum airflow, look for jackets with zippered or open vents in high-heat areas, including your sides, the small of your back, and under your arms.
Stowability
All the jackets here are lightweight and designed to be easily stowed, so you can change your mind about your layering strategy as often as the forecast changes. Some of the jackets we’ve selected can be folded and stowed in their own pocket —and one even includes a built-in elastic strap for easy carrying while running.
How we test
In the elements
Every running jacket marked as Runner’s World Expert Tested has been rigorously reviewed by our panel of keen runners. Each tester was briefed to take their jacket out over a number of runs in all weather conditions, from sun and light showers to wind, heavy downpours and nighttime jaunts.
After each run, they noted how water-resistant and windproof the jacket had proven to be. Our panel also ran at night to test the effectiveness of any hi-vis detailing.
The feedback
Following the trial, our testers filled out a questionnaire, sharing their thoughts on everything from the support and fit of the jacket to how light and comfortable it felt to wear. We asked testers to comment on the length of the arms and body, the sturdiness and smoothness of the zips, and how easy the jacket was to put on and off while running.
Did it move well with their body? Did it flap around in the wind like a stressed-out hen? Breathability, ventilation, bells and whistles, value for money and, of course, weatherproofing. All these factors and more went into the feedback. Finally, testers were asked whether they’d wear it again, based on its overall quality, performance and value for money.
In the lab
In-house, our lab team more closely tested the waterproofing claims of each jacket using a hydrostatic head machine.
The RW Lab team also washed the jackets using the instructions printed on the label, noting any shrinkage, wrinkling or damage.
Finally, we took all the information from wear testers and lab scores, interpreted the results, combined the feedback and gave each jacket an overall score. Those with the highest scores are featured below, identified by our trusty logo.
The remaining jackets are recommendations from the Runner’s World editors, who also know a thing or two when it comes to picking the right gear for the job, after years of experience testing the latest kit on the market.
The best waterproof running jackets for 2024
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Whatever the weather, this top-quality jacket from our pals at Asics has you covered. It scored top marks in our in-house waterproofing tests and our testers confirmed it kept them warm and dry as they contended with rain, hail and gale-force winds. The peak capped hood didn’t budge once and there was no pesky billowing or rustling as they picked up the pace.
The wonderfully lightweight material proved breathable and stretchy, it didn’t cling when things got sweaty, and it offered excellent freedom of movement. Tick, tick, tick.
Decide you don’t need the jacket halfway through your run? No problem – just pack it into the pocket at the back. Unlike many running jackets, which can be a nightmare to take off when wet, this one was a doddle to slip on and off mid-activity.
The pocket situation was a bit of a downer (there’s a small one on the front but that’s it), but when you consider its otherwise impeccable performance, it’s hard to complain.
Under Armour has hit the nail on the head with this excellent bit of kit. The brand claims it’s ‘super water-resistant’ and after testing it, we’d have to agree. One panel member said, ‘it kept me super dry on wet runs’ and another ‘couldn’t fault its performance’.
Testers praised the luxuriously soft fabric, saying it felt warm and cosy on chilly days, yet they didn’t feel clammy or uncomfortable when things got hot and sweaty. The classic, fitted design was a resounding hit and everyone was mega impressed with the variety of pockets for their phone, keys, wallet and gels.
We would have appreciated some reflective detailing for dimly lit runs and some testers flagged the lack of toggling for a more tailored fit. Still, it’s a reliable pick for year-round running in the dodgy British weather.
This jacket caught our testers’ attention for the very neat way it can be packed into a little over-the-shoulder bag. It kept everyone dry in light rain, though the water-repellent coating kept water on the surface, making our runners feel a little cold. Happily, there’s plenty of room to wear layers underneath, making it ideal for spring training. The fit is also super flattering, though it’s only available in women’s.
This Decathlon offering is a wet weather staple that will keep you dry in drizzles to downpours. It boasts lightweight fabric with taped seams that doesn’t weigh you down, whether you’re hitting the roads or the trails, and a secure hood to provide full coverage from the elements.
Other stand-out features include two pockets for storing your essentials, as well as a waterproof separate storage pocket (in the left-hand pocket) for storing your jacket in a bag after use, without getting your things wet. Excellent stuff.
If we’re splitting hairs, a slightly more reflective colourway in the men’s would be appreciated, as would more ventilation under the arms. You’ll also want to be careful if you’re running through woodland, as the fabric will snag easily on branches.
All of this said, it’s still an excellent waterproof jacket for less than £60, and does exactly what it promises on the tin.
Lululemon’s gear comes with high expectations, which often do live up to the hype, as our testers found with this good-looking jacket. Made with RepelShell™ fabric, it’s designed to protect you from the elements on chilly wet runs and, according to our testers, it did a stellar job of that. The plush fleece lining felt warm and cosy against their skin and crucially, the waterproof fabric – which scored top marks in our lab tests – kept them bone dry when the weather took a dodgy turn. Best of all, the jacket remained light and comfortable, even when drenched.
Waterproofing capabilities aside, it’s brimming with handy features including myriad interior and exterior pockets (there’s one big enough to fit gloves and a hat), a cinchable hem and reflective detailing to keep you visible when running in low light. The stretchy material and smooth zips made for easy on/off and the hood stayed firmly in place as we picked up the pace, although some of our runners found it obstructed their view a little.
