Softshell Jackets

Best Running Jackets of 2024 | Fully Tested and Reviewed

Our pick of the best running jackets currently available – and all fully reviewed by our team of gear testers

To become a good runner, you need to be dedicated and consistent and to be dedicated and consistent being in possession of a good running jacket can really help. Find the right one and it will allow you to get out to run happily and comfortably no matter what the weather.

Finding the perfect jacket can be tricky though, particularly if you’re new to running. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Over the last few seasons, our team of testers have been trying out countless running jackets in an effort to find the best options out there. Heck, we even managed to set an FKT in one of them (more on that below).

Our Team’s Favourite Running Jackets

The key consideration when choosing a running jacket is whether you want to have waterproof protection or not. Waterproof running jackets are obviously great for those very wet and miserable days, but they can be a little hot and clammy in milder temperatures and/or when you’re working hard. That’s why some runners will tend to prefer a water resistant jacket instead of a waterproof one. They’ll provide protection from wind and light rain while still allowing plenty of airflow.

Related: Best Trail Running Shoes

We’ve gone into more detail on waterproof versus non-waterproof at the bottom of this article. You’ll also find our run through on the other factors to consider when choosing a running jacket down there too. Looking for something for running in the dark? Our round up of the best running head torches will help you there. We’ve also compiled guides to the best running socks and best running shorts.

Following our tests, we consider the following to be the best running jackets.

Best Overall Running Jacket: Asics Fujitrail
Best Value Running Jacket: Harrier Exmoor
Best Breathable Running Jacket: On Weather Jacket
Best Packable Running Jacket: Rab Phantom Pull On
Best Jacket for Racing and Training in Winter: Patagonia Storm Racer

How We Tested and Selected Them

In drawing up this list, we started the process with careful selection of the products we wanted to test. This involved speaking to outdoor and running industry professionals and keeping an eye on the most respected outdoor gear awards, attending tradeshows in the UK and Germany and just keeping a keen eye on what other runners have been wearing out on the trail, at Parkrun and at races like the UTMB.

Then there was the testing. All of the jackets we considered were tested in the conditions we deemed the product to be made for. Situations we found ourselves in through this selection process include: a 300-mile mountain run, a night race in Lyon, dreary Saturday morning Parkruns, the 50km course on Ultra Trail Snowdonia and our two annual test trips which we hold here at Outdoors Magic.

Some jackets that we selected didn’t make the cut. And some did – they are as follows.

Asics Fujitrail

Best running jacket overall following our tests

OM editor Will at the finish line of the 15km SaintéLyon race, having worn the Fujitrail from start to finish. Photo: Albin Durand / Asics

Price: £187
Weight: 161g
Type: Waterproof
Attributes: Lightweight, packable, nicely cut
Best for: Short runs through to ultras

This jacket uses a material called Pertex Shield. It’s the waterproof fabric that most good running brands opt for due to its balance of weight, durability and breathability. We’ve tested it out in numerous jackets over the years and it’s definitely one of the go-tos for rainproof protection while running. With this material, plus the sealed seams, it’s the kind of jacket that will qualify in most ultra marathon kit checks.

The jacket itself weighs just 161g, so it’s very light, and it’s also packable – the whole thing stuff into its chest pocket. The hood is fully adjustable, providing good reliable coverage even in strong winds. There are also nifty thumb loops and a tab at the hem so you can lock in heat at the waist.

Probably what we liked most about this is the fit. A lot of waterproof running jackets can be a little too trim – so trim that you can’t get any layers underneath it. This, on the other hand, has an athletic look while still being loose enough to accommodate a fleece or lightly padded jacket – you could even throw it over a loaded trail running vest.

Buy the men’s Asics Fujitrail Waterproof: £187 at Asics.com
Buy the women’s version: £187 at Asics.com

Harrier Exmoor

Our pick as the best value running jacket (and an overall runner up)

Whilst this gets our pick for the best for value, it was also close to claiming the top spot as the best jacket overall. It’s just a touch on the heavy side and, for that reason, it didn’t quite claim our top prize.

