As a dedicated runner, you don’t want to be put off by a little rain. If you’re training for a marathon or using running as your hobby to unwind after a long day, the last thing you should let get in your way is the weather.
The good news is that with a waterproof running jacket you can get back outside no matter what the weather is.
But with so many different types of waterproof jackets available on the market, how can you be sure that you’ve found the right one for your needs? That’s where we come in!
We’ve taken a look at the sheer volume of jackets available and whittled it down to the 7 best waterproof running jackets.
So you can rest assured that these jackets will have everything you need to support you while you’re running!
Not sure what to look for in a waterproof running jacket? No need to worry! We’ve collated all of our review criteria into a handy buyer’s guide.
You’ll have everything you need to help you choose the right waterproof running jacket for you. There are even a few frequently asked questions down below to help you!
Short on time? Check out our top pick below.
OUR TOP PICK
The Columbia men’s Glennaker Lake Rain jacket is the perfect choice for wearing when running. This jacket is waterproof to keep you protected from the elements while you’re out and about.
This particular jacket features Glennaker’s Hydroplus waterproof nylon fabric which is perfect for running. The fabric is lightweight, comfortable, and offers you superior protection from wet weather conditions.
This particular running jacket is packable for a compact alternative to bulkier running jackets. You can easily pack the jacket down into a more portable size when it’s not in use.
The jacket can be stored away in its own chest pocket, which makes it super easy to carry around with you. So you can easily pack it away once the drizzle starts to fade away!
The jacket also comes with an attached hood to give you complete protection from any rain. The hood can easily be stowed away if you prefer to run without one, too.
The jacket comes with zippered hand pockets to protect any valuables you need to keep with you while running, too.
What’s really great about this particular running jacket is that it’s fully adjustable. You can easily adjust the sleeve cuffs as you need to.
The jacket also features a drawcord adjustable hem so you can get the perfect fit for your run. The hem locks in place to keep you warm and dry for the entirety of your run.
The Columbia Glennaker jacket is super easy to care for. It’s 100% nylon and is machine washable for your peace of mind.
This will be ideal if you’re looking for a waterproof jacket that’s going to be easy to wash as and when it needs it! The jacket also comes in a wide range of colors.
Pros
- Waterproof men’s jacket
- Compact and portable
- Features an attached hood and zippered pockets
- Adjustable sleeve cuffs and hem
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Jacket fit on the larger side
EDITORS CHOICE
The Columbia women’s Arcadia II jacket is the perfect fit for women who like to run no matter what the weather. This jacket is waterproof and will protect you from the elements when you’re out running.
It makes use of Colombia’s signature air-permeable protection to also be breathable while you run. So you can stay dry from the rain, but also not so warm that the jacket becomes unpleasant to wear during your exercise.
This jacket comes with adjustable features so that you can get the perfect fit while you’re out running. The hem can be adjusted via a drawstring cord to give you the comfortable fit you need.
The jacket also comes with an adjustable storm hood so you can ensure that you’re still able to see properly when you run. There are also zippered hand pockets for you to keep any valuables on you protected while you run.
A great feature of this jacket is that it can be packed down to a compact size. This is perfect if you want to keep your waterproof jacket to hand just in case the heavens open while you’re already out on a run.
You can also pack it away once the rain has stopped. This portable nature makes the Columbia Arcadia II jacket more versatile than other waterproof jackets which are bulkier in nature.
Columbia has manufactured the Arcadia II jacket from a mix of durable fabrics. The jacket is constructed from 100% nylon 2L fabric with a 100% polyester mesh lining.
These work to keep you warm while still being breathable. The Columbia jacket features their signature Omni-Tech technology to stay waterproof when you need it most.
Another great feature of this particular jacket is that it comes in a range of great colors. So you can easily choose the color best suited to you and your running needs.
Pros
- Waterproof women’s jacket
- Fully adjustable for a better fit
- Features Omni-Tech breathable technology
- Compact and portable
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Order a size down for a more snug fit
BEST VALUE
The Columbia women’s Switchback III adjustable waterproof rain jacket is a great choice if you want a lightweight jacket to take with you on your run.
