The Best Running Jackets For Women

There’s no need to resign yourself to the treadmill when the weather turns. If you’ve got the right kit, running outdoors in the wind and rain can still be enjoyable – invigorating, even.

There are other advantages too. Did you know that the rain can stop your body temperature from rising too high, helping you to work harder? I didn’t until Coach spoke to an expert about running in the rain, so with a good-quality running jacket in your wardrobe you may even want to plan your interval runs for when the weather’s wet.

To help you find the most suitable option, you’ll find my top picks below split into water-resistant and waterproof jackets, along with gilets. I've also compiled a buyer’s guide below based on our experience.

If you’re shopping for more running gear, start with our selection of the best women’s running tops, running leggings and running bras, and for seasonal accessories like running gloves, dip into our winter running gear guide. 

How We Test Running Jackets

I’ve been testing women’s running jackets for Coach since 2018, running in them in all conditions to see how breathable they are, and testing how waterproof they are in the rain – or the shower, when the weather does not oblige, although I always have a packable jacket in my backpack when out and about, just in case. 

Contributor Alice Ball has a Boston Marathon qualifying time and has contributed her jacket-testing experiences here, too. 

In order to offer you a wider choice we’ve included some options we haven’t yet had the opportunity to test, but if you see the writer’s initials after the text, you’ll know it’s been tested.

The Best Water-Resistant Running Jackets

I'm a big fan of this lightweight running jacket, which has a hood, secure zipped pockets and small reflective details to help keep you visible to vehicles at night. Windproof and water-repellent, yet highly breathable and pleasant to wear, the jacket packs away into its own zip pocket and there’s a wrist strap that makes it easy to carry while you run. The colour, dubbed dolphin blue, is a welcome change from the usual black or brightly-coloured options. – Camilla Artault

It's easy to see why the Stealth Jacket is one of Nathan’s bestsellers – it’s super-lightweight, comfortable and rustle-free. Even in sub-zero temperatures the jacket kept us warm, and it fits comfortably underneath a body warmer if you require an extra layer of insulation. It has some really neat details: thumb holes in the sleeves, a ponytail port in the hood for those with longer hair, and a hood that can be adjusted at the back for the perfect fit. 

There’s also a secure pocket large enough to store keys, a card or gel, or you can pack the jacket away into that same pocket – we found this handy for when we needed an extra layer after a long run, having stashed it in our hydration vest. The colours are classy and modern too – no garish designs here. – Alice Ball

British brand Montane is known for lightweight and breathable mountain gear. This DWR-treated jacket is 100% windproof and yet highly breathable, so you will stay protected from the elements without getting too sweaty, and vents under the arms also help regulate your temperature. It’s a pared-back, rustle-free jacket with a single zip pocket on the chest. The sleeves have thumb loops and the main zip is backed by a windproof strip to stop draughts getting in. The collar features a soft chin guard, although there’s no hood. The jacket is available in three colours.

This fitted jacket has weatherproof panels where you need them most, and more breathable sections under the arms and across the lower back so you won’t overheat. A high collar and longer sleeves with thumbholes will help keep the wind out, but its trump card is that it can pack away into its pocket, converting into a backpack with adjustable straps. No more running with a jacket flapping about your waist when the sun makes an unexpected appearance.

This windproof and water-repellent jacket is soft and comfortable, and there’s no rustling when you run. The very lightweight fabric is quick-drying with perforated ventilation panels under the arms. The cut is fitted but allows room for layers underneath, and there are two secure zip pockets and thumb loops to keep your sleeves over your wrists. Subtle reflective elements all over help keep you visible to drivers at night.

This isn’t some flimsy layer that might snag on the first brambles it encounters. Under Armour’s lightweight OutRun The Cold shell jacket feels tough and protective. During testing it kept the wind out and stood up to a bit of rain. Although the fabric is breathable, I found it could get a little hot and sweaty on hard runs. The unusual print is certainly eye-catching and there’s a reflective trim on the cuffs and hood. There are two zip pockets, one with a media port so you can listen to music on the go – a good idea because you won’t hear the jacket rustling as you run. – CA

If you regularly run on or near roads after dark, consider making yourself more visible to inattentive car drivers with this jacket. It uses a unique reflective fabric made from millions of tiny glass beads, which becomes startlingly bright when light shines on it. By interspersing lightweight, breathable panels on the inner arms, armpits and back, the jacket still manages to be fairly light (around 6oz/170g, depending on size). I found it got a bit sweaty on harder runs but I liked the way the hem is longer at the back for extra coverage and, like the cuffs, is elasticated to keep the wind and rain out. There are two large, secure zip pockets with plenty of space for your essentials. This jacket won’t win you any fashion contests, but it will certainly keep you visible around cars. – CA

This feather-light water-repellent nylon shell jacket will do battle with the wind and a spot of drizzle. However, its winning feature is that it packs away into a tiny pouch with an elastic strap that makes it easy to carry on a belt or just slipped on your upper arm. While it’s aimed at trail runners, this jacket isn’t one to wear when heading out in a blizzard, but it’s the ideal extra layer to have in your pack on a sunny day just in case the weather turns unexpectedly. – CA

This warm, stylish jacket from On has lightly quilted panels that offer extra insulation in targeted areas and a filling that’s 100% recycled polyester. The stretchy, very breathable fabric is fast-drying, and it has a water-repellent coating that will keep a little drizzle at bay. Your wrists will stay warm thanks to longer sleeves with thumb holes, and zipped pockets keep your essentials stowed securely.

