Best Running Jackets of 2024

After extensive testing, the iRunFar team offers suggestions for the best jackets for any running situation.

By on March 26, 2024 | Comments
Best Running Jackets - testing the La Sportiva Koro Jkt -feature image

Hybrid jackets, like the La Sportiva Koro Jkt, were a favorite option for cold morning runs. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Whether you need extra warmth during a cold winter run, shielding from the wind on a high ridgeline traverse, or protection from the rain on a wet run, having the right jacket is key. The best running jacket will have the right level of insulation to help keep your core temperature warm without overheating, breathe well to prevent sweat buildup, and can make cold- or foul-weather runs much safer and more comfortable.

The iRunFar team has been running in jackets of all types in nearly every climate imaginable. From using a light windbreaker to ward off a morning chill to having insulated jackets to carry on cold romps through high peaks, we tested some of the best running jackets available from the California coast and hills to the high San Juan mountains of Colorado to the rainy and damp U. S. Pacific Northwest to sandstone canyons of central and southern Utah to determine which jackets were best under various conditions. Some of the jackets in this guide have been go-to favorites for our team members for years, with countless miles running in adverse conditions with them and others being newly tested. We evaluated various jackets based on their waterproofness, comfort, style, breathability, and durability so that we can help you make the best choice for your jacket needs.

Our team loved the versatility of the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody as an all-around running jacket for cold conditions and also tested an array of windbreakers for warding off a little bit of chill. The Patagonia Houdini Jacket remains an iRunFar favorite windbreaker.

For more background information, see our buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions below the picks.

Best Running Jackets

Best Running Jackets - Outdoor Research Helium in the Wind River range

Meghan Hicks of iRunFar tests a rain jacket in the Wind Rivers of Wyoming. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Overall Running Jacket: Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody ($299)

Best Running Jackets - Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody - product photo

Pros:

  • Highly breathable
  • Lightweight
  • A perfect blend of insulation, stretch, and breathable materials in the correct spots

Cons:

  • Expensive

When it comes to cool weather running, you can trust the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody to keep you warm and comfortable. This partially insulated jacket is perfect for high-effort runs when it’s cold outside or more mellow jogs in merely chilly weather. The synthetic insulation, strategically placed throughout the jacket, will keep you warm even if it gets a little damp from sweat, and the polyester shell is highly breathable to keep you dry. Patagonia’s R1 Knit paneling makes up the non-insulated sides and back of the jacket. This highly breathable and quick-drying fabric makes it more comfortable to wear a pack during cold conditions without getting too sweaty underneath it. The jacket’s hood is easy to get on and off, and two zippered pockets can hold small items or provide extra warmth for your hands. Weighing just 11.8 ounces (335 grams), this jacket is light enough to stuff in a pack when you’re not using it.

We’ve been testing this jacket for about a year and have logged hundreds of miles. And it continues to be our go-to pick. The combination of well-placed insulation, breathability, and stretch just makes it an excellent option for high-output winter activities (like running). We really love how the insulation helps keep the core warm — especially on windy days — and the back fleece panel wicks moisture while also helping offload excess heat. It’s a highly thought-out and well-designed piece of incredibly versatile gear.

And regarding environmental considerations, Patagonia has always been a leader in the outdoor industry. This jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and the company is part of the 1% for the Planet program, where part of its profits are donated to organizations working to preserve the environment. The shell of this jacket is made of 100%-recycled polyester and has a perfluoride compound (PFC)-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating, a more environmentally friendly option than previous options for adding water resistance to a jacket. The insulation is also made up of 93%-recycled polyester.

Weight: 11.8 ounces (335 grams) | Shell material: 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a PFC-free DWR finish | Insulation material: 93% recycled 40-gram FullRange polyester | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid HoodyShop the Women's Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody

Best Overall Running Jacket – Runner-Up: La Sportiva Koro Jkt ($139)

Best Running Jackets - La Sportiva Koro Jkt - product photo

Pros:

  • Highly breathable
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent stretch and insulation

Cons:

  • It could be a slimmer fit

Another hybrid insulated jacket, the La Sportiva Koro Jkt, is ideal for cold-weather runs where breathability is paramount. Made of entirely recycled materials, it’s a jacket that you can feel good about owning. The insulation on the front of the jacket is a blend of Primaloft Thermoplume insulation and 100%-recycled polyester, while the rest of the jacket, including the hood, is made of a stretchy fabric that breathes well and minimizes sweat buildup. The jacket has a PFC-free DWR coating, making it water-resistant and able to protect if you get caught out in an unexpected shower. Two outer pockets protect cold hands, and two internal pockets can hold smaller items like keys and nutrition.

Can you tell we’re suckers for versatile and hybrid jackets? The key difference between the La Sportiva Koro and Patagonia Hybrid is the support material around the insulated fabric. Patagonia employs its R1 fleece, while La Sportiva features an ultra-stretch polyamide and elastane material (think like your favorite softshell jacket). We like both but found the La Sportiva was better at resisting wintry precipitation. Neither jacket is waterproof, so we recommend a shell if you’re out in some serious weather. But if a drizzle or snow is common for your winter running, opt for the Koro.