The Columbia Switchback III jacket is completely waterproof to keep you dry while you’re out running. The jacket features Columbia’s Hydroplus 100% nylon shell that will keep you protected from the elements even during the hardest of downpours.
A great feature of this particular waterproof running jacket is that it comes with a stowaway hood. This is a good thing to look for because you can easily stow away the hood if you prefer to run without one.
However, it also gives you the option of unfolding it if you want to keep your head protected from the rain. Ideal if you’re looking for a waterproof running jacket that’s adaptable for your needs.
What’s really great about this waterproof running jacket is that even though it gives you a more feminine cut for women, it gives you a comfortable range of motion.
This makes it the ideal waterproof jacket for running, as you won’t be restricted around your arms. It also makes the Columbia Switchback III a great alternative to other waterproof running jackets that aren’t as maneuverable while wearing them.
The Columbia Switchback III waterproof running jacket is fully adjustable for your comfort. You can easily adjust the cuffs of the sleeves.
The hem of the jacket can also be adjusted via the drawstring cord, as can the stowaway hood. The Switchback III also comes with two zippered hand pockets for you to stow away any valuables you need to bring with you on your run.
Another great feature of this particular jacket is that it’s available in a variety of different colors. This allows you to choose between more visible vibrant colors if you like to run at night.
Pros
- Hydroplus waterproof 100% nylon shell
- Features easy stowaway hood
- Adjustable sleeve cuffs and hem
- Comfortable range of motion
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Price varies depending on your color of choice
RUNNER UP
The Diamond Candy women’s waterproof rain jacket will be the ultimate running companion when it comes to wet weather.
This particular jacket is lightweight to make it ideal for a variety of activities such as running. You won’t have to worry about a bulky waterproof jacket holding you down on your run!
You’ll have all the protection you need with this waterproof running jacket. The Diamond Candy jacket is fully waterproof to protect you from the elements.
The softshell is highly durable and waterproof, and even features waterproof pockets to protect your valuables during the run. The jacket is also windproof to give you added protection when the weather takes a different turn.
What’s really great about this particular waterproof running jacket is that it’s fully customizable for your needs. The sleeve cuffs are adjustable so that you can help to seal in the warmth the jacket provides.
The hood is also able to be removed if you prefer to run without one. It can also be adjusted using the drawstring cord if you want to give it a tighter fit around your face.
If you’re looking for a waterproof running jacket that’s going to be warm when you wear it, this is the choice for you.
The Diamond Candy running jacket is lined with a super soft and fuzzy fleece fabric to give the jacket better heat retention. This will be ideal if you like to run in colder temperatures. The waterproof running jacket is also breathable, which will be essential when you wear it while running.
Another great feature of the Diamond Candy jacket is that it’s available in a variety of colors. This will be ideal if you want to choose a more visible color for running at night.
The Diamond Candy waterproof running jacket is available in 5 different colors: black, blue, hot pink, red, and green.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Breathable and warm
- Lightweight for running
- Adjustable sleeves and hood
- Available in 5 different colors
Cons
- Order a size up if you plan on using layers
RUNNER UP
The BALEAF men’s waterproof running jacket gives you everything you need to stay dry while out for a run, no matter the weather.
This particular jacket is lightweight and constructed from a waterproof material which is also super easy to clean. Perfect if you’re looking for a waterproof running jacket that’s going to be low maintenance!
The BALEAF waterproof running jacket is fully adjustable for your comfort. You can easily adjust the fit of the hem using the drawstring cord.
The sleeve cuffs are elasticated to keep you and your clothes dry while you run, too. Ideal if you’re looking for a waterproof jacket that’s going to keep you dry for the duration of your exercise.
A great feature of this particular waterproof running jacket is that it features 3 reflective logos to give you more visibility during periods of low light.
This will be essential if you tend to run along roads or busy areas. It’s also available in a range of 4 colors so that you can choose a more vibrant, visible color should you so wish.
The BALEAF waterproof running jacket is able to be compact for easier portability. Simply fold the jacket down and it can be packed into the back pocket.
So there’s no need to worry about carrying a bag around with you. If you don’t want to wear your waterproof jacket for the rest of your run once the weather clears up, you can simply pack it away. The back pocket can also serve to keep your valuables safe while you run.
