Good running jackets will not only protect you from the elements but also help you shed extra heat and moisture. A great running jacket will protect you from the wind to make things more comfortable, or keep you dry, or through those cold winters, help ensure you stay comfortable enough to do the miles.

Best Running Jackets for WomenSuprisingly, one of the pieces of gear you ask about most is the best running jacket.

And we get it, it’s not always easy to find one that doesn’t feel like you’re running around in a swampy plastic bag. So we went ahead and did the hard part, testing a ton of running jackets to see which ones actually hold up.

That meant getting out in all varieties of conditions. Bring on the snow, the rain, the wind, we shall fear thee not with my new gear.

The results below are jackets for a wide variety of situations that we would absolutely recommend. There were others tested that simply aren’t included here because they didn’t perform as well or better than the ones we’ve listed.

Best Running Jackets for 2026

12 Best Running Jackets for Women

What’s the best running jacket? The one that meets your needs for that day, but you’ll find many of these are versatile for a variety of conditions and temperatures.

Honestly, we wanted to test out jackets for a variety of weather conditions. So you’ll find that some are better for maybe a spring run and some for a cold winter run, hopefully showing you what you need year-round to make running as comfortable as possible.

Best Lululemon Running Jackets

It’s hard to pick just one Lululemon running jacket for this list, so we’re giving you our top 3 that work in different conditions. Their running gear is great, and the quality will last a long time, even through heavy wear and tear.

I used to think they were pricey, but really…nope.

They are right on par with other high-quality brands that you’d want a long-lasting running jacket from.

best winter running jacket

  • Another Mile Jacket – ($228) Primaloft means this is serious business for warmth, but remains a light weight jacket. BONUS points because the vest and hood zip out, which means you can make this jacket warmer by protecting your core or cooler…but again, this is a SERIOUS cold weather running jacket. Not a 32 degree day, you’ll overheat.
  • Lululemon Down For it All Jacket – ($228) For days where you don’t quite need a sleeping bag, this is your go to cold weather jacket. It’s designed to move with you, has a great collar to actually keep your neck warm and a good phone pocket! Probably one of the most loved winter running jackets we hear about from runners all the time.
  • Mist Over Jacket – ($128) It’s waterproof, wind resistant, lightweight and designed for runners with vents to help release heat. BIG winner for waterproof at this price point!

Quick Take

Pro
  • A jacket you can wear for running and all over town still feeling stylish
  • Will last through many wears and many seasons
  • Different fit and style options available
Con
  • A lot of their stuff shouldn’t go in the dryer and hang dry
  • May need to size up, especially if you think you’ll layer

Best Winter Running Jacket – Athleta Flurry Force Insulated PrimaLoft® Jacket II ($159)

One of the things we often find troubling about winter runs is that we start cold, begin sweating, and then find ourselves in a strange hot-cold scenario.

This jacket felt so extremely light, but with the Primaloft through the front chest, it’s designed to keep your core warm, and when that happens, your body will continue to work on warming your fingers and toes!!!

Love that it’s also going to break the wind there, which helps with warmth.athleta running jacket

Since your core is warm, this has light sleeves, and the back is actually lightly aerated. All of these mean a good fit that keeps you warm without overheating.

There are two side pockets which you could shove a phone in, but I rarely like a phone in my running jacket. No matter how snug, I feel like it bounces.

Coach Amanda wore a Medium in this and felt good about layering under it, and it was not too tight.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Definitely a jacket you could wear with packs and not worry about rips.
  • Zipper pockets so you won’t lose anything
  • Thumbholes for extra warmth especially if you forget gloves
Con
  • Some have reported the zipper getting stuck
  • Sizing tends to run big

Not sure what you need for winter running gear layers?? I’ve got you covered with my guide on what to wear running at every temperature >>

Best Very Cold Weather Running Jacket  – Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket ($200)

The Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket is designed to go the distance for cold-weather activities. It’s comfortable, warm, breathable, and moves with you – all of which are necessities for running in colder temps.

The Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket (which is also available as a vest) promises a lightweight, insulated option with venting to keep you comfortable, even during a tough workout. Salomon Mountain Flex Hybrid Jacket

One of our favorite things is a versatile piece of running gear – you can use it for hikes, daily life, whatever, so that you can save space in your closet and when packing. So to test this, we didn’t just take it out for some chilly morning runs, but we also wore it as an extra layer for fall in the Midwest.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • If you’re planning to layer, go a size up so that you’re comfortable
  •  Super durable and made with ClimateSync Technology so that it’ll keep you warm but also allow for moisture to escape as you move.
Con
  • There’s no hood
  • Neckline doesn’t some super high and you may want to pair a buff with it

Best Reflective Running Jacket – Oiselle Reflective Vim Jacket ($168)

The Reflective Vim Jacket is lightweight and can be used in a range of weather conditions: warm but rainy runs, cool mornings/evenings, or winter runs with layers underneath.