Weight: 12.6 ounces (358 grams) | Shell material: Polyamide and Elastane | Insulation material: Primaloft Insulation ThermoPlume; 100% Recycled Polyester | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

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Best Overall Running Jacket – Runner-Up: Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket ($180)

Best Running Jackets - Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Well-placed insulation that is surprisingly warm
  • Very warm without much (if any) bulk

Cons:

  • Those running in frigid temps will want something warmer.

The combination of the warmth provided by the Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket and its light weight made it a favorite winter running jacket. At just 220 grams, this is one of the most lightweight insulated jackets we tested. The Polartec Alpha synthetic insulation is placed in key locations along the front and back of the jacket, and the underarms and side are made of stretchy fleece to help shed heat and moisture and provide a comfortable fit. The hood, attached to a high collar, fits snugly and offers ample protection from the elements. The two hand pockets provide storage options for snacks, keys, or other small items.

This jacket is deceiving in a good way. It looks—and feels—like not much more than a windbreaker, but the strategically placed Polartec Alpha insulation is surprisingly warm. We liked how the jacket felt, and it’s lightweight while also doing an excellent job of keeping us warm on runs dipping into the low 40s. If temps get much lower than that, we suggest opting for the La Sportiva Koro or Patagonia Hybrid. But this jacket is an incredibly versatile and comfy jacket for runs.

This jacket comes in European sizes, which tend to run slightly smaller and slimmer than American sizes. Be sure to check out the sizing chart to find the right size, and consider sizing up if you want to wear extra layers under this jacket.

Weight: 7.8 ounces (220 grams) | Shell material: Pertex | Insulation material: Partially recycled Polartec Alpha synthetic fill | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha JacketShop the Women's Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket

Best Windbreaker: Patagonia Houdini Jacket ($109)

Best Running Jackets - Patagonia Houdini Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Ultralight
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Noisy when in motion

A long-time favorite amongst ultrarunners, the Patagonia Houdini Jacket has earned a reputation for being an ultralight jacket option that provides a lot of protection for what it is. If you look around at an ultra’s early morning start line, you will likely see many people wearing this jacket. A lot of the weight savings come from this jacket having very few extra bells and whistles. It has a single front pocket, just big enough to carry a few small items like a credit card or gel, and elastic on the cuffs to keep heat sealed in and the sleeves in place while running.

One of the much-appreciated features of this jacket is the large adjustable hood. It can be cinched down to fit snugly around a bare head, but it is also large enough to fit over nearly any type of hat, as well as climbing or cycling helmets.

This jacket reflects Patagonia’s commitment to environmentally friendly production practices. It is made of 100% recycled nylon ripstop, and the DWR coating is PFC-free, a much healthier option environmentally than coatings that contain perfluoro compounds. The iRunFar team named this jacket the best overall windbreaker in our Best Windbreaker Jackets guide.

Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 grams) | Shell material: 1.2-ounce 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a PFC-free DWR finish | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Patagonia Houdini JacketShop the Women's Patagonia Houdini Jacket

Best Windbreaker — Runner-Up: Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket ($139)

Best Running Jackets - Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Incredibly lightweight and packable
  • Great value for the cost

Cons:

  • Less durable than some other jackets
  • Shiny material may not suit all tastes

When all you need is a light windbreaker to ward off the chill of a cool morning or one that you can toss in your pack or pocket in case you get cold while out on the trail, the lightweight Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket is a great option. Weighing a mere 72 grams and compressing to nearly nothing, this jacket is made of thin seven-denier fabric but is still durable enough to withstand use in the mountains. While shiny, the fabric doesn’t make much noise during movement.

Surprisingly, even though this jacket weighs next to nothing, it has two outside pockets for hands and an inner pocket for securing small items. The hood has pull tabs to tighten it for a secure fit, and elastic around the wrists keeps the sleeves down. The underarms have small vents to help with body temperature regulation. A DWR coating provides water resistance, but this jacket doesn’t work as a full rain jacket.

Weight: 2.5 ounces (72 grams) | Shell material: 7-denier ripstop nylon | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Montbell Tachyon Hooded JacketShop the Women's Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket

Best Windbreaker – Runner-Up: Hoka Skyflow Jacket ($118)

Best Running Jackets - Hoka Skyflow Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Reasonably priced
  • It has good breathability and packs down small

Cons:

  • Not much more than a windbreaker, so it won’t work for colder temps (unless you layer a ton underneath and use it purely as a shell)

The Hoka Skyflow Jacket is a lightweight windbreaker notable for how quiet it is when in motion. Like other lightweight wind jackets, this one keeps the extras to a minimum to save weight. The 100% nylon jacket weighs in at a scant 3.7 ounces. The nylon ripstop material is durable and water-repellant, and it can provide some level of protection from light rain. A single zippered chest pocket is the only storage but can carry small essentials. It also serves as a storage pouch for the jacket when it’s not in use. The hood is adjustable with a single bungee cord.

