There’s nothing worse than dashing into the rain without an umbrella. Not to mention having to change when you come back to work.
Whether it’s a sunny day or a thick storm, packing an umbrella is always a good plan.
As a runner or a jogger and you start your sessions off in the rain, picking the right running rain jacket is important if you want to stay dry. And if you live in a really hot area, you will want to be able to shed your jacket when you stop for a quick breather.
This handy guide will help you find the best running rain jacket and pick the right one for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Hardwear Women's Exponent Jacket | Best Overall |  |
| Marmot womens Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket | Budget Pick |  |
| GORE WEAR Men's Waterproof Hooded Running Jacket | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Mountain Hardwear Women's Exponent Jacket
Pros:
- Large hood
- Unpredictable weather protection
- Airflow management
- Lightweight and packable
- Great fit
- Attractive design
- High quality
- Breathable
- Sun protection
- Highly Adjustable hood
The Mountain Hardwear Women’s Exponent Jacket is a lightweight fleece and rain jacket for rainy days. It makes a great gift for fitness lovers and casual users.
The Exponent comes with a high quality soft shell construction which provides a solid balance of breathability and waterproofing. It is recommended for running or other outdoor activities, such as hiking, during bad weather conditions.
This jacket provides great breathability and comfort thanks to its ergonomic design, soft shell fabric, and well designed breathable thermal fleece. It is highly adjustable and very well designed, so it will fit perfectly while providing comfort and protection from the rain.
2. Ultimate Direction Women's Ultra Jacket V2
Pros:
- Great for long runs in all weather conditions
- Anti-odour performance
- Comfortable
- Straps are comfortable and easy to adjust
The Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket V2 is a versatile lightweight rain jacket that is waterproof, breathable, and ultra-light. It features a windproof and water resistant jacket that is great for high intensity runs. It includes a heavy duty elastic waistband, mesh linings, and pit zips.
The jacket is lightweight enough to be comfortable while running in the high heat of summer. It also includes mesh linings to aid in breathability and comfort while running. The anti-odour and anti-microbial features are a plus as well.
3. Marmot Men's PreCip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket
Pros:
- Completely waterproof – can handle a significant amount of rain
- Stylish and comfortable design
- Doesn’t hold a lot of weight in the rain
- Very lightweight – less than 1lb
- Includes a stuff sack and stow pockets
Cons:
- Makes you look like you’re preparing for a storm with your umbrella
- Can be costly for what it is
- Stalkets are easy to tear
The Marmot Men’s PreCip Lightweight Waterproof jacket is a lightweight rain jacket that is ideal for sporting activities and exercise. It is made using a 2-layer fabric which rolls up easily when not in use, and features 2 way front zipper, a hood with adjustable visor, inner jersey lining, elastic cuffs, and drop-tail hem.
The PreCip is a waterproof jacket and it does a fantastic job of keeping the wet and cold out. It is designed to give maximum breathability and zippers are placed strategically to ensure efficient airflow.
4. Outdoor Research womens Women's Guardian Jacket
Pros:
- Great at layering
- High visibility
- Abrasion-resistant
Outdoor Research makes our women’s pick. It is a 3-layer waterproof softshell with a waterproof/breathable membrane that keeps you dry and comfortable.
The jacket has a tight knit body with seamless, double layer shoulders for warmth and abrasion-resistance. It also features a drop-tail hem for increased coverage to the lower back. There’s also a durable water guard at the chest for additional protection.
The women’s guardian jacket comes with a removable hard shell hood that’s there to keep water and cold out but won’t add any weight or heat. The drawcord hem adds more warmth and mobility depending on how you need it.
5. Marmot womens Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket
Pros:
- The sleek design makes it appealing to both men and women; and so far in our testing the jacket has an excellent fit for anyone
- It comes with adjustable cuffs which come in handy when it’s windy
- The Precip is very light without losing strength or durability
- It has a large hood that offers great protection from the rain and wind – you hardly feel like you’re even wearing a hood
- Advanced hollow fiber construction means you stay warm and dry
- Full front zip and velcro storm flap enhance the water resistance capacity of the jacket
- There is a two liter water bladder inside the jacket that also helps enhance water protection
- The jacket offers great breathability and ventilation, which is critical to staying cool and dry during long distance runs
- There are reflective elements on the jacket, which makes it easy to be seen in low light conditions
- There is a toggle on the cuffs that helps vent excess heat on warmer days
6. GORE WEAR Women's Waterproof Hooded Running Jacket
Pros:
- Available at attractive price
- The material is made to easily and quickly dry off
- Great for colder days
- The hood fits snugly around the face and over a hat
- It is fitted to allow for movement (no flapping or rubbing)
- The thumb loops help to keep the sleeves in place
- Reflective piping for added safety; a nice touch
- No restrictive fit (you can raise your hands or arms)
- Recommended by a number of fitness experts
Cons:
- The front zipper is one-way, so it doesn’t open completely
- The front pocket is rather shallow
- The jacket is slightly tight on the arms
- There’s no drawstring to help with the hood
PACE
The GORE WEAR Women’s PACE jacket is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for an affordable waterproof running jacket.
