For many runners, rain jackets aren’t an optional accessory—they’re an essential piece of running gear. A good training schedule requires consistency, and that means heading out for a run even in wet weather (or resigning yourself to the treadmill). But with the right gear, running in the rain isn’t just possible, it’s a lot of fun. A lightweight rain jacket keeps your upper body from getting soaked so you can run comfortably, no matter what’s in the forecast.
The best rain jackets for running range from ultralight layers that protect against mild precipitation to more robust outerwear that provides stronger waterproofing. All of them demand one key compromise: Breathability. There’s a delicate balance between designing a jacket to keep water off your back, while allowing heat and sweat vapor to escape. There’s no rain jacket that’s perfectly breathable and perfectly waterproof.
That means it’s important to look at the forecast and grab a jacket that matches the conditions you’ll face: Lighter, more breathable options for a drizzle, and heavier waterproof options for longer runs through steady downpours. If it’s warm out, you’re better off running with no jacket at all—a waterproof layer will just make you hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.
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Best Rain Jackets for Running
- Best Overall: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
- Best Vaue: Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket
- Best Packable: Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket
- Best Breathable: Salomon Bonatti Waterproof
- Roomiest Fit: Jack Wolfskin Prelight 2.5L Jacket
The Expert: I started running in the Pacific Northwest, where waiting for a dry day would mean missing at least eight annual months of amazing running. During that time, I also worked as a full-time, year-round bike messenger in downtown Portland, Oregon, so I have high standards for technical gear that can keep you dry in weather most people don’t venture out in.
Since then, I’ve put in nearly a decade of experience reviewing and writing about gear and apparel for Runner’s World, Bicycling, and other media outlets, including lots of weatherproof outerwear. I know what makes a good waterproof product, and what runners are looking for in their gear.
What to Consider When Shopping for Rain Jackets
To achieve that balance between repelling outside moisture and venting internal sweat vapor, rain jackets pair a water-resistant coating or membrane (Gore-Tex is one example) with a durable outer face fabric. The water-resistant layer is either applied as a film or bonded to the interior of the face fabric, blocking out water droplets and keeping you dry.
The waterproof layer also has microscopic pores that allow sweat vapor to pass through to the outside, making the jacket breathable. The outer fabric protects it from dirt and abrasions.
If it all sounds very jargony and technical, that's because it is. Shopping for rain jackets can get confusing fast, with manufacturers touting proprietary designs and making bold claims about performance. Here’s what you need to know to cut through all that and pick the best running rain jacket for you.
Rain jackets are not universally waterproof. For runners, it’s helpful to separate rain layers into two broad groups: Waterproof and water-resistant.
Waterproof jackets offer the most robust protection against water, and in the case of the models in this guide, they’re also designed to be breathable enough for high-intensity activities. These are the jackets to look for if you’re planning on running for extended periods in steady rain.
Water-resistant jackets are lighter, often more breathable jackets (similar to windbreakers). They will stand up to light precipitation for brief periods, but water will eventually soak through in more intense rain conditions.
Some brands provide a cryptic set of specs with their jackets: A measure of water resistance combined with a measure of breathability, often expressed as a set of numbers like “10K/10K” or “20K/20K.”
The first number refers to the height of a water column (in millimeters) that one square inch of a jacket’s fabric can withstand before it starts to leak—a higher number indicates better water resistance. The second number refers to the grams of water vapor per square meter that can pass through a jacket’s fabric—a higher number indicates better breathability.
These stats are helpful in theory, but they get confusing when compared across brands. There is no industry-wide standard for what constitutes “waterproof.” REI calls anything over 2.1K waterproof, but other sources say it should resist 6K-10K to meet the standard.
Likewise, there’s no standard method for measuring breathability, so comparing them on paper is effectively impossible. Bottom line: Use these numbers as a general guide to a jacket’s performance, but don’t read into them too much.
How We Evaluated These Rain Jackets
To pick the best running rain jackets, we consulted runners, talked with brand reps to learn more about the latest models, and wore several jackets on rainy-day test runs (or in the shower) to assess their water resistance. In the interest of thoroughness, we conducted permeability testing by cutting patches from some of the jackets and weighing the amount of water vapor that passed through each to draw conclusions about breathability.
