How to Start Running | Running Tips | Hydration for Runners | Best Running Shoes for Beginners | Most Comfortable Running Shoes | Best Sports Bras for Running | Best Running Jackets | Best Budget Treadmills | Best Budget Fitness Trackers
By the end of a good, long run, you'll typically work up quite a sweat. At the outset of your run, however, you may actually feel a little chilly, particularly if you're exercising outdoors during a brisk spring or fall morning. Some days, leggings and a jacket are the right move. A good running jacket can help you ease into outdoor temperatures, or simply keep you cozy as you head into the gym for that early-morning fitness session.
The question is, what are the best running jackets to include in your collection of fitness gear? There are plenty of options to choose from, and the ACTIVE Reviews Team has assembled a great product panel to help narrow down your options.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
The Best Running Jackets - Our Top Picks
-
Best Overall Running Jacket: Lululemon Down for It All Hoodie
-
Best Running Jacket for Cold Weather: Salomon Outpeak Softshell
-
Best Waterproof Running Jacket: Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoody
-
Best Reflective Running Jacket: adidas Own the Run Jacket
-
Best Wind-Resistant Running Jacket: Lululemon Fast and Free Windbreaker
-
Best Lightweight Running Jacket: Janji Thermal Zephyr Runner Jacket
-
Most Affordable Running Jacket: Under Armour Sportstyle Tricot Jacket
What to Consider When Shopping for a Running Jacket
As you consider different running jackets, there are a few specific factors to keep in mind:
Waterproofing
A waterproof jacket is essential for those mornings when you want to jog in a light drizzle, or when you get caught in a sudden storm. Also note that waterproofing materials can help move sweat away from your body, increasing your comfort as you run.
Insulation
One of the trickiest aspects of choosing your running jacket is selecting a product that will keep you warm on cold mornings without causing you to overheat as your workout kicks into high gear.
Ventilation
Vents can be essential for preventing you from overheating so that you can remain more comfortable during longer, outdoor runs.
Weight
The last thing you need is a running jacket that literally weighs you down while you're trying to exercise.
Visibility
Reflective details that can make you more visible to oncoming traffic is an important safety feature for any time you run or jog in the dark.
Best Overall Running Jacket - Lululemon Down for It All Hoodie
- Shell Material: Nylon, elastane
- Lining Material: Nylon
- Style: Full-zip hoodie
- Fit: Classic fit, hip length
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Care: Wash with like colors; machine wash cold
- Color: Dark olive
Our pick for the best overall running jacket is the Lululemon Down for It All Hoodie, which fulfills all the important considerations listed above. To get the basics out of the way: This jacket offers plenty of resistance to wind and water, it's insulated enough to keep you warm but also breathable enough to prevent overheating, and it's wonderfully lightweight.
Additionally, the classic fit and hip length will be just what many runners are looking for. Also, note that it's designed to help facilitate ease of movement. You'll never feel restricted or encumbered when exercising in this jacket.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Designed for on-the-move comfort
- Goose down insulates without adding much weight
- Zippered exterior pocket
- Reflective details
CONS
- Not recommended for runners who dislike hoods
- Only 1 color available
BUY: Lululemon Down for It All Hoodie
Best Running Jacket for Cold Weather - Salomon Outpeak Softshell
SPECS
- Shell Material: Polyamide, elastane
- Lining Material: N/A
- Style: Full-zip mid-layer jacket
- Fit: Standard
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Care: Machine wash cold
- Colors: Night Sky, Pacific, Night Sky/Barrier Reef, Black
Do you do a lot of running in truly brisk weather? If so, the Salomon Outpeak Softshell may be your best bet. Not only does this jacket offer a great balance of insulation and breathability, but it also provides more-than-adequate protection against bitter winds and sudden rainfall.
Four-way stretch fabric can help promote a full range of motion, while an adjustable hood can be tweaked to fit your head snugly. There are a couple of zippered chest pockets to stow your stuff, and care for this jacket is a breeze, with no dry cleaning or special treatment required.
PROS
- Intermediate warmth level
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Highly stretchable fabric
- Lightweight
- 2 zippered exterior pockets
- Adjustable hood
- A few colors to choose from
CONS
- No reflective details
- May be too warm for runners in some climates
BUY: Salomon Outpeak Softshell
Best Waterproof Running Jacket - Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoody
SPECS
- Shell Material: GORE-TEX
- Lining Material: N/A
- Style: Full-zip hoodie
- Fit: Fitted
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Care: Machine wash warm
- Colors: Black, Atmos
If you regularly run outdoors, sooner or later you're liable to get caught in a downpour. The Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoody will keep you from getting drenched. Made from lightweight, insulating GORE-TEX, this running jacket provides substantial protection against the elements, including wind and rain.
Designed specifically for women, this jacket comes in a fitted, hip-length style. The adjustable brim offers additional weather protection, while a drawcord helps seal against drafts. Articulated sleeves allow freedom of movement.
