Running is so popular and such a big business that there is no end to the types of apparel you can buy to assist you once you’ve planned your route and laced up your shoes. Once you’ve got the basics of a running top and a pair of running shorts out the way, you’ll want to start thinking about investing in a running jacket.
Ideal for use in the colder months or those fresh summer mornings, a running jacket will help to keep your body warm and your blood pumping, allowing you to keep pushing for longer. They’re not simply a winter accessory though, far from it, you never know when you might be caught out in a rain shower and a running jacket can once again be your saviour, as more often than not they’re made from water-repellent material.
Of course, sifting the genuinely useful and high-performance jackets from the imposters isn’t always easy, so we’ve taken the challenge upon ourselves to bring you a definitive guide to the very best running jackets available right now. Expect big-name brands, up-and-coming independents and a few others that you may have heard of, but would never have expected to produce running gear.
Under Armour Qualifier Weightless Packable Jacket
Under Armour is a heavyweight within the sporting world, delivering a wide range of athletic apparel that make use of some proprietary technologies. This Qualifier Weightless jacket is a testament to that, using the company's Storm technology to keep water away from your body, while still allowing it to breathe. Factor in a lightweight construction, reflective panels for night-time running and the ability to pack into itself to morph into a crossbody bag and you have yourself the perfect running jacket.
Nike Windrunner
Obviously Nike had to feature on this list. This futuristic-looking jacket is made from an ultra-lightweight fabric but one that you can rely upon to keep you protected when Mother Nature decides she doesn't like you. Nike has been considerate with factors such as seam placements, to provide a fit with dropped shoulders that will still provide a good fit, but one that will promote air flow. You can also pack it up into the right pocket, which is nice.
New Balance R.W.T. Lightweight Jacket
New Balance certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to running gear, having been founded on the very principle of producing footwear to support athletes and amateur runners alike. Since those early days the company has expanded into apparel and this R.W.T Lightweight jacket represents the fruits of its labour.
Part of the Rightweight collection, this jacket can be combined with other pieces in the series to help you layer up (or down) without adding excess bulk. Extra features such as zip hand pockets for secure storage, elasticated cuffs and New Balance's DRY moisture-wicking technology. Plus, it looks so god damn cool, especially in the violet colour.
Soar Running Ultra Rain 2.0 Jacket
This London-based company was founded on a love for all things running, nothing more – the company even encourages customers to join them at regular running meets. Soar therefore knows what true runners need from a jacket, and the Ultra Rain 2.0 is just that.
It's made from lightweight Japanese fabric that promises to keep you dry when the weather takes a turn (it claims to be "the best performing wet-weather running shell available). Elasticated cuffs and taped seams add to its repellant qualities and is flexible enough to be packed away into the smallest of bags. It's also an adept performer at night thanks to large reflective chevron panels.
Arc'teryx Incendo Lumin Hooded Jacket
Canadian retailer Arc'teryx was virtually raised in the great outdoors and thrives on producing some of the most high-performance clothing around. Not just one to tailor your next ski trip, the company also has its fingers in running gear, including this Incendo Lumin jacket.
It's made from the ultra-lightweight Lumin material that also happens to be water- and wind-resistant. You get breathability from vented underarm panels, an elongated hem to stop your bum getting rained on and it can be packed up into itself. How versatile.
Patagonia Houdini Packable Hooded Jacket
Patagonia should be a brand that immediately comes to mind when you think of outdoor clothing, and since you can run outdoors, the American company obliges with some specific gear. That includes the Houdini Packable Jacket, which as it name implies, has a disappearing act whereby it packs up into the chest pocket. It's a star performer when seen too, thanks to its nylon-ripstop construction which protects you from water and wind, and itself from ripping.
On Running Weather Jacket
On Running makes it its mission to provide running gear that gives you all the features you could need and none of the ones you don't. The Weather jacket embodies that mantra, and as a result includes features such as a cap-design hood for better face protection and the zipped pockets are waterproof too, so no chance of your phone getting a soaking.
It will keep you dry too thanks to a DWR (durable water repellant) coating and you'll barely know you're wearing it due to a lightweight construction from Japanese fabrics. It's available in some fetching colour options to boot.
2XU XVENT Run Jacket
Simple, functional, stylish, is the 2XU way, and if a minimalist running jacket that offers substance to boot, you'll do well to check out the XVENT Run. It's four-way stretch fabric ensures it will move as you do while ventilation panels scattered all over will help keep your body sweat-free. Throw in a chest pocket and an adjustable hood and you have yourself a worthy contender for your next jacket.
Lululemon Fast and Free Jacket
Not just the brand of choice for yoga-going females, Lululemon is just as much about providing for guys too. The Fast and Free jacket promises to make you just that, thanks to a lightweight makeup of nylon and polyester (it even makes use of recycled materials, so you'll be giving back as well). Plenty of pockets will store your essentials to keep your hands-free and the DWR-treated fabric will keep your body dry.
Adidas Own the Run Jacket
Sportswear giant Adidas has been in the game for decades and in that time learned the ropes to provide you, the end user, with some seriously capable garms. The Own the Run Jacket confidently tells you to "ignore the forecast" as it can handle anything that comes its way. It's water- and wind-repellant, so that's the main two boxes ticked. The iconic three-stripes logo doubles as a reflector to make sure you're seen and a moisture guard on the chest pocket keeps your phone dry when you're pumped up and sweating when running.
