The 10 Best Running Jackets, Tested and Reviewed

Size: 0-20

It’s a great three-season jacket for most parts of the country — four if you live in a mild-to-warm climate. As with many jackets, the fabric is the star of the show. Being a waterproof shell it has plenty of stretch, if you’ve tried other windbreakers you know they’re notorious for being stiff. It moves with the body and makes it extremely comfortable to drive. The lightweight and breathable fabric is intended for coverage from the elements rather than warmth, and it does that job well. Beyond the material, the jacket features three zippered pockets, thumbholes, and a hood designed for zero bounce.

Size: XS-3X

We wouldn’t call it cheating, as the fabric and quality are different, but if you think this jacket is a pass for another popular, and much more expensive, style, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. It features a front horn that hugs your curves, two side pockets and a mock neck collar. It’s definitely a contoured fitting jacket but it sits well on the body and doesn’t ride up or cling as you run. The fabric is incredibly stretchy, so it moves with you. We love running in moderate temperatures without rain or snow, but it also makes a great cover-up jacket for walking to the gym or yoga class. Our tester got a lot of use out of it and even said she bought a second one herself after finalizing the test because she was so impressed with the fit and great color selection—repurchase is the best review of all.

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Size: XS-XL

This is the jacket to buy if you want to live out your Nancy Meyers protagonist daydream — walking the breezy, misty shores of Bar Harbor. The ultra-lightweight, breathable fabric is magical—this tissue is thin but tops at blocking wind. The breathable fabric also dries quickly and packs into a pocket—ideal for travel or storage. The hood also has some gussets on the sides that help it conform to your head and stay upright while you run.

Size: S-XXL

If you’re looking for a classic windbreaker, this affordable running jacket is your best bet. With a fully adjustable hood, front, back, and interior pockets and a waterproof exterior, it has the elements you need for a utilitarian jacket. It also has rear ventilation to keep you cool while running. If you want to pack for a special situation, it makes a neat pouch in itself that’s easy to hide. We think the fabric is tougher than the other picks on our list, but if you’re working with a smaller budget, it’s still a good option.

Size: 0-20

We won’t deny that this is an investment jacket, but the quality and features are worth the money. The insulated fabric feels airy, yet plush, and is warmer than you’d think. It can also be a great winter jacket if you don’t live in the deep arctic cold. The insulation is specially designed to stay warm even if it gets wet, and the jacket is water-resistant and windproof. The jacket has two zipped pockets, reflective details, and a ducky that you can zip out to remove the hood, if you wish. It’s also versatile: If we were going on an active vacation in cold weather (Iceland comes to mind) or hiking, this would be the jacket we’d pack too.

Size: XS-XXL

Warriors running early in the morning or late at night will appreciate the reflective features of this jacket. There is silver reflective fabric around the coat as well as high contrast fabric to help you see in the dark. The jacket can also be converted into a vest via its built-in pack, so if your run gets unexpectedly steamy, you won’t be stuck sweating it out. The water-repellent treatment also protects against the elements and makes it faster to walk in wet weather. We scored a point, because while it’s water-resistant, it’s not moisture-wicking—without a long-sleeve layer underneath, this jacket clings to the skin when you sweat.

Size: XS-XL

When it comes to the weather, runners fall into two camps: those who love the rain and those who just want clear skies. If you sit in the former, a solid rain jacket is essential for the run. It’s completely waterproof from Under Armor and actually repels water, while remaining breathable — so your sweaty skin doesn’t get trapped by the fabric. It’s thin enough to wear in most climates, though you may need to bundle up in colder weather, and the two-layer bond fabric makes it more durable. It has a hood and two pockets, and our runner noted that the style washes really well—no sweaty smell here.

Size: S-XL

This jacket is the ideal layering piece. We love that it acts as a shield against the wind—blocks wind and rain without adding light bulk like a windbreaker. There’s a back vent for breathability, a drawstring at the waist for adjustability, and mesh on the collar and sleeves that’s soft against your skin. This option also has storage in spades—two exterior pockets in the front and one in the back to hold a running hat and other gear, plus two interior pockets, including a phone sleeve that’s closed with Velcro. It’s also a great jacket for early morning runs—both color options are neon with 14 points of visibility.

Size: XS-XXL

This jacket received excellent scores in the Fit and Comfort category. It’s true to size with plenty of flexibility on the sides for movement and running—one runner even called it the best fit of a jacket she’s tried. It’s very comfortable with insulating material that isn’t too bulky, nor does it make you feel like a walking marshmallow. There’s plenty of storage for your gear with five different sized pockets. The major oversight on this jacket was the lack of reflection. With black being the main color option, we wish it had been included here as well.