Every runner knows that it's not always possible to have the perfect outdoor running conditions. As a result, having a lightweight running jacket to keep you protected from rain and wind is essential. How do you shop for a great running jacket, you ask? The best running jackets should feel comfortable when you move and provide adequate breathability, allowing enough air to pass through so you don’t get super sweaty and overheated.
Technical elements aside, you'll also want to look for a jacket that's a little loose around the shoulders so you can actually pump your arms. (A very important part of becoming a better runner, BTW.)
Check out a few of the best running jackets, per rave reviews, below:
If it feels like there are a lot of boxes that one piece of clothing has to tick, then you're absolutely right. But, this list featuring the best-tested running jackets was vetted heavily by our editors who love to run as well as from rave reviews from serious runners. Whether you're looking for a lightweight Patagonia windbreaker to wear on cool fall mornings or need a thick Arc'teryx jacket for your winter runs, there's a running jacket or two on this list that was made for you. Don't forget to gift one to the runner in your life, too.
1.Best Overall: Nike's Essential Hooded Running Jacket
The Nike Essential Hooded Running Jacket is exactly what the name says it is. At a reasonable price compared to other running jackets, it boasts a protective hood to keep the elements out of your face, has a ventilated design to keep you from overheating, and is packable for when you need to take it off to store it in a pocket or run belt.
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Rave Review: "Good quality, very lightweight, and effective at keeping the wind as well as light drizzle out. Good for both walking and running. It has vents at the back so I don't get sweaty. The two pockets with zips are super handy and the hood actually stays on, and can be tightened. I like that it is longer at the back as well. The cuffs have velcro so you can tighten it."
Sizes: XS-XL
- Pro: Ventilated design
- Pro: Good price for the value
- Pro: Has pockets
- Con: Limited size availability
- Con: Black is the only color option
2. Best For The Value: Baleaf's Refletive Windbreaker
Not only is this jacket totally wind and waterproof, it also comes in a variety of fun colors, all of which feature a reflective lining. It also boasts multiple pockets to store your phone, cash, keys, and more at a great price. Oh, did you see the sleek hood?
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Rave Review: "Great jacket for walking and running. Good protection from unexpected rain, but lightweight enough that it doesn’t get in the way of a workout. I find that Baleaf products run a little small, so I ordered medium and was glad I did."
Sizes: S-2X
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Has reflective lining
- Pro: Five color options
- Pro: Waterproof
- Pro: Windproof
- Con: Not ideal for extreme cold
3. Most Affordable: 90 Degrees' Full-Zip Jacket
With nearly 5,000 glowing reviews, this soft, stretchy zip-up jacket is perfect when you need a very light layer (that you can also tie around your waist if you get warm). It comes in 15 stylish colors, and at under $40, don't be surprised if you end up with several of them.
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Rave Review: "I have gotten tons of compliments on this and it is very close to the Lululemon jacket I already have. The material is on the heavier side, which is an indication of quality for me. The stitching is awesome. I already have washed it twice and it has held up incredibly well in the wash. I used it on my run the other day and it kept me warm when it was a little chillier outside. Buy this jacket. I want so many more in so many colors."
Sizes: XS-3X
- Pro: Good price for the value
- Pro: Has thumbholes
- Pro: Comes in 15 colors
- Pro: Lightweight
- Con: Not waterproof
4. Best Sweat-Wicking Jacket: Sweaty Betty's Track Jacket
This stylish peplum-style option from Sweaty Betty has a stowaway hood and is long in the back to protect some of your lower half from tire spray or light rain. The sweat-wicking lining will also keep you comfortably dry even as you run and heat up.
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Rave Review: "I bought this for running when it’s wet and I’ve worn it a lot. It’s stylish but the functionality is great. My t-shirt doesn’t ride up under it when running. The sleeves keep my hands warm and are stretchy enough to push up. The hood stays in place when I'm using it and doesn’t get in the way. It's breathable but has kept me dry."
Sizes: XXS-M
- Pro: Waterproof
- Pro: Sweat-wicking
- Pro: Stylish
- Con: Pricey
- Con: Limited size availability
5. Most Flexible: The North Face's Hooded Rain Jacket
Designed with a thick yet relaxed fit to make room for extra layers underneath, this water-repellent jacket offers lots of flexibility, making it the perfect option for running on cool, damp days. It comes in 35 fun and neutral color options. It's a bit pricey, but you can justify the cost with the fact that it's made with 100 percent recycled fabrics.
