Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Norvan has a well-tailored performance fit, but the loud and crinkly material isn't as soft and comfortable as other competitors. Overall, it's safe to assume softshell jackets are less portable and heavier, while single-layer shells are more lightweight and packable. When your jacket is not required, it needs to pack down to almost nothing so that you can stash it away in your hydration pack. It's an example of great, distinctive 360-degree reflectivity that we wish more companies would emulate. Whether you need a comfortable, breathable layer for casual training runs or a lightweight, protective barrier for rugged mountain adventures, we'll show you what to look for to help you find the best jacket for your needs. Our most visible jacket --by far-- was The North Face Flight Futurelight, with its wrap-around line of reflectivity that runs across the back, down the arm on two sides, and across the chest into the hood. (If you're really looking for a layer that keeps the ounces to a minimum, check out our guide to the best lightweight running jackets.). This fully waterproof running jacket from Columbia is a nice fit and longer than most jackets with reflective detail. However, don't go for too tight a fit, as you want as much freedom of movement as you can. We want to make sure that the contenders we recommend don't impede your actions but rather aid in performance. Most waterproof running jackets fit so tight to the skin that you can't effectively layer with them. If youre looking for the best running jacket for short runs, as an extra layer, then perhaps you dont need to spend the big bucks. While the main purpose of these garments is to protect you from wind, rain, and cold, each model has its own built-in features to enhance the comfort, performance, and convenience of your running experience. The Incendo continues to impress our team of testers due to its solid weather resistance, comfortable form-fitting design, and large side mesh panels that provide excellent breathability. Wed recommend that you wear it without a running vest to ensure that you dont overheat. The secret to its performance is its Gore-tex Shakedry material, which provides reliable wind and water protection in a lightweight single-layer construction. The Incendo wins our top award with its lightweight weather protection and excellent breathability. If you're pounding the city streets a few times a week for an hour at a time, you will probably be fine without a hood. These features are often reserved for higher end jackets, finding them all in this very well priced jacket makes it a strong buy in our book. Both are very light colours so I would avoid wearing this jacket on wet trails as I would fear that it would get covered in mud and would be difficult to clean. On the other hand, if you're looking to do long trail races in the hills and mountains, or multi-day races, having a hood is as wise a choice as having a pair of running gloves. Although the main purpose of these jackets is lightweight protection from the elements, having a pocket or two for your phone, a snack, or some cash is a nice bonus. The cut is loose and comfortable without feeling billowy and can fully unzip without flapping in the breeze, thanks to two front snap closures. It has elastic cuffs and drawcord adjustable waist. It also has elasticated cuffs and waist to stop the wind from penetrating. There is no doubting the waterproofing of the fabric, it rustles like a waterproof coat, but it is almost unfathomably thin, flexible and lightweight for such waterproofing. The chest snap allows the jacket to be unzipped without turning it into a parachute. Alex Foxfield It remains one of the most comfortable jackets we've tried and now competes as one of the lightest and least expensive. The Airshed Pro is one of the most comfortable options that we tested, blurring the line between a shirt and a jacket with its soft, light, and breathable material. A well fitted hood and high front zip means the jacket can quickly envelop you when the weather turns for the worse, so only a small portion of your head is exposed to the elements. This means your choice of jacket often becomes a choice of staying warm or staying dry. The North Face Flight Futurelight has a tough-as-nails build and weather protection that is on par with mountaineering jackets costing twice as much. The high front zip allows you to hide from the elements, though the hood lacks a malleable peak to help project water away from your face that you find on other running jackets. If you don't often find yourself running in the rain, garments like the Salomon Sense Jacket which weighs in at just 80g are a good option. The running jackets we tested span a large spectrum of designs, with varying levels of protection from the elements. Arc'teryx also seems to have a pretty solid understanding that visibility is incredibly important for running jackets. It's important to keep your needs and goals in mind when selecting the right jacket. All trademarks property of their respective owners Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. A good running jacket should also be able to carry items like energy gels and car keys in its interior and exterior zippered pockets. We found this out the hard way while running into the wind in the rain. We've broken down some of the key considerations below: If you are looking for the best running jacket for adventures in all weather conditions, and for long periods of time, then you should up your budget and look for fully waterproof and windproof jackets. All of this comes in a lightweight package that compresses down into its own pocket and with a surprisingly reasonable price tag. Some type of breathable mesh panel system like that found in the Editors' favorite Arc'teryx Incendo Hoody seems to be essential for providing the necessary air movement and breathability for high output activities. The lack of adjustability