When the temperature drops, it can be tough to stay motivated to hit the trails or pavement. But with the right winter running jacket, you can stay warm and comfortable during your runs, no matter the weather.
In this article, we’ll explore the best winter running jackets on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs. From insulation and water resistance to fit and additional features, we’ve got you covered. So bundle up and get ready to tackle those chilly runs with confidence and comfort.
Running in the cold comes with numerous benefits such as losing less fluid due to not perspiring much as well as needing to drink less because of that fact. You’ll also be in a better headspace because you haven’t stopped your exercise regime just because it got a little bit colder ensuring you stay in a good headspace.
Winter running jackets are a great apparel option to get because they will keep you warm as well as some of them provide some form of waterproofing which is great for the extra blistering cold. We’ve compared some of the best winter running jackets and compared them against features such as weatherproofing, durability, and more.
Best Value
Salomon Agile Softshell Jacket
Best Waterproofing
Arc’teryx LT Hoody
Budget Option
New Balance Accelerate Jacket
Lightweight
ASICS Accelerate Jacket
Best Warmth
Smartwool Smartloft-X 60
Best Jackets For Winter Running Compared And Reviewed
1. Salomon Agile Softshell Jacket
Key Features
- Features two-sided zippered pockets
- Reflective properties
- Water-resistant
- Fantastic moisture-wicking qualities
Reasons to buy
- Great feel
- Weather-resistant
- Lightweight
- Warm
- Offers great movement
Reasons to avoid
- Doesn’t have a hood
- The jacket runs small
Salomon has delighted runners with a versatile jacket ideal for various activities, including running, hiking, cross country skiing, and cycling. The jacket is a beautiful addition to any runner’s wardrobe since it is incredibly lightweight and keeps you warm and protected against the wind.
Although the jacket keeps you toasty on those cold runs, it prevents you from overheating because the back of the jacket features a mesh layer that makes it remarkably breathable. In addition, it has excellent water resistance, and it can keep moisture out very well.
The jacket is well-designed and gives runners enough movement to move comfortably. The stretchability of the jacket makes it pleasant for runners to move freely while wearing this jacket.
Lastly, if you enjoy early morning or late night runs, this jacket is perfect for you because of its reflective details. The jacket will keep you warm, comfortable, and safe. In addition, it is a very flattering cut that looks great. The soft-shell outer makes the jacket perfect for most weather conditions.
2. Arc’teryx LT Hoody
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Slim cut
- Hoody jacket
- Back and interior pockets with zippers
- Wind and water-resistant
Reasons to buy
- Beautiful design
- Warm and lightweight
- Offers incredible wind and rain protection
Reasons to avoid
- Doesn’t offer complete protection against heavy rain
If you are looking for a jacket that will offer you a comfortable and stylish fit, look no further than the Arc’teryx LT Hoody. The jacket is excellent at protecting against rain and wind, especially since it has a hood that not all running jackets have.
Another feature that not all running jackets have is the drawcord. It keeps cold air from penetrating the jacket by cinching at the waist. By keeping the jacket tight around the waist, the runner feels the support of the jacket while enjoying a warm running experience.
The LT jacket gives runners phenomenal insulation while still being breathable and lightweight. In addition, there isn’t any restriction on movement. With its minimalist design, the jacket is fashion-forward and fits any running outfit.
Another attractive feature is the fact that the jacket dries exceptionally quickly after being washed. This means you don’t have to go any runs without it because it is still wet from washing. Therefore, it is easy to give your jacket a quick rinse between runs, and you can enjoy peace of mind since it will be dry within a half hour.
Runners enjoy the softness and warmness that the synthetic insulation of the jacket offers. The LT gives runners more than enough storage space by providing zippered pockets located in the back of the jacket. In addition to the back pockets, an interior pocket is ideal for storing smaller and valuable items.
3. New Balance Accelerate Jacket
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Zippered hand pockets
- Insulated in the front and back
- Adjustable vent
Reasons to buy
- Back and front panels are insulated
- Vent in the back is adjustable
- Water and wind-resistant
Reasons to avoid
- The jacket’s all-black appearance isn’t ideal for night runs
New Balance created an excellent running jacket that offers runners exceptional warmth and comfort. In addition, the jacket is lightweight and perfect even for icy runs because of its snug fit. The Accelerate has a high collar with long sleeves that work wonders to keep the chilly winds out. The jacket offers incredible stretch making the runner feel free to move.
The material that the Accelerate has been made with makes the jacket wind and water-resistant. In fact, the jacket is perfect for any weather conditions, even snow. The unique Heat fabric New Balance created keeps runners warm without feeling overdressed or weighed down. The jacket offers warmth while being breathable.