Like Patagonia’s Houdini, this jacket is best served in conditions that just need extra protection from the wind or light precipitation. It’s an excellent jacket to stash in your hydration pack, running belt, or waistline. It won’t add much warmth, but it will add some emergency protection in a pinch.

In the end, this is a simple and functional jacket that you can toss into your pack as a just-in-case windbreaker and forget about until you need that extra little bit of warmth during your run, whether it’s a 30-minute daily jog or a longer outing in the mountains.

Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 grams) | Shell material: 100% Nylon | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

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Best Windbreaker – Runner-Up: Ultimate Direction Aerolite Wind Jacket ($170)

Best Running Jackets - Ultimate Direction Aerolite Wind Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Highly ventilated
  • Good fit adjustability

Cons:

  • Heavier than other windbreakers
  • More expensive than other options

While many windbreakers are designed to be as lightweight as possible at the expense of extra features, the Ultimate Direction Aerolite Wind Jacket adds a little bit of weight and a lot of functionality. The 5.3-ounce jacket isn’t heavy by any means, and the extra vents on the front increase its breathability significantly to keep you from getting sweaty. Unlike the other windbreakers in this guide, this one has a drawcord hem to keep heat in and provide fit adjustability. The hood also has an elastic cord for increased security and warmth, and the sleeve cuffs are also elastic.

The polyamide material is windproof and treated with a DWR coating for water resistance. If you’re looking for something slightly more comfortable and protective than the lightest of light windbreakers, this one is a great option.

Weight: 5.3 ounces (150 grams) | Shell material: Polyamide, Elastane | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

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Best Rain Jacket: Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket ($299)

Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket - Product Photo

Pros:

  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Good fit for running
  • Planet-friendly

Cons:

  • Could have better breathability

We were big fans of Patagonia’s mountain running rain jacket, and the brand’s newest version of the Storm Racer Jacket also doesn’t disappoint. Runners familiar with the previous version of this classic will immediately notice the new placement of the zipper. Instead of the side zips, built to access a running vest or hydration pack, this version has the traditional placement of the zipper right down the chest and abdomen. We like the improvement. We also love the fit of this jacket, which is slimmer and better for cutting through rain and avoiding the boxy feel many rain jackets have. This jacket also has semi-elastic wrist cuffs, an elastic hood that does a good job of wrapping around your head, and a drawstring at the bottom to help seal around your waist. The Storm Racer packs into its own pocket. It takes some work to get it stuffed back in, but the benefit of that is it’s compact, and you can easily carry it in your hand, running vest, or belt.

And since it’s Patagonia, you know a concerted effort has gone into making this product as planet-friendly as possible. Patagonia employs its H2No technology, which features 100% recycled ripstop polyester, a comfy tricot backer, and PFC- and PFAS-free waterproofing. Our one qualm is it could be more breathable as we sweated out a bit during some runs in warmer Southern California storms. But it’s still nearly impossible to find a truly waterproof shell breathable enough for higher-output activities like running.

Weight: 7.2 ounces (204 grams) | Shell material: 100% recycled ripstop nylon, 7-denier tricot backer | Waterproofness: H2No (PFC- and PFAS-free DWR treatment)

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Best Lightweight Insulated Running Jacket: Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket ($240)

Best Running Jackets - Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • A highly versatile jacket that stuffs into its own pocket
  • Body mapping insulation warms where you need it

Cons:

  • Runs small, size up

When winter shows up, and temperatures drop, a jacket like the Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket can ensure you can stay warm on your outdoor runs. The jacket is designed with breathability in mind and only insulated around the core with recycled Dynamic Eco insulation. The outer layer of this jacket, including the sleeves and hood, is made of Featherlite air nylon stretch material. The partial insulation of this jacket keeps moisture at bay and saves on weight. The hem is adjustable, and the elastic on the cuffs traps heat effectively. Two hand pockets can be used to warm your hands or to store small items, and they double as a stuff sack for the jacket so that it’s easy to store in your pack when you don’t need it.

This super versatile jacket is ideal for cold days with low moisture or precipitation. It has plenty of stretch and solid breathability. Like other hybrid jackets we tested, the Fireball Nano does an excellent job strategically placing warmth where you need it, making it an even more versatile piece of gear. We also found this jacket excellent for fastpacking and backpacking as it stuffs into its own pocket and is supremely light weight.

This jacket’s fit runs slimmer than others, so it’s worth checking the sizing chart and sizing up if you’re between sizes or want to have the flexibility to add layers underneath.