PROS
- Adjustable waterproof hood with full brim
- Drawcords seal out drafts
- Articulated design for full range of movement
- Lightweight
- Single hip pocket to store small items
CONS
- No reflective details
- Storage is limited compared to other jackets
- Only 2 colors to choose from
BUY: Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoody
Best Reflective Running Jacket - adidas Own the Run Jacket
SPECS
- Shell Material: Recycled polyester
- Lining Material: N/A
- Style: Full-zip hoodie
- Fit: Regular
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Care: Wash with like colors, line dry
- Colors: Silver, Black, Blue Rush
If you run outdoors during times of low visibility, it's important to wear some reflective clothing, ensuring you're seen by any oncoming traffic. The adidas Own the Run Jacket is our top pick for visibility and for safety. It offers a number of reflective elements that become illuminated in low lighting.
And that's just for starters. We also love the emphasis on all-recycled materials, the adjustable hood, and the ease of care. You can also anticipate more-than-adequate waterproofing and windproofing with this regular-fit hoodie. All around, it's a great, lightweight, breathable option for anyone who loves working out in the outdoors.
PROS
- Plenty of reflective elements
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Adjustable hood
- 3 colors to choose from
- Side zip pockets
- 100% recycled material
CONS
- Not as insulated as other jackets
- Not recommended for colder environments
BUY: adidas Own the Run Jacket
Best Wind-Resistant Running Jacket - Lululemon Fast and Free Windbreaker
SPECS
- Shell Material: Nylon, elastane
- Lining Material: Polyester
- Style: Windbreaker
- Fit: Slim
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Care: Wash with like colors, machine wash cold
- Color: Dark Olive, Black, Sheer Blue
Tired of cold breezes cutting into you like a knife? The Lululemon Fast and Free Windbreaker offers some of the most effective wind resistance we've ever seen in a running jacket, making it a versatile option for runners in many different climates.
There are plenty of other selling points, too. Stretchy fabric allows for easy motion and a robust ventilation system keeps you from overheating. There are also a number of nice features that include a cinchable hood, easy-access pockets, and reflective detailing for your safety.
PROS
- High neck offers extra wind resistance
- Excellent ventilation
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Plenty of reflective elements
- Cinchable hood
- Easy-to-access pockets
CONS
- Not recommended for colder environments
- The slim fit might feel too restrictive for some
BUY: Lululemon Fast and Free Windbreaker
Best Lightweight Running Jacket - Janji Thermal Zephyr Runner Jacket
SPECS
- Shell Material: Nylon
- Lining Material: Polyester, PCR content
- Style: Full-zip collared
- Fit: Regular
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: No
- Care: N/A
- Colors: Obsidian, Cardinal
There's a lot to love about the Janji Thermal Zephyr Runner Jacket. Start with the fact that it's extremely lightweight and compact. This is an outstanding option if you need a jacket that you can pack up and toss into a backpack or suitcase without using up too much space.
Ergonomic sleeves promote optimal performance, while bungee toggles allow you to adjust your fit, or seal against drafts. And, while this jacket is made to be lightweight, it's also very warm, so it's a good pick for those who like to run outside in all seasons or at higher elevations.
PROS
- Bungee toggles allow you to adjust fit and seal
- Made with an emphasis on sustainability
- Very packable
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Reflective elements
CONS
- Limited storage
- Limited color options
BUY: Janji Thermal Zephyr Runner Jacket
Most Affordable Running Jacket - Under Armour Sportstyle Tricot Jacket
SPECS
- Shell Material: Polyester
- Lining Material: N/A
- Style: Full-zip collared
- Fit: Loose
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hood: No
- Care: N/A
- Colors: Black/White, Gray/Black
Looking for a running jacket that won't break your budget? There are lots of affordable options to choose from, but our favorite is the Under Armour Sportstyle Tricot Jacket. Though it doesn't have a hood, it does consist of high-quality construction and plenty of wind- and water resistance for your next outdoor workout.
This jacket provides a loose fit to suit different body types, while the lightweight and flexible material wicks away moisture and sweat. There are a couple of open hand pockets, along with ribbed cuffs and hems for a nice, polished look.
PROS
- Excellent price point
- Lightweight
- Moisture-wicking
- Windproof
CONS
- Pockets don't have zippers
- No hood
- Not recommended for colder climates
BUY: Under Armour Sportstyle Tricot Jacket
FAQs About Running Jackets
What is the best running jacket?
There are plenty of good running jackets on the market, and different runners will no doubt prioritize different features, so the best running jacket for you will depend on a number of things, such as how you intend to use it.
What is the most breathable waterproof running jacket?
A jacket that has excellent waterproofing and breathability will likely be made of highly waterproof material, such as nylon, and have mesh vents in key places to allow for a high level of airflow while running.
Is a running jacket necessary?
It depends on when and where you run. Running jackets are typically recommended for runners who like to exercise outdoors during cooler weather, or for anyone who likes to go for long runs or trail runs where the weather might change unexpectedly.
How to Start Running | Running Tips | Hydration for Runners | Best Running Shoes for Beginners | Most Comfortable Running Shoes | Best Sports Bras for Running | Best Running Jackets | Best Budget Treadmills | Best Budget Fitness Trackers
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article