Best men’s summer running jackets

Lightweight, breathable and room for today’s extras - phone, music, cash - are hugely important when it comes to choosing the best jackets for the spring and beyond. Waterproofing versus water resistance is something to think about and we’d suggest resistance is probably best for what you’ll need in a running jacket.

Waterproofing is great for the winter or of course extreme days out in the rain, but that does often come at the expense of temperature maintenance which for a running jacket isn’t the best. Look too for smooth seams, adjustable ventilation and the ability to pack it away to an easy to carry style. Look too for a soft touch around the neck and cuffs and don’t be surprised by the slightly tighter fit a performance jacket has. They are designed to work best with just a t-shirt worn underneath it. And, of course, that doesn’t include looks! When we look for what makes a great jacket, running performance is always uppermost in our minds.

You mustn’t overheat in it, but equally you want to keep the elements at bay which is why why we love the OMM Halo Jacket. It’s super lightweight and packs down to virtually nothing, but not at the cost of everything you’d expect from a great jacket like reflectivity and, of course, waterproofing! For something a little heavier take a look the Inov-8 AT/C Stormshell. This is a real mountain lovers jacket which works well running, The wired peak hood is particularly handy for really squally conditions.