Brighten up a run in gloomy weather with this funky colour-blocked hooded jacket. It’s water- and wind-resistant, and breathable so you won’t overheat. The fit is a little slouchy with a wide elasticated hem, giving plenty of room for layers, and the sleeves are a generous length.

A practical and affordable option, Decathlon’s Kalenji windproof and showerproof running jacket is extremely lightweight. It features taped seams, a detachable hood and reflective detailing. You can also unzip the long ventilation flaps on the side to cool down as you run. It’s not going to keep you dry in a heavy downpour but is a useful layer that will keep the wind and drizzle out.

Best Waterproof Running Jackets

Although I appreciate the flattering cut and comfy figure-skimming fit of the Soar Ultra Jacket, it’s the fabric that really sets it apart from the rest. In this version 3.0, Soar has done away with a membrane entirely – the unique weave keeps the rain out without the need for a membrane. The yarn itself is DWR-treated, and the woven fabric is shrunk before being treated again. The result is an extremely lightweight jacket with unparalleled breathability, which is waterproof in anything but monsoon conditions – it certainly kept me dry in everything the British weather could throw at me. A high collar, a large zip pocket in the small of the back and a drawstring around the bottom edge finish what is possibly the ultimate all-weather jacket. – CA

If you’ve signed up for an ultramarathon, you’ll find the kit requirements include a fully waterproof and breathable jacket with taped seams. With a 20,000/20,000 waterproof/breathability rating, this lightweight Inov-8 jacket ticks those boxes and the stowable peaked hood keeps rain from dripping into your eyes. It has thumb holes in the sleeves, and a secure chest pocket into which the jacket packs for easy storage in your backpack. The bonus? The fabric is soft and pleasant to wear, and it comes in a choice of several jewel colours as well as black.

The 10K rating on this jacket means you’ll stay dry when it’s chucking it down, but it’s also breathable – and with a 2.5-layer construction it will stay that way. As I’ve come to expect from BAM, this is an eco-friendly option: it’s made from 98% recycled materials and the waterproof coating doesn’t use PFC, which can harm ocean life. The jacket has ventilation flaps at the front and back so you don’t overheat, an adjustable hood and high collar, and plenty of zip pockets. It packs away into its own side pocket for easy storage. But it’s that deep teal colour that seals the deal for me. – CA

Billed as a three-in-one, the Tribe Running Morph jacket comes in two pieces – a gilet and a bolero jacket. When worn together these make up a full jacket which cleverly allows for more airflow than a traditional one-piece would. It’s fully waterproof, yet breathable and with a bit of stretch. In a nice change from all the black running jackets around, the Morph jacket comes in a striking aqua colour and has reflective detailing. It boasts zip pockets, a media port, a hood and storm cuffs. This one doesn’t come cheap at £189, but it’s a versatile and stylish item.

This is a tough, lightweight waterproof jacket that’s breathable and made using recycled materials. It has a snug-fitting hood with a high collar and longer sleeves to protect your hands from the elements. There’s also a single mesh pocket in the small of your back that’s accessible only from the inside.

Best Running Gilets

This lightweight, breathable gilet is a useful layer that will keep your core warm without making you feel as if you’re wearing a full jacket. The high neck and lightly elasticated hem will keep the wind at bay, and this gilet is water-repellent so you’ll be able to shake off a light shower. Reflective details front and back help you to be more visible to drivers at night.

For maximum warmth plus freedom of movement, go for a quilted gilet. This one from Sundried is a great choice that doesn’t cost the Earth – in more ways than one. Made with recycled fabrics, it feels soft and looks pretty stylish. There’s a detachable hood, a high collar to keep your neck warm and two zipped pockets. Its elasticated armholes as well as its toggle drawstrings at the hem and the hood will help keep the wind out. It has a water-resistant treatment, so it’ll keep your torso dry in drizzle or sleet. – CA

What To Look For In A Running Jacket

Ideally you want to keep the wind and rain out, without getting too hot and bothered inside your jacket. Water-resistant (showerproof) jackets will keep a bit of drizzle at bay, while a fully waterproof jacket will keep you dry in a downpour, but it’ll be less breathable.

When shopping for a jacket you’ll pay more for the latest technical fabrics that keep you dry and help you avoid overheating. Top-of-the-range jackets will include flat, sealed seams, breathable panels, waterproof zips and so on.

A hood can be useful – it will keep the wind and rain out better than a hat – but if your normal routes cross a lot of roads, beware, because hoods can reduce your peripheral vision.

And if you’re running near roads, staying visible in low light should be a key consideration. Opt for something with reflective elements, while flashy colours and bold patterns can help you be seen from a distance by traffic.

We also think zippable pockets are essential – no-one wants to leave their phone at home, right? – so make sure your chosen jacket has one that’s large enough.

And finally, while any outdoorsy jacket can keep the wind and rain at bay, a running-specific jacket keeps rustling to a minimum and affords you more freedom of movement.