We also scoured online reviews to find top-rated jackets and uncover any potential pros and cons we might have missed in our testing. In the writeups below, we’ve combined our thoughts about the jackets, feedback from our wear-testers, and information from our research to highlight why each one stands out.
On top of our research and testing, Runner’s World test editor Amanda Furrer vetted many of the jackets and seeded many more to the magazine’s group of 50 local wear-testers to evaluate their wind- and rain-resistance, comfort, and fit.
Pros
- Good size range
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- No hand pockets
Key Specs
| Material | DWR-coated ripstop nylon, Pertex waterproof membrane |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | XS to XXXL |
Our test team has worn this jacket through snowstorms, high-elevation deluges, and other suboptimal trail-running conditions, and found it to be a capable ally when the forecast makes a turn for the worse. The jacket features a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield membrane that serves as a one-way valve for liquid: it completely blocks out precipitation while venting sweat vapors.
At 6.3 ounces for a men’s medium, it’s barely heavier than a wind jacket, but with more built-in protection from the elements. An adjustable hood, cinchable hem, and elastic cuffs help further seal out water. If you need to pack it down, the Helium stuffs into its own zipper chest pocket, where you can carry it via an included carabiner loop.
Pros
- Zippered underarm vents for breathability
- Adjustable hood and hem
- Multiple pockets
Cons
- Not specifically designed for running
Key Specs
| Material | DWR-coated ripstop nylon, Omni-Tech waterproof layer, polyester mesh lining |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | XS–2XL |
Columbia’s Pouration jacket offers dependable protection from the elements and doesn’t cost a fortune. Technically, this jacket was designed for hiking, but its zippered underarm vents come in handy for runners, too.
The two-layer design is fully seam-sealed and features an Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane to block water from coming in, while letting sweat vapor escape. A polyester mesh liner protects the waterproofing and keeps the jacket from clinging to your body while running.
It also has several helpful features that ensure a snug fit, including cinched drawcords at the hem and hood, and Velcro closures at the cuffs. Zippered pockets at the chest and waist provide storage, and the jacket packs down into one of the hand pockets, so it’s easy to store in a pack (or a suitcase if you’re traveling). The muted colors and casual style make it a great extra layer to bring on a casual walk, in addition to runs.
Pros
- Packs into a small bundle with an elastic carry strap
- Core vents boost breathability
- Streamlined and flexible fabric construction
Cons
- Not as light as other options
Key Specs
| Material | DWR-coated ripstop nylon |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
One of RW’s favorite pieces of trail running gear, the Janji Rainrunner is perfect if you want to keep your jacket packable. It packs into its own pocket, but the packed-down sack also has an elastic carrying strap, so you don’t need a pack to stash it mid-run. I found the jacket stuffed into the pocket quickly–no jamming or forcing required–and I could easily tote the packed jacket by looping the strap around my bicep. That’s a big plus—you don’t have to bring a separate pack just to haul your jacket when the rain stops.
It’s also a very effective rain layer. I tested this jacket under a shower head at full blast for five minutes, and it didn’t leak. The 2.5L construction reduces bulk, as there’s no separate interior liner. The open vents around the middle create good breathability for your core. I wore the Rainrunner on a short lunch run in breezy 65-degree weather and, even though I usually wouldn’t wear a jacket in temps that warm, I didn’t overheat. Overall, it’s a thoughtfully designed and versatile running jacket.
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof
Pros
- Built-in vents at the shoulders dump hot air
- Lightweight
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Only one pocket
Key Specs
| Material | DWR-coated nylon |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
If you want the most breathable, ultralight jacket, the vent-equipped Salomon Bonatti jacket should be on your shopping list. This rain shell features diagonal vents at the shoulders that dump hot air and sweat vapor when you warm up. It also has a snap closure at the front to keep the two sides from flapping around when the jacket is unzipped, which allows you to partially open the jacket for increased airflow while running.
