Running is a fantastic pastime that we just don't want to quit. But all too often, cold British weather can make us disinclined to squeeze in the miles. The best waterproof running jackets are bound to help you beat the weather, and we're hoping to help you find the right one to add to your gym clothes collection.
It isn’t just that running in the rain unprepared is unpleasant and uncomfortable; it isn’t particularly good for you. Water-logged clothing can sap your body temperature, which makes you susceptible to colds and exhaustion. Wind also plays a big part in rapidly cooling exposed bodies (especially when wet), and a waterproof layer can help fight off the worst here, too.
The best running waterproof jackets at a glance:
• Best overall (men's): Under Armour OutRun The Storm – View on UA
• Best overall (women's): Under Armour OutRun The Storm – View on UA
• Best budget overall (men's): Kiprun Warm Regul Running Jacket – View on Decathlon
• Best budget overall (women's): Kiprun Warm Regul Running Jacket – View on Decathlon
How are waterproof running jackets designed?
Most non-waterproof running attire is designed to be breathable. The fabric is effectively open and allows perspiration to quickly and easily move away from the body. But the trade-off is that water and wind penetrate instantly.
Waterproof clothing works by using fabrics, such as Gore-Tex, to rectify this issue. Waterproof fabrics have a layered system: an inner lining, a membrane, and an outer layer. This layered system allows perspiration to still move out away from the body but does not let the larger water particles in.
Waterproof fabrics share fundamental design principles but vary depending on their intended use. For an alpine hiking jacket, high waterproofing and durability are prioritised, while a waterproof running jacket focuses on lightness and breathability. As a result, hiking jackets are typically heavier and less breathable, while running jackets offer improved ventilation and a lighter feel.
Gore-Tex is widely regarded as the leader in waterproof fabrics, often achieving three of the four qualities: waterproofing, durability, lightness, and breathability. However, achieving all four is rare. Other brands like Berghaus, Marmot, La Sportiva and The North Face produce excellent alternative waterproof fabrics, occasionally using Gore-Tex in their premium products. In contrast, cheaper waterproof fabrics may keep the rain out but severely lack breathability, akin to wearing a plastic bag.
When you are looking for a new waterproof running jacket, it's all about mixing and matching waterproofing, durability, lightness, breathability and price until you find the product that works for you.
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best running waterproof overall
Winner: Under Armour OutRun The Storm Jacket
There's a reason why Under Armour is known for the quality and functionality of its kit, and the OutRun The Storm jacket is no different. With Storm technology that easily repels water and a wind-resistant construction, this jacket is perfect for braving the elements. For added comfort, Under Armour has thought about its stretch-woven fabric, which is lightweight and breathable. And the four-way stretch gives you a wider freedom of movement. So, next time you're off on a rainy run, you'll wish you had this jacket in your gym wear arsenal.
Pros:
• UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability
• Durable and stretch-woven fabric is there to enhance mobility and comfort
• Back openings for added ventilation
Cons:
• Water resistant, so not for heavy rain
| Weight | 311g |
| Waterproof rating | Water resistant |
| Breathability | High |
| Sustainability | No, made from polyester and elastane |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
| Weight | 300g |
| Waterproof rating | Water resistant |
| Breathability | High |
| Sustainability | No, made from polyester and elastane |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
Best budget running waterproof
Winner: Kiprun Warm Regul Running Jacket
The KIPRUN Regul jacket has everything you'd need in a waterproof running jacket, and all for a great price. Coming in at under £60, the jacket has two front zip pockets with enough room for a phone, built-in mittens to keep your hands warm, thumbholes for keeping your fingers cosy, and zones made with breathable fabric for added ventilation. Plus, if you hate the feeling of sweating while wearing a running jacket, the ventilated back and arms are there to wick away any sweat.