Weight: 7.9 ounces (224 grams) | Shell material: 90% Featherlite Air nylon, 10% Polyurethane | Insulation material: Recycled 40 grams/meter2 Dynamic Eco Insulation | Waterproofness: Not listed

Shop the Men's Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket

Best Medium-Weight Insulated Jacket: The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0 ($240)

Best Running Jackets - The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0 - product photo

Pros:

  • Lightweight and packable
  • One of TNF’s best insulated jackets
  • Works well for fastpacking and backpacking

Cons:

  • A slim cut is not ideal for all
  • It is not necessarily a running-focused jacket, but it is good to have on hand

A long-time favorite jacket of the iRunFar team, The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0 is a lightweight, packable, and warm-for-its-weight insulated jacket. It’s made of 100% recycled materials and has a unique quilted pattern not seen in many other jackets. To make this jacket as environmentally friendly as possible, The North Face used a PFC-free DWR finish to make the jacket water-repellent to provide more protection if caught in a rain shower. Luckily, the synthetic insulation is warm even when wet.

Two zip hand pockets are great for warming cold hands and storing small items. The jacket also stuffs into these pockets for easy storage in a pack when not in use. A secure chest pocket is an excellent spot for keys, a gel, or any other small item.

This women’s version of this jacket is cut relatively slim compared to other similar jackets, but it comes in plus sizing options.

Weight: Not listed | Shell material: 20-denier 38 gram/meter² 100%-recycled nylon with non-PFC DWR finish | Insulation material: 11 gram/foot² ThermoBall™ Eco 100% post-consumer recycled polyester | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0Shop the Women's The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0

Best Medium-Weight Insulated Running Jacket: Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket ($210)

Best Running Jackets - Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Recycled materials
  • The under-arm perforated vents do a good job of dumping heat
  • A versatile jacket good for many outdoor sports

Cons:

  • It is not necessarily a running-specific piece, but we found it suitable for the sport anyway

Derived from the idea of standing up to variability, the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket is an option that can handle a multitude of weather conditions. Lightweight and warm, it scrunches down to about the size of a large grapefruit, making it an ideal companion for runs where you might not need to have it on for the entire time.

Unlike many of the other jackets in this guide, the hood of this one is insulated, providing extra warmth in colder conditions. Under-arm perforated vents help with dumping excess heat, and the insulation is placed strategically around the torso to avoid the hottest areas and assist with body temperature control.

The jacket has 50% recycled 3DeFX insulation that stretches and makes the jacket comfortable throughout the range of motion needed for running. It’s also incredibly warm for its weight. A DWR coating makes the 20-denier nylon shell water-resistant.

The athletic cut of this jacket makes it slimmer than some. Be sure to check the sizing chart, especially if you’ll use this jacket in conditions where you’ll want extra layers. Tall sizing is also available with a longer torso and sleeves. Elastic cuffs add to the jacket’s sleek look and comfort, and two hand pockets can store your small items.

Weight: 9 ounces (255 grams) | Shell material: 20-denier ripstop nylon | Insulation material: 50% recycled 3DeFX insulation | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Outdoor Vitals Vario JacketShop the Women's Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket

Best Insulated Jacket for Trailheads: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody ($360)

Best Running Jackets - Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody - product photo

Pros:

  • Very light for its warmth
  • Compressible

Cons:

  • Expensive

While down jackets are generally shied away from in the running world due to down losing their insulating properties when wet, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody is worth having on hand as an everyday trailhead and even fastpacking jacket. It’s an incredibly warm jacket for its weight, and multiple iRunFar testers frequently use it on fastpacking trips as a camp and early morning layer when starting for the day.

The outer shell is made of 10-denier ripstop nylon, making it durable for everyday life. It also has a DWR finish for water resistance. The 800-fill down insulation is Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified. Two hand pockets are great for warmth, and the jacket packs into them for easy storage. Since down is more compressible than synthetic insulation, this jacket gets smaller than the other insulated jackets in this guide.

Elastic on the hood and cuffs keep the jacket in place and increase its warmth, and the final baffles on each of the arms, a traditionally sweaty area, are filled with synthetic insulation to combat heat loss due to moisture, a thoughtful detail.

Weight: 7.8 ounces (221 grams) | Shell material: 10-denier ripstop nylon with DWR finish | Insulation material: 800-fill RDS-certified down insulation Certified by Control Union | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 HoodyShop the Women's Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody

Best Reflective Running Jacket: L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket ($99)

Best Running Jackets - L.L. Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Great visibility
  • Good pockets

Cons:

  • Very bright during the daylight
  • Sleeves very long

When visibility is a top priority during cooler- and cold-weather runs, nothing is quite as bright as the L.L.Bean Bright Multisport Jacket. Named appropriately, this jacket doesn’t just use reflective hits to ensure it’s seen at night; the whole thing is just plain bright. For this reason, it was the top choice for a jacket in the iRunFar Best Reflective Running Gear guide. In addition to its hi-viz color, which makes it an excellent option for running on roads in the daylight as well, it also has 14 points of reflectivity for even more visibility at night.