There is a vent on the back of the jacket that is adjustable. This vent helps the runner from overheating. Runners get to enjoy proper storage space with hand pockets that have zippers. The jacket has remarkable features, and it has a stylish design that makes it a fashionable piece of running apparel.
4. ASICS Accelerate Jacket
Key Features
- Removable hood
- Rain-safe zippers on side pockets
- 360-degree reflection
- Lightweight
Reasons to buy
- 360-degree reflective details
- Waterproof
- Wind and rain protection
- Removable hood
Reasons to avoid
- Not warm enough on very cold runs
ASICS is a strong contender when it comes to running merchandise, and the Accelerate doesn’t disappoint. The jacket is phenomenal at keeping runners dry in severely wet conditions.
This is due to the water-repellent finish found on the jacket’s outer shell since every single seam of the jacket has been sealed to offer the best in cold and rain protection. The dedication to the water-repellent features of this jacket is without a doubt its best feature.
Runners who enjoy early morning or late night runs will love the enhanced safety feature of the jacket’s reflective quality that is 360-degrees on the jacket’s back and front.
This makes the visibility of the runner truly remarkable. The water-resistant front zipper keeps cold air out along with the tapered cuffs. Runners who want to store their belongings will love the side pockets with rain-safe zippers.
The ASICS Accelerate provides warmth against chilly weather while still being breathable and lightweight. It has a removable hood that is very convenient and provides extra protection and flexibility in unpredictable weather conditions. Runners who don’t like running with a hood enjoy the fact that they can easily remove the hood without altering the look or effectiveness of the jacket.
5. Smartwool Smartloft-X 60
Key Features
- Merino wool
- Hooded jacket
- Insulated panels
- Interior and exterior pockets
- Great stretch for outstanding movement
Reasons to buy
- Phenomenal insulation
- Odor resistant
- Great freedom of movement
Reasons to avoid
- Too warm for mild weather
Runners who are looking for a running jacket that will give the utmost warmth have found what they are looking for with the Smartwool Smartloft-X 60. The jacket offers remarkable versatility and warmth by combining merino wool and wind-blocking insulation, making it the ideal jacket for runs on chilly days.
The jacket’s merino lining provides runners with incredible warmth while giving enough movement for an enjoyable running experience. There are insulated panels on the jacket’s back and front. These panels add even more warmth and make the jacket exceptionally water and wind-resistant. The jacket comes with a hood for added protection against unexpected weather conditions. The hood is comfortable and helps to keep the runner warm without offering too much heat.
Runners who enjoy a bit of extra storage in their running jackets will love the multiple pockets that the Smartloft-X 60 provides. The jacket features a chest pocket and two hand pockets, all of which are zippered. On the inside of the jacket, two pockets don’t have zippers. Another attractive feature of the jacket is that merino wool is odor resistant, meaning that runners can enjoy their jacket for much longer without washing.
6. ASICS Lite-Show Winter Jacket
Key Features
- Reflective details
- Interior and Exterior pockets
- Thumbholes
- Great stretch
Reasons to buy
- Warm and soft outer layer
- Great reflective details
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid
- Less rain-resistant than competitor jackets
- Several colors to choose from, but men don’t have the option of a black jacket
Early morning and evening runners love the features that this jacket provides. Runners can enjoy the warmth and reflective details, making them comfortable and keeping them safe. The reflective elements of the jacket make it easier for everyone passing the runner to notice them, which keeps everyone safe.
The Lite-Show has a layer on the outside that is exceptionally soft yet thick enough to protect against the cold. It is stretchy enough to provide runners with sufficient movement. This jacket is pretty breathable and offers excellent moisture-wicking. The Lite-Show gives runners thumbholes to keep cold air from coming in through their sleeves.
The jacket has received great praise regarding its reflective qualities since it offers these elements on the sleeves, back, and front. This makes it easy for anyone to spot the runner, even in the middle of the night. In addition, runners can enjoy storing their items because of the internal pocket and two pockets on the front of the jacket. This is an impressive amount of storage in a compact and slim-styled jacket.
7. SUGOi Firewall 180 Jacket
Key Features
- S-Tek Lite inserts
- Moisture-wicking design
- Adjustable hood
Reasons to buy
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Lightweight
- Outer shell features S-Tek Lite inserts
- Water and wind-resistant
Reasons to avoid
- Priced much higher than competitor jackets
Runners who live in windy areas will love this jacket since it is made out of superior wind-resistant materials. In addition, it features an adjustable hood offering excellent wind protection. This makes it a great addition to any runner’s apparel since it is versatile, waterproof, and comfortable.
Being lightweight, the Firewall can keep you warm and comfy without making you feel weighed down. The outer shell of the jacket has been combined with S-Tek Lite inserts that provide additional moisture-wicking abilities. This means the Firewall keeps you feeling fresh and warm.