on the hood also reduces its effectiveness when you're on the move. Built to last with performance to match, this is the kind of product you keep in rotation for years. Autumn Spirit field watch review: about as rugged and reliable as watch can be. The foundation of the Canopy's stellar performance is its DriLayer Seal fabric that is both softer and more flexible than most other jacket materials while still providing an ideal blend of warmth, weather resistance, and breathability. Some waterproof models like the Patagonia Storm Racer and the otherwise-stellar Arc'teryx Norvan SL provide excellent protection from the elements but lack any kind of ventilation system except for unzipping the main zippers. It keeps you warm and more importantly helps you to be seen. The Canopy is an incredibly capable running jacket, especially for its price. We then selected nine of the most promising models to purchase for our head-to-head testing. The Incendo and Norvan impressed due to their tailored fit and body-mapped panels, but their use of non-stretch materials means that those with a less traditional running build may find their slim cut restrictive. The fabric has a reassuring, yet sometimes distracting rustle, akin to a full on waterproof coat so you know it will put up a good fight against the elements. If you are looking for a stylish waterproof at a great price then this jacket is a great option. But if you just need occasional wet weather resistance, and you're willing to sacrifice the higher-end material, and waterproof protection, both the Brooks Canopy and the Arc'teryx Incendo offer warmth and mild weather protection in a similar weight but for a fraction of the price. The Inov-8 Stormshell is as close as it gets to an all-round running jacket. The Flight Futurelight bucks this trend, offering layering room and fantastic water protection while still remaining breathable enough where the jacket doesn't become a sauna. A lightweight hood will help keep you dry if you do find yourself caught out in a shower. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. These jackets are so light that it's easy to forget they're in your running pack until the temps drop and the wind kicks up. When crossing busy roads on street-lit runs, a reflective jacket can be an absolute lifesaver. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Arc'teryx Norvan SL has a lightweight, single-layer waterproof Gore-Tex Shakedry material, the Patagonia Storm Racer is constructed from Patagonia's 3-layer H2No waterproof fabric, The North Face Flight Futurelight is constructed from TNF's in-house Futurelight 3-Layer waterproof fabric, and the Salomon Bonatti WP uses Solomon's 2.5-layer AdvancedSkin Dry fabric. Heavier jackets can usually handle the weather better and may also last longer due to sturdier fabrics, but they will weigh you down more and take up more room in your pack. The lightweight and breathable fabric means this jacket is very easy to wear. Will you need to store things in it or will you be wearing it with a running vest or bag? In the years he's been racing, he's researched, bought, and destroyed literally dozens of jackets. As well as keeping rain out, we demand that the best running jackets also allow sweat to escape. However an experienced, long-distance runner will certainly appreciate all the features that it offers. How can we improve GearLab? Read review: The North Face Flight Futurelight. Overall, however, the Canopy is a versatile, comfortable, and well-priced jacket worthy of consideration. The Brooks Canopy stashed away in its mini-backpack stuff sack. The Airshed packs into a convenient stuff pocket on the back of the hood, and the Incendo's stuff pocket is perfectly sized, with double-sided zipper pulls to make the job of packing and unpacking painless. The Norvan is built with a GORE-TEX Shakedry waterproof membrane, providing excellent weather protection in a 4.6-ounce package. However, this is not the case with running. In addition to the field tests, we measured each jacket's weight and water resistance in controlled environments. This review began with extensive market research, sifting through over 60 of the best running jackets on the market. We purposefully bought some highly-rated jackets that claim both weather resistance and breathability to determine which ones deliver on their claims and which ones fall short. There is a large chest pocket with a drawcord for easy access and the jacket can pack down into this pocket. This jacket is great for people who love the outdoors, be it hiking or trail running. Got feedback? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Other waterproof jackets like the vented Salomon Bonatti WP just couldn't keep up. The jacket has simple yet stylish reflective lines on the front and some smaller lines on the back. Saying that you will need to provide additional ventilation on warmer days and on runs where you are making more effort. This jacket comes in two colour ways; white and opal blue. It folds away into a tiny pocket and can be stored easily. From the best jackets for brutal conditions to the most environmentally friendly choices, theyve testing the finest jackets out there. The best of them will be extremely breathable and will pack away unobtrusively when you or the weather get too warm. This shiny, jet black running jacket from Gore is completely windproof and fully waterproof. We tested each jacket over the course of several months, scored them across five different rating metrics, and weighed each model ourselves. We were pleasantly surprised by several of the new contenders but ultimately found the Arc'teryx Incendo to be worthy of our highest honor. If you're on the hunt for the lightest wet weather jacket that money can buy, this indeed might be it. The Airshed Pro weighs in at 4.5 ounces in a men's size Medium and packs into a built-in stuff sack in its own hood. When you first pick up a jacket you get an immediate sense from the weight and