Things we liked about it during our assessment period include the stretchiness of the fabric, which creates a really dynamic feel, the excellent venting options throughout it, and the little details, including its thumb loops, reflective tabs, glove-friendly zip pulls and grippy shoulder reinforcements to keep your pack straps from slipping or rubbing away at the fabric. We liked the zip design too; it means you can through your jacket on over your running pack and still have full access to all the kit you’re carrying on the straps and harness.

This is a jacket that, for us, seems fine-tuned for mountain running in very rough conditions; those days where you’re going to want to be wearing a waterproof layer all day long.

Buy the men’s Harrier Exmoor: £95 at Harrierrunfree.co.uk
Buy the women’s version: £95 at Harrierrunfree.co.uk

Rab Phantom Pull On

Best packable waterproof running jacket

Price: £155
Weight: 90g
Type: Waterproof
Attributes: Lightweight, packable
Best for: Ultra running, long-distance running, mountain marathons

This is almost identical to the Montane Podium Pull On only it has the added benefit of giving you a pocket to keep your phone in. It’s also fractionally lighter too. In fact, at 90g this is one of the lightest waterproof jackets you’ll find.

We reckon this will appeal to two types of outdoor enthusiasts. First of all, it’ll suit mountain runners; any people who are after kit that could give them a competitive edge while still meeting the waterproof jacket criteria for a race.

It’ll also suit just casual trail runners who want something that’s light and compact enough to stick in their running vest or even the pocket of their shorts just in case the weather suddenly turns on them. “The ultimate stash and forget waterproof”, Rab call it.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100. Read our full Rab Phantom Pull On review.

Buy the men’s Rab Phantom: £175 at Rab.equipment
Buy the women’s version: £157 at Sportsshoes.co.uk

On Weather Jacket

Best for breathability

Price: £220
Weight: 255g
Type: Windproof with water resistant panels
Attributes: Lightweight, packable, very breathable
Best for: Short to medium distance runs

This is an incredibly well-made jacket with excellent fabrics and an innovative design. The key thing we like about it is the fact it has loads of clever little hidden vents that keep wind and rain out while still allowing hot, moist air to escape. And you also got a good degree of wet weather protection from this thanks to its clever water resistant panels located across the shoulders. It’s by no means a waterproof jacket, but you could wear this for a 20-minute run in light rain and still feel adequately protected.

Features include a little zipped pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, semi-elasticated cuffs, reflective details and then a protective hood with a neat little peak.

Lightweight, stretchy, windproof and water resistant and very breathable. There’s a lot to like here.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100 2019. Read our full On Weather Jacket review.

Buy the men’s On Weather Jacket: £220 at On.com
Buy the women’s version: £220 at On.com

Haglöfs L.I.M Series

OM editor Will Renwick wearing the Haglofs LIM during a fastpacking trip in Wales.

Price: £230
Weight: 230g
Type: Waterproof
Attributes: Lightweight, breathable, protective
Best for: Mountain running, long distances

While this might not be primarily designed for running, we put it to the test over the course of a 500-mile self-supported run over the mountains of Wales and it passed with flying colours. Lightweight, very protective and with good breathability, it has all the right attributes for long-distance running in challenging conditions. We see it as being perfect as a running jacket for runs that you know will be wet from start to finish. It’s also excellent for trips to the mountains when you’ll need something very protective but still light and packable.

Related: Best Trail Running Caps

True to its name L.I.M (less is more), this has a simple design, the idea being that it’ll keep you protected and comfortable but without weighing you down. There’s a small zipped chest pocket, a toggled hem, elastic cuffs and a protective hood and that’s just about all there is to say in regards to its feature set.

Long term update: this had held up well after 4 years of regular use, though it does wet out quite quickly now.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100. Read our full Haglöfs L.I.M review.

Buy the men’s Haglofs LIM: £155 at Alpinetrek.co.uk
Buy the women’s version: £134 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

Montane Featherlite

Our tester Callum using the Featherlight (smock version) in Snowdonia.

