“Rain or sweat, you’re going to get wet,” is the adage we use before heading out for a run in the rain at Runner’s World HQ. But that doesn’t mean you should shirk coverage or give up entirely on keeping dry during a workout. A good running jacket should keep out moisture, protect you from wind gusts, and allow airflow while recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent DWR finish.
There are materials to consider, along with weather ratings that depends on your needs and personal preference. Jacket features—like zippers and toggles—shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping for a protective shell, either. You don’t have to prove anything to us, but if you wish to brave the elements—or just act like a kid and jump in puddles—here’s our guide on how to pick the best rain jacket for you and which rain jackets we tested that runners loved.
recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent DWR finish
- Best Overall: recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent DWR finish
- Best Value: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
- Best Lightweight Jacket: Lightweight and breathable
- Warmest Jacket: Best Packable Jacket
- Best Packable Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
What to Consider
XS to XXL M, XXS/00 to XL/16-18 W
All of the jackets on this list were tested by Runner’s World staff. From humid, overcast days to rainy runs, our editors logged miles noting the jackets’ breathability, range of motion, and if it made that distracting swish-swish noise. Our testers even subjected themselves to shower-testing when we had dry spells in our valley located in eastern Pennsylvania. They noted how long it took for water to soak through and if any controlled droplets seeped in.
Our editors will continue jacket testing throughout the season, duly reporting on which are the best lightweight shells and which keep the water out. We’ve included a range of waterproof jackets to lightweight weather-resistant jackets, and noted their weatherproofing and layers ratings to help you shop smarter.
Full Reviews
Weatherproof Jackets
recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent DWR finish
Pros
- Fast-drying lightweight ripstop fabric
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
- Pockets for plenty of storage
Cons
- Best Lightweight Jacket
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% nylon with DWR water repellency |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | S to XL (M), XXS to XXXL (W) |
News Editor Theo Kahler had tested out the Brooks Canopy for us, and while he appreciated the jacket’s wind resistance he was dismayed how drenched he became on a rainy long run. “The material just doesn't really repel water,” he said. “For comparison, I would choose my Janji Rainrunner over this every time.” You know a jacket’s special when a runner uses it as his standard.
Besides the rotating color palette and patterns to look forward to every season (Janji chooses locations the world over, collaborating with local artists on its apparel’s graphics), there are so many functional features we love about the Rainrunner. For one thing, it’s waterproof and breathable. The back has layered slits for ventilation, promoting airflow so you won’t get too swampy in warmer weather or when building up a sweat.
The Rainrunner’s lightweight ripstop fabric is treated with C0-DWR water repellency and has fully taped seams for water resistance. Two zippered pockets have nylon pulls for easy closure, and an inset mesh sleeve in the left pocket is wide enough to store your phone so it doesn’t bounce. You can pack down the jacket into one of the packets for easy storage.
Our tester liked the sleek fit of the jacket, saying it didn’t flap on runs. While the vents provided air circulation around his core, he did wish there were vents along the sleeves.
“While temp regulation is decent in the midsection of the jacket, it does get a bit moist in elbows and pit areas of the jacket,” he said. “Could benefit from micro perforations or venting in those areas.”
On the other hand, Senior Reviews Editor Cat Bowen said, “I’ve run ultras in sideways Scottish rain in this jacket. It’s perfect. No notes. 10/10.”
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Pros
- Bargain price for quality water-repellent tech
- a jacket that is weatherproof. Our staff is currently testing
- Good size range
Cons
- Some reviewers note the fabric still gets wet
Features at a Glance
| Material | DWR-coated ripstop nylon, Pertex waterproof membrane |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | S to XXXL (M), XXS to 4X |
Our test team has worn this jacket through snowstorms, high-elevation deluges, and other suboptimal trail-running conditions, and found it to be a capable ally when the forecast makes a turn for the worse. The jacket features a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield membrane that serves as a one-way valve for liquid: it completely blocks out precipitation while venting sweat vapors.