The 50-denier polyester is quite warm and will create a comfortable microclimate for you when it’s cold out. A back vent releases excess heat, though our tester found they still got hot running in this jacket when it wasn’t straight-up cold out. The DWR coating allows it to shed light precipitation as well. The drawcord on the hem allows for adjustability, and two front and one rear pocket provide plenty of storage. There are also two interior pockets, one big enough to hold a phone and secured with Velcro.

Our only gripe with this jacket is that the sleeves, designed for cycling, are slightly longer than we’d like.

Weight: Not listed | Shell material: 50-denier polyester with a DWR coating | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport JacketShop the Women's L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket

Best Budget Running Jacket: Montbell Wind Blast Hooded Jacket ($89)

Best Running Jackets - Montbell Wind Blast Hooded Jacket - product photo

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Warm

Cons:

  • Less compressible than other options

Not everyone wants an expensive top-of-the-line jacket to run in the cold, and the Montbell Wind Blast Hooded Jacket is an excellent option for those looking for something simple yet functional. This hooded windbreaker is reasonably priced and has many of the same features as other jackets in this guide, including three pockets and a drawstring to adjust the hem. The 40-denier nylon shell with a water-repellent coating is durable, warm, and compresses to a reasonable size. A little heavier than some of the other non-insulated jackets in this guide, it’s still an excellent option for most situations. Vents on the underarms release heat and help with temperature control. The hood fits easily over a head, and two adjustment points make it easy to cinch it down in bad weather.

Weight: 5.6 ounces (160 grams) | Shell material: 40-denier nylon taffeta with a water-repellent finish | Waterproofness: Water-resistant

Shop the Men's Montbell Wind Blast Hooded JacketShop the Women's Montbell Wind Blast Hooded Jacket

Comparing the Best Running Jackets

JACKET NAME PRICE WEIGHT MATERIAL WATERPROOFING
Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody $299 11.8 ounces Recycled polyester PFC-free DWR coating
La Sportiva Koro Jkt $139 12.6 ounces Recycled polyester PFC-free DWR coating
Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket $180 7.8 ounces Pertex Water-resistant
Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket $139 2.5 ounces Ripston nylon DWR coating
Patagonia Houdini Jacket $109 3.7 ounces Recycled ripstop nylon PFC-free DWR coating
Hoka Skyflow Jacket $128 3.7 ounces Nylon DWR coating
Ultimate Direction Aerolite Wind Jacket $170 5.3 ounces Polyamide DWR coating
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket $299 7.2 ounces Recycled ripstop nylon PFC-free DWR coating
Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket $240 7.9 ounces Nylon Not listed
The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0 $240 Not listed Recycled nylon PFC-free DWR coating
Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket $210 9 ounces Ripstop nylon DWR coating
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody $360 7.8 ounces Ripstop nylon DWR coating
L.L.Bean Bright Multisport Jacket $99 Not listed Polyester DWR coating
Montbell Wind Blast Hooded Jacket $89 5.6 ounces Nylon taffeta DWR coating

How to Choose a Running Jacket

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding between the various running jackets available. In addition to a jacket’s ability to protect you from the elements you’re planning on taking it out in, be it cold, wind, rain, or snow, it’s also important to consider a jacket’s fit, weight, and durability. If you just want a single jacket, or maybe two, to cover all your running needs, you’ll also want to consider the versatility of the various options. Our team loved the combination of features of the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody, and we named it the best running jacket.

Fit

There are several personal factors to consider when looking at the fit of a jacket. Are you planning on wearing multiple layers underneath it? Do you want it to fit over a pack? Do you prefer a slimmer fit or one that gives you a little more space?

Many runners prefer a slimmer fit, like that of The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0, that keeps their silhouette as streamlined as possible. These jackets are great if you’re only wearing a single layer underneath. A larger jacket allows for a little more versatility when wearing clothes underneath, but it may also flap in the wind if it’s too large. When venturing into the high mountains on all-day or multi-day runs and fastpacks, we preferred a jacket that gave us maximum freedom for layering for warmth underneath.

Many jackets come in both men’s and women’s versions with variations in length and shoulder and hip width, and some have different pocket setups as well. Choose a jacket that fits your specific body well, regardless of what a label says.

As always, the best way to test a jacket’s fit is to head to a store to try it on. If this isn’t possible, check out a company’s sizing chart to get the best fit for your body.

Best Running Jackets - running in the Patagonia Houdini Jacket

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a long-time favorite amongst runners for its size, weight, and warmth. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Packability

For many trail runners, a jacket isn’t going to stay on for the entirety of a run. You may want to start a chilly morning run with a windbreaker, like the lightweight Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket, and then stash it as the day warms up, or you may want to put on a layer as you gain elevation in the mountains and the wind picks up. Or you may need a rain jacket, such as the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket, that comes out during afternoon monsoon storms or a lightweight insulated jacket, like the The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0, that you carry as a just-in-case option for shoulder-season mountain runs where temperatures have the potential to plummet and create a dangerous situation if something goes wrong.

