Best waterproof running jacket: We asked runners to test 19 of the best jackets on the market
DON’T let bad weather get in the way of a good run.
Running in the rain is an acquired taste, but once you’ve done a few jogs in a waterproof running jacket, pounding wet pavements might become your favourite way of exercising.
A waterproof running jacket is an essential piece of kit to add to the running wardrobe as it not only keeps you dry, but many of them serve to keep you warm too, which is important when the temperature drops (which it inevitably will).
Plus, it can protect against sharp winds, which can be unbearable to run in.
We got out in the rain and tested some of the best waterproof running jackets available right now.
Best waterproof running jackets at a glance:
- Most flattering waterproof running jacket: Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket
- Best affordable waterproof running jacket: Mountain Warehouse Adrenaline Women’s Waterproof Iso-Viz Jacket
- Best luxury waterproof running jacket: On Running Storm Jacket
- Best pull-over waterproof running jacket: ACAI Outdoor Showerproof Popover
- Best windproof running jacket: Lululemon Mist Over Windbreaker
Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket
- Rab Women’s Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket, £162 from Amazon – buy here
Pros: Flattering silhouette, reliable brand, very easy to move in
Cons: Very expensive
Rating: 4/5
Worn by newsreaders and outdoor reporters, Rab is a brand that has particularly outstanding credibility.
This jacket is very expensive, but if you’ve got the funds, and you know you’d be wearing it a lot, then it’s definitely one to consider. It’s made with waterproof Proflex fabric, and 100% keeps those pesky UK showers out.
This jacket is flattering and the fit cuts a nice shape, which is ideal if you don’t want to be wearing a huge, oversized, baggy jacket and instead want something more streamlined.
We’d say this wasn’t just made for running but also general movement and heading out and about.
It protects against the elements, while being comfortable and allowing for movement. The hood can be tightened to allow for a tighter fit and the elasticated sleeve cuffs ensure no cold air is going up the sleeves.
Mountain Warehouse Adrenaline Women’s Waterproof Iso-Viz Jacket
- Mountain Warehouse Adrenaline Womens Waterproof Iso-Viz Jacket,
£69.99£39.99 from Amazon – buy here
Pros: Super waterproof, hi-vis, lots of waterproof pockets, affordable
Cons: Thicker than some other jackets we tested, sleeves very long
Rating: 4/5
Looking for a thick jacket for those really wintery runs and walks? This is the one.
It’s also very waterproof; Mountain Warehouse says that it has a waterproof rating of 3,000mm. The seams are taped (for extra water resistance) and the pockets seal tightly so valuables and possessions are kept dry.
The price point is more realistic than several of the other jackets we’ve tried. It’s a little more affordable while still retaining decent quality.
The jacket is loud — you could stop traffic in it— and the hi-vis elements ensure that during those early morning and evening runs, when it’s pitch black outside, you’re visible to cars and other pedestrians.
It’s also incredibly thick, but still allows for plenty of movement. We like the fact it’s really warm, but also breathable; it doesn’t feel overly constrictive.
It is heavy though, so it might weigh you down. Perhaps don’t wear this if you’re hoping to get a PB on your run.
On Running Storm Jacket
- Storm Jacket, £320 from On Running – buy here
Pros: Thick but not too warm, great quality, large side pockets
Cons: Very high price point
Rating: 5/5
This jacket will set you back a hefty sum of money, but when we wore this, we noticed the quality instantly.
On Running has taken the running scene by storm in the past few years, and is renowned for its good quality clothing.
This jacket is really practical, has a comfortable fit and has great pocket space to store keys, AirPods and money while you run.
When we wore this, we felt really protected against the elements. It could chuck it down, and we’d stay dry.
The long zips under the arms allow for breathability mid run, and the hood, which can be made tighter, has a small cap on the front, to stop rain from hitting your face.
We really liked the thick plastic ON logo on this jacket, too, which adds to the ‘luxe’ feel.
Helly Hansen Portland Rain Jacket
- Portland Rain Jacket, £110 from Helly Hansen – buy here
Pros: Good for running and general wear, velcro cuffs to tighten fit
Cons: High price point, might be a bit thick to wear unless it’s cold
Rating: 4/5
Helly Hansen is a classic, reliable brand, so we had high hopes for this lovely waterproof jacket which has been built with Helly Tech Protection two-layer fabric construction and sealed seams.