Pros:
• Ventilated back and arms for wicking away any moisture
• Built-in mittens and thumbholes for keeping your hands warm
• Gap between sleeve and watch to allow you to see your fitness tracker
Cons:
• Thick, so only for running when temperatures are between 0-10 degrees Celsius
• Water resistant, so not for heavy rain
Decathlon| Weight | 420g |
| Waterproof rating | Water resistant |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | No |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
Decathlon| Weight | 420g |
| Waterproof rating | Water resistant |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | No |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
The best of the rest: Waterproof running jackets
They may not be our favourites, but all of these are still fantastic options.
Best women's waterproof running jacket for heavier pours
Berghaus www.berghaus.com
The Mehan Vented jacket is the ultimate companion for lengthy outdoor adventures. Made for rain, snow and shine the Hydroshell 2.5L technology keeps you dry and gives you that all-important breathability. Plus, the ventilated underarm zippers ensure optimal airflow when required. Created for supreme comfort and a snug (some reviewers suggest too tight) fit, this jacket boasts a double-adjustable hem, customisable hood and ultra-plush chin guard. All so you can guarantee dryness in any weather condition.
Pros
- Underarm zips keep the air flowing
- Hydroshell 2.5L keeps you dryer for longer
- Made from more than 90% bluesign APPROVED fabric for the more environmentally-conscious runner
Cons
- Some reviewers found it was quite a snug fit
| Weight | 502g |
| Waterproof rating | Unknown |
| Breathability | High |
| Sustainability | Made from more than 90% bluesign APPROVED fabric, Meet Berghaus' MADE KINDER criteria |
| Sealed seams | Unknown |
- Customer review: "The Berghaus Vented jacket is a snug fit so it you want to wear a thick fleece or several layers under it go at least size up. I would have liked a bit more cap brim on the hood but it's just adequate. Not that much room under the hood for a hat. Good price and quality, nice and light, easy to pack. Great to have arm vents because I get very hot very easily."
Best men's waterproof running jacket for heavier pours
Salomanwww.salomon.com
The Salomon Bonatti running jacket will likely appeal to those who are after something a bit more visually appealing but still very good. When you need to pack it away, it scrunches into the chest pocket. The Bonatti weighs about the same as the Storm Racer and has a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, giving you the confidence of staying dry even in persistent rain. Yet, it is still breathable to keep runners in the UK from getting clammy and has venting. Certainly best for the winter months and early spring.
Pros
- AdvancedSkin Dry technology protects you from rain, snow and wind
- Designed with reflective inserts for early morning and night running
- Smart vent with little press button on the front of your jacket to keep it in place
Cons
- Not the most breathable running jacket
| Weight | 200g |
| Waterproof rating | 10,000mm |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | Unknown |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
- Customer review: "Although bought a few weeks ago for running in the wet, I’ve only managed to use it once due to injury, great sizing and great quality"
Best stylish waterproof running jacket
Nike
A testament to Nike's innovation and style, this jacket blends a classic design with modern elements. Back in 1978 the Windrunner was the face of Nike, now, almost fifty years later the jacket is still for sale. That must mean it's good - right? Well with its adjustable hood that provides additional coverage and breathable smooth woven fabric for a water-repellent finish, it's no wonder that this running jacket has been in the market for so long. Plus, if you're not a minimalist runner and like taking everything but the kitchen sink out with you, the side zip pockets are there to keep valuables in while you're on the move.
Pros
- Reflective design with Swoosh logo
- Toggles on the hood opening for a customised fit
- Full-zip design allows for each changing/taking on and off
Cons
- Not the cheapest option on our list
| Weight | Unknown |
| Waterproof rating | Unknown |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | No, made from 100% polyester |
| Sealed seams | No |
- Customer review: "The Nike Storm-FIT Windrunner Jacket is a great choice for any weather. Cool? It’s great for that! Rain? It’s great for that! Windy? It’s perfect for that too! The smooth water-repellent fabric will help keep you dry with every step you take. The zippered pockets are great for keeping valuables safe and secure, and its relaxed fit is perfect for layering your favourite sweatshirt for total comfort!"