Like any piece of gear, a jacket won’t do you any good if you deem it too bulky or heavy to carry. Most of the jackets in this guide will fit comfortably in a running pack, and some will nearly disappear with their small volume.

The volume of a jacket tends to increase with the level of protection it provides. An ultralight windbreaker like the Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket can weigh as little as 2.5 ounces and scrunch up to nothing in the bottom of a pack or even a pocket, while a rain jacket will take up more space. An insulated jacket will be even more bulky, and an insulated jacket that protects from moisture will be even larger.

Weight

Jacket weights can vary widely based on the type of protection they provide and the quality of the product. As runners, we tend to prioritize lightweight products that allow us to move efficiently and quickly; jackets are no exception.

When saving weight with a jacket, it’s important to consider the level of protection you’ll need. Do you just need something to keep the wind off on a day with no chance of precipitation? Will it be cold enough to warrant taking an insulated jacket along? Are you facing a full day of racing in a downpour? If you know you’ll be out in the rain all day, it’s probably carrying the extra weight of the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket to stay dry. Safety should always be a consideration when choosing a jacket, as a product that doesn’t protect you from the elements just ends up as wasted weight anyhow and can lead to a dangerous situation.

Material

When simplified into major categories, jackets are designed to prevent heat loss from wind, keep your body dry from incoming precipitation, or trap as much heat next to your body as possible to keep you warm. They need to do this while breathing well enough to keep sweat from building up on the layers underneath.

Wind jackets are generally made of ripstop nylon. This lightweight material is great for blocking the wind while allowing moisture to evaporate. Most windbreakers are coated with a DWR coating to make them water resistant and able to provide some protection from light rains. The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is one of the most lightweight jackets available that offers a good level of wind protection.

Rain jackets generally are classified into those that have a one, two, or 2.5 layers. The material in rain jackets is rated for a certain level of waterproofness, measured as the hydrostatic head. The higher this rating, the more waterproof a jacket is. The lowest hydrostatic head measurement of a reasonable rain jacket is 10,000 millimeters. You can read more about the specifics of these different types of jackets in our Best Running Rain Jackets guide.

Insulated jackets are generally only used during the coldest of running conditions. While down insulation is lighter than synthetic insulation, it also ceases to provide warmth when wet and can easily be sweat through. Most insulated running jackets use synthetic insulation to combat this problem. These jackets are designed to trap as much heat next to your body as possible by creating air pockets between gaps in the insulation to prevent heat transfer. Jackets like the La Sportiva Koro Jkt use 100% recycled synthetic insulation to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Best Running Jackets - testing a wind shell

The iRunFar team tested a huge number of jackets in all types of conditions, from rain to wind to cold. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Mobility

A well-fitting running jacket will give you full range of motion in your arms and torso. A running jacket should allow you to raise your arms above your head comfortably without the jacket riding up on your torso. The sleeves should also be long enough to cover your wrists through an arm swing’s full range of motion. The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket has long sleeves and cuffs cut to provide extra protection on the back of the hands, a nice detail. Jackets that fit too tightly can limit range of motion.

Insulation Type

There are two main types of insulation in running jackets: down and synthetic.

Down insulation is made of feathers from geese and ducks and provides a lot of warmth for minimal weight. Unfortunately, down loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, whether from sweat or rain, making it a less-than-ideal option for running jackets. Still, a down jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody can be a good choice for a trailhead jacket or fastpacking when weight and volume are important.

While heavier and bulkier than down, synthetic insulation is often a better option for runners. It’s generally made out of polyester shaped to mimic the heat-trapping qualities of feather. Synthetic insulation will maintain its insulative properties even if it gets wet and is generally used for more technical insulated jackets. A lightweight insulated jacket, like our favorite, the Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket, can provide a lot of warmth for the weight, and you don’t have to worry about sweating in it.

Since running is inherently a high-aerobic output activity at a relatively low speed, it doesn’t require as much insulative warmth as other sports, such as cycling, hiking, or Nordic skiing. Many insulated running jackets are only insulated in certain areas to help with breathability and comfort. Extra insulation around the core can keep your body warm without adding extra bulk around your arms. The La Sportiva Koro Jkt met our needs for an insulated jacket to take on those chilly runs that didn’t require a fully insulated jacket.

Breathability

If a jacket doesn’t breathe, it’ll keep any sweat and moisture from your skin trapped either in the layers you wear underneath or on your skin itself. An unbreathable jacket will leave you soaked and cold, ultimately defeating the purpose of having a jacket on in the first place. An excellent running jacket will protect you from the elements while allowing water vapor to move from your skin to the outside.

The breathability of a material is measured by its Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) and determines the amount of water vapor a material can allow through. It is measured in grams of vapor per square meter of fabric per 24 hours. A moderate breathability rating starts at around 10,000 g/m2 and increases as the material becomes more breathable. While lab testing is a good baseline for assessing a material, real-world testing is the best way to determine how breathable a jacket is. Our testers found that the La Sportiva Koro Jkt had impressive breathability for a running jacket.