Essentially, no rain is getting through this jacket, and those cold winter winds? They’re staying out, too.
We loved the feel of this jacket and could move comfortably, with both arms able to swing freely. The elasticated toggle around the hood means it can be tightened, and there’s also an elastic toggle around the waist, for an even better fit.
We also liked the velcro around the cuffs of the arm, which meant we was even more protected against the elements.
Plus, Helly Hansen says that this jacket is responsibly made with the ‘certified bluesign textile manufacturing process’. This apparently reduces waste in every step of the clothing supply chain.
This is perfect for commuting, walking and running; it’s a practical, comfortable, warm fit.
Dare2B Swift Lightweight Running Jacket
- Swift Lightweight Running Jacket,
£100£30 from Dare2B – buy here
Pros: Gorgeous colour, well-priced when on sale, large hood
Cons: Sleeves a touch short
Rating: 3.5/5
This jacket, which falls within the Fleur East Edit, is instantly attractive thanks to its gorgeous coral colour. We were actually complimented while wearing this.
It’s also warm, which is important when the weather starts to change.
The jacket has useful zip side pockets and a large hood that fits comfortably. The mesh lining of this jacket makes it a little more breathable, but it is quite thick and likely best saved for the winter runs and exercise, rather than those summer or spring showers.
Easticated cuffs mean there’s no slippy sleeves, although we will add that the sleeves were a little short on us. (This reviewer does have quite long limbs, though).
The hem of the jacket is also elasticated, which makes this fit a little better and provides more protection against the elements.
ACAI Outdoor Showerproof Popover
- Outdoor Shower Popover, £89 from Acai – buy here
Pros: Packs away into a small pouch, side zips make it easy to get on and off, high neck goes over mouth for warmth
Cons: Not as easy to take off as zip-up jackets
Rating: 4.5/5
We love this jacket, though the fact it goes over your head makes it feel more like a hoodie. It’s really soft and cosy while also being super practical for the great outdoors.
We like the front zip fastening pouch which can store those little essentials as you run. This pocket also acts as a case for the jacket as the whole thing packs away.
If you travel a lot, or need a jacket that pops in your handbag, this is a great option as it takes up so little space when it’s packed away.
One thing we will flag is this jacket’s warmth level. It not only comes up over the mouth for extra heat and protection, but it also has adjustable Velcro cuffs with rubberised tabs, a drawcord adjustable hem and a shower resistant hood with adjustable toggles.
So no matter the chill, you can be sure the heat is well trapped.
lululemon Push Your Pace Jacket
- Push Your Pace Jacket, £168 from lululemon – buy here
Pros: Flattering fit, feels very soft
Cons: No hood, some might find it too tight
Rating: 4.5/5
lululemon, which is renowned for its great leggings, has also nailed this waterproof running jacket, which feels soft, luxurious and chic.
We adore the shape and fit of this jacket; it felt as though it hugged our figure, accentuating our waist.
If you want some more breathing space in your jacket we’d go up a size as the size we chose (our usual size 8), was snug — it just depends on how you like your jacket to fit. Movement wasn’t an issue though, and we could still run comfortably.
A flattering look isn’t the only benefit of the jacket; there are useful thumb holes on the sleeves so they don’t rise up, as well as zipped pockets and a hidden phone sleeve, so everything from keys to AirPods can be stored discreetly.
We wore the white jacket, which will no doubt get filthy very fast, so opt for the black if you run in the rain a lot. There’s also a highlighter pink hue that, at the time of writing, is on sale for £119.
Although we love this jacket, and will actually be wearing it as a general out-and-about jacket in the autumn, the big pitfall is the price.
It’s cheaper than some, but it’s still expensive and will set you back a fair bit. Assess how much you’ll wear it before you buy — it’s all about cost per wear, after all!
MP Velocity Ultra Lightweight Hooded Jacket
- Women’s Velocity Ultra Lightweight Hooded Jacket,
£65£23.99 from MP Activewear – buy here
Pros: Thin, lightweight, good for showers, breathable, affordable
Cons: Won’t keep you very warm
Rating: 3.5/5
MP, also known as My Protein, always makes great quality kit. Its prices are also significantly lower than other brands.
When it’s full price, this lightweight jacket isn’t exactly cheap (especially as it’s pretty thin) but it’s on the lower end of the price spectrum.