Salomon’s AdvancedSkin waterproof membrane blocks rain, and the nylon face fabric has a DWR treatment for additional weather resistance. The nylon fabric also stretches, giving you good freedom of movement. At just 5.3 ounces for men’s and 4.6 ounces for women’s, this high-performance jacket won’t weigh you down, and it conveniently packs into its own chest pocket for easy storage in dry weather. That’s the only pocket you get with this jacket, though, so bring along a running belt if you need room for your keys and phone.
Jack Wolfskin Prelight 2.5L Jacket
Jack Wolfskin Prelight 2.5L Jacket
Pros
- Plenty of room in the torso and sleeves
- Great for layering
Cons
- Front zipper leaked during shower test
Key Specs
| Material | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2.5L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | S–2XL |
The Jack Wolfskin Prelight jacket performed well in our testing, and the roomy fit will give you great freedom of movement, even when layered up to deal with the cold. The torso and sleeves have a notably generous cut that doesn't constrict or pinch at the armpits, even when paired with a T-shirt and thick knit sweater. (That’s way bulkier than a performance midlayer you’d wear while running.) A cinchable hem keeps it from feeling too baggy or blowing around in the wind, and the hood is also adjustable, so you get a snug fit that blocks out rain.
The Prelight’s 2.5L design created good waterproofing that held up well under a showerhead going full blast, although the zipper did leak some water. At 6.5 ounces in men’s and 5.8 ounces in women’s, the Prelight is notably light, and packs down easily into its own pocket when you want to store it. It’s a wonderful rain shell if you want proper protection from a coat that hangs (relatively) loose.
Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
Pros
- Reflective zipper, cuffs, and shoulders
- Packs down into pocket
- High waterproof and breathability ratings
Cons
- Pocket zippers tend to catch
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Layers | 3L |
| Weatherproofing | Fully waterproof |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
Showers Pass makes the Cloudburst with EliteAir, a three-layer polyester fabric that has a whopping 43K/10.2K breathability-waterproof rating. Reflective trim on the zipper, pockets, shoulders, and cuffs enhances visibility against the ivory or orange colorway. The jacket has a tailored fit yet is roomy enough for layering, making it a great option in the rain and snow.
Our testers were impressed by its “mix of quality, usefulness, look, and feel.” Said one: “What I liked most about the jacket was the material, specifically the waterproofing. The stretchy material is very thin and comfortable to run in. It is quiet and breathable but kept me warm and blocked out a lot of the wind. This is one of the more impressive running jackets I’ve run in.”
Pros
- Highly waterproof and durable 3L construction
- Good breathability
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Difficult to pack into its pocket
Key Specs
| Material | DWR-coated nylon |
|---|---|
| Layers | 3L |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Sizes | 2XS–2XL |
Trail running requires a bit more prep than road running, especially if the forecast looks iffy. On the trail, you can’t just duck into a gas station when a storm blows through. Designed for mountain athletes, the Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody features a 3L construction with a Gore-Tex membrane for robust waterproofing. The inside is lined with a Gore-Tex C-Knit backer, a circular knit material that protects the waterproof membrane and feels notably soft against the skin.
Even without vents, the breathable 3L design can keep you cool, even as it keeps you dry, which is crucial for long runs in wet weather. And at just 6.7 ounces in men’s and 6 ounces in women’s, it won’t weigh you down, either.
When the sun does emerge, you can pack the Norvan LT into its single hip pocket (though one reviewer noted that it can be difficult to stuff into the pouch). Overall, the Norvan LT offers top-tier performance in nearly every aspect, from waterproofing to breathability and comfort. If you want ultimate trail protection, this is it.
How to Test a Rain Jacket’s Breathability, the Best Way to Maintain Its Waterproofness, and When Its Okay to Just Get Wet
For the sake of this review, we relied on tester feedback, as well as a fabric-permeability test to measure how much water vapor passes through the material. With the help of test editor Brad Ford from Popular Mechanics, we cut patches from several jackets, banded them over Styrofoam cups filled with 50 grams of desiccant beads (porous beads made of silica gel), and weighed them.
Then we put the cups on a perforated tray and sealed them over a bain-marie (a type of heated bath). After two hours, we went back to the cups, removed them from the bain-marie, and weighed them again, recording the difference in weight pre-sauna. This test was to assess each jacket’s breathability, the warm vapors from the bain-marie representing the sweat and heat our body generates during a run.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
