Best Rain Jackets for Running
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During a rainy day, you may be tempted to cancel your daily running session due to fear of soaking up in the rainwater.
Although, you might be exerting more energy while running in these harsh conditions but we suggest you should level up your game by running when it is raining.
Whether you are a pro or a casual runner, having an outfit designed for rain can make a tremendous difference in your running experience.
When investing in a rain jacket for running it is better to be informed and buy something that is exceptionally good.
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At a Glance: Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Rain Jackets for Running
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Best Affordable
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Best Affordable
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Best Women's Running Rain Jacket
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Best Women's Running Rain Jacket
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Best Men's Running Rain Jacket
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Best Men's Running Rain Jacket
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Best Rain Jacket For Wind And Rain
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Best Rain Jacket For Wind And Rain
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Top 5 Best Rated Rain Jackets for Running Reviewed
With all those brands available in the market it becomes hard to decide which brand would work the best. As to help you with your decision we have listed down five options. Hopefully, this list might be a starting guide that you need to upgrade your running gear.
Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Breathable fabric
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood and hemline
Cons
- No underarm venting
- Not for low temperatures
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Breathable fabric
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood and hemline
Cons
- No underarm venting
- Not for low temperatures
This stylish rain jacket for running is top selling lightweight brand available. It is mainly made from 100% pure nylon with a 100% polyester lining.
As the inner lining is of mesh thus it is not intended for the cold weather as a stand-alone jacket. The fabric used has microporous Omni-tech properties that makes it fully waterproof & windproof yet breathable. The stitching is perfect with a full seam sealing. The hood is large enough to have a great coverage and will protect you even in heavy rain. Both the hood and hemline can be adjusted using a drawcord. You can also easily adjust the cuffs at your own will using the Velcro. It has a full-length waterproof front zipper for added protection. All the pockets can also be sealed using a zipper. The best part is that you can easily fold and pack your jacket in one of the pockets. It is available in more than 20 varied color options.
As the inner lining is of mesh thus it is not intended for the cold weather as a stand-alone jacket. The fabric used has microporous Omni-tech properties that makes it fully waterproof & windproof yet breathable. The stitching is perfect with a full seam sealing. The hood is large enough to have a great coverage and will protect you even in heavy rain. Both the hood and hemline can be adjusted using a drawcord. You can also easily adjust the cuffs at your own will using the Velcro. It has a full-length waterproof front zipper for added protection. All the pockets can also be sealed using a zipper. The best part is that you can easily fold and pack your jacket in one of the pockets. It is available in more than 20 varied color options.
Columbia Women’s Splash A Little Rain Jacket
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Inner security pocket
Cons
- No venting at all
- Not for low temperatures
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Inner security pocket
Cons
- No venting at all
- Not for low temperatures
This rain jacket for running by Columbia is also a top-notch option for women. Just like Columbia Men’s jacket this women’s jacket is also very lightweight. Its shell is made from 100% pure nylon while the inner lining is mainly made up of nylon with a small portion of waist and shoulders having a mesh lining.
Microporous Omni-tech fabric ensures this is a fully waterproof, windproof and breathable apparel. The stitching is as good as for other high-quality rain-wear by Columbia, with a full seam sealing. You can shield yourself even in heavy rain and wind by covering your head with the hood that can be adjusted using elastic drawcord and a friction clasp. Cuffs can also be adjusted using the Velcro on the sleeves. This jacket has a full-length two-way front zipper with a storm flap to make it waterproof. It has two side pockets that can be zipped and sealed and one inner security pocket with a zipper.
Microporous Omni-tech fabric ensures this is a fully waterproof, windproof and breathable apparel. The stitching is as good as for other high-quality rain-wear by Columbia, with a full seam sealing. You can shield yourself even in heavy rain and wind by covering your head with the hood that can be adjusted using elastic drawcord and a friction clasp. Cuffs can also be adjusted using the Velcro on the sleeves. This jacket has a full-length two-way front zipper with a storm flap to make it waterproof. It has two side pockets that can be zipped and sealed and one inner security pocket with a zipper.
Charles River Apparel Women’s New Englander Waterproof Rain Jacket
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Reflective strips
Cons
- Some find sleeves too short
- Zipper quality needs improvement
- No inner pockets
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Reflective strips
Cons
- Some find sleeves too short
- Zipper quality needs improvement
- No inner pockets
This rain jacket for running by Charles River Apparel is made from 100% pure polyurethane that is bonded to a woven back for extra fabric strength. Shell fabric is very lightweight but does not have a soft feel to it.
Sleeves have taffeta nylon lining making it easy to wear. The rest of lining is of mesh for a better air-flow. The fabric material is both waterproof and windproof. Seams have been heat-sealed. Its large hood with adjustable shock cords and cuffs with adjustable Velcro are proven to protect yourself from the wind and water. You can also enjoy the freedom of movement because of its full-length two-way front zipper. Its side pockets have a zipper and are slightly covered with a flap. The reflective strips on this jacket are welcomed for added safety on rainy days when visibility is not perfect. It also has front yoke and underarm vents for breathability. Overall, this jacket is the best value for your money with the option of 13 funky colors.