When wearing this, we could move comfortably and I also didn’t feel weighed down by a jacket. The breathable underarm panels stopped us getting too hot, and the back vent also allows for air to come in and out.
We wouldn’t wear this in the peak of winter unless we had several layers underneath, but it’s ideal for spring, summer and autumn.
It also packs away into a small bundle, so won’t take up much space. The sleeves came a little short on us, but as previously mentioned our limbs are quite long, so this short-sleeve issue might not apply to most.
We like the adjustable hem on this jacket and interestingly, it has been treated with Polygiene BioStatic, which apparently helps to keep the jacket fresher for longer. That’s always a winner in our eyes.
It’s also stylish, simple and ticks the boxes for a practical, waterproof running jacket.
Asics Nagino Packable Run Jacket
- Nagino Packable Run Jacket, £89 from Asics – buy here
Pros: Packs into side pocket for ease, made partially using recycled materials, easy to move in
Cons: Very thin
Rating: 4/5
Another great jacket for showers, this Asics run jacket is incredibly thin and packs away small into a side pocket, making it handy for travelling, and for those rainy runs on warmer days where thick layers just aren’t needed.
It’s also a gorgeous colour, which we would wear time and time again.
It’s breathable, easy to move in, and the pocket space is also great considering how thin the fabric is; the breast pocket on the left hand side is large enough to hold all of your essentials.
We also think the hook on the back of the jacket, just below the hood, is something that all jackets need. How frustrating is it when a jacket doesn’t have a hook!?
Plus, to ensure its sustainability credentials, at least 50% of the back side punching material is made with recycled content which helps to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
New Balance Printed Impact Run Light Pack Jacket
- Printed Impact Run Light Pack Jacket,
£85£59.50 from New Balance – buy here
Pros: Great colour, packs into a bumbag, has reflective patches
Cons: Thin
Rating: 4/5
Another brand we have come to rely on over the years is New Balance. It’s good quality kit that does what it should, fits well and washes well. This jacket is no exception and the colour is oh-so loud and gorgeous.
This is great for on the go as it packs away into a very handy bum-bag, which clips around the waist. Plus, it’s thin and lightweight so it won’t weight you down.
If the weather is cooler, opt for layers underneath, but otherwise, this is a great jacket for the autumn and spring showers.
It fits well and is flattering without being overly snug and the sleeves are lovely and long to protect against the elements. We could move well in this and it was easy to take on and off.
Plus, New Balance says this is made from 100% recycled nylon so it’s good for the planet too!
lululemon Precipitation Jacket
- Precipitation Jacket, £168 from lululemon – buy here
Pros: Mostly waterproof in heavy rain, windproof, no leaking
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 4/5
This is a good-looking jacket that can double up as everyday wear.
The fabric is super flexible and the jacket is well-fitted, meaning that movement is never restricted no matter your speed or what weather you may face.
This waterproof running jacket does an excellent job of repelling even heavy rain, and the high neck, the peak on the front of the hood and cinched hem helps keep any water from leaking in (it also helps to keep rain out of your eyes).
The waterproof running jacket was tested on a 5K run during heavy rain and on a 15K run with light rain and strong winds and performed well during both, with very little water breaking the seal of the jacket.
It did start to feel quite warm on the longer run but there are vents around the jacket that helped with airflow to a degree.
There’s two exterior side pockets with zips and a hidden phone sleeve pocket too; items in all pockets remained dry throughout the run.
Kalenji Women’s Reflecting Hooded Running Jacket
- Kalenji Women’s Reflecting Hooded Running Jacket, £34.99 from Decathlon – buy here
Pros: Waterproof in light rain, good ventilation system, affordable
Cons: Not waterproof in prolonged heavy rain
Rating: 4/5
This is a reasonably priced jacket that performs really well considering what you pay.
The jacket is a little stiffer than some of the more expensive waterproof running jackets but didn’t restrict movement too much.
The body of the jacket is totally waterproof in light rain but clothes were a little damp after a 10K run in heavier rain, although the hood did an excellent job of repelling rain throughout and, alongside the high neck zip, managed to keep the heavy rain out of our eyes.
The Kalenji jacket is made of a fully reflective material which is good for running in low light and in dark gloomy weather. It also has a ventilation system which includes flaps cut into the back and small holes in a lighter material under the armpits.
It’s a well-thought out jacket and we’d recommend it for light rain or short runs in slightly heavier rain.
