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Foul weather calls for an extra layer of protection. Find it in one of these waterproof, lightweight, or winter jackets.
When cold, wet weather comes around, you have two options: Run through it, or head for the treadmill. Although there’s nothing wrong with logging miles indoors, many runners prefer the fresh air—and with the right gear, you can get your run in even when the forecast looks dour. To stay comfortable, you’ll need to layer up, and a good running jacket is one of the most important layers to have in your closet.
Running jackets can block rain, snow, and wind and help you stay warm as you run. At the same time, a running jacket should also be flexible, light, and breathable; that way it won’t restrict your movement, weigh you down, or cause you to overheat.
Materials: Broadly speaking, there are two main categories that are useful for comparing running jackets: protection and warmth. The materials used in the jacket will have a strong influence in how the jacket stacks up in both areas. Many running jackets utilize synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Nylon has the advantage of being lightweight and durable, while polyester wicks moisture well. The addition of stretchy materials like spandex or elastane make a jacket more flexible. Some jackets also incorporate natural materials like wool, which offers great temperature regulation properties (it traps heat when you’re cold but breathes and vents moisture when you’re hot).
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Weatherproofing: Synthetic fabrics won’t absorb much moisture, but if you plan to run in the rain or snow, look for jackets that are specifically designed to be water-resistant. Some jacket manufacturers achieve this with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating over a base fabric. This treatment is good for light precipitation, but it won’t keep you dry in a heavy rainstorm. For more robust weatherproofing, look for fully waterproof jackets. They’re usually built with a water-impermeable membrane (like Gore-Tex) and taped or bonded seams to keep moisture from seeping through the jacket. They do come with a trade-off, however: Fully waterproof running jackets are less breathable.
Insulation: Some jackets are also designed with insulation to keep you warm. This can take several forms, including a fleece-lined interior, synthetic insulation, or even down. Each has its advantages: Fleece is soft and comfortable against the skin; synthetic insulation will keep you warm even if it gets wet; and down is lightweight, resilient, and easy to compress, which makes it more packable. Keep in mind, though, that insulation isn’t always necessary when you’re working up a sweat—you can also pair a simple shell jacket with a warm midlayer. By pairing it with different layers depending on the conditions, a shell can be more versatile than an insulated jacket, which is designed specifically for very cold weather.
Features: Finally, there are a few other features to consider. If you expect to run in rain or snow, a jacket with a hood will keep your head dry. If you tend to run hot, look for jackets with vents that will dump warm air and keep you cool. Jacket pockets can offer convenient storage, and many running jackets are designed to pack down into a pocket, which is helpful for traveling (or just saving space in your closet).
To compile this list, I used my own experience with running jackets, considered feedback from the RW test team, researched a wide range of options from top running brands, and talked with brand representatives to get more information on the latest running jackets for men. Below, I recommend a variety of options—from ultralight windbreakers to heftier insulated layers—to suit different preferences, budgets, and weather conditions. I evaluated each jacket based on its materials, weatherproofing, and warmth, and when possible, I tested jackets personally. To help you quickly sort through these options, see each review’s Key Specs section, which shows the size range (based on the manufacturers’ websites), weatherproofing, and weight of each jacket.
For brisk days when you want an extra layer but don’t want the extra weight, the FKT II Windbreaker Jacket makes a great pick. This 100-percent nylon shell is amazingly light, but it’s also quite soft, so it felt comfortable against my skin. Although this jacket lacks vents, I found it had great breathability, even in mild temps. Columbia’s Omni-Shield treatment repels light rain or mist, and an elastic hem and thumb loops help block out chilly winds.
Designed for running and cycling, the Baleaf Triumph Hooded Windbreaker is a versatile option for windy, wet weather. This polyester shell features a drawcord hood and hem for an adjustable fit that blocks wind and rain, and it comes with plenty of storage pockets, including two interior pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and a stash pocket at the rear. Strips of reflective material will help you stay visible at night, too.
The Norvan LT was designed specifically for trail running, and it’s built to keep you protected from the unpredictable weather you’ll often encounter in the backcountry. It’s made with a dense circular-knit Gore-Tex fabric that’s less bulky and more breathable than comparable water- and windproof materials. That helps keep the jacket light, and the silhouette is cut to allow maximum freedom of movement. Bottom line: It offers dependable protection that won’t slow you down.
Tracksmith’s Franklin Fleece delivers big on warmth and breathability. This full-zip layer is made with Polartec double velour fleece for exceptional comfort and warmth (seriously, it feels like a blanket). At the same time, it’s highly breathable, thanks in part to stretchy nylon side panels that vent heat as you run. The fleece created good airflow on my test run and kept me from overheating, but on really frigid, blustery days, you might need another layer to block the wind.
The Park View is a versatile everyday layer for cold-weather running. It’s made with polyester fleece for a warm, comfortable feel, and it’s also designed for optimal breathability and moisture wicking, so you don’t roast. The low hem offers good coverage from road spray and splashes, and the jacket’s trim fit and flexible fabric won’t restrict your movement.
The Canopy jacket is a capable layer that fits the bill for most runners. At just under 6 ounces, it’s lightweight, and with its hood and water-resistant DriLayer Seal fabric, it provides protection from light rain and wind. It also packs down into a backpack-style pouch for easy carrying, but one of its best features is the hidden snap-button front: It keeps the jacket in place but allows you to fully unzip it for extra breathability.
Janji’s Thermal Zephyr Runner Jacket offers targeted insulation to keep you warm. The sleeves, front, and shoulders are stuffed with PrimaLoft Gold insulation—a lightweight material that offers great heat retention—while a thin panel at the back vents excess warmth. Elastic toggles at the hem help you get a snug fit, and a snap-button closure under the zipper (similar to the Brooks Canopy above) keeps the jacket from blowing around when you unzip it.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Storm Racer Jacket is its strange zipper setup: Two zippers on the front, only one of which goes all the way to the bottom of the jacket. This system allows you to pull the jacket over a pack and partially unzip it to access a water bottle or gels mid-run (or get some extra ventilation). With its taped seams and three-layer waterproof fabric, it offers dependable protection from the elements as well.
Merino wool is nature’s performance fabric. It keeps you warm in the cold but vents heat and sweat when you warm up, and it also resists odors. This half-zip from Smartwool puts those qualities to work with a Merino wool interior lining. That’s combined with a synthetic outer fabric for weather resistance and wool insulation on the top half of the jacket for extra warmth in cold conditions.
Lacing up for a frigid morning run takes a lot of willpower, but this jacket could make it a little easier. It’s made with a combination of goose down (a rarity in running jackets) on the front and synthetic insulation elsewhere for exceptional warmth. The ADV repel is made with a lightweight woven polyester fabric and features a tailored fit, so it stays out of your way and doesn’t feel bulky while running. I especially liked the venting system: Zippered slits at the chest and back have easy-pull loops for on-the-fly temperature adjustment.