A number of users have commented on how the GORE WEAR is a seemingly good quality yet affordable rain jacket.
7. GORE WEAR Women's Waterproof Hooded Running Jacket
Pros:
- Available at attractive price
- The material is made to easily and quickly dry off
- Great for colder days
- The hood fits snugly around the face and over a hat
- It is fitted to allow for movement (no flapping or rubbing)
- The thumb loops help to keep the sleeves in place
- Reflective piping for added safety; a nice touch
- No restrictive fit (you can raise your hands or arms)
- Recommended by a number of fitness experts
Cons:
- The front zipper is one-way, so it doesn’t open completely
- The front pocket is rather shallow
- The jacket is slightly tight on the arms
- There’s no drawstring to help with the hood
PACE
The GORE WEAR Women’s PACE jacket is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for an affordable waterproof running jacket.
A number of users have commented on how the GORE WEAR is a seemingly good quality yet affordable rain jacket.
8. Outdoor Research mens Men's Guardian Jacket
Pros:
- Packable
- 2-way zip
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Adjustable hood
Cons:
- Could use more pockets
- Shoulder straps could be more comfortable
The Guardian jacket by Outdoor Research is a top of the line model with a ton of great features. The casual style is attractive, with understated design, which makes a great option for everyday use.
The jacket is constructed of Repel material, and the fabric has a durable water repellent shell. It also features a two-way zip for optimal ventilation. The hood zips to the collar and it conceals a rubberized corduroy collar.
You can use this jacket to run in the rain, or any light to moderate precipitation. It will easily keep you dry. It has just enough ventilation to keep you cool in hot weather.
9. Ultimate Direction Men's Ultra Jacket V2
Pros:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Excellent for long runs and short runs alike
- The storage is convenient
- It’s easy to put on and adjust
- The fit is excellent
- Adjustable cuffs and hem drawstrings
- Comes with an adjustable waist belt
- It is lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent value for its price
- The fabric doesn’t fade
Cons:
- The outer material stretches easily
- Hood is a little flimsy
- Can be a little too long in the arms
- It’s not the most breathable piece of running gear
- The breakaway zipper can be a little tricky
If you’re looking for a great All-Round waterproof running jacket that will keep you dry and comfortable in mild to moderate temperatures, the Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket V2 is the jacket you’re looking for. It’s great for any running weather condition, you can even wear this is on a rainy day. This jacket is light weight and has many pockets on it for your belongings.
10. ASICS Women's Storm shelter Jacket
Pros:
- Maximum protection from rain & wind
- Lightweight & durable nylon
- Comes in different color options
- Weatherproof and wind-resistant
- Comfortable & good fit
- Affordable for the quality
Cons:
- No side zippers
- Tight cinching at elbows
- Longer than a jacket but shorter than a coat
The ASICS Women’s Storm shelter Jacket is one of the best rain jackets on the market due to its superior performance and functionality. It is 100% waterproof and windproof, and comes in an eye-catching stylish design.
The silhouette is typical of a jacket but has slightly longer sleeves and body length, which looks trendy and feminine on its own.
The other plus side of this jacket is that it comes in different variants of colors, ranging from red, blue, gray, and black.
11. GORE WEAR Men's Waterproof Hooded Running Jacket
Pros:
- Excellent quality, storage, and price
- Waterproof and breathable
- Includes a lightweight neoprene goggle pocket
- Comfortable and durable
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- The review section contained complaints that they didn't receive the GORE WEAR item they paid for
- The size on Amazon is smaller than the original
- You cannot adjust the sizing
- Hood is a bit big, making it hard to clear your vision
- Hand warmer pockets are a little awkward to use
The GORE WEAR Men's Waterproof Hooded Training Jacket is a fantastic lightweight running jacket for mild climates. Remember, runners need to keep their core body temperature regulated. Therefore, they will likely wear long-sleeves to keep the rest of their body warm.
The jacket includes high quality zippers, and the seam sealing and waterproof material do a good job at keeping the rain out. We particularly like the zippers on the pockets because they make sure that your hands don't get cold.
This jacket is made out of polyester material which makes it lightweight and comfortable on the skin. This way, you are able to run, jog, exercise, and do any sort of physical activity without straining your body. Its reflective piping enables you to be seen in poor lighting conditions.