Adidas TERREX Agravic 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket
- TERREX Agravic 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket,
£160£110.40 from Adidas – buy here
Pros: Totally waterproof, good fitted hood, non-leak measures, pocket with no bounce
Cons: Can get a bit sweaty in the heat
Rating: 4/5
The best thing about this jacket is that it is fully waterproof rather than just water resistant, and as such, the t-shirt that was worn underneath remained dry during every rainy run.
It also performed really well in cold weather, keeping the wind off the body.
The material is super lightweight so when the sun did come out during a rainy run, it took just six/seven minutes for the jacket to dry (the hood took a few minutes longer).
The jacket then packs down into a running bag or can be tied around the waist without it feeling heavy or annoying.
One thing to note is that if you do keep it on as the weather improves it can make your arms feel a bit sweaty.
The elasticated cuffs, high neck zip and well-fitted hood help keep any leaks away, there’s a chest pocket that fits a large phone, 360 reflectivity for low light and the elasticity of the running jacket’s material also means there’s no restriction in movement.
On Running Ultra Jacket
- Ultra Jacket, £210 from On Running – buy here
Pros: Waterproof in most situations, windproof, sleek
Cons: Expensive, no pockets
Rating: 4/5
This was probably one of the waterproof running jackets that tested best in heavy rain, with very little water getting through on a 10K run with prolonged rain, or on a 10K run with light to medium rain.
On both occasions, it was completely waterproof and dried in less than 10 minutes.
The jacket is incredibly thin and lightweight (107g) which helps with breathability when the runner starts to heat up and it also means that it folds into a tiny pouch (on the back of the hood) and can easily be carried in the hand or a shorts pocket if you want to take it off during the run.
It also comes in a loose fit which allows for easy movement and is a little longer than some of the other jackets, sitting below the glutes, which means it offers waterproof protection to part of the thighs as well as the upper body.
It’s made of moisture-wicking material which repels rain on the outside and keeps sweat off the body on the inside, and the peak on the hood also helps keep water out of the eyes.
In fact, this jacket is pretty much perfect except for the lack of pockets which would be helpful to carry a phone and other running essentials such as gels.
Asics Fujitrail Jacket
- Fujitrail Waterproof Jacket, £187 from Asics – buy here
Pros: Waterproof, super comfortable, windproof, good technical assets
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
Of all the waterproof running jackets we tested, this Asics number was the most comfortable to wear and run in.
The fabric is super soft and feels like a second skin, and despite its very lightweight and thin material, it was warm in the wind and also one of the most waterproof; it let in no moisture during a very rainy 10K trail run and only took about 15 minutes to dry afterwards.
The peaked hood, with its elasticated inner hood and toggles on the front and back for adjusting the size, stayed in place perfectly while keeping sweeping rain out of the eyes.
The jacket comes with a small chest pocket – just big enough for a phone — elastics that go over the thumbs, and toggles along the bottom of the jacket to cinch in for further protection from the elements. When not cinched this is also one of the longer jackets, covering the glutes at the back.
This is a really easy jacket to run in and the stretchy fabric means there’s no restriction to movement at all.
it also folds down into the hood, making it easy to carry.
Solomon Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket
- Bonatti Waterproof Shell Jacket, £155, from Salomon – buy here
Pros: Waterproof, good pockets, nice-looking
Cons: Some movement in the hood, runs slightly small
Rating: 4/5
This is a really good technical waterproof running jacket and Salomon seems to have thought about all the little niggles that face a runner, from the large chest pocket for a phone to the clip button that keeps the jacket in place even when the zip is open and the elastic within the hood to reduce the amount of rain getting in while you’re running.
The main thing is that the waterproof running jacket is excellent in the rain; we stayed dry through both a 5K heavy rain run and a 10K run with sporadic showers and strong winds.
It keeps the runner warm on a cold day but can start to feel a little hot when the sun comes out. Ventilation comes by opening the zip (the stay put button reduces movement while running) or taking the jacket off and folding it into the chest pocket making it easy to carry (there’s also two further pockets).
The jacket provides a fair bit of flexibility while running but does come up a little small so if you like your running jackets a little less fitted, going up a size is recommended.
There’s not much to complain about with this waterproof running jacket but if we were to say one thing, it’s that the hood is designed to protect from the rain but did actually end up covering the eyes a few times during the run.
