9 Best Running Jackets of 2023 for All Types of Weather

A Good Housekeeping 2023 Fitness Awards winner, this jacket from Houdini was a favorite of our testers and Lab analysts. Altogether, our testers wore this style for 30 workouts, and they were impressed by the lightweight ripstop polyester material (ripstop is a durable fabric type that's resistant to tearing), describing it as breathable, comfortable and moisture-wicking. The flattering jacket protected our testers from rainy weather and humidity without causing them to overheat. One raved, "I am obsessed with this jacket!" and shared that it's a new staple in her workout wardrobe. However, she did note that it's not quite warm enough to wear year-round and is best for warmer climates. The jacket is a little expensive, but the brand offers a generous 365-day return policy, so you can try it out to decide if it's worth the price. (We think it is!)

More than 4,800 Amazon buyers gave this running jacket 5-star reviews (out of 5), and it's a total steal for just over $30. Users highlight the flattering shape, thanks to the stretch-blend material and tapered cut, but some say the fit is a bit snug and recommend sizing up for a looser feel. Our analysts appreciate that the material features the brand's Duo Dry+ technology, which wicked away moisture instantly in our evaluations, meaning it's almost certain to stay dry and comfortable on your runs. The running jacket is designed with thumbholes in the sleeves to keep them in place during workouts, a slightly longer cut in the back for more coverage and two zippered pockets for secure storage.

Weighing in at just 4.23 ounces for a women's medium, Nathan's Stealth jacket is an ultralight pick that won't drag you down on your runs. It was also a winner in our 2022 Fitness Awards — the jacket got amazing feedback from testers. Plus, it packs compactly into its own pocket and features a corner loop, so users love to attach it to their waistband for backup in case the weather turns rainy, and it's great for traveling. There are thumbholes to help the sleeves stay put, but reviewers note that the arms run long, so you may experience some bunching around the wrists. As the name "Stealth" suggests, the jacket is designed with quiet material, so you don't have to worry about it making a noticeable swishing sound when you move around. Our analysts are fans of Nathan's workout gear and recommend the brand's running shorts for coordinating lightweight bottoms.

If you're looking for a lightweight jacket with reflective features, try Brooks' Run Visible Convertible style. Brooks is a popular running brand whose products, especially its top-tested running shoes, continue to perform well in our Textiles Lab's evaluations and wow our testers. The clothing in the brand's Run Visible Collection is designed with reflective strips placed in high-movement areas, such as around the hemlines and sleeves, and its jackets feature attention-grabbing fluorescent yellow details to improve runners' visibility in the dark. If cool or wet weather subsides and you're still hoping to stay safe on your run, you can easily convert the jacket into a reflective vest, but some reviewers say the vest feels slightly bulky to wear. Our Lab experts appreciate that there are snaps that line the front opening to allow for ventilation and still keep the jacket secure when the zipper is undone.

Lululemon's products are loved by GH Institute analysts, and our testers have repeatedly given the brand rave reviews. One Textiles Lab pro says she "swears by" the Cross Chill jacket, which has a durable shell that helps repel water and protect against wind. Panels of stretch fabric line the sides and run along the underarms for added breathability and comfort, which one analyst says she loves because it prevents her from turning into a sweaty mess when she's working out. The fleece interior is cozy and plush, and reviewers say it's warm, so it isn't the best option if you live in a warmer climate. To keep your belongings safe while you run, there are two zippered side pockets and a hidden zippered phone sleeve in the back of the jacket.

Available in regular (up to 3X), petite and tall, Athleta's Run With It Jacket is a great option for someone looking for a running jacket with extended sizing. The lightweight stretch material that our analysts describe as buttery soft is derived from recycled plastic water bottles. It has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50-plus for defense against the sun's rays, and there's a water-repellent finish to help you stay dry in inclement weather too; one analyst who wore the jacket said it wicked away water instantly. The jacket even folds into its own back pocket, so it's easy to pack away when you're on the go. Reviews indicate that the sizing is a bit inconsistent, with some reviewers sharing that it runs large, while others say the sleeves can be tight. Be sure to look over the brand's size chart before purchasing, and if you do choose the incorrect size, Athleta offers 60-day returns by mail.

Running in the winter can be a drag if you're wearing tons of bulky layers to stay warm that end up weighing you down. Marmot's innovative WarmCube jacket is designed to help regulate your body temperature, circulating heat when you move and trapping heat while you're stationary for extra warmth. It's on the pricier side for activewear, but its quality construction wowed our Textiles Lab analysts, and it's stuffed with an impressive 700-fill-power down. The sleeves are made of thin nylon ripstop material and are designed with underarm gussets to inhibit movement while you work out. There are plenty of zippered pockets (two at the chest and two on the sides) to secure your belongings too.

Patagonia continues to raise the bar with its sustainable, high-performing activewear, including the popular Houdini Jacket, which weighs in at less than four ounces. Our analysts love that it's made with recycled ripstop nylon fabric, a durable material that can withstand wear and tear, and it's produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility, meaning the people who make the jackets receive fair wages for their work. A perfluorochemical-free water-repellent finish coats the jacket to help protect you from wet weather. Drawcords at the waist and in the hood and partial elastic around the cuffs create a snugger fit to keep drafty air out while you run. There's only one zippered chest pocket available to store your belongings, but you can stuff the jacket inside the pocket for compact carrying.

For just $50, this jacket from Quince is loved by reviewers who rave that the quality is unbeatable for the low price point. One GH Institute analyst loves wearing this jacket both when she's exercising and when she's working in the office because it's so sleek and flattering. Since it's fitted, some reviewers say it runs small and suggest sizing up if you're between sizes. Another analyst who owns this jacket says she appreciates the thoughtful details of the jacket's construction, like thumbholes to prevent the sleeves from shifting around and an open flap in the back for ventilation to help cool you down on a run. The stretch-knit material has a smooth feel, and reviewers share that it's soft and comfy.