At 6.3 ounces for a men’s medium, it’s barely heavier than a wind jacket and it has more built-in protection from the elements. An adjustable hood, cinchable hem, and elastic cuffs help further seal out water. If you need to pack it down, the Helium stuffs into its own zipper chest pocket, where you can carry it via an included carabiner loop.
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Pros
- Races - Places
- Waterproof membrane kept testers dry under a natural downpour for 15 minutes
- The Best Running Gear on Amazon According to Our Team
- What to Consider
Cons
- The material around the cuffs isn’t waterproof
- Only two pockets
Features at a Glance
| Material | Gore-Tex ePE membrane, 100% nylon, recycled material |
|---|---|
| Layers | 3L |
| Weatherproofing | The Best and Most Comfortable Running Socks Tested |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (M), XXS/00 to XL/16-18 (W) |
On its product page, Gorewear boasts its Gore-Tex ePE membrane has “nine billion pores per square inch, each pore 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water but 700 times larger than water vapor.” A 2023 ISPO award gives credence to the Concurve’s capabilities, but as with any product we test—award-winning or not—we had to put it to the ultimate test.
While the jacket performed well during drizzly runs, we had to test it under a controlled “downpour.” Editorial assistant Michael McDonough wore his jacket in the shower where he could change his water pressure from low to high, simulating a light drizzle to downpour.
“The Concurve GTX is billed as waterproof, and while brands will make this claim about a lot of products, the jacket follows through with the designation pretty well!” he said. “The Concurve kept the underlayer of clothes completely dry during light rain runs and almost fully dry when tested under the deluge of a bathroom shower.”
However, McDonough noted, it’s not perfect. Small spots along the wrists and the front pocket got saturated during his test. The front likely got wet because of the small gaps in his collar and standing right under a torrent of water. The tall collar and hood, along with the Concurve’s slim fit, prevents this leakage from happening in a real run setting.
While water didn’t leak in, the stretchy material on the wrists “got saturated with water pretty quickly,” according to McDonough. Oddly, the material around the wrists isn’t waterproof like the rest of the jacket.
“Granted, it didn’t allow water to slip into the sleeve and the rest of the jacket, but I wasn’t a fan of wet wrists, especially if that would lead to potential chafing during long rainy runs.”
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Pros
- What to Consider
- The Canopy is a part of marathon history. Brooks-sponsored athlete and olympian
- Reflective detail
Cons
- Fits a little tight in the shoulder area, which can be distracting during a run
- Seams can cause itching on the chest for sensitive runners
Features at a Glance
| Material | nylon, lycra elastane, polyurethane, recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Layers | 3L |
| Weatherproofing | The Best and Most Comfortable Running Socks Tested |
| Sizes | XXXS to XL |
The Cross Chill is on the heavier side compared to the other jackets on this list. We began testing mid-fall, when the weather in Pennsylvania is as fickle as 38 degrees in the morning to almost 80 in the afternoon. Despite these conditions, our testers found short stretches of cold temperature testing. One thing they loved, however, was the quality of the Cross Chill.
”Right away it’s a wow jacket,” said Senior Designer Eleni Dimou. “It looks and feels expensive and it’s sharp, especially the matte black. It has a flattering form fit and thumbholes! The fleece is well done–super soft and pretty.”
The Cross Chill, with its fleecy backing, kept testers warm throughout their run—and dry.
The material—Lululemon's waterproof SoftSeal fabric—made the water beads off so satisfyingly and the jacket stayed completely dry,” said Dimou. “The material is pretty thick but soft and flexible and has a stretch to it. It shields you from the rain, wind and cold.”
There were some hangups, however. The Cross Chill, while form-fitting and flexible, was a little tight in the shoulder area, which affected range of motion on runs. The hood, which is adjustable, stayed up but only when the jacket was completely zipped.
For a men’s option, the brave the elements is also available.
