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11 best women's running jackets for keeping you dry on rainy runs, tested
Whether you're jogging a 5k or running a half marathon
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
We all know the importance of the right trainers when you're hitting the pavements (or your local parkrun), but do you have the right jacket for the job?
Staying comfortable, dry and at the optimum temperature can be the difference between enjoying that rainy 10k or returning home a cold, soggy mess. And at this time of year, when you can sometimes experience four seasons in one run, there's no better time to invest in a good running jacket.
Whether you’re a keen long-distance runner or you enjoy the odd jog (or speedy walk) with the dog, the Good Housekeeping Institute's edit of the top running jackets will ensure you stay warm and dry.
The best running jackets 2024
In a hurry? This is a handy list of our experts' top picks, but read on for our detailed reviews.
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How to choose a running jacket
Like any piece of exercise kit, understanding what you need before you make that all-important purchase is key. There are several things to consider before you hit ‘buy now’ on a running jacket, from comfort and price, to special features and material. Let's break it down.
- Use: As you’ll see from our panel’s reviews below, different jackets will lend themselves to different types of running. For example, keen runners should opt for a slim, lightweight fit so you aren’t distracted as you stride, while casual joggers and dog walkers may prefer more room to add a jumper underneath.
- Price: The jackets featured below range from £34.99 up to £270, so consider what you’d be happy to spend. If you’re always pounding the pavement, it may be worth investing a little more in this essential piece of kit. However, if you’re only going to wear it a couple of times a season, one of our budget buys may be more up your street.
- Waterproof capabilities: If you plan on running in the rain, it's important to look for a jacket with strong waterproof credentials. They’ll often have a taped seam to keep drips from getting in and a water resistant coating that means rain will roll off, away from the jacket. Clever.
- Must-have features: From pockets to pouches, hoods to thumbholes, what are the features you absolutely can't live without in your next running jacket? Some styles we tested didn't have hoods, for instance, so double check before you order or you may be disappointed (and a little wet!).
How we test running jackets
At the GHI, our team of testers put each jacket through its paces, wearing them for at least three outdoor sessions, covering varying distances, in a range of weather conditions. They paid close attention to practical details, including zips, pockets, adjustable straps and hoods, as well as how the jackets felt before, mid- and post-run.
Each was rated on design, fit and comfort, as well as how well they dealt with perspiration and how they fared in the wash.
Here are the best running jackets for 2024.
Score: 91/100
We’re big fans of Asics running bras and leggings, so it’s hardly surprising that the brand’s waterproof jacket excelled in our tests.
It caught our panel’s attention for its stellar weatherproofing capabilities, preventing them from getting drenched, even in the stormiest weather. They lavished praise on the well-fitted, adjustable hood, which stayed firmly in place and protected them from the elements thanks to the smart back adjustor. “It was fully windproof and waterproof,” confirmed one satisfied runner.
It also ticks the box in terms of comfort, with lightweight, stretchy fabric that allows you to move freely and won’t cause you to overheat when things get sweaty. It’s a cinch to slip in and out of and the whole jacket tucks away into its own pocket, making it a great choice for travel. As a bonus, it’s stylish enough to wear on your Sunday morning coffee run, too.
The only drawback? Some would have liked larger pockets for stashing their phones, but that wasn’t enough to put testers off from using it time and time again.
Key specifications
| Materials | Recycled polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | Yes |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
Montane Unisex Podium Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Score: 90/100
This Montane jacket is super lightweight and was praised by our panel for its flexible fabric (a 100% polyester knit) that makes movement super easy; ideal if you’re playing around with pace on your next run.
A sound investment for its breathability, windproof and waterproof capabilities too, it’s sure to see you across the finish line. Note that it doesn’t have pockets for your valuables, so run, jog or walk light! It does, however, include a hood, and packs down super small for easy travelling.
Key specifications
| Materials | Aqua Pro Lite polyester knit |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | Yes |
| Sizes | XS - XXL |
Score: 89/100
Cold training sessions will pose no problem with this reliable Decathlon jacket. The thick fabric, snug hood and built-in mittens (yes, really!) kept our panellists toasty, while the strong zips helped stop chilly winds in their tracks.
You don’t have to worry about overheating though – the clever design features air vents around the back and arms and two side zips that open to allow body heat to escape. It also has two secure pockets for all your bits and bobs (these were easy to slide open while on the move) and handy slits in the arms so you can check your fitness tracker while running.
Opt for one of our lighter options if you’re a keen racer or looking to hit some PBs. But for the average runner who wants something practical, weatherproof and comfortable, this is excellent value for money. Just make sure to size up as our testers said it ran small.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyester, polyurethane, elastane |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | 6 – 14 |
Score: 87/100
As the name suggests, this “super water-resistant" jacket from the running experts at Under Armour is designed to leave you high and dry come the end of your run. Sure enough, our testers agreed it was great for colder, wet weather, with one even saying they “couldn’t fault its performance.”
The flattering design and streamlined fit also proved popular among our runners, who loved the way it cinched them in at the waist. They were grateful for the variety of pockets, including a zipped one for your keys and a drop-in pocket for your phone, and the smooth, non-restrictive material earned their seal of approval, too.
