Running in the rain can be exhilarating, but only if you have the right gear. There have been some significant gains in sweat-wicking and water-proofing technology since the invention of the poncho, and of all the running jackets on the market, some are more breathable than others and are therefore better suited to running. Durable fabric is also key to a running jacket worthy of your kit. But most importantly, the jacket needs to bring some serious waterproofing to the table along with those other features. Here are seven jackets that fit the bill.
On Running Weather Jacket
The Weather Jacket is feather-light, features sealed zippers and capped sleeves to keep the wind, rain and snow out — yet is still super breathable. The jacket is made from a protective and tear-proof fabric, and the upper portion and sleeves are coated with DWR to keep you dry. The mesh along the inside chest and the lining under the arms allow the jacket to stretch with you and further promotes breathability. While this is on the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s worth the extra coin.
Nike Shield Running Jacket
If you’re looking for a jacket that performs just as well in the snow as it does in the rain, look no further than Nike’s Shield jacket. When paired with a warm mid-layer, the Shield jacket can easily be added on top to keep you comfortable through the harshest of conditions. If you tend to run hot, the vents on the chest and upper back allow plenty of air-flow to cool you down. Small reflective details on the back of the hood and arms keep you safe in low light conditions.
Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket
Ideal for warm and wet weather, the Supernova jacket is Adidas’s finest running jacket. It has all the reflective detailing you could need along the arms for safety. There’s no hood, just a collar, but when zipped up fully, you can easily tuck your chin into the top of the jacket for added protection from the elements. The tail of the coat is slightly longer, which provides a bit of added coverage and protection from the wind and rain.
The North Face Hyperair Gore-Tex Trail Jacket
The North Face Hyperair is a lightweight rain jacket designed for specifically for runners. While it isn’t as breathable as other picks on this list, it’s completely waterproof and will keep you comfortable even in a complete downpour. As the rain falls, you can watch it bead up on the jacket.
Saucony Vigor Jacket
The Saucony Vigor is made from Flexshell fabric, which does an adequate job of blocking out the rain and the wind. Bonded seams and flaps over the pocket zippers mean that anything you toss in there stays dry.
Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket
Designed with trail runners in mind, Arc’teryx’s Norvan offers high-end technical performance thanks to a Gore-Tex C-Knit membrane. The jacket was developed for the conditions of North Vancouver (hence its name). The C-Knit fabric is soft and breathable, while still being guaranteed to keep you dry. The jacket is fairly tapered, so there’s no extraneous fabric. The elasticized hood won’t slip off, and the jacket packs up into itself making it easy to bring along on a run just in case.
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket
The Storm Racer is a slim-fitting jacket made from nylon ripstop fabric and is coated with DWR to keep you dry. The Patagonia logo reflects on the front and back for added safety, and the jacket rolls up into its chest pocket, making storage easy. Plus, with Patagonia’s warranty and repair program, if you ever run into a problem with the jacket, Patagonia will repair it free of charge.
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