Like a committed training partner, a running jacket should be up for anything: wind, rain, sleet or snow shouldn’t hold you back. While protecting you from the elements, a running shell will allow warm and moist air to escape as you work. The weight and bulk of these jackets is kept minimal so it does not impede your performance. Additional features like pockets and venting will suit some runner’s needs, while others will opt for a more minimalistic design. Ultimately, any of our reviewed jackets can perform in certain circumstances, but which product will provide the best usability for you? Follow these steps before reading our detailed jacket reviews, and the answer will become clear.
1. Find Your Running Fix
Establish what type of runner you are. Do you attend a weekly social run group, or are you training for your next ultramarathon? Perhaps you are new to running, and want to continue building endurance during the cooler seasons. Once you have identified your style of running, you can make decisions about where to shop first. For instance, durability and features are often tradeoffs for weight. An always-on-the-go urban runner may value their pockets, and an alpine runner may want a packable shell that withstands a beating. Still, an ultrarunner may ask for the lightest available jacket, trading some durability and features for featherlight fabrics.
2. Identify the Weather You Will Encounter Most
The next factor to consider is the weather and climate of your locale. Then think of the days you most often run. Based on these observations, you’ll know which type of running jacket to look for.
Windproof Running Jackets
A windproof running shell will block wind and have some resistance to precipitation. Lightweight materials are used to reduce the overall weight of the jacket while still remaining durable. A windproof running shell is best used in cool and dry climates with little or no precipitation so that its weather-shedding ability is not overwhelmed. We tested the smartest jackets in this category and created detailed reviews for you to study before shopping.
Waterproof Running Jackets
Waterproof running shells employ the latest and greatest fabric technologies to keep the user dry while maintaining breathability. This type of running jacket will be put to good use in a wet climate, but bear in mind that if running in the rain is not appealing to you, a windproof running shell may do the trick. We tested the leading waterproof running shells available, wrote detailed reviews and ranked them based on the feedback from our testers.
Softshell Running Jackets
Softshell jackets range in materials and construction, but most have some insulated panels adjacent to lightweight knit fabrics that wick perspiration. This type of jacket is best suited to cold and dry climates, though most have some ability to shed light precipitation.
3. Choose Features Important to You
Features not only give a jacket character, but also add tangible benefits to its performance. Consider the features you most value and whether they are worth their weight.
Pockets
Arguably one of the most useful features of a jacket, pockets add weight by necessitating additional fabric and possibly zippers. For this reason, most manufacturers have designed shells with few or no pockets and runners typically store their minimal gear elsewhere. Usually, products will feature a single chest pocket, where stored items are less prone to jostling. Additionally, some jackets use pockets with a double-sided zipper, allowing the jacket to be stuffed within its own pocket for convenient storage.
Zippers
All running jackets we tested have zippers, but not all zippers are created equal. As demonstrated in our waterproof running jacket testing, the zipper is the most common area for leaking to occur. Even products built with highly water-resistant zippers performed poorly in our shower test. The zipper with the greatest success was the YKK AquaGaurd, featured on several of the jackets we tested. A zipper is also a common failing point of a jacket and more likely to break if extremely lightweight materials are used. This is another point where additional durability is balanced with weight of the product.
Venting
Another common feature of some, but not all, running jackets are vents. These allow warm and moist air to escape from within the jacket, in hopes of keeping the user dry. Vents can either be permanently open, or be opened and closed at the user’s discretion, often with a zipper. Remember that adding zippers to a product increases the weight, and therefore many manufacturers forgo venting and instead use highly breathable face fabrics.
Adjustability
A more adjustable jacket is more adaptable to its owner and also more useful while layering. Adjustments can often be found at the waistband and hood, and sometimes at the cuffs. Shock cord and a tightening mechanism are commonly used to aid in trapping warm air in and keeping drafts out. In an effort to make products ultralight, manufacturers frequently omit adjustability options, and instead use elasticized fabric.
4. Factor in the Budget
The final important factor to consider is the price of the jacket. Typically, windproof running jackets will retail for $100, while softshell and waterproof jackets will run for $200-$300. This is often indicative of the technologies incorporated into these products, including materials and manufacturing techniques used for production. Budget is a reality check for consumers – consider current activity and your goals to find the product that will best suit you. As a final note, remember that the more technical a garment, the more specific and involved the care it will require to prolong its functional lifespan.
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