If you live in the northern hemisphere, you likely see your fair share of rain. In fact, training in the rain is pretty unavoidable. What you can control is what you wear. Investing in a waterproof running jacket that will keep your protected from light rain and torrential showers will transform your running experience.
We look for a variety of features in a running rain jacket, but top of the list has to be its waterproof capabilities. It might not always be raining though, so we also must consider breathability, range of movement, weight, and fit when thinking about what features to look out for.
To help your buying decision, check out what to look for in a waterproof running jacket
Best waterproof running jackets
Inov-8 Stormshell
Best all-rounder
1. Inov-8 Stormshell
Description
The [Inov-8
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Lightweight
- Well-fitting
Cons
- A little pricey
- Only one pocket
Decathlon Evadict Trail Running Waterproof Jacket
Best value
2. Decathlon Evadict Trail Running Waterproof Jacket
Description
The Decathlon Evadict comes in at the budget end of our selection, yet it has many good features.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Decent waterproofing
Cons
- Lack of breathability or air vents
- No storm flap at zip
Montane Phase Lite
Best performer
3. Montane Phase Lite
Description
The £300 price tag may cause some to baulk, however the price is supported by some great features
Pros
- High overall quality
- Waterproof and windproof
- Well fitting
Cons
- High price-tag
- No reflectivity
Soar Ultra Jacket
Best technical jacket
4. Soar Ultra Jacket
Description
When you first get your hands on the Soar Ultra Jacket, you can instantly tell that it’s made to
Pros
- Technical features
- Good waterproofing
- Refelctive detailing
Cons
- Large price-tag
- Only one pocket
Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Best shell waterproof layer
5. Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Description
At first glance, the Rab Phantom appears pretty simple and straightforward. That’s because it is.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Great race-mandated waterproof
Cons
- On the spendier side for a shell
- Can’t cope with heavy downpours
Under Armour OutRun The Storm Jacket
Best for versatility
6. Under Armour OutRun The Storm Jacket
Description
This suave and streamlined number from Under Armour (UA) is a comfy and practical everyday sports
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Range of uses
Cons
- Not fully waterproof (doesn't claim to be)
On Running Waterproof Anorak
Best for unique design
7. On Running Waterproof Anorak
Description
The On Running Waterproof Anorak is a triple-layer design with a focus on providing full
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good waterproofing and breathable
- Well designed cuffs
- Stylish and unique look
Cons
- Vents useless with a backpack
- No pockets
- Hood adjustment leaves gaps for elements
66°North Straumnes Jacket
Best for visibility
8. 66°North Straumnes Jacket
Description
The 66°North family consists of a fleece [**base
Pros
- Perfect for running in sub-zero
- Very comfortable
- Reasonably sustainable brand
Cons
- Expensive
- Pockets too big for running
Adidas Terrex Agravic 2.5
Recommended
9. Adidas Terrex Agravic 2.5
Description
Adidas have produced a super lightweight waterproof jacket in the Terex Agravic 2.5. First off,
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Pocket fits a phone
- Packable shell
- Quick drying
Cons
- Hood gapes and isn't adjustable
- Questions over durability
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Recommended
10. Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Description
A funky looking disco green jacket, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket its sure to draw
Pros
- Good looks and style
- Waterproof
- Key pocket
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Cuffs not completely protective
- Pocket capacity limited
Dynafit Alpine GTX Jacket
Recommended
11. Dynafit Alpine GTX Jacket
Description
The Dynafit Alpine Gore-Tex running jacket is made to be both breathable, practical and highly
Pros
- Great styling and looks
- Rear zip feature unique and innovative
- Effective hood and waterproofing
- Ample ventilation
Cons
- Runs small
- Lack of waist and cuff adjustments
- No pockets
What to look for in a waterproof running jacket
Waterproofing: Jackets will come in varying levels of waterproofing, which is measured by their hydrostatic head (HH) rating. Premium-end gear has a 20,000mm HH or higher, which means a 20m column of water can stand on the fabric before water penetrates it. The minimum you would want for a rain jacket is 10,000mm HH.
Seams: For a garment to be fully waterproof, its seams must be properly sealed so no water can penetrate to the layers below. This means that the seams must be reinforced to keep the rain out, this can be from taping to cover up the tiny holes left in the material from stitching, or welding the seams which should create both a watertight and airtight seal.
Breathability: Waterproof jackets struggle to be breathable as waterproofing creates a seal against the elements, which can also reduce airflow as well as water ingress. Look out for features like breathable materials, vents which can be opened during a break in the clouds, and thinner materials which will be more breathable than layers with thick waterproof membranes.
Hood: Some runners don’t like running with a hood, if you like the coverage though, a well-structured hood will keep you even more dry on a rainy run. Look out for internal wiring and structure to the tip of the hood to keep rain off your face, plus adjustability with drawstrings on the side along with a snug fit to keep the hood in place.
Cuffs: Look for jackets with some form of closure along the cuffs to keep the rain out. This could be with a drawstring, elasticated hem, or cuff that keeps the end of the sleeve tight to the wrist.
Zips: A zip is a point of weakness in a waterproof garment as this is an area where rain could seep through. A waterproof jacket should have reinforcement along the zip, which could be in the form of a waterproof coating, or a long zip baffle to provide an extra layer between yourself and the zip.
Visibility: It’s likely that with rain will come conditions of low visibility. Grey and dim cloudy skies will make you far less visible to traffic and other runners, so having a jacket with some touches to boost visibility is always a plus in our books. This could mean a completely fluorescent colourway or be in the form of more subtle reflective details.