This particular jacket is constructed using 100% nylon which is highly waterproof. The lightweight nature of the jacket makes it perfect for use while running, or a whole range of other activities such as walking, cycling, or camping.
Ideal if you’re looking for a versatile jacket that will last you for many years to come.
Pros
- Lightweight jacket for running
- Waterproof 100% nylon jacket
- Adjustable hem for comfort
- 3 reflective logos for visibility
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Order a size up if you want to layer for colder weather
RUNNER UP
The Marmot men’s waterproof lightweight rain jacket is the perfect choice for running in wet weather conditions. This particular jacket is both waterproof and breathable.
It’s ideal for keeping you dry while you run but also being breathable enough to not become stuffy. This will be an essential feature to look for if you don’t want to be put off from your daily run by the rain.
This waterproof running jacket has been designed to give you proper protection from a variety of weather conditions.
Not only is it waterproof, but its Nanopro fabric also helps to protect you from snow and wind. The jacket lining features a membrane-protecting print that increases wicking for added breathability.
A great feature of this jacket is that it features armpit zips to help release heat. If you tend to find your jackets get stuffy while you run, this will be a great feature for helping you to cool down. The positioning of the side zippers is also designed to continue giving you protection from the rain.
You can easily adjust the waterproof running jacket to suit your needs. The jacket features an elasticated waist to give you a comfortable, secure fit. The sleeve cuffs can also be adjusted to keep out the rain while you run.
The hood is adjustable and collapsible so that you can choose whether to run with or without it. The Marmot jacket also features zippered side pockets for you to store away any valuables while you exercise.
What’s really great about this particular waterproof running jacket is that it’s packable. You can easily compact the jacket down to fit into the back zippered pocket for easy portability. This will be ideal if you want to pack it away once you’ve finished using it.
Pros
- Lightweight waterproof running jacket
- Windproof and breathable
- Features armpit zips for added breathability
- Adjustable for a more comfortable fit
- Compact and portable
Cons
- One of the pricier options
RUNNER UP
The Avoogue women’s lightweight waterproof rain jacket is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a lightweight running jacket that’s going to keep you dry.
This particular running jacket is both waterproof and windproof to protect you from the elements. It’s also breathable, which will be an essential feature to look for if you need a jacket for running.
This particular jacket has been designed to keep you dry when you need it most. The hem and hood both feature a drawstring cord so that you can adjust the fit as you need to. Ideal if you want a cozier fit to keep out the rain! The jacket also comes with 2 pockets for you to place your valuables in while running.
The Avoogue jacket is also compact and portable. The jacket can be packed down to fit into the supplied drawstring bag for easy portability. Perfect if you want a jacket that’s super easy to carry around with you as you need to.
The lightweight waterproof running jacket is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. The lightweight nature of the jacket lends itself well to running, cycling, climbing, and many more.
The jacket itself is also quick to dry, so you can rest assured that it’ll be able to keep you dry while you focus on your exercise.
While there aren’t any reflective decals with this particular waterproof running jacket to help with visibility, it is available in a great range of colors.
If you need a jacket that’s going to be more visible for night running, you can choose one of the more vibrant colors. The jacket is also an affordable price for those working to a budget.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Adjustable drawstring hem and hood
- Lightweight for running
- Quick to dry
- Compact and packable for portability
Cons
- Not as warm as some competitive insulated products
Best Waterproof Running Jackets Buying Guide
It’s easy to be put off from running when it starts to rain. But if you want to stay dedicated to your favorite hobby, then a waterproof running jacket can be a real game-changer.
With one of these in your wardrobe, you’ll still be able to don your running shoes and stay dry at the same time!
But with so many different types of waterproof running jackets available on the market, it can be tricky trying to choose the right one for you.
As tempting as it is to opt for the first one that you find, there are a few things you should think about before committing to a new waterproof running jacket.
The good news is that we’ve put together a list of all the key features you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right waterproof running jacket for you!
Take a look at the points you need to consider below or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.
Waterproof
Of course, the most thing you’ll need to bear in mind when choosing a waterproof running jacket is exactly that - how waterproof is it?
