Over the years, weve. Why Trust Us?
The 8 Best Winter Running Jackets to Make Getting Out in the Cold Bearable
These are the lightweight rain shells and heavy-duty insulated layers that have kept us and our testers comfortable.
I’ll never forget watching Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0. The opening scene had her blasting what looked like 8-minute miles in a massive down jacket with deep baffles, a cropped hem, and a high collar. A cutaway shot showed her smartwatch congratulating her on a fast 5-mile run. I didn’t make it far into the series for a few reasons, but you don’t need to be a professional runner to find the protagonist pounding miles in mild conditions while wearing a huge down coat absurd.
This leads us to my latest recommendations for the best winter running jackets, which the Netflix wardrobe department probably should have consulted before shooting that scene. A good winter running jacket is one piece of a complicated layering system where you need to take into account variables like temperature, run time, windchill, cardio output, and potential rain or snow. All of these factors require water-resistant, breathable membranes and, often, wicking insulation. Insulated models need to be body mapped, to trap more warmth at the core while venting under the arms. Finally, the cut should allow for layering without restricting motion. The jacket you choose largely depends on your standard output, layering needs, and climate. I’ve compiled the best (tested) running jackets for everything from wind and rain to frigid temperatures and snowy trails—and actually banging out miles without overheating.
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket Great Running Gloves, Best Fleece-Lined Leggings, Winter Running Hats, and Water resistant, wind resistant, wool insulation
The Best Running Jackets
- Best Overall: Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
- Best Value: Windproof, 40g synthetic insulation
- The Most Durable, Lightweight Rain Shell: Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0
- The Best for Core Warmth: The North Face Winter Warm Pro Jacket
- Best Size Range: Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket
The Expert: I am a Montana-based hiker, runner, and cyclist who gets outside in all seasons. This means running in a variety of sometimes terrible weather conditions. I rely on versatile layering to stay comfortable, and have tested lots of gear in the process. I’ve been testing outdoor apparel for 10 years during some pretty frigid winters here in the Northern Rockies and have run and traveled for outdoor adventures all over the U.S.. My winter routine consists mostly of road running with some moderate in-town gravel and the occasional sufferfest on the trails around town, which mostly end up with me struggling to stay on my feet and not lose my microspikes.
How to Dress for Winter Running
Winter weather can vary from day to day and region to region, so the best winter running jacket will depend on the conditions in which you expect to run. You'll also warm up as you move, so a good rule of thumb is to dress for temperatures 10 degrees warmer—including windchill—than the forecast.
If you’re planning to run through rain or precipitation, you’ll need a jacket that also repels water—look for DWR finish or a waterproof/breathable membrane. The winter running jackets I recommned cover a range of winter weather, from below-freezing temps to sleet and snow, along with more moderate conditions and rain.
What to Consider in a Winter Running Jacket
Winter running jackets need to keep you warm while being breathable to vent and let sweat evaporate, and they need to provide at least some weather protection. Runners often opt for a lightweight jacket on top of a base layer, or a vest paired with a base layer and a weatherproof shell.
Even when it's wet or cold, many runners try to avoid wearing a bulky outer layer, but there are plenty of sleeker options that still provide warmth and weather protection. Look for a winter running jacket that keeps you warm and dry, allows movement, and has breathable fabric and insulation to avoid overheating.
Choose the Right Materials
Most winter running jackets are made from fleece, nylon, or polyester. Some also include merino wool, which has natural wicking abilities and excellent temperature management. If you run cold, wearing an insulated jacket is a good option, but look for one with venting panels and synthetic insulation (which won’t lose its insulating power when it gets wet). If you heat up quickly, choose a thinner jacket, or one that you can take off and tie around your waist mid-run. I am a picky runner—I hate starting cold but I also hate taking my jacket off mid-run. I typically opt for a full-zip model that allows me to unzip halfway open for air flow, and I like being able to push my sleeves up my arms. Whether or not this actually does anything is debatable, but it feels less hot.
Not All Weatherproofing is Created Equal
I note when a shell is water-resistant or waterproof below, and while both will protect from precipitation, there are some differences. Water-resistant jackets (as opposed to waterproof) provide a lightweight, water-resistant layer but won’t block downpours. They’re treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes rain to bead up and roll off instead of seeping through. That coating loses effectiveness after about 20 washes, but you can The 7 Best Treadmills for Runners. Waterproof jackets are more expensive and often less breathable, but they are the gold standard for staying dry thanks to the membrane between the face fabric and the liner. This membrane has holes small enough to let vapor pass through (so sweat can evaporate) but keep liquids out.
Brands will market some jackets with a tighter weave or special membrane as “wind-resistant” or “windproof.” The tighter the weave, the less wind can cut through the jacket. Winter running jackets might also provide extra insulation with linings like wool or a synthetic material, but too much insulation can cause you to overheat if you already run hot.
Hoods Are Hit or Miss
It can be hard to find a hood that stays on when you start running. Cinched hoods (where you tighten and loosen the hood using a drawcord on the back) struggle with staying in place because they leave the opening around your face wider than under-the-chin drawstrings. Plus, the added movement of running (versus hiking or walking) increases the chances of a hood sliding off. That said, hoods with drawstrings at the front or a jacket with a high zipper tend to work better as they close tighter around your face. And for super cold days, I honestly recommend a midlayer with a scuba hood instead of a looser running jacket hood.
A hood isn’t a deal breaker for me—if it works, great, if not, I’ll grab a hat. I don’t necessarily rule out jackets without a hood, and it’s not one of the first things I look for when choosing what to wear.
How We Test
Runner’s World editors, professional gear testers, and (mostly) I have tested all the winter running jackets we recommend here. We’ve been testing for years, looking for varying fits that allow for layering without restricting range of motion. Key factors also included a range of insulation weights and materials based on climate and output, as well as shell materials. A dry winter run in the high desert is going to call for a different outer layer than a sleeting 5 miles in North Dakota. As I determine which jackets are worth recommending, I take into account the tester’s intel as well as my own experience running in the winter and wearing a variety of active layers. Each of these jackets made the cut based on technical fabrics, comfort, warmth, and intended use. I also tried to work in as many reasonably priced shells as possible. (You can often find last season’s colors at a discount, too, if you’re looking for a bargain.)
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
Watch Next
10 Ways to Make Running This Winter More Enjoyable
Insulated core, DWR finish
How to Prep for Running When It’s Cold Out
5 Reasons You Should Run in the Cold