feel of the fabric where its going to sit on the waterproof-versus-weight spectrum, but this jacket has you playing mind games. To evaluate this metric, we tested how each garment moves with the runner and considered the materials and construction. The only real complaint about the Canopy is that it's the least protective of the jackets we tried. Weight and packability, like all other aspects of a jacket, are a balancing act. Helen Conner The Proviz360 is made of millions of tiny, highly reflective glass beads, which reflect light back from vehicle headlights. The best running jackets repel the three main scourges of the winter run: the wind, the rain and the cold. While every runner has a different tolerance for cold weather, when the mercury drops below freezing, we would opt for something warmer with a bit more insulation, like a softshell jacket. Non-waterproof jackets fill a niche as an ultralight and ultra-versatile single layer. We put each jacket through the wringer through a variety of terrain and conditions. Aside from a couple of small logos, there are no other reflective markings, which makes this a jacket best used on traffic free routes and trails if you are running at night. The Flight Futurelight isn't an everyday jacket, to be sure, with its heavier weight and slightly baggier fit. We ask a lot of the best running jackets. , All of these pockets are zippered and mesh, adding a level of security and acting as vents when zipped open. Whether you're a trail runner or prefer to stick to the pavement, our reviews can help you find the necessary goods to get out there. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! And at under 9 ounces, it's light enough that combined even with a mid-layer, it's lighter than many insulated jackets. Water-repellent jackets are usually lighter, much cheaper and stow away more easily than fully waterproof garments. Throughout the last 6 years, our team of experts has tested over 20 of the best running jackets. The Canopy is among the most comfortable competitors with a casual semi-fitted design, and soft, quiet DriLayer Seal material. Both issues can impact your mental performance as well, forcing you to focus on the discomfort of the garment instead of the workout in front of you. With reasonable breathability for such a protective material, the Norvan SL makes a great choice for high output activities in unforgiving conditions. However when worn with a running vest it can get quite hot as this blocks the main mesh panel on the back of the jacket. This stylish running jacket has a tapered fit. He's raced all over the US, from the wet cold of winter on Mount Constitution on Orcas Island to the humid tropics of Florida and from the Anza Borrego desert in southern California to the cold forests of Maine. Fair weather runners may be better served by getting a jacket that is water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof. There is a whole lot of value packed into the Evadict Windproof Trail Running Jacket. For the price, you could buy two or three of most other jackets in this review, some of which will include more features and better versatility. If you're simply on the market for a capable running layer to get you out the door during cooler weather or a light drizzle, this is probably overkill. Besides, the best running jackets go beyond simply shielding us from the harsh elements. When the temperature drops during late summer and early autumn, when you are up early hitting the trails on fresh mornings and increasingly chilly evenings, this is a strong jacket to have with you on your adventures. Similarly, when there's going to be a significant amount of precipitation, we would look to a fully waterproof jacket rather than the water-resistant treatment on this jacket. Where speed is concerned, weight or the lack of it is key. The best running jackets have ventilation zips under the armpits that facilitate the flow of air, reduce condensation and cool you down. Our testing included multiple runs in each jacket through rain, cold, and wind, in urban environments and on the trails, on the flats, and up some serious inclines. Our review takes on two distinct types of running jackets: waterproof and non-waterproof. It also sports one of the most interesting and fast stuff sacks we've seen, converting the entire jacket into a mini backpack in a matter of seconds. He still laces up the running shoes several days a week and keeps in touch with his running roots by volunteering as a track and cross country coach at his local high school. This is a very good value jacket for running, walking and hiking which saves the bank account from a big hit. From the best running shirts to running socks, we've put in the miles. You will receive a verification email shortly. Although all of the jackets we tested claim some level of wind and water resistance, four models are rated as fully waterproof. We compared all the jackets head-to-head based on five separate rating metrics: Breathability and Venting, Weather Resistance, Comfort and Mobility, Portability, and Special Features. For example, if you're looking for the absolute most capable and protective lightweight jacket for wet weather, shelling out hundreds of dollars for our top choice Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoody might make sense and could actually provide pretty good value for this specific use. