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
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
