A waterproof running jacket keeps you dry, protects you from cold wind, and still allows sweat to escape so you don’t overheat. Plus, running in the rain can be fun and often means quieter roads or trails. 

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?

Water-resistant jackets can handle a drizzle. They usually have a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that makes water bead up and roll off. But they will soak through in heavy rain.

Waterproof jackets use special membranes (like GORE-TEX or similar) plus sealed seams to block out heavy rain completely. These keep you truly dry even during downpours.

If you often run in rainy or unpredictable weather, invest in a waterproof jacket. If you’re in a mostly dry climate, a water-resistant shell might be enough.

Some brands use confusing numbers to describe their jackets, like “10K/10K” or “20K/20K.” These numbers show how waterproof and breathable the jacket is.

The first number (like 10K or 20K) tells you how much water the fabric can handle before it leaks. A bigger number means it keeps water out better.

The second number (also 10K or 20K) tells you how much sweat (water vapor) can escape through the fabric. A bigger number means it lets sweat out more easily, so you stay dry inside.

What to Look for in a Waterproof Running Jacket

Breathability

Running makes you sweat. A jacket that’s waterproof but not breathable will trap sweat inside, making you wet anyway. Look for jackets that mention breathable membranes (like GORE-TEX, eVent, or similar) or feature ventilation panels.

Weight and Packability

You want a jacket that’s lightweight and can be stuffed into its pocket or a small bag. That way, you can carry it when the forecast is iffy.

Fit and Comfort

It should fit snugly but still let you layer underneath. Articulated sleeves and adjustable hoods help keep you comfortable while moving.

Reflectivity

Rain often means low light. Reflective strips keep you visible to drivers and cyclists.

Sealed Seams & Zippers

Water often sneaks in through seams and zippers. Make sure they’re taped or sealed.

Related: Best Running Shoes for Overpronation

The Best Waterproof Running Jackets

Overview

The Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralite Hoodie’s best feature is the hood. Inside the hood, there’s a layer of soft wool where your neck and ears touch, instead of the usual noisy windbreaker fabric. This makes it super comfortable, almost like wearing a cozy beanie, and it’s even a bit warmer.

The jacket also has wool under the arms and special vents on the shoulders, which make it one of the most breathable jackets we tested. It also comes with hand-warmer pockets, a nice bonus for running in the cold. It’s very lightweight (just over 5 ounces) and can fold into its pocket, making it easy to carry.

One downside: the hood isn’t very adjustable. It only has a single elastic band in the back. While it fit our heads well and stayed on even during long runs (with or without a hat), it might not fit everyone the same way.

If having an adjustable hood is important to you, you might want to look at the Asics Fujitrail jacket, which has a hood you can tighten on the sides and back for a snug fit.

Overview

The North Face offers excellent protection from wind and rain, has smart, thoughtful features, and looks great too. No water got through the fabric, seams, or cuffs, and it blocked wind without any annoying flapping or noise. It kept runners warm and comfortable without causing them to overheat. 

The drawstring hood stayed securely in place, the smooth fabric felt nice even when sweaty, and the toggles made it easy to get just the right fit. The reflective details for staying visible on dark runs, and it can be packed away, especially useful for trail runners. The only downside is that it lacks pockets; it’s a big investment. But if you can afford it, this jacket ticks all the boxes and is built to last.

Overview

No matter the weather, this top-quality Asics jacket has you covered. It got top scores in our waterproof tests, and our testers said it kept them warm and dry in rain, hail, and strong winds. The hood with a little peak stayed put the whole time, and there was no annoying flapping or rustling as they ran faster.

The lightweight fabric was breathable, stretchy, and didn’t stick to sweaty skin, letting runners move freely — a big win on all fronts. If you decide you don’t need it halfway through your run, no problem: you can pack it into its back pocket. Unlike many jackets that are hard to take off when wet, this one was easy to slip on and off, even mid-run.

The only downside? It’s a bit lacking in pockets (there’s just a small one on the front). But given its near-perfect performance, that’s a small complaint.

Overview

Under Armour nailed it with this jacket. They say it’s “super water-resistant,”. it keeps super dry on wet runs. The soft, luxurious fabric kept runners warm and cozy on cold days, yet it still breathed well so they didn’t feel sweaty or sticky. Everyone loves the classic, fitted look and was especially impressed by the many pockets for a phone, keys, wallet, and gels.

We did wish it had some reflective details for low-light runs, and a few testers noted the lack of toggles for a more custom fit. Even so, it’s a solid choice for running year-round in unpredictable weather.

Overview

For runners who care about every gram, the Inov8 Raceshell HZ is a great pick. This anorak-style jacket offers full waterproof protection at almost half the weight of most other jackets here. Made from a 2.5-layer fabric with taped seams and a waterproof membrane, it’s extremely light and packable, and usually meets the mandatory kit rules for races (though it’s always smart to double-check). We liked that the fabric is quiet while running, and because it’s slightly see-through, your race number stays visible. Just keep in mind it looks a bit like a high-tech plastic bag — practical but not something you’d throw on for coffee after your run.

Being so light does come with trade-offs. The hood, cuffs, and hem aren’t adjustable, so it might not fit snugly on every body. It has a wider cut to fit over a running pack, which makes it easy to pull on or off, but it can flap around in the wind. Also, the zipper is stiff and slow, so we had to be gentle to avoid breaking it or tearing the thin material. Still, if you want a super lightweight, race-ready jacket, this one ticks all the boxes.

A waterproof running jacket is one of the best investments you can make for your running comfort. It keeps you training consistently, rain or shine, which is key if you’re following a serious plan (like prepping for a marathon or a new 5K PR).

Remember: there’s no such thing as bad weather — only bad gear!