Best easily-packable waterproof running jacket
Columbiawww.columbiasportswear.co.uk
Constructed with Columbia's signature Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable fabric, this jacket makes sure you remain dry and comfortable during your outdoor adventures. With a sleek and versatile design that can seamlessly transition from the mountains to urban streets, it can also move wherever you want to go, thanks to the fact it's easily packable into a hand pocket. This means it won't take up tons of room in your luggage, to leave more room for the more important things...
Pros
- Made from Omni-Tech for durability
- Packable into a hand pocket for easy access and storage
- Zipped hand pockets
Cons
- Little heavier than other running jackets on the market
| Weight | Unknown |
| Waterproof rating | Unknown |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | No, made out of 100% nylon |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
- Customer review: "Great value. I like the useful front chest zippered pocket. The mesh lining is a plus. It’s great for general use as opposed to technical use (climbing or running) as it’s a little heavier than other high-end brand jackets."
Best waterproof running jacket with dropped shoulders
ASICSwww.asics.com
Made for the adventurous souls, the ASICS Fujitrail jacket features a Pertex Shield 2.5 layer fabric to keep you protected from the elements, while allowing for optimal breathability. Other great features include; a waterproof chest pocket (so your pride of joy, aka your phone doesn't get wet), reflective details for safety while running, and a technical hood with triple adjustment. Whether you're conquering rugged terrains or navigating urban trails, the ASICS Fujitrail jacket has your back.
Pros
- Can be worn over a backpack
- Reflective details ideal for early morning or late night running
- Seam-sealed and waterproof
Cons
- Zip feels a little flimsy
| Weight | Unknown |
| Waterproof rating | Unknown |
| Breathability | High |
| Sustainability | No, made from 100% nylon |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
- Customer review: "I'm delighted with this ASICS running jacket. It is so light that when it arrived in the cardboard package, I thought the package was empty! I started wearing it early December, weather not "too" cold but absolutely lashing rain. This jacket kept me completely dry on the inside, no leaks at all. I'm 5ft 0 so it is the right length for me (size S) it fits around my hips, not too long, not too short, sleeves are longer than my short arms but that's a bonus as they cover my hands.
"For something so light it kept me surprisingly warm without getting too sweaty on my run, I could feel my body breathe, jacket was dry inside when I finished up my run (only 10km so far).
"There is a tiny pocket inside the hood that you can fold the jacket up into and it has an elastic loop around it to secure it and pop it around your wrist, it folds up really small so it is light and easy to run with it in your hand or on your wrist (I hate carrying anything when I run) so that is brilliant.
"The zip is very light and feels a bit fragile, you need to zip up carefully and give it some respect, look after this jacket and it will look after you. I'm so glad I bought it."
Best waterproof running jacket for certified ultra-trail runs
EVADICTwww.decathlon.co.uk
Embark on your next ultra-trail run equipped with the EVADICT trail running jacket. It's waterproof design, with 2.5 layers with membrane and fully taped seams mean you'll remain dry no matter how hard the downpour. If you spend your weekends taking part in ultra-trail runs, you'll want to invest in this jacket as it meets the requirements for major trail runs and waterproofing standards for ultra-trail runs.
Pros
- Thin membrane design
- Two side pockets for essentials
- Fully taped seams and waterproof zips
Cons
- Best for winter running
- Zip is a little flimsy
| Weight | Unknown |
| Waterproof rating | 10,000mm |
| Breathability | Medium |
| Sustainability | No |
| Sealed seams | Yes |
- Customer review: "I recently wore this on a walk up Sca Fell in atrocious conditions. I was kept dry and warm for the whole 6 hours whereas my friends who had spent considerably more on other named brands were wet through and cold. They were so impressed they are now looking at getting some. Excellent product and excellent price."
Waterproof ratings explained
Like fill power with down insulation, waterproof ratings are straightforward but often misunderstood or not known at all.