Sleeves have taffeta nylon lining making it easy to wear. The rest of lining is of mesh for a better air-flow. The fabric material is both waterproof and windproof. Seams have been heat-sealed. Its large hood with adjustable shock cords and cuffs with adjustable Velcro are proven to protect yourself from the wind and water. You can also enjoy the freedom of movement because of its full-length two-way front zipper. Its side pockets have a zipper and are slightly covered with a flap. The reflective strips on this jacket are welcomed for added safety on rainy days when visibility is not perfect. It also has front yoke and underarm vents for breathability. Overall, this jacket is the best value for your money with the option of 13 funky colors.
Charles River Apparel Men’s New Englander Waterproof Rain Jacket
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Reflective strips
Cons
- No inner pockets
- Rubberized Zip is hard to use
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hood
- Reflective strips
Cons
- No inner pockets
- Rubberized Zip is hard to use
This rain jacket for running is suitable for men. It’s similar to the Women’s New Englander just mentioned i.e made from 100% pure polyurethane, very lightweight and comfortable from inside. Sleeves have taffeta nylon lining while the rest of the lining is of mesh. Seams have been heat-sealed. The fabric material is both waterproof and windproof.
The hood and cuffs can be adjusted using the shock cords. The zip style is similar to female version ie. full-length two-way front zipper. It has two pockets on sides that are covered and zipped. The reflective strips on front and back not only look elegant but are highly needed for added safety. Front and underarm vents make this jacket extra breathable.
The hood and cuffs can be adjusted using the shock cords. The zip style is similar to female version ie. full-length two-way front zipper. It has two pockets on sides that are covered and zipped. The reflective strips on front and back not only look elegant but are highly needed for added safety. Front and underarm vents make this jacket extra breathable.
Baleaf Unisex Packable Outdoor Waterproof Rain Jacket Hooded Raincoat Poncho
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Extremely lightweight
- Works best in light rain
- Packable back pocket
Cons
- Breathability factor not very great
- Not suitable for hot summers
- No moisture wicking material
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Extremely lightweight
- Works best in light rain
- Packable back pocket
Cons
- Breathability factor not very great
- Not suitable for hot summers
- No moisture wicking material
This rain jacket for running is comparatively a more affordable option suitable for both women and men. The jacket is extremely lightweight since it is made of 100% nylon. The downside is that there is no inner lining and fabric material may feel like plastic in touch. As the fabric is water-resistant but not breathable, this jacket will work best on cool days with light rain.
The hood can be adjusted using the drawstrings. The front has a quarter-length zipper and two zipped pockets. There is also a packable back pocket that can be used to pack your jacket when not using. The hood and the back of jacket contains small reflective logos.
The hood can be adjusted using the drawstrings. The front has a quarter-length zipper and two zipped pockets. There is also a packable back pocket that can be used to pack your jacket when not using. The hood and the back of jacket contains small reflective logos.
A Word of Caution
When you have set your mind to run in the rain it is important to take notice of some safety measures. We are listing only the main points specific for running in the rain but for more on safety tips, refer to the following:
- Make sure to dress accordingly to ensure you don’t fall sick.
- Roads will be slippery so it is better to run with a goal of building up your endurance rather your speed. Hence, try taking shorter steps.
- With poor visibility, you need to be extra careful about where you place your steps.
- Use an app or a map to select the best route for your day so to avoid blind corners.
- Avoid splashing in a puddle because you never know if there is a hidden rock or something that may trip you.
- If it’s a heavy thunderstorm then it is advisable to wait for the weather to calm down.
Key Features Of A Rain Jacket For Running
As mentioned above you need to wear running apparel if you don’t want to get a cold or a fever. For now, let’s focus on the type of jacket you might need for a rainy day. Running jackets are different than your normal jacket because it should be wearable when you start to build up body heat during your exercise. Rain running jackets are even more advanced as they should protect you from rainy weather. When it comes to running jackets, you may want to take some important features into consideration.
- Functionality – The rain jacket should be able to do two additional things i.e. protect you from wind and water. How well a jacket may protect well will depend on the type of jacket. Being water-resistant is not the same thing as being waterproof. Unlike waterproof material, the water-resistant material may work only for a few hours.
- Hood designs – As these jackets are going to be used when you are on the move it makes sense to have adjustable hoods. Hence, you may want options that have adjustment cords for the hood.
- Zippers – Normal zippers may just not be sealed properly through which water may seep in. Thus, even if the overall material of the jacket is perfect having wrong zippers will make this jacket a failure. Waterproof zippers usually have either rubberized coating or a storm flap.
- Vents – When running for long hours or on a summer rainy day having a jacket that is breathable becomes immensely important. Keeping this in mind many brands have designed jackets for running with front or underarm vents that allow room for air flow.
- Visibility – When you are running in rainy and windy weather conditions the safety rule dictates to wear something that has a vibrant color or a reflective material.
Final Thoughts
Persistence is the key to success. If you have planned a daily running goal then a rainy day is not an excuse to skip your exercise. Build your body and your willpower with some extra help of these weather-resistance jackets we have introduced. We have tried our best to cater to everyone’s need by giving high-quality, best value and affordable jackets for both men and women. In the end be sure to share your rain running experiences in the comments section.
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