Lululemon Mist Over Windbreaker
- Mist Over Windbreaker, £118 from Lululemon – buy here
Pros: Waterproof in light and sporadic rain, excellent use of pockets, folds down into an easy carry bag, warm in the wind
Cons: Not waterproof in prolonged heavy rain, runs big in the arms
Rating: 4/5
This is a super comfortable waterproof running jacket and the material feels really soft; at first it’s hard to believe that it will work in the rain but it performs well in light rain and small bursts of heavier rain too.
The jacket comes in a slim fit which helps with mobility but the sleeves do come up a little baggy so might be worth experimenting with a smaller size, although the material doesn’t flap around too much once the hands are fitted into the thumb holes at the ends of the sleeves.
The hood also comes up a little big but there’s a no-bounce loop which actually keeps it in place throughout the run. The waterproof running jacket was tested during a rainy 5K trail run and it managed to repel the water throughout the sporadic rainfall, however on a longer 10K run with heavier rain, the runner did get a damp top although did manage to stay fairly warm from the strong wind.
The jacket comes with an array of waterproof exterior and interior pockets and the jacket folds into a little bag through a large pocket on the back. The bag then comes with an elastic strap which makes it easy to carry through the run.
Under Armour Women’s UA Run Anywhere Jacket
- UA Run Anywhere Anojacket, £52.97 from Under Armour – buy here
Pros: Remained mostly waterproof in heavy rain, good pockets, windproof, cheap, very comfortable
Cons: A bit of a faff to put on/take off, bit of bounce on the hood
Rating: 4/5
This was a really impressive waterproof running jacket and ticked a lot of boxes when it comes to price, functionality and comfort.
It is a fairly fitted shape (there’s a toggle to tighten the hem further if required) but provides plenty of mobility and breathability due to the patchwork of fabrics that make up the jacket; there are super stretchy panels around the shoulders and upper back which ensure there’s no restriction around the arms and a large ventilation panel that overlaps the middle back to allow heat to escape, while the rest of the jacket is made up of a thicker, stretchy water-repellent material which doubles up on the stomach as a large open kangaroo pocket (with a smaller phone-sized zipped inside pocket).
The waterproof running jacket was tested in a 5K heavy downpour where some water did penetrate the shoulders and also fell off the top of the hood onto the face, and then during a 10K drizzly run where it encountered no issues at all.
It also was incredibly windproof during both runs, keeping the runner warm and ventilated.
On Running Active Jacket
- Men’s and women’s Active Jacket, £120 from On Running – buy men’s here and buy women’s here
Pros: Water resistant in showers and light rain, quick-dry, packs down into itself, nice-looking, 100% recycled
Cons: No hood
Rating: 4/5
The super lightweight running jacket is less fitted than some of the others but its more relaxed shape means it’s equally good for flexibility while running — it’s also a great looking jacket for leisurewear and festival wear.
The running jacket was tested during two 10K road runs. It kept the runner completely dry and warm when there was light rain and high winds but less so during the run in heavy prolonged rain.
The lack of a hood is slightly problematic as it means you’ll need to buy some sort of cap, and it’s also important to note that the jacket is actually advertised as water resistant rather than waterproof.
One helpful feature we noticed after both runs is that it dries in about ten minutes, which makes it ideal for sporadic rain in which it can be tied around the waist between showers while the easy pull-over-the-head style of the jacket means you don’t need to stop to do the jacket back up before tying it around the waist.
The water-resistant running jacket comes with a large front pocket that is big enough to hold a phone and a small bottle and the front pocket also doubles up as a small pouch to fold the jacket into, making it easy to store or carry.
As a water resistant jacket this does a great job, but it’s not one for heavy rain.
How should a running jacket fit?
When trying out running jackets, there are a few things to be sure of before you buy.
Your jacket shouldn’t be overly snug; consider space for any clothing underneath such as vests, t-shirts and even padded sports bras. Plus, you want some give in the jacket so you can move comfortably.
Move your arms around, and make sure you’re not restricted when trying on a jacket. Plus, ensure that you have all the space to breathe; the last thing you want is to feel constricted. Look for breathable panels, mesh insides, or even zipped areas that open up and allow for extra air to circulate.
If your potential jacket has a hood, try this on too. You want a hood that fits over your head and could potentially tighten, so that it stays put and helps to protect your head from the elements.
If you prefer, you might also want elasticated hems and sleeves too, for even more protection. But this can often depend on what you like and how you want your jacket to fit.