Best waterproof running jackets of 2023

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 running jacket that will keep you protected from light rain and torrential showers will transform your running experience and keep you exploring the trails all year round.

We look for a variety of features in a running rain jacket, but top of the list has to be waterproof and water-resistant capabilities. It might not always be raining though and just because it's raining, doesn't mean the temperature in the single digits. Hence, we also must consider breathability, range of movement, weight, and fit when choosing a waterproof running jacket that needs to be both comfortable and functional.

In particular, a good waterproof jacket will have features designed to keep the rain out. These include the all-important taped or bonded seams to seal out any water ingress through seam stitchings. Go for a jacket with cinched cuffs at the wrists and hem, with some form of adjustability like a drawstring or elastic to create a flush seal.

A high neckline gives you the option to really burrow away from the rain, and a hood can be a deal breaker for some - especially those with long hair! When it comes to a hood, look for one with some rigidity and sort of peaked 'cap' or wire set into the front to shelter the eyes from incoming raindrops. Again, adjustability is also key here to ensure the hood stays firmly in place and doesn't rustle. Along with your waterproof jacket, you'll want to consider levelling-up to some waterproof trail running shoes to keep you feet as bone dry as your top half while you run.

Black Friday deals on waterproof running jackets

Last chance! Black Friday deals are sticking around until the end of November. Here at LFTO, we're tracking and reporting the very best Black Friday discounts on our top-rated trail running shoes and waterproof jackets all month long. Luckily for you, this means you've got even more chance to nab a high-value piece of trail running gear at an affordable price-tag.

It's time to stock up for Christmas gifts and the season ahead! We've gathered some of the best waterproof running jacket deals out there to help you grab a bargain for your next trail running adventure.

Save £95: Inov-8 Stormshell– 60% off on Inov-8

Save £25: Under Armour Outrun the Storm – 25% off on Sportsshoes

Save £160: On Waterproof Anorak – 50% off at On Running

Save £64: Adidas Terrex Agravic 2.5 – 40% off on Adidas

Save £92: OR Helium Rain Jacket – 70% off on Outdoor Research

Find the best Black Friday trail running deals at these retailers: Sportsshoes | Decathlon | Inov-8 | New Balance | Saucony | Wiggle | Amazon | Alpinetrek

Best waterproof running jackets at a glance:

Inov-8 Stormshell – Best in Test

Decathlon Evadict – Best Value

Montane Phase Lite – Best for high performance

Rab Phantom – Best pack-down shell jacket

All of the rain jackets on test are made to withstand some level of downpour, keeping you as dry as possible as you run. Thankfully, there is a standardised means to measure the extent to which a material is waterproof, we call this unit of measurement the Hydrostatic Head.

What is Hydrostatic Head?

The Hydrostatic Head (HH) of a material is the height at which a column of water must be held against a fabric, before the build-up of pressure that's created causes the water to start penetrating the material. These days, the test is carried out using a water pressure machine which can replicate the downward pressure created by such a column. Typically, the tighter the denier weave of the fabric, the less moisture that's let through.

In the UK, companies are allowed to claim that a garment is waterproof if it has a HH of at least 1500mm. However, we'd recommend you reach for a waterproof jacket with a HH rating of at least 10,000mm, if not 15,000mm. A high HH would be 30,000mm, which means that the fabric let through water only once the column of water pressure reached 30m high. In other words, this fabric has a high level of waterproofing.

Best waterproof running jackets in detail:

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.

For all the latest news, tips and gear reviews, sign up to the Trail Running Newsletter.