12. Outdoor Research Men's Helium II Jacket
Pros:
- Highly breathable mesh material for maximum ventilation
- Removable Infiniti II waterproof/breathable hood
- 1/2 length side zip for high mobility or ventilation
- Detachable hood is helmet compatible
- 2 zippered hand pockets
- 2 zippered chest pockets with internal port
- Reflective trim on chest pockets and hem
- Adjustable Velcro cuffs
- Waterproof, seam sealed construction
- Decorative exterior chest pleats
Cons:
- No chin guard
- Zipper quality is average
- No pit zips
- Bottle pockets are small, hard to reach, and shallow
Overall the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium HL Jacket is a great choice if you need a rain jacket for your runs. It’s lightweight, highly breathable, and has plenty of ventilation options for when things get a little warm.
The jacket is fully seam sealed for ultimate waterproofness and is also designed to accommodate for a hydration pack. If you want a highly breathable rain jacket for outside activities like running, hiking, backpacking or cross country skiing then this is it.
13. ASICS Men's Storm Shelter Jacket
Pros:
- Waterproof and windproof
- Great breathability
- Breathable mesh in the shoulders and back
- Very lightweight
- Highly durable
- Plenty of pockets for storage
- Reflective materials for added visibility
- The hood can be adjusted
- Adjustable cuffs
- Stylish jacket that can be used for various occasions
Cons:
- Does not suit large people
- Not the most spacious interior
- Not the lightest running raincoat out there
- Wind resistance is not as good as advertised
Black.
The ASICS Men’s Storm Shelter Jacket is a lightweight and breathable jacket that provides decent coverage and features high-grade breathability. It is actually very similar to the Nike’s Dri-Fit Storm Running Jacket, except it is lower in price.
14. ALTRA AAW17FA2 Women's Wasatch Jacket
Pros:
- Works well for any outdoor sport
- Breathable and highly waterproof
- 5 colors to choose from
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Especially large kids can find the jacket a bit tight
- The hood is a little narrow
This running jacket is fantastic when the weather isn’t too hot. The breathable fabric is highly waterproof and perfect for keeping yourself comfortable in any weather condition. Plus, with an adjustable hood and waistband you can keep yourself covered despite the weather.
Additionally, the jacket is styled with a reflective trimmings on the sleeves and collar for added visibility. This makes it perfect for any outdoor sport, whether you’re running, hiking, or biking.
One of the best things about this running jacket is the price. The other jackets with similar features cost a lot more. The jacket provides a snug fit, which is great as kids tend to grow out of their clothes quicker. While the hood might be a bit narrow, it’s also adjustable, so you can adjust it to your child’s head.
15. Craft Mens Repel Running and Training Outdoor Sport Windproof and Waterproof Reflective Fitted Hooded Jacket
Pros:
- Packs down super small – perfect for its job
- Can tuck into a pocket
- Great quality material
- Good range of colors
- Has front zipped pockets
- Great ratings and reviews
Cons:
- Runs a little small – consider getting a size up
- Can be a little heavy
The Craft Mens Repel Running and Training Outdoor Sport Windproof and Waterproof Reflective Fitted Hooded Jacket is a great lightweight option for running in the rain.
This jacket has fully taped seams and reflective trim for enhanced weather protection and 360 degree reflectivity. It has a spacious hood with adjustable draw cords for the best fit. It also has a front zip with a chin guard to keep you covered.
This rain jacket will repel rain and resist sweat build-up through high-tech textile materials. It is roomy enough to layer up without feeling restricted like some other running rain jackets.
16. Craft Womens Repel Running and Training Outdoor Sport Windproof and Waterproof Reflective Fitted Hooded Jacket
Pros:
- Ultra-light rains to protect you from rain, snow, and wind
- Waterproof, windproof, and breathable
- Reflective for safety with night running
- Adjustable hood for rainy days
- Packs down to a manageable size for storage in your bag
- Reflective for better safety at night
- Comfortable and Windproof
- Adjustable Waistband
- Reflective Striping On Back
- Available in two colors
This is the type of rain jacket you wear when you’re out training for long runs in all kinds of weather. With a lightweight shell, you can take this with you everywhere you go. The material on the outside of the jacket to shed water, but still breathe … keeping you dry. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to fold up and put in your bag or backpack for easy transport. It comes in two colors, so you can find one that matches your personal style. The adjustable waistband means getting this jacket to fit you just right is a breeze. Plus, it has reflective strips on the back of the jacket … making it great for nighttime running.
17. Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket
Pros:
- Impressive ventilation
- Lightweight
- Packs up into zippered pocket
- Good rain protection
- Very comfortable for long runs
- Available in 6 colors
Cons:
- Waterproof but not water-repellant
- Packs up small, but not tiny (3" x 3" packed)
- No stowaway pocket
The Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket is a fantastic layer for rainy runs, and perhaps the best running rain jacket. The marina blue color looks great, but sadly they only include this color as an option. The design is geared towards female runners and it's lightly insulated to protect you from wind and rain. The windproof Helium II is made of a PU-coated nylon and Ripstop fabric to give you protection for the wet Amsterdam weather.