Price: £42
Weight: 110g
Type: Windbreaker
Attributes: Lightweight, packable, stretchy, breathable
Best for: Short to medium distances

This jacket is so light and packable, you could tuck it away in a pocket in your shorts and barely notice it’s there. It’s perfect if you just want something that’ll keep the wind off you and provide a touch of warmth when you start out on your run. The water resistance is adequate enough to keep light rain off and it dries quickly too.

The features, as you might expect from such a light jacket, are very light and basic. You get a zipped chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, toggled hem adjustment and a ⅓ length two-way zip for ventilation.

The fabric it’s made from is Pertex Quantum and this has a four-way stretch built into it, meaning the jacket will stretch and adapt to your movements.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100 2021. Read our full Montane Featherlite review.

Buy the men’s Montane Featherlite: £90 at Blacks.co.uk
Buy the women’s version: £90 at Montane.com

Asics Road Winter Jacket

Our team testing the Asics Winter Run Jacket in Lyon, France.

Price: £159
Weight: 350g
Type: Insulated
Attributes: Warm but with ventilation, useful details
Best for: Training runs in sub 5°C conditions

It’s hard to find the perfect insulated jacket for running. So many of the garments we’ve tested feel great at the start of a run but then need to be removed at the first bit of incline once the blood is pumping. This jacket, on the other hand, seems to get the balance just right.

It has carefully zoned panels that bring insulation where you want it and breathability where you want it too. On one of our tests, we comfortably ran 5K at a steady pace in around 5°C temperatures, and didn’t feel the urge to remove it – and didn’t end up in a sweaty mess at the end either. There are some smart touches too, including zipped vents on the shoulder blades (which are easy to undo on the go, not so easy to do back up), glove-friendly zipper tabs, thumb loops and a little slit that lets you view your watch face without having to roll up the sleeve.

It has quite an athletic cut, which allows it to fit well underneath a waterproof shell when required. Some might find that this makes it a little too close fitting though, so sizing up might be required. Asics sizing guide should help you to make the right decision there.

Buy the Asics Winter Run Jacket: £159 at Asics.com
Buy the women’s version: £159 at Asics.com

Berghaus Hyper 140

Price: £190
Weight:164g
Type: Waterproof
Attributes: Lightweight, breathable, protective
Best for: Ultra running, long-distance running

This jacket, which is available in men’s and women’s versions, has been around for a number of years now and it’s become a popular option for ultra runners due to its impressively light weight.

While the 10,000mm waterproof rating of the Hydroshell fabric is decent enough but not particularly staggering, it more than makes up for that in the breathability department with a stated hydrostatic head of 50,000g/m2. That’s pretty phenomenal – up there with many of the premium membrane technologies.

Unsurprisingly, given the Berghaus Hyper 140’s light weight, there’s a very minimal feature set here. You get elasticated cuffs, a low profile hood and two hip height pockets There’s also a small little stuff sack to stow this away in.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100 2021. Read our full Berghaus Hyper 140 review.

Buy the men’s Berghaus Hyper 140: £180 at Berghaus.com
Buy the women’s version: £190 at Berghaus.com

Scott Explorair Light WB

Our tester Raji with a 2021 version of the Explorair Light Windbreaker

Price: £90
Weight: 230g
Type: Windbreaker
Attributes: Lightweight, packable
Best for: Short to medium distances

This lightweight jacket is a windbreaker, not a waterproof. A PFC-free, water repellency treatment (Scott’s in-house treatment known as DRYOzone DWR) ensures the jacket offers some water shedding and protection against light showers, but this isn’t a hard shell designed to keep you dry in torrential downpours. Instead it’s a jacket for windy days that might see a little drizzle or the odd shower.

Everything you’d ideally expect in a windbreaker is present here. You get an adjustable hood, two zippered hand-warmer pockets under flaps, a dropped tail at the back for a bit of extra coverage over the backside, a drawstring-adjustable waist hem, and elasticated wrist cuffs. It is available in sizes extra-small to extra-large in a variety of bold and two-tone colourways.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100 2021. Read our full Scott Explorair Light review.

