How To Choose Your Running Jacket
When it comes to running in unpredictable weather, your jacket can make or break your workout, so we have demystified the tech to help you select the right one for you.
Types of Running Jacket
Waterproof Running Jackets
Built for the worst weather, waterproof running jackets are your ultimate defence against heavy rain and stormy conditions. Crafted from advanced fabrics like Gore-Tex, they feature protective membranes that block water from seeping through.
Fully taped seams and water-resistant zips (often with storm flaps) ensure no moisture sneaks in. Ideal for British winters or mountain runs, these jackets offer top-tier protection-though they can be less breathable than lighter options. Look for models with ventilation panels or underarm zips to help regulate heat during intense efforts.
Water-Resistant Running Jackets
Perfect for light rain and damp mornings, water-resistant jackets use tightly woven fabrics to hold water at bay for a while and are often treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes moisture to bead and roll off. While they don't have the sealed seams or waterproof membranes of their heavy-duty counterparts, they're lighter, more breathable, and great for everyday runs or high-intensity workouts.
Just keep in mind: in prolonged downpours, water will eventually get through-so save these for milder conditions.
Water-Repellent Running Jackets
A simple jacket with a DWR coating, they don't have the built in ability to withstand water to the same level as fully waterproof or even Water-Resistant jackets, but small amounts of water will bead up and run off.
Their advantage is that they can be built light, thin, flexible and breathable offering excellent coverage when you hope the showers will stay short.
Windproof Running Jackets
When the wind picks up, a windproof running jacket becomes your best friend. Designed to block cold gusts and prevent heat loss, these jackets are lightweight and easy to pack away when the weather settles. They're ideal for exposed routes, coastal paths, or breezy trail runs.
Many also offer light water resistance, giving you a versatile layer that handles sudden showers without compromising breathability or freedom of movement.
Insulated Running Jackets
For frosty mornings and winter runs, insulated jackets deliver warmth without bulk. Using synthetic or down insulation, they trap heat to keep you cosy while still allowing moisture to escape. These are perfect for runners who feel the chill or prefer slower-paced outings in colder weather. Modern designs balance warmth and breathability, so you stay comfortable whether you're layering up or picking up the pace.
Packable Running Jackets
Compact, lightweight, and ready for anything-packable running jackets are designed to fold into their own pocket or pouch, making them easy to stash in a belt or backpack. While they're not built for heavy rain, they're ideal for unpredictable days when you need a backup layer. Whether you're racing, travelling, or heading out for a long run, these jackets offer convenience without compromise.
Decoding Waterproof Performance in Running Jackets
If you are searching for a running jacket, you might encounter figures like "10,000mm" or "15k Head" in the specs. These waterproof ratings stem from a lab test known as the Hydrostatic Head.
In this test, fabric is subjected to increasing water pressure to determine the point at which moisture begins to penetrate. The result is expressed in millimetres, representing the height of a water column the material can withstand before leaking.
So, if a jacket is rated at 10,000mm, it means it can endure the pressure of a 10-metre column of water pressing down on it before any water seeps through. This gives you a reliable benchmark for comparing how water-resistant different jackets are.
Roughly speaking, anything under 10,000 is shower proof. Beyond 10,000 it will withstand moderate to heavy rain, while beyond 20,000 and you hit the maximum level, able to withstands the worst the skies can throw at you.
Its not jut the rating that matters though. Taped seams ensure the water doesn't get through at the joins, while water resistant zips help do the same thing. Adjustable hoods, cuffs, and drop tails all help keep you comfortably covered and dry too.
What type of jacket suits the way you run?
Urban Runners: Prioritising Ease and Safety
Navigating city streets on foot demands gear that balances comfort with visibility. Since urban runs often involve brief exposure to the elements, a water-resistant jacket typically offers enough rain protection. Fabrics like nylon and polyester work well in metropolitan settings-they're light, fast-drying, and tough. A bit of stretch from materials like spandex helps with mobility, while reflective accents and a sleek silhouette enhance safety and style in low-light conditions.
Off-Road Runners: Built for the Wild
Trail running throws unpredictable terrain and weather your way, so your outerwear needs to be up to the challenge. Jackets should probably be fully waterproof since you can be a long way from any shelter. High-performance membranes such as GORE-TEX offer excellent moisture protection and breathability.
Reinforced fabrics like ripstop nylon resist abrasions, and hybrid designs-combining waterproof zones with breathable panels-help regulate body temperature during demanding efforts.
Long-Distance Trainers: Light and Efficient
For those clocking serious mileage in preparation for marathons, a jacket that's featherlight and adaptable is key. The lightness and breathability of a water repellent, or maybe water-resistant jacket will probably best suit. Minimal use of stretch fabrics keeps the weight down, and a clean, streamlined design helps prevent irritation over long distances.
Cold Climate Runners: Insulated and Weather-Ready
Running in chilly conditions calls for gear that traps warmth without adding bulk. Jackets with synthetic insulation and water repellent finish are generally suitable for snow or light rain. For harsher conditions like sleet or freezing rain, consider higher ratings.
Insulation types like PrimaLoft retain heat even when damp, and outer shells treated with water-repellent coatings block wind and moisture. Features like adjustable cuffs and strategically placed insulation help seal in warmth and keep the cold out.
Speed-Focused Runners: Breathability First
If your training is fast-paced or high-intensity, your jacket should prioritise airflow. A water repellent finish is usually enough, as breathability becomes more important than full rain protection. Lightweight fabrics allow heat and sweat to escape quickly. Ventilation zones-like mesh inserts or underarm vents-boost airflow, and a close-fitting, minimalist cut keeps distractions to a minimum during intense workouts.
Visibility
Pretty much all running jackets have reflective details these days, something that shines back at headlights, streetlights and torch beams to help you stay safe, normally the brands logo or a specially placed dot or bar of reflectivity. But in the murky depths of winter, staying visible becomes more important, whatever time of the day you manage to get out for a run.
Look out for 360-degree reflectivity in product descriptions, meaning they have placed a reflective detail to help you stay seen from every direction. Some jackets can even be made from fully reflective fabric or use day glow colours in the construction all to keep you seen or your safety.
FAQs
How do I choose the right running jacket?
You must consider the conditions you will most likely be running in, your personal preferences, how far and fast you will be running and a host of other considerations, but reading our article above should give you all the guidance you need.
What temperature should I wear a running jacket at?
A lot of this comes down to personal preference, personally I'm not as fit as I would like to be, so I get hot quickly, almost no matter how cold it is outside I start in a tee, knowing I would regret the jacket quickly, however, when a cold wind blows or the rain is falling there is nothing for it but to layer up a bit. You are going to have to play it by ear on the jacket front and find out what works for you.
Should I size up for a running jacket?
Some jackets are built to fit close and leave no irritating flapping material, others are built with space below to fit layers if needed. If you expect to wear mid-layers under it, avoid performance/slim fits, or size up, otherwise you should be ok with your normal size.
What makes a jacket a running jacket?
The main feature will be breathability, from waterproofs to windproof and thermal insulation, whatever type of jacket you have, a running jacket needs to be breathable. They will also be as lightweight as possible to keep you light on your feet. Other details that might make a running jacket standout are vents, reflective details and sweat wicking fabrics.