Best Running Jackets - wearing the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket on cold desert morning

Testing the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket on a cold morning in the desert. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Waterproofing and Versatility

Most runners won’t want a closet full of jackets, and some will lean towards having just one or two options to keep things simple. When it comes down to it, many jackets can provide multiple functions, just not optimally. A rain jacket can also act as a wind jacket; it may just be a bit heavier and not breathe as well. A windbreaker with a DWR coating like the Ultimate Direction Aerolite Wind Jacket can provide some protection from rain but will ultimately leave you soaked if it doesn’t let up. Both windbreakers and rain jackets provide warmth, but neither will be as warm as an insulated jacket. And a waterproof insulated jacket will offer the ultimate protection from whatever nature throws at you but may be too warm and heavy for most running scenarios.

If you’re looking for one type of jacket that can do most things, consider a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket. While you may be carrying around more jacket than you need for merely chilly runs, you can trust it to be there for you in the rain, and it’ll provide adequate warmth in most running conditions as well.

DWR versus Waterproofing

If you frequently run in rainy conditions, you’ll want a fully waterproof jacket like Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket that you can reach for and trust to keep you dry. Fully waterproof jackets generally have multiple layers to repel water and are heavier than running jackets designed to provide extra warmth.

Many running jackets, including most windbreakers, have a DWR coating on the outside. This coating is designed to cause water to bead up and slide off instead of getting absorbed into the material. Jackets with DWR coatings provide adequate protection in many slightly rainy scenarios and are generally lighter and more compact than full rain jackets. The coating can wear off over time but can be renewed with a product like Nikwax. Many jackets, including the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody, La Sportiva Koro Jkt, and the Patagonia Houdini Jacket, have PFC-free DWR coatings, a more environmentally friendly option.

Sustainability

Many companies are striving to make their products more environmentally friendly and sustainable. One way they’re doing this is by using recycled polyester for insulation. The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody is made of 100%-recycled polyester, as is the La Sportiva Koro Jkt. The Montane Fireball Nano Hooded Jacket also uses recycled insulation.

The use of PFC-free DWR coatings is also a big step towards making the manufacturing of jackets more environmentally friendly. Perfluorinated compounds are highly hydrophobic, which is why they have been used to create a material water repellent. While the compounds themselves aren’t known to be harmful to human health, byproducts of their manufacturing are highly toxic and difficult to dispose of.

Why You Should Trust Us

At iRunFar, we understand the importance of a jacket you can trust to keep you safe and warm. A windbreaker with a hood that flaps in the wind might only be a minor annoyance, but a rain jacket that soaks through in a downpour or an insulated jacket that isn’t warm can lead to a dangerous situation in a short time.

To find the best running jackets on the market, we asked our trail, road, and ultra runners team to tell us about their favorite jackets, old workhorses that have provided years of use, and new additions to their closets. We also researched new and updated additions to the market from brands traditionally known for their running attire and companies catering more to the Nordic skiing crowd. Our testers took jackets out in all conditions from California to Oregon to Colorado and Utah to rate them on their performance, comfort, and durability. We tested jackets in many conditions, from chilly but dry nighttime runs to multi-day fastpacking trips through the Wind Rivers under days of soaking rain.

As brands continue to update and release new jackets, we continually test the best and update this document accordingly. Testing is ongoing as our writers, testers, and editors are continually testing new products in many different climates and weather events.

Best Running Jackets - Packing up fastpacking camp in The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0

The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie 2.0 is a great option both for cold-weather running and for fastpacking. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Frequently Asked Questions about Running Jackets

Should I wear a jacket while running?

When temperatures drop, the wind picks up, or the rain starts to fall, a jacket is your best bet for protection against the elements. While putting on an extra shirt or relying on a plastic poncho can get you some protection, an excellent running jacket can provide comfort and safety. In many cases, there’s no need to take a jacket along for a run if it’s short and local, but they are a key piece of safety equipment when venturing far from a trailhead or when the weather is unsettled. Many trail and ultra runners keep a lightweight jacket, like the Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket, permanently stashed in their running pack as a just-in-case essential piece of gear.

What jackets are suitable for running?

Runners, and trail and ultra runners especially, run in all types of conditions and must choose the right jacket for their needs. For the vast majority of scenarios, a simple windbreaker such as the Hoka Skyflow Jacket is all that is needed to stave off the chill of an early morning jog or provide enough warmth to traverse a rocky and exposed ridgeline before dropping back into the protection of the trees. These types of jackets are lightweight, breathable, and packable, so they are easy to carry and comfortable to wear in various conditions. Many of them come with a DWR coating, making them somewhat water-resistant.

But as conditions worsen, you’ll have to consider your jacket choices more carefully. Will a run be rainy enough to warrant a full waterproof jacket? Will it be cold enough to choose an insulated jacket to provide extra warmth from the chill? Do you need a hood for even more warmth and protection from sideways wind or, hail or sleet or snow?

