7 Best Running Rain Jackets That Will Keep You Warm and Dry—From a 5k to a Marathon

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So you’ve learned how to start running, incorporating dynamic stretches and strength training into your routine. But do you have the proper gear? Running rain jackets are a must for beginners and established racers alike.

While a Breakfast at Tiffany’s–esque trench coat may look stylish, it’s not going to cut it when it comes to running (unless you’re Audrey Hepburn chasing after Cat). Even your typical waterproof rain jackets that keep you dry in a downpour are probably not suitable for a run because they’re typically heavier (a.k.a. sweatier). The best running rain jackets are loose enough so that your arms and torso can move freely and feature vents to prevent overheating as your body warms up from running.

“What makes a rain jacket good for running is its ability to keep the runner dry while not limiting ventilation or performance,” says Amanda Asaro, senior instructor at Barry’s. “I love something that’s able to keep me warm and stretch as my body needs. The temperature also has an effect on my choice, so it’s always good to have different options available.”

Meet the experts: Amanda Asaro, senior instructor at Barry’s; Kevin Lau, co-op retail sales specialist at REI; and Chelsea Cox, principal instructor at Barry’s.

Our top picks

Whether you’re training for a half marathon or you are just dipping your toes onto the track for the first time, so to speak, the weather shouldn’t stop you from the miles ahead. All you need are some waterproof running headphones, weather-proof running gear, a water bottle, and a positive attitude. Ahead, find the best running rain jackets to keep you dry when the rain clouds come rolling in.

Houdini Jacket

With recommendations from Amanda Asaro, senior instructor at Barry’s, and Kevin Lau, co-op retail sales specialist at REI, this highly-rated rain jacket seems worth the price tag. “This jacket is water repellent, keeping you cool in warmer temps and dry in light rain,” says Asaro. “I love the adjustable hood and longer back on this jacket.”

Lau says the durable water-repellent (DWR finish) coating makes this jacket one of his Fall go-tos. Its slim fit and adjustable hems and cuffs are suitable for running, and you can even fold it into a zippered pocket for easy storage. Plus, it’s available in nine color options and coed sizes.

Stadium Packable Wind and Water Resistant Hooded Jacket

This quarter zip windbreaker jacket has water-resistant fabric to keep you dry and warm as you run through the rain. There’s a large front pocket on the stomach, which is perfect for your phone, keys, and any energy gels you may need during those long runs. Available in six colors and a men’s design, this jacket is built to seal out water with elasticized cuffs, a bungee-cord hem, and a hood with bungee cord closure.

“This jacket fits perfectly, I got the canary yellow one, and absolutely love it,” one customer raves. “It also protects against rain and is water resistant too. Unlike some other rain jackets it’s not too thin that it’ll leave you cold and it’s not too thick that leaves you all sweaty. Highly recommend.”

Essential Women’s Running Jacket

Training for a marathon? This water-repellent rain jacket has a large pocket in the back to safely store your energy gels, phone, and anything else you need during your long runs. It’s machine washable so you can run through the dirtiest of puddles and not worry about splashing your jacket. Plus, the longer design of this jacket protects your glutes from splashes as you run through dirty puddles.

“This jacket is built with runners in mind,” says Chelsea Cox, principal instructor at Barry’s. “The elongated hem in the back helps to keep the mud and rain from your kickback off of your leggings. You can adjust the cuffs to make sure rain stays off of your arms and keeps you warm.”

Cross Chill Jacket

With rain comes cooler temperatures, and the last thing any runner wants is to have to head back due to the cold. You’ll stay warm in chilly drizzles or winter flurries with this jacket’s fleece lining and water-repellent tech fabric.

This jacket’s slim fit and cinched waist looks stylish, and it’s also designed for you to run in comfortably. “I love that it is fitted and has a four-way stretch to support my stride,” says Amanda Asaro, senior instructor at Barry’s, who recommends it for winter months. “Added bonuses of this jacket are the thumb holes that help keep my hands warm and the reflective detailing for early morning and late night visibility.”

Swiftland H2O Running Jacket

Your hair and face will be fully protected from moisture while wearing this jacket as the hood is made of ripstop nylon, which is a strong outdoor material used for harsh conditions—even sails and tents are made from this textile. “[This jacket] is made with waterproof and breathable fabric to fend off rain while also expelling internal moisture,” Lau says. Rather than getting soaked and running with the weight of water on your back, literally, this jacket’s DWR material helps external moisture bead up on the surface so that droplets roll off the clothing.

Running and sweating in this jacket is no problem as there is back ventilation to let air flow and you can fully unzip the front when you need to cool off. Choose a vibrant red to stick out in the crowd or keep it neutral with a navy blue, and you’ll be stylish and warm during your next rainy run.

Repel Trail Running Jacket

Available in a pink and orange or black and white marble design, this colorful rain jacket is lightweight and has specific technology meant to make moisture evaporate. “This rain jacket comes with a bunch of specs that make trail running comfortable during the rain,” Cox says. She also loves the Dri-Fit technology that wicks sweat off your skin, which is perfect for running and warmer temperatures. Plus, you can pack it in a bag or store it in your car as it can be folded into a pouch.

Women's Pouration Rain Jacket

When the rain is pouring but the temperature is high, running in a rain jacket can feel like you’re trapping your own heat. This option from Columbia has the solution: meshy unzippable underarm vents. “The underarm ventilation helps keep the air flowing during the intensity of running,” Asaro says, who also recommends this waterproof jacket for heavy rains.

The Omni-Tech™ multilayered material prevents the clothing from absorbing water, and instead repels the droplets so they roll off of you, per the brand. This way, you stay dry in the rain and your jacket remains lightweight during your run.

How to choose the best running rain jacket

“What makes a rain jacket good for running is its ability to keep the runner dry while not limiting ventilation or performance,” Asaro says. “I love something that’s able to keep me warm and stretch as my body needs. The temperature also has an effect on my choice, so it’s always good to have different options available.”

Check the ventilation: During exercise, body core temperature and heat rises, your body begins to sweat to cool you off. If you want to stay dry from the rain without overheating in a jacket, breathability and ventilation is the key. Some jackets have ventilated underarms or mesh sides to allow air flow.

Consider mobility: Your legs may be the main players while running, but your torso and arms are moving too and a tight jacket is going to lead to an uncomfortable run. A looser, wider fit allows your body to move freely under your rain protection and can prevent excessive sweating.

Keep the temperature in mind: There’s a noticeable difference in comfort levels when you’re running in a cold winter drizzle versus a hot summer rain. The former scenario requires a thicker layer to keep you warm, while the latter calls for a lightweight rain jacket with ventilation to beat the humidity—if you can handle wearing a jacket at all in the heat.

What is the difference between a regular rain jacket and a running rain jacket?

“Although you can use almost any rain jacket for running, having a jacket that is well-ventilated and uses materials that are waterproof but breathable will help keep you dry and comfortable as your body’s heat builds up when running,” Lau says.

A rain jacket that is designed for running, hiking, or any type of outdoor activity is more likely to be less restrictive, have a lightweight feel, and be more breathable—the three key qualities of the best running rain jackets.

How we chose the best running rain jackets

We consulted Amanda Asaro, senior instructor at Barry’s; Kevin Lau, co-op retail sales specialist at REI; and Chelsea Cox, principal instructor at Barry’s. We also conducted our own research and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best running rain jackets available.

Why trust us?

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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