Remember, there’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. A water-resistant jacket will only be able to keep you dry for a short while until the jacket material has become thoroughly soaked.
At this point, the water will start to permeate the material and get you equally soaked. Not exactly what you want from a waterproof jacket!
So you should double-check to ensure that your chosen running jacket is indeed waterproof.
Range of Motion
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a waterproof jacket for running is the range of motion your chosen jacket will give you.
You’ll need ample room for your arms to move while running. A jacket that restricts your movement won’t be as comfortable to wear, and you’re more likely to leave it behind each time the rain starts to pour down.
Adjustable
Another thing to consider is how adjustable your chosen waterproof running jacket is. There’s no point in selecting a jacket that’s got a generous fit if it’s going to let the rain in around the hem of your jacket or near the sleeves or hood!
If you want a jacket that’s more customizable for a more comfortable fit, then look for a waterproof running jacket that features a drawstring cord near the hood and hem. These will allow you to tighten the hood or hem to keep out the rainwater.
Adjustable sleeves are also a great way to stay dry while you’re running. These will tend to be tear fasten sleeves for a more snug fit.
Alternatively, you can look for a waterproof jacket that features elasticated cuffs so you don’t have to adjust the sleeves every time you wear the jacket.
Breathable
As you’ll be using the jacket for running, you should look for a fabric that’s not only going to be waterproof, but is also breathable.
This will help to keep you dry but will also prevent your chosen waterproof running jacket from becoming too stuffy.
A stuffy jacket will make you sweat more, to the point where you might as well not have worn a jacket at all because you’ll be soaked through!
The more breathable the fabric that has been used to construct the waterproof jacket, the better. There should be plenty of waterproof running jackets that will keep you dry while you run, but also cool and comfortable at the same time.
Lightweight
A lightweight waterproof jacket will be essential for running.
Your jacket should be lightweight enough to give you the right amount of freedom of movement, but keep you dry at the same time. You won’t want to wear a heavier jacket that will become more of a hindrance to your run!
Your chosen waterproof running jacket should make your exercise easier instead of harder. Take a look at what materials have been used to construct the jacket, or even how many layers it comes with.
The more layers your chosen jacket has, the heavier it will be when you’re running.
Visibility
Another factor to consider - especially if you like to go running at night - is how visible you’ll be when you’re out and about.
Does your chosen jacket come with reflective decals to make you more visible to headlights? These are an essential thing to look for if you prefer to run in the dark or even low visibility conditions.
Another factor to consider is the color of your chosen jacket. A jacket that’s a more vibrant neon color is going to be easier for cars to spot in the dark instead of darker colors.
Windproof
If you want to stay warm while you’re out for your run it will be worth taking a look for a waterproof running jacket that’s also able to be windproof.
These jackets will keep you warm when it counts, and will mean that you can go for a run regardless of the weather. Handy if you’ve got a marathon to train for!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterproof jacket?
As we’ve gone into more detail about above, the best waterproof jackets are:
- Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket
- Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
- Columbia Women's Switchback III Adjustable Waterproof Rain Jacket
- Diamond Candy Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket
- BALEAF Men's Waterproof Running Jacket
- Marmot Men's Waterproof Lightweight Rain Jacket
- Avoogue Raincoat Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket
What to wear for running in the rain?
Of course, a waterproof running jacket will be essential when you go out for a run in the rain.
However, it’s also worth bearing in mind that any clothing that features lighter colors are more likely to become see-through when wet.
You should try and wear darker clothes if you can. Make sure to add a waterproof jacket that features reflective decals if you’re running in low visibility.
Suzie here, the oldest and wisest of the two! I am a married mother with two small children and a cheeky cat, Milo. I started running after Ihad my second child as a way to shift some baby weight. At first, I hated it. No, I would have to drag myself down the street, moaning under my breath. It took a while, but the love of running came.
Now I can chase after my children and feel fitter and healthier than ever before! But while I was searching for new trainers or a good running route, many reviews and sites seemed tailored to men. Not only did it annoy me, but it made me wonder, is there a gap in the market?
I wanted to create a safe space online that was inclusive to everyone, so I convinced fitness fanatic, Lizzie to join me and create Psycho Wyco to empower others to feel comfortable and confident about running.
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