Weather-Resistant Jackets
Pros
- Very lightweight
- XS to XXL M, XS to XXL W
Cons
- Only one pocket
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish |
|---|---|
| Layers | 1L |
| Weatherproofing | Water-repellent |
| Sizes | XS to XXXL (M), XS to XXL (W) |
Though not weatherproof, the Houdini does its magic serving as a lightweight shell on misty runs and cool days. The jacket has some water resistance with a DWR water repellent finish. Our testers liked its slim fit. “One of my favorite things about the jacket was how light it was,” said hype editor and tester Ashley Tysiac. “I hate when running jackets are too bulky and distracting; instead, the Patagonia Houdini was so light that at times I forgot it was there. It was not distracting at all, and the range of motion was pretty good. I didn’t feel constricted while running.”
The Houdini has one sole chest pocket, which the jacket packs down into when you want to store it. We loved how the jacket packed down to the size of a pencil case. Said another tester, “The absolute best feature of this jacket is its packability! It’s an absolute travel hack or the perfect travel companion since it takes up virtually no space in lockers, bags, backpacks, luggage, etc.”
That one chest pocket, however, also fell into the dislike column. Our testers wanted more pockets for storage.
“Having even one extra pocket would make it more feasible to stick your phone, gels, etc. in there and not have to utilize a running belt or pocketed shorts while wearing the jacket,” said Tysiac. “The one, tiny pocket on the chest could only fit my keys, which was disappointing.”
Still, we love the Houdini when the air has a little chill and there’s a small chance of rain.
Editor’s Note: We’ll be updating this guide with the Patagonia Storm Chaser, a jacket that is weatherproof. Our staff is currently testing.
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Oiselle Reflective Vim Jacket
Pros
- Pockets for plenty of storage
- The Best Comfy Walking Shoes for Wearing Every Day
Cons
- No back pocket (to distribute weight)
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% nylon |
|---|---|
| Layers | 1L |
| Weatherproofing | Water-resistant and Wind-resistant |
| Sizes | heading out for a run in the rain |
The Vim is a Oiselle fan fave for its feathery lightness and style. This edition has reflective strips down the back, front and cuffs so you can’t be missed in low light. A hem toggle adjusts its already sleek fit. The adjustable hood also has a toggle to tighten the opening so it stays up on blustery days.
We love the packability of this jacket because not only does it bunch down into a front pocket, it also has an elastic armband so you don’t have to run with a bulge in your shorts pocket, or grip the little pack in your hand.
“Great range of motion,” said a tester. “It's very lightweight and easy to store and it could fit in the back pocket of my hydration vest if I needed it to.”
Pros
- Lightweight, semi-fitted
- Thin material doesn’t cause you to overheat as much as other jackets
- Packable, but does wrinkle
Cons
- Too thin for cold conditions
- Best for Visibility
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% rip-stop polyester DriLayer Sealed fabric, DWR coating |
|---|---|
| Layers | 1L |
| Weatherproofing | Water-resistant and Wind-Resistant |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (M), XS to XXL (W) |
The Canopy is a part of marathon history. Brooks-sponsored athlete and olympian Des Linden crossed the finish line wearing the jacket at the 2018 Boston Marathon, ending a 33-year-old drought of no American woman winning the title.
It’s more of a windbreaker than rain jacket, but we love it for its semi-fitted silhouette, lightweight material, and packability. “I wore it on a very windy hike up the Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks and I thought the wind resistance was amazing,” said jacket tester and Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá.
“Because it is lightweight, you don't overheat too much, even when running in warmer conditions,” said tester and News Editor Theo Kahler. “I wore it for an hour-long run in very rainy conditions where the temperature was in the 60s. I didn't feel like I was overheating.”
However, Kahler did note that he became saturated during that hour-long run in the rain, proving this jacket’s limitations in wetter conditions. (Though that didn’t deter Linden from taking home the gold.)
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Q&A
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