The Jacket is available in six different colors and is designed for running, hiking, and cycling. It is also very comfortable to wear, lightweight, and packs up small.
Bottom line: The Helium II jacket is an ideal soft shell rain jacket for workouts in unpredictable climate. If you want a jacket for fall runs, spring runs, or winter runs, the Helium II is a safe bet, especially since you can wear it over long sleeve shirts if you need more warmth.
18. Mountain Hardwear Men's Exponent Rain Jacket
Pros:
- Versatile rain jacket featuring a removable waterproof hood
- Great water-resistance
- Anti-odor system built in
- Double hem cinch cords make for a more comfortable fit
- Lots of pockets for convenient storage
- Zippers are nice and big
- Super lightweight
- Great for skiing and bicycling
Cons:
- Might be too hot for summer
- The hood could be a little bigger
- The velcro on the waist is a bit loud
This moderately-priced rain jacket offers high-quality build and advanced features. The Mountain Hardwear Men's Exponent Jacket is made from highly breathable fabric and features a fully taped seams to protect against rain and showering. The jacket's hood is removable and has a microfiber liner. There is even a convenient stash pocket inside the jacket.
The Exponent has a design that allows it to pack up easily for easy storage. It has velcro cuffs and a breathable back yoke to promote airflow. The jacket is also very lightweight and comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate different body types.
Bottom line: The Mountain Hardwear Exponent Rain Jacket is a great jacket for the price with solid build and advanced features. It has lightweight construction, breathable fabric and a removable waterproof hood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best rain jacket for running?
As we are living in a fast world, people feel the benefit of working out in case they take care of their bodies. The best thing to do is finding the best rain jacket for running, while not letting the weather interfere with your schedule or your running.
Rain jacket for running is a trend, and you can find many customers that are satisfied with the benefits they get from this product, and they are sure that you will not be dissapointed as well. Rain jacket for running is a trend, and you can find many customers that are satisfied with the benefits they get from this product, and they are sure that you will not be dissapointed as well.
The rain jacket for running is waterproof, and it has some special details that make it the best product for running. This jacket has special materials that will protect your mobile screen against the rain.
What is the best lightweight waterproof jacket?
Not everyone likes to go jogging, or they may not like to do it in the winter, but that is no reason to not get a jogging jacket.
Running in light rain, May not look like fun when you are filled with all the gear and cannot feel the water.
But, you should wear something that will keep you dry.
The waterproof jackets have been around since the birth of the waterproof technology. They were made to provide protection for a motorist from the cold air conditioners of the cars that were not as efficient in old times as they are now.
Another use for these jackets is their ability to keep the body warm. This is why they were worn by rugby players, runners and cyclists who must move their bodies a lot on the field to get the best jerseys.
What to look for in a running jacket?
When looking for the best running jacket, you want to make sure that it is breathable, lightweight, highly mobile, and affordable. There are many running jackets available on the market but it pays to pay attention to a few product qualities that will make sure your running experience is a great one.
Running Jackets should be Breathable To an extent. The best running jackets are designed to allow air to easily get inside while also keeping the diffused body heat outside. To accomplish the feat noticeable holes are typically found around the underarm and back area of the jacket.
Lightweight Part of the running process is to shed as much weight from your body weight. This is the main reason why you see runners sporting only their shorts or shorts and sports bra during their regular running sessions. The same principle is applied to running jackets. Select one that is tiny without compromising its purpose.
Which jacket is best for winter and rain?
You can get a jacket which is waterproof but heavy fabric. However, in cold weather you can feel tortured by wearing such a jacket. On the other hand, you can get a jacket with light fabric and breathable materials but it does not protect you from rain.
Thus, deciding the most suitable rain jacket comes from how you will use it. For example, if you are a runner, you want to get a jacket made of light water-resistant fabric with some reflective materials. It is suitable to wear this rain jacket on rainy days while running. On the other hand, if you are a cyclist, you might want to wear a jacket with light waterproof fabric and water resistance. This is to protect yourself when riding on rainy days. Thus, choose the jacket with the material and function that you want according to your purpose of using it.
Conclusion
A rain jacket can come in handy in numerous situations. It can keep you warm in the winter, it can keep you cool in hot and humid weather.
This article takes a closer look at what to consider in a quality rain jacket for men, how to use it properly, and a few great recommendations to get you started with your search.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Hardwear Women's Exponent Jacket | Best Overall | |
| Marmot womens Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket | Budget Pick | |
| GORE WEAR Men's Waterproof Hooded Running Jacket | Upgrade Pick | |