Some found the hood slipped down while pounding the pavement and we would have liked more reflective detailing for evening runs, but these are minor niggles for an all-round impressive piece of kit.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyester, polyurethane, elastane |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
Score: 87/100
Running jackets aren't all about functionality. We also want to look good while we’re doing laps of the park. Enter this bright beauty from the team at Salomon. The design — available in five colours — got our runners’ attention with handy details including poppers and zipped pockets for your keys. The jacket also got 5/5 in our lab waterproof testing.
Some of our runners found it came up quite snug and could have been more breathable, so you may want to consider sizing up. However, it's a great option if you want a multi-purpose jacket you can go for runs and walks in.
Key specifiations
| Materials | Polyamide |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
Score: 83/100
Whether you’re a short-distance sprinter or love nothing more than going out for a long weekend run and seeing where the path takes you, you’ll need an all-rounder like this Storm jacket.
Our testers appreciated the range of useful features such as a chest pocket, roll-up hood and lightweight fabric. Need to layer up underneath? Not a problem. Our runners found the jacket was versatile enough to wear with thicker base layers when needed and had solid breathability. Plus, it scored top marks for waterproofing in our tests. We’re sold.
Key specifications
| Materials | Flylite aqua fabric |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | 8 - 20 |
Score: 79/100
Weighing in at just 100g (about the same as a small banana!), this is one of the lightest jackets on our list. In fact, some of our runners forgot they were even wearing it, and it scored an impressive 4/5 in our waterproof testing.
Our panel loved the breathability of the jacket, with some saying they’d recommend it for race day; the thin material means you race bib is visible underneath. See you at the start line.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyester with PU membrane |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | S - XL |
Score: 76/100
The second Keela offering in our round-up, this Talus jacket is the dream for all your outdoor adventures when the weather is still on the cooler side. It features fleece-lined panels and advanced insulation tech to keep you supremely warm, without having to wear a million layers. It also has elasticated cuffs and a reinforced peaked hood to keep the rain out.
Despite the high level of insulation, our panel found it was surprisingly lightweight and allowed them full freedom of movement while exercising. Details including toggle strings for a tighter fit and fleecy side pockets for extra warmth earned it additional brownie points. “It’s one of the best jackets I’ve ever hiked in,” commented one tester.
If you’re planning on really working up a sweat, this may not be for you. Our testers found it a little too warm for intense sessions, noting its suitability for lower intensity runs, jogs and hiking instead.
Key specifications
| Materials | Nylon, polyester |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | 10 – 20 |
Score: 71/100
Everyone needs a bright yellow jacket in their wardrobe: fact. And this one from Decathlon is a solid choice. All of our panel thought it would be best suited to those months when you’re battling the elements and need optimum protection and warmth.
Scoring 5/5 in our lab waterproof tests, and a resounding thumbs up for the well-designed hood from our panel, it’s a great mid-price purchase that will keep you dry and visible.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyester (main fabric) and polyurethane (membrane) |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | 6 - 14 |
Score: 71/100
After a good-looking running jacket you can wear all day long? Look no further. Our runners rated this cropped H&M design for style, and liked the reflective details, making it a top choice for dimly lit early morning and evening runs.
The high-neck design provided protection from the bracing winds and the jacket did a good job of keeping everyone dry when the heavens opened. “I ran in torrential rain and my vest top underneath was bone dry,” said one tester. The smooth, lightweight material felt soft against their skin, and it scored highly for breathability, too.
The pockets are on the larger side, so our belongings bounced around when we picked up the pace, but it will do the job nicely for slow to moderately paced runs. A few testers would have preferred a longer length to keep their leggings dry, but that comes down to personal preference.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyamide, polyester |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | No |
| Sizes | XS - XXL |
Highlander Stow and Go Pack Away Rain Jacket
Score: 70/100
Available in three stylish colourways, this jacket may be at the lower end of our price range, but you wouldn’t know it – it scored an impressive 5/5 in our waterproof lab tests. Note, some of our testers found it on the snug side so you may want to size up.
The side-zip pockets are also genuinely useful, according to our panel. However, this jacket didn't score too highly for breathability so it may be best saved for gentler runs or hikes.
Key specifications
| Materials | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Packable pouch | Yes |
| Sizes | XS - XXL |
The verdict on running jackets
Asics is known for its top-quality running kit, and its Fujitrail waterproof running jacket lived up to expectations. It's lightweight, comfy and will shield you from the elements.
Under Armour's OutRun The Storm jacket is also an excellent all-rounder, complete with a hood and multiple pockets for storing your essentials.
On a budget? You can't go wrong with the Highlander Stow and Go Pack Away Rain Jacket, which comes in at under £35.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the GHI, we’ve been testing products for 100 years and are committed to helping you find the most reliable buys that won't let you down, whatever the weather.
Kim Hawley is our health and wellness tester and oversees reviews for a range of fitness products, including running jackets. She has over 30 years' experience in the industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification and a nutrition qualification. Prior to joining the GHI, she spent 20 years working in leading health clubs across the UK.
For this test, we also recruited a panel of experienced runners, who knew what they were looking for from a good running jacket and made sure we put them through their paces.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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