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Rave Review: “Love this jacket. Ordered and wore it on a trip that was calling for rain. Kept me very dry. It was very lightweight and comfortable. I’m just shy of 5’10" and plus-size, so I was worried about purchasing online. Not only did this fit me perfectly, I loved the length and the large inside pockets. Usually hoods tend to leave my hairline exposed. This one did not. It was great. My only complaint is that there is no lining in the sleeves. When it’s warm and wet out, the sleeves tend to be a bit sticky. Otherwise, I love it.”
Sizes: XS-3X
- Pro: 35 color options
- Pro: Waterproof
- Pro: Made from recycled materials
- Con: Pricey
6. Most Lightweight: Patagonia's Houdini Jacket
Available in seven hues, this sustainably-made windbreaker from Patagonia is designed with 100 percent recycled nylon, and weighs just 3.4 ounces. The most lightweight option, it's a great jacket for long-distance runners or anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures because it also features a reflective logo that's designed to be seen in low light. The drawcord hem and adjustable wrist cuffs allow you to customize the level of insulation you'd like, too.
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Rave Review: "This jacket has become indispensable for me. It is super light, packs up tiny, and can do it all. I keep it in my mountain biking backpack for chilly rest stops or sudden sprinkles. I always keep it within reach when backpacking and use it for protection from biting bugs, too much sun, cold, and damp. It's amazing—cool when the sun's blazing but warming when it's chilly. It offers some protection from light rain. I have had it for at least five years with no rips or wear issues."
Sizes: XXS-2X
- Pro: Good value for the price
- Pro: Made with 1oo percent recycled nylon
- Pro: Extremely lightweight
- Con: Not the most stylish color options
7. Most Waterproof: On's Water-Repellant Packable Jacket
On Water-Repellant Packable Jacket
On Water-Repellant Packable Jacket
When you're buying a jacket (or really any running gear) from On, you know you're getting high quality. This splurge-worthy jacket features specially-designed panels that allow for ventilation and air flow without letting any water in. It has reflective finishes that come in handy in cloudy weather, too.
Average Rating: 5/5
Rave Review: "This jacket might seem to be very expensive, but compared to the benefits you get, it is worth every penny. I used it for one year in all conditions—rain, snow, cold, and mild weather. It is perfect for running due to its very low weight and it keeps you dry and warm even during heavy rain. I certainly love it. I own two other jackets—one for winter runs and another one for the rainy days. Still, the On jacket is the best one and it is always easy to combine it with base layers or shirts so I don't need the other two jackets anymore."
Sizes: XS-XL
- Pro: Works in nearly any weather
- Pro: Waterproof
- Pro: Stylish
- Con: Pricey
- Con: Limited size options
8. Best For Extreme Cold: Arc'teryx's Superlight Down Hoody
Loved by snow bunnies and skiers, Arc'teryx's down hoody was designed for those of you who wouldn't let a blizzard stop you from getting your marathon training in. Of course, it's extremely pricey, so choose this if you're a serious athlete on a strict training plan or even if you just live in a cold climate where you plan on wearing it nearly every day. Designed to be extremely insulated with a down material, it's surprisingly lightweight (as the name would suggest) at just 10 ounces.
Average Rating: 5/5
Rave Review: "I have this jacket in black and now want the labyrinth color. Very lightweight, warm, and comfortable! Love it."
Sizes: XXS-2X
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Good for extremely cold temperatures
- Pro: Flexibile fit
- Con: Pricey
9. Best Windbreaker: Brooks' Canopy Jacket
Average Rating: 5/5
Rave Review: "I love canopy jackets. I own three. Two of the jackets I bought back in 2018, and decided it was time to add another one this year. This jacket is truly light, water-repellent, and protects you in cool or windy conditions. I live in Minnesota and spring has been horrendous this year. It's been cold, wet, and really windy. This jacket stood up to the conditions."
Sizes: XS-2X
- Pro: Has UPF 30 protection
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Windproof
- Con: Limited color options
10: Most Stylish: Adidas' Own The Run Hooded Jacket
Need a staple water-repellant, windproof layer for outdoor runs that'll easily transition to brunch? Adidas' trendy running jacket has a sweat-proof storage pocket that'll make sure your phone and wallet don't get wet. It's lightweight and better for chilly fall days as opposed to extremely cold winter weather.
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Rave Review: "Amazing. It's very thin and light but it does its job. Perfect to protect you from wind and light rain."
Sizes: XXS-4X
- Pro: Offers good size availability
- Pro: Lightweight
- Pro: Windproof
- Pro: Water-repellant
- Con: Not ideal for extreme cold
Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women’s Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She’s always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