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We hit the road with jackets from Nike, Brooks, Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and others to help you find the very best. To help you keep cool on the move, when you unzip the jacket you can secure the two sides together three quarters of the way up with a little buttoned tab, which stops the sides flapping around, while at the same time making the jacket nicely breathable. The breathability of the fabric is good and there are additional design considerations such as loose cuffs and hem to provide better air circulation, which you do actually notice and appreciate. We logged some serious miles on the roads and trails to help you figure out which model will work the best for you. The cuffs and hem are close fitting. This means that the garment should be easy to unpack, put on, remove, and re-pack while remaining lightweight on your body or in your backpack. There is stretchable fabric at the cuffs to keep the sleeves in place and allow easy watch usage. The Canopy not only has a ridiculously innovative stuff sack that converts to a backpack, but it's also the fastest-packing jacket we've tested. published 7 October 21, Our selection of the best running jackets for escapades in the woods, hills, mountains or city, whatever the weather. We painstakingly analyzed each model's performance to help you understand what extra value you might get by spending more money or what performance features you might sacrifice to save a few bucks. The amazing Brooks Canopy achieves its breathability via gauze-thin arm and body panels that are mesh in all but name. Some revel in the gnarl, while others would rather do without it. The nine jackets in this review span a surprisingly wide price range. The R7 Gore Tex shakedry has an adjustable hood with a visor to keep the rain off your face, and a drawcord at the waist. GearLab is reader-supported. But for the majority of runs across varying terrain and conditions, nothing matches the lightweight versatility of the Arc'teryx Incendo. Often weighing less than six ounces, they aren't the thing you'd take into a winter storm, but they're perfect for a cool fall run or a cold early race start. Most impressively with these three models is how much performance and protection is offered in such tiny and portable packages. While this certainly offers suitable protection from light drizzle or dew as you brush past trailside plants, these DWR coatings tend to wear off quickly, and any heavy rain will likely permeate these layers rapidly. Looking for a new pair of trail runners? Comfort is certainly a subjective metric, but we found that certain attributes impact a jacket's comfort regardless of the shape, size, or preferences of the user. Reflective materials are a huge bonus at this time of year, when youll likely be out with your headlamps beam bobbing along the trail. You can see the very best running jackets coming, even at night. While these two types provide very different performance levels, we believe they can both prove useful and sometimes necessary in their own right. You want your running jacket to fit snuggly over your base layer, as the rest of your warmth will come from your exertion. From rainy slogs around the neighborhood to windy, exposed trail runs, we put each jacket through its paces across a variety of weather conditions and terrain to push its design features to the limit. There are only a few circumstances in which we might forego the Incendo as our go-to running jacket. The Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoody offers superb all-around weather protection in an extremely lightweight package. Also, there are no reflective details. Our OutdoorGearLab testing team of Nick Bruckbauer and Walt Handloser combined to tackle this review. It's a natural choice for our best value, but with a few more improvements, it could challenge for the top spot overall. Although the soft Drilayer Seal material is quite capable of keeping out the elements, it's not as weather-resistant as some other nylon materials or those with fully waterproof fabric barriers, and its high breathability means it lets through a lot of wind. No ads. The Arc'teryx Incendo, Brooks Canopy, and Patagonia Airshed Pro all top the charts in portability with weights within an ounce of one another and easy-to-use stuff pockets. In the market for a new running shirt? There is a large pocket on the back of the jacket to store your essential items. Most other models in our lineup are constructed from a nylon or polyester material that comes treated with a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating to repel water from the surface of the jacket. Although most of the jackets that we tested aren't fully waterproof, many have an impressive ability to shield you from the wind. The Salomon Bonatti WP stands out in particular with a hood that combines well-placed elastic with an optional forehead wind gasket that could probably keep the hood on through a hurricane. This isnt a winter jacket it is water repellent rather than water resistant. This jacket is made for layering when the weather turns extremely sour. Going for the lighter jacket may buy a few ounces and a few ccs in the short term, but all that weight savings is useless if the jacket isn't good enough to stand up to the weather you'll be facing. Though they're often warmer than non-waterproof jackets, their goal is less warmth and more weather protection. Unfortunately, sometimes even a good vent can rescue the breathability of a bad design, as was the case with the Nike Trail Windrunner. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Like their non-waterproof counterparts, they need to be light and packable, but because they need to keep out rain, they'll also tend to be less breathable and just that much heavier. At a measured weight of 4.6 ounces for a men's size medium, including its nylon stuff sack, there's no better choice for minimalist wet weather protection. Jackets that don't offer adequate breathability can end up feeling like a plastic trash bag, while models with breathable materials, zippered vents, or mesh panels wick moisture away effortlessly. , Light, breathable, comfortable, and feature-packed, it's our go-to cool weather jacket. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. When you want to stow the jacket away, you can stuff it into its own pocket and it will all but disappear. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. We highly recommend this jacket for running at night on colder nights.