The best waterproof running jackets reviewed (2023)

A good quality waterproof jacket will keep you protected from the elements, even in the worst of downpours

woman runs in forest in jacket

by Kate Milsom |

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

woman runs in inov-8 stormshell waterproof jacket

1. Inov-8 Stormshell

Description

The [Inov-8

Pros

  • Fully waterproof
  • Lightweight
  • Well-fitting

Cons

  • A little pricey
  • Only one pocket
inov-8 stormshell studio pic

Decathlon Evadict Trail Running Waterproof Jacket

Best value

woman running in decathlon evadict waterproof run jacket

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
decathlon evadict waterproof jacket

Montane Phase Lite

Best performer

woman runs in montane phase lite jacket

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
montane phase lite

Soar Ultra Jacket

Best technical jacket

woman running in soar ultra 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
soar ultra jacket

Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket

Best shell waterproof layer

Woman running in Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket

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
rab phantom waterproof jacket

Under Armour OutRun The Storm Jacket

Best for versatility

Woman running in Under Armour OutRun The Storm Jacket

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)
ua outrun the storm jacket

On Running Waterproof Anorak

Best for unique design

woman runs in on running waterproof anorak

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
on running waterproof anorak image

66°North Straumnes Jacket

Best for visibility

Woman running in 66°North Straumnes Jacket

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
66°North Straumnes Jacket Women's

Adidas Terrex Agravic 2.5

Recommended

woman runs in adidas terex agravic 2.5 jacket

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
adidas terex agravic 2.5

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

Recommended

woman running in outdoor research helium rain jacket

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
outdoor research helium rain jacket image

Dynafit Alpine GTX Jacket

Recommended

woman runs in dynafit alpine GTX jacket

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
dynafit alpine GTX jacket

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.

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