Choosing an excellent all-around jacket like one of our favorites, the Jack Wolfskin PreLight Alpha Jacket can protect you in various conditions. If you know you will be headed out in the rain, consider a fully waterproof option like the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket. And if you’re looking to stay warm in the coldest conditions, having an insulated jacket like the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket on hand can make the difference between shivering and comfort.

What are the different types of running jackets?

While there are seemingly endless variations on the idea of a running jacket, most runners will find that having two to three options on hand is adequate for most conditions.

Lightweight windbreakers are the most common type of running jacket. The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a long-time favorite of the ultrarunning community. These jackets are designed to be nearly weightless, small enough to fit into a pocket when not in use, and able to provide extra warmth when temperatures drop or the wind picks up. Some windbreakers have a DWR coating to provide rain protection in case of light and passing drizzle.

Rain jackets are an essential piece of gear for many runners and are generally required for races with a mandatory gear list. These jackets have various levels of waterproofness, with the waterproofness of a material being measured by its hydrostatic head. Lightweight waterproof jackets tend to soak through more easily than heavier ones, and most mandatory gear lists for races have a certain waterproofness level required in a rain jacket. It comes down to personal preference and the balance between weight and functionality when choosing the right rain jacket for your situation.

While runners tend to put off a lot of body heat and generally don’t need an insulated jacket until temperatures get really cold, it remains a critical piece of running gear for those living in colder climates and those who run in remote locations where getting hurt could result in a many hour wait for rescue. A jacket with synthetic insulation will stay warm even when wet and is a better, if heavier, option than most down jackets.

For those shoulder-season runs when it’s chilly but not cold, a hybrid insulated jacket like the La Sportiva Koro Jkt can be a great option.

Best Running Jackets - Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket high desert running

The Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket is a lightweight windbreaker that is easy to stash in any pack. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

How should I layer while running with a jacket?

Choosing layers to wear under a jacket is critical for long-term and short-term comfort. Wearing too few layers can result in getting cold, and wearing too many layers can result in sweating through them all and still getting cold. While each person has a different range of comfort temperatures, a light jacket paired with a thin base layer will provide enough warmth for conditions down to about freezing. As temperatures drop below that, you’ll want to consider adding an extra insulating layer under your jacket or wearing a jacket with synthetic insulation. The La Sportiva Koro Jkt is an excellent option for those in-between temperatures.

If the outside temperatures dictate the need to wear a jacket, paying attention to internal body temperature regulation is also important. If you start to sweat, you’ll want to dial back your effort level to reduce the heat you’re producing or take off a layer. Sweating through a layer is a quick way to render it ineffective and should be avoided whenever possible. You can always put a dry layer back on if you get cold, but once it’s wet, your options for layering become much more limited.

Are there warmth ratings for jackets?

While there is a unit of measurement for the warmth of a garment called its CLO, using just this rating as a jacket’s warmth rating leaves much to be desired and is generally only discussed regarding insulated jackets. Since everyone runs at different body and outdoor temperatures, hard and fast ratings for jacket warmth and layering options aren’t terribly useful. You’ll have to determine what works for you and in what conditions.

Down jackets, like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody, have a “fill power” and “fill weight” rating. Fill power determines the quality of the down used in the jacket, and fill weight is the amount of down placed in the baffles of the jacket. Higher numbers for both ratings indicate a warmer jacket.

Synthetic insulation is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Again, the higher this number, the warmer the insulation and, most likely, the jacket.

Best Running Jackets - running in the Nathan Navigator Hybrid Jacket

Alli Hartz of iRunFar runs in the Nathan Navigator Hybrid Jacket on a cold morning. Photo: iRunFar/Andy Cochrane

Do I need a breathable jacket?

The breathability of a jacket is of utmost importance. Without escaping through a jacket’s material, sweat in the form of water vapor will absorb into whatever layers you wear and accumulate on your skin. This can be incredibly uncomfortable and potentially lead to an unsafe situation if you get too cold. A highly breathable jacket will keep the microclimate you create around your body warm and dry. Jackets with vents and pit zips can also help you dump excess heat as you warm up. The Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket has perforated vents in the underarms to improve ventilation.

Call for Comments

  • At what temperatures do you start wearing a running jacket?
  • Do you have a favorite running jacket that we didn’t include in our list?
Eszter Horanyi

Eszter Horanyi identifies as a Runner Under Duress, in that she’ll run if it gets her deep into the mountains or canyons faster than walking would, but she’ll most likely complain about it. A retired long-distance bike racer, she gave ultra foot racing a go and finished the Ouray 100 in 2017, but ultimately decided that she prefers a slower pace of life of taking photos during long days in the mountains and smelling the flowers while being outside for as many hours of the day as possible. Eszter will take any opportunity to go adventuring in the mountains or desert by foot, bike, or boat, and has lived the digital nomad lifestyle throughout the west for the past seven years.