The style is on the bulkier side, so we wouldn’t recommend it for speedwork sessions or nabbing a PB, and bear in mind it’s not one you can pack away easily. Still, it’s a top-quality jacket that will be with you for the long run.
Pros
- Gold-standard waterproofing
- Doesn’t rustle on the run
- Plenty of toggles for a secure fit
Cons
- Hefty investment
We found it hard to fault this well-thought-out style from The North Face thanks to its excellent weather-proofing credentials, innovative features and flattering design. ‘This jacket is a runner’s dream,’ commented one happy tester, while another one said: ‘it excelled in every category’.
Not a drop of water seeped through the water-resistant fabric, seams and cuffs; it successfully blocked the wind without any irritating billowing or rustling; and it kept testers warm and comfy without overheating. What’s more, the drawstring hood stayed in position throughout, the smooth fabric was a delight to run in (even when sweaty) and the toggling helped everyone find the perfect fit.
Our runners liked the reflective detailing for staying seen on darker days, and the fact that it can be packed away was a bonus for the trail runners on our panel. The only downside is the lack of pockets. Sure, paying nearly £300 for a running jacket is a big investment but if you can afford it, it ticks all the boxes and is made to last.
This cropped bomber from high street heavyweight H&M was an instant hit with our panel. They raved about how stylish it was, with many saying they’d happily wear it all day, from parkrun to brunch and beyond.
Though the water-repellent fabric is only designed to keep you protected in light showers, testers said it did a stellar job on wet, windy runs. ‘I ran in torrential rain and my vest top was bone dry underneath,’ said one. It also did a good job at shielding people from strong winds.
The jacket scored extra points for its reflective piping, which will help keep you visible when running early doors or on winter days, and our runners appreciated the high collar for keeping warm. There are two zipped side pockets for your phone and keys, but they did bounce around a lot when we went hell for leather. A few testers also missed having a hood for extra protection, but that was their only quibble. If you’re after style and functionality, you’ve met your perfect match.
Our panel raved about OMM’s Halo Jacket, rating details such as the well-fitted hood for keeping out wind and rain, as well as the length, which makes it a winner for cycling, too.
With a looser fit, it’s great if you want to add layers underneath, although our athletes weren’t sold on it for faster runs. Our male testers found some material flapped a little, while our female testers said they got too toasty. Though there are no pockets, it scores bonus points for packability, squishing down to the size of a tennis ball.
One of the more detailed designs on our list – and available in five chic colours – the Saloman Bonatti jacket performed well in the style stakes. However, size-wise it ran quite small, so you may want to size up, especially for better ease of movement on faster runs.
Large pockets also meant our testers’ phones and keys moved around a fair bit when they picked up the pace. It did score 5/5 for its waterproof capabilities though, and packs down easily, making it easy to store or travel with.
Made from 100% polyester with a PU membrane, and weighing just 100g, breathability and lightweight-wear are the order of the day here. If you’re heading to the start line, our runners will see you there; its translucent design also means race bibs can be seen underneath.
However, it was hard to remove while running, and scored 4/5 in our waterproof testing, which is worth considering if you’re out and about in heavy showers a lot.
Pros
- Super reflective
- Snug yet flexible
Cons
- Could be more breathable
As the name suggests, pick this jacket if reflectivity is a priority. It’s top of the class for road safety, thanks to a hi-vis outer coating that is the brightest and most attention-grabbing we’ve come across. It’s also flexible and snug where you want it to be.
However, it lacks breathability (it clung to bare skin so wear a long-sleeve top underneath) and it didn’t take long for the material to start smelling a little like a teenager’s bedroom.
The proof is in the name when it comes to this premium ‘Lite’ waterproof jacket from Montane. Our tester wore it while trail running in the French Alps and deemed it ‘insanely lightweight’, packing down to next-to-nothing for easy storage in a hydration pack. The material is soft, stretchy and comfortable, with a fully seam-taped construction keeping weight down even further.
While it already has a slimline fit, Montane have made plenty of smart design choices to increase the adjustability. This includes a 3-point adjustable hood, adjustable hem, and part-elasticated, shaped cuffs.
There’s two hand pockets, large enough for a phone or keys. Our tester found the bounce minimal on the trails, although this may change if you’re picking up the pace. If we’re splitting hairs, it would be nice if it packed away into a pocket, but that’s more of a ‘nice to have’ rather than a deal breaker.
This loose-fitting, earth-toned jacket certainly scored high marks with our testers when it came to style — but it does more than just look the part. The water-repellent finish helps to keep you dry in wet weather (although it does struggle slightly in torrential downpours) and the hood has a bungee cord to help you adjust the fit.
A really neat feature that proved popular among our testers is the small whistle in the sleeve for added security. And, when the skies clear, the jacket can pack down into a pouch that clips to your shorts or hydration pack.
This stylish double-layered jacket has been designed to let air in through the middle and keep you cool. This ventilation is welcome and effective on still, mild days where you just need a little protection, but it’s draughty in strong winds and the hood flaps about when down.
It’s water-resistant in showers, but heavy rain will soak through in about 10 minutes. That said, we loved the athletic slim fit, the anti-tear weave, and the antimicrobial treatment to ward off ingrained smells.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.
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