It even folds up and can be worn as an armband if you get warm on a run and need to take it off. There is also a stowable hood that folds up. oiselle reflective vim jacket

There are a few reflective strips on the jacket: one across the front on one side and another down the back. While the reflective strips are bright, they are only in 2 places.

I think while running in the dark I’d still want to pair this with some other reflective gear.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • The fit of this jacket is true to size, and fits comfortably. It’s big enough to wear with a couple of layers underneath if needed and long enough to cover your full torso.
  • Thick quality material, no fears of it ripping or losing it’s reflection!
  • Can be machine washed, which is not the case for a lot of these.
Con
  • Bungee cords tend to break easily
  • Some have reported the zipper getting stuck

Best Water Repellant Running Jacket: On Running Weather Jacket ($240)

Technically this jacket is only water repellent and their Ultra Jacket (which I have tested as well) is legit going to keep you dry. But this is still my top pick for a jacket when drizzly or snowing.

Hands down, this jacket is worth every single penny if you find yourself running in through a wide variety of temps throughout the year. I have worn mine a crazy amount for years and it’s still in good shape.

Super lightweight, easy to layer under it. The hood can stay up… but easier to keep it up if I happen to have a beanie or something on.

Cold weather running gear

I used it over my winter fleece on a day where snow was falling and on a warm rainy trail run in Sedona. In both cases, I was amazed to find that, truly, I was still dry (I mean, minus my normal sweat session).

More importantly, in the warm weather instance, this jacket is light, and since it wasn’t hot enough to want to be wet, it felt like the perfect weight.

Details

Quick Take

Fit
  • It’s a good fit with plenty of movement in arms and shoulders, even with a couple of layers underneath.
  • Doesn’t look baggy when wearing just a short-sleeve shirt.
  • Hood stays in place while you’re running
Con
  • Some have reported the fit as super slim, so may want to size up
  • The zipper can be annoying/irritating at the chin

Lightweight Fully Waterproof Running Jacket: Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0 ($208)

This is going to be a great option if you wnt a jacket that’s a little thicker and going to keep you dry as you’re running.

Many of the ultra light jackets are great for seasonal runs in the 30’s or even 40’s, but if you run a bit cold or are dealing with even a shorter run in the rain where you don’t warm up as much something slightly thicker can be good.

janji rainrunner
image from runandbecome1

Size up if you plan to wear this as a shell with other layers underneath, the arms are a little formfitted compared to other jackets out there.

It feels thicker because it’s fully laminated, but again, you will be dry!!

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Lightweight and breathable material that won’t stick to you
  • Bungee in the back of the hood to help stay in place
Con
  • A little too fitted in the elbows
  • Size up if you’re going to wear layers underneath

Best Jacket with a Hood – Nike Storm Fit Jacket ($150)

The oversized hood is a game changer, especially if you’ve struggled to find one that fits over big natural hair—it’s roomy, stays put, and even shields most of your face. The breathable design kept her from overheating, thanks to well-placed cutouts in the back for airflow.

Plus, the water-repelling material did its job perfectly, with rain rolling off instead of soaking in. Coach Alison also loved the boxy cut with an elastic waist that hit right above the hips, and sleeves long enough to keep her arms dry.

Whether you’re heading out for a windy run or in rainy cooler temps, this Storm-Fit jacket from Nike is going to keep you warm and dry.

nike waterproof rain jacket
Coach Alison @alioop_0_o_runs

The only thing she wasn’t a fan of was that the neck area felt a bit too loose when she picked up the pace.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Roomy, oversize hood to keep your face and hair protected
  • Elastic waist that sits just above the hips
  • Made from 100% recycled materials
Con
  • Neck area fits a little loose for some
  • Hood isn’t removable or packable when not wearing it
  • No normal pockets, just one in a weird spot

Best Lightweight Rainshell- Patagonia Houdini ($109)

Don’t sleep on the Patagonia brand. They have a lot of great gear outside of the classic fleece jacket.

The Houdini is a super lightweight rainsehll that is perfect, especially if you’re on the trails and plan to go up into the mountains and need layers.