Buy the men’s Scott Explorair WB: £110 at Scott-sports.com

Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie

The OR Helium Wind Hoody on test during one of our test trips.

Price: £99
Weight: 144g
Type: Windbreaker
Attributes: Lightweight, packable, durable
Best for: Short to medium distances

We loved testing this. It’s light, it’s breathable and it’s also surprisingly hardy too, all thanks to its impressive Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric.

The Helium features a low profile adjustable hood, a zipped chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack (with a carabiner loop to clip the jacket onto the back of your hardness) and an elasticated waist and cuffs that offer a good deal of adjustment, particularly so for such a lightweight jacket. Outdoor Research has also made use of clever laser-cut perforations under the arms to promote airflow.

Don’t expect this to protect you in heavy and prolonged rainfall, but it’ll do what you need it to do in any light downpours.

Chosen for our Outdoor 100. Read our full Outdoor Research Helium Hoodie review.

Buy the men’s OR Helium Hoodie: £65 at Amazon.co.uk

Arc’teryx Squamish Windproof Hoodie

Our tester using the Arc’teryx Squamish on a coastal run.

Price: £127
Weight: 140g
Type: Windbreaker
Attributes: Lightweight, versatile, packable
Best for: Medium to long distances in varied weather

One of the lightest windbreakers on this list, yet also surprisingly durable. The Squamish Hoody is an all arounder for runs in unpredictable or shifting conditions. The minimalist construction may not be for everyone, but we found that the Squamish has just enough features to satisfy most runners, with dual hem adjustments and an adjustable storm hood to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Once that’s achieved, you’ve got yourself a convenient bit of slip-on weather protection that packs down neatly into its own chest pocket.

While not fully waterproof, the Squamish Hoodie performs impressively against a range of weather conditions. The water-resistant build does very well in light rain, and the Tyono 30 nylon proves itself as an extremely effective wind-resistant material, especially for its thinness. Breathable in the heat but a decent insulator in colder climates, this is one of the most versatile running jackets we’ve seen.

Buy the men’s Arc’teryx Squamish Hoodie: £155 at Alpinetrek.co.uk
Buy the women’s version: £160 at Ellis-brigham.com

How To Choose A Running Jacket

The key things to look for? Go for something that’s lighter than 200g, that’s breathable and that will keep the wind out at the very least. It also helps to have at least one pocket to hold a phone and make sure to check that it’s big enough for the model you have.

Hooded or hoodless, waterproof or just water resistant, that stuff’s all down to personal preference and the conditions you plan to venture out in.

Waterproof Running Jackets Versus Non-Waterproof Running Jackets

When choosing a running jacket and working out what type is best for you, the key thing to think about is the kind of situations and conditions you’ll mainly be using it in. If you tend to only run for a short session before returning home and jumping in the shower, do you really need to have waterproof protection? OK you might want it on cold winter days, but in the warmer and milder months, you’re probably going to end up sweaty and clammy in a waterproof and you’d be better off wearing something that’s just water resistant and windproof.

For long-distance running where you’re venturing far away from the warmth of your home or car and running with a running pack, it’s wise to run with a waterproof running jacket, that’s unless you’re absolutely sure there’s not going to be any rain. And if you’re keen to take part in organised trail running marathons or ultra marathons, bear in mind that a waterproof jacket will normally be an essential race requirement.

Other Things To Look For

Pockets are always handy, but too many and the jacket might be on the heavy or flimsy side. In many cases, it’ll be unnecessary to have more than one pocket. Most will have a chest pocket, either on the inside or the outside of the jacket. Those located on the inside will tend to be a safer, drier place to store your phone but the tradeoff is that they can be harder to reach when you’re on the go.

If there’s a hood, check whether it’ll hold and whether there’s a toggle so you can adjust the fit. Some will simply have an elasticated rim, which isn’t often ideal if you’re likely to be using the jacket in very windy conditions. Likewise, check how the cuffs hold as well. Most jackets will simply have elasticated ones but there are options out there with more reliable, albeit heavier, Velcro tabs too.