All waterproof fabrics use a metric called Hydrostatic Head (HH) to indicate their waterproofing level, which can refer to the waterproofing of both garments and equipment, such as tents and backpacks.
The HH figure indicated how high a column of water sitting on a section of fabric would need to be before water began seeping through. For example, a tent with a hydrostatic head rating of 10,000mm can withstand a ten-metre column of water before it leaks. This answer is abstract, but it's translatable into understandable scenarios as in our guide below:
• 1000mm: Will keep out light precipitation – more water-resistant than waterproof
• 2000mm: Will keep out light rain.
• 5000mm: Will withstand fairly heavy rain.
• 10,000mm+: What you should expect in hiking and ski jackets. They have to deal with rain and snow, the extra pressure applied by backpack straps, and so on.
You can use this guide (and your local weather forecast) to suggest what level of waterproof jacket you need.
Waterproof running jacket buying advice
A good running jacket should offer the solution to many issues incurred by poorer weather. In addition to waterproofing, which we've already covered, here’s a quick run-down of what features to look for in your jacket:
Taped or sealed seams
This is a feature found on many high quality showerproof and waterproof jackets. While the material is waterproofed, when the garment is sewn together this feature is compromised – the needle holes will now let water easily slip through. Taped seams are when a manufacturer glues a waterproof membrane onto the inside of a garment’s seam to ensure its water-resistant credentials. Typically, this will incur a little extra on the retail price, but it’s worth it for the protection.
Venting
Venting is effectively the inclusion of holes in the clothing to promote airflow. This can be a permanent feature, as is the case with many back vents which have holes protected by material flaps. Other vents may be adjustable, such as zip vents which can be closed or opened as required. These are often found under arms and along the front of jackets. Vents are essential for reducing condensation and heat management.
Mesh
An inner mesh is found in many sports jackets as a barrier between the skin and outer material. This helps prevent the skin from sticking to material and becoming uncomfortable – this is essential for jackets that are fully waterproof as they tend to condensate and become uncomfortable after prolonged use. Mesh will also add to the weight and bulk of the jacket, so many lightweight solutions do not have inner mesh.
Lightweight and stowable
A jacket needs to be lightweight so as not to hinder your run and be able to be stored in a pocket, running belt or backpack as required.
Visibility
Whenever exercising outdoors, remember: Be safe, be seen. Running in the autumn, winter and during poor weather massively reduces visibility and puts you at an increased risk. With a little planning and the right high visibility clothing, you can easily be attired correctly for the conditions. Bright colours and reflective panels all accomplish this and need to be offered in large fields, rather than just thin seams, to be truly effective. Some running and cycling clothing has photo-luminescent strips, which will glow up to an hour after being exposed to light.
If your running jacket of choice doesn’t have a high visibility option, other high visibility clothing can be worn, such as hats, bands, or sashes and vests. Head-torches are also a good idea, as they will not only increase your visibility, but you'll have a clear view of your path - we've got a rundown of the best.
In conditions where visibility is severely reduced, it will be better to not run outdoors at all. Waiting a day for clearer conditions will not reduce your fitness.
How to care for waterproof clothing
Caring for waterproof gear is very simple and actually quite similar to normal clothing.
Naturally, follow the care instructions on the garment's label. For waterproof gear, this is usually a cold or warm wash (about 30 degrees). But you should use a special wash such as Granger's Performance Wash - this still cleans the fabric of grime but maintains the water repellent coating that waterproof fabrics have. Regular detergent doesn't do this.
After the wash cycle, you can either air dry or pop it into the drier. It is a bit of a fallacy that you can't put waterproof garments in the drier. On the contrary, it is actually good for them to maintain the water their water repellency. As with washing, follow the guidelines on the label.
If you have noticed that over time water does not bead on the fabric like it did when it was new, it's time to restore the durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Once your waterproof garment has been through the wash, spray it with Granger's Performance Repel before it dries. Wipe off the excess after a couple of minutes then follow the drying advice on the label.
William Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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