The material is water-resistant, with a durable water-repellent coating that lets water roll off rather than leaving you wet the entire time. If you happen to get caught in a rain or snow shower, the material will dry relatively quickly!

 

patagonia houdini jacket
image from jobbogfritid

It’s a slim-fit design, so if you’re planning to layer underneath, you may want to size up.

We really love that the cuffs have elastic built in so that you don’t have to worry about wind or rain getting in while you’re running, hiking or even cycling.

This is going to be another great option as an outlayer for many seasons!

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Adjustable hood to help with windy days
  • Reflective details that aren’t going to wear away
  • Lightweight and easy to pack in a backpack pocket
  • Highly durable
Con
  • Pockets are not sewn in and will flap around if the jacket is unzipped
  • Poor breathability
  • Fits big

Best Packable and Space Saving Jacket – Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket ($180)

We’re really loving a lot of pieces from Salomon recently so that’s why there’s a few options on this list!

This jacket is one of the lightest-weight waterproof options that Coach Amanda has tested. In a heavy downpour, she came home sweaty, but not wet. It felt comfortable in 40 degree chilly rain.

It also packs easily into the front pocket for travel or trail days where you’re taking layers on and off.salomon bonatti waterproof

This is a jacket that’ll get you through different seasons, which we love! Perfect for fall or spring days and even as a top layer during the winter. It was designed for runners so it’s flexible and meant to move with you as you run.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • The loose fit makes it comfortable to layer as needed based on temperatures.
  • Highly durable
Con
  • Not the most breathable materials
  • Some have reported sizing to be too small

Runner Up Best Packable and Space Saving Jacket- Brooks Canopy Jacket

All right, this one wins in the convenience space for me. Not only does it pack down, but you can also strap it across your body to carry. No more tying things to your waist and having them continually slip down your hips as you run!

brooks canopy jacket
photo from runandenjoy.anne

Toggle chords on the hood will keep it in place and a snap means you can also roll it away so it’s not flapping around behind you if that’s bothersome.

The fabric is superlight and is going to move with you as you run. The newest design has a “tail” cut in the back so that it’s not super restrictive around your waist.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Snap on the hood if you want to roll it up
  • Lightweight and packable
  • Folds into a bag with strings so that you can easily carry it
Con
  • Water-resistant, not waterproof
  • Sizing runs small, size up
  • Some have reported that the hood tends to be smaller

Best Cold Weather Vest – Oiselle Firecracker Vest ($168)

Ok so…it’s not a jacket, but Coach Stacey and Coach Kaitlyn have very much proved to me that some of you need a less is more approach. Running in a vest means that your organs are warm and protected, which then allows the body to send more bloodflow to your arms, feet, hands, etc.

So if you’re like I’m tired of overheating, but you don’t want to be cold, well a vest could be the answer!oiselle firecracker vest

This one has a lot of pockets PLUS reflective designs on the back to keep you safe.

While it’s not the most compactable outlayer, it’s definintely going to keep your core warm on those colder winter days. If you’re someone who tends to overheat, we highly suggest giving a vest a try. Plus, we love the fact that you can pack the hood away in a  zippered pocket so that it’s not flopping around when you’re not wearing it.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Full zip with an internal waist bungee and thumb holes
  • Highly durable and is going to withstand a lot of wear
  • Lightweight and super warm
  • Reflective design to keep you safe running in the dark
Con
  • Stuffing shows through the stitching and doesn’t look great

Should You Wear a Jacket While Running?

Running layers are always useful, but more so when you are dealing with the elements. A running jacket is a great tool to ensure that you don’t use the weather as an excuse to skip your run.

Honestly, I probably didn’t think much about them for the first 10 years of running.

Now they’re my go to piece for Fall and winter. I LOVE that they block the wind, which makes me feel a million times better in the cold.

What’s the Difference Between Waterproof, Water-resistant, and Windproof Jackets?

Waterproof refers to a fabric’s resistance to water penetration. It creates a barrier between you and the elements.

Water resistant resists the penetration of water at low levels, which is sufficient for mild drizzle or light rain, but water will penetrate the fabric if pressure is applied, such as by a backpack strap.

Windproof is the fabric’s resistance to air penetration. It can be done by the way the fabric is made or by covering it with a membrane or layer that doesn’t let wind through.

best running jackets for women
A few of the many running jackets I’ve tested and kept in my rotation (recommended below).

Yes, everything here was reviewed as a women’s running jacket because that’s what I wear.

But have no fear, these are also the best men’s running jackets I feel very confident in saying as the overall features and technology are the same.

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