Runners can store their valuables comfortably using the small pocket found on the inside of the jacket or the two hand pockets. In addition, the jacket has a high collar to assist even more with keeping the elements from affecting your run. Fortunately, runners who prefer running with a lower collar won’t feel uncomfortable if they don’t zip up all the way.
8. Nike Aerolayer Jacket
Key Features
- Hooded jacket
- Men’s sizes only
- Zippered pockets
- Great insulation layers
Reasons to buy
- Great warmth
- Breathable
- Wind-resistant
- Adequately water-resistant
Reasons to avoid
- Limited color options
Although this jacket is only available for men (although women can wear it too), it deserves mention because of its incredible design and phenomenal insulation. The Nike Aerolayer uses a combination of woven fabric with insulation to give runners a lightweight and warm jacket.
The jacket’s outer layer can repel moisture, making it suitable for runs on rainy, cold, and windy days. In addition, the jacket’s front features extra insulation keeping you warm as you move. The jacket has a well-designed hood that offers even more resistance against the elements.
This jacket has adequate storage with two side pockets that are zippered. Lastly, the jacket offers some reflective details that will make it easier for people to see the runner at night or in the early morning.
How to Choose the Best Winter Running Jacket
Runners must keep themselves warm during colder months, but of course, they don’t want to be overheated while running. Therefore, investing in a good winter running jacket can be very beneficial for runners.
A well-designed winter running jacket will offer warmth and comfort while giving the runner enough stretch for movement.
With so many great winter running jackets on the market today, picking the most suitable one might be challenging. Therefore, it is good to know what to look for in a good winter running jacket.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are browsing for prospective winter running jackets:
Running jackets have hard and soft shells
A running jacket that is hard-shelled will be wind and waterproof. They also commonly come with a hood. In addition, these jackets are frequently insulated to offer additional warmth and protection against rain, wind, and cold.
These jackets are called hard-shelled because they tend to have less stretch, and they have a distinctive sound when the runner moves.
Soft-shell jackets provide a lower level of protection against rain because they are water-resistant. However, these jackets tend to offer much more breathability, which can be very beneficial for runners.
They also offer more incredible stretch allowing the runner a more fantastic range of movement. Because of the flexibility and breathability that the soft-shell jackets provide, they make better running jackets.
The thickness of the jacket
When you think about running in cold weather, it might be logical to prefer a thick jacket. However, thick jackets can be bulky and restrict movement.
Suppose you are not living in an area that has freezing temperatures during the winter months. In that case, a thinner jacket might be a more comfortable choice since it will give you greater flexibility and breathability.
Storage
Most runners prefer to have their hands free while running. Therefore, you should consider pockets when you are looking at running jackets. The placement of the pockets and additional features such as zippers matter greatly. After all, you don’t want your valuables falling out mid-run.
Insulation
The main purpose of a winter running jacket is to keep you warm, so it’s important to find one with good insulation. This can be achieved through synthetic materials such as fleece or polyester, or through down fill.
Synthetic materials tend to be less expensive and still provide good insulation, but they may not be as warm as down fill. Down fill is a natural insulator made from the soft, fluffy undercoating of ducks or geese, and it’s known for being lightweight and warm.
However, it can be more expensive and may not be as effective when wet.
Water and wind resistance
When running in cold, wet conditions, it’s important to have a jacket that can keep you dry and protected from the wind.
Look for a jacket with a waterproof and windproof outer layer, often made from materials such as Gore-Tex or other synthetic fabrics.
These materials are designed to block out water and wind while still allowing sweat to escape, so you don’t overheat during your run.
Breathability
While insulation is important for keeping you warm, it’s also important to choose a jacket that is breathable to prevent sweat buildup.
If your jacket traps too much moisture, it can actually make you feel colder.
Look for a jacket with breathable panels or vents to help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable during your run.
Fit
The fit of your jacket is important for both comfort and performance.
A jacket that is too loose may flutter and create drag, while a jacket that is too tight may restrict your movement. Look for a jacket that fits snugly but allows you to move freely.
It may also be helpful to try on a few different sizes and styles to find the best fit for your body.
Reflective features
If you’ll be running in low light conditions, it’s important to have a jacket with reflective detailing to help increase your visibility.
Look for jackets with reflective strips or logos that will help you stand out to drivers and other pedestrians.
Additional features
Consider whether you want a jacket with additional features such as pockets, a hood, or a zippered ventilation system.
Pockets can be useful for storing essentials like keys or energy gels, while a hood can provide extra protection from the elements.
A ventilation system can help regulate your temperature during more strenuous runs.
Price
Determine your budget and look for a jacket that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that a more expensive jacket may offer additional features or better performance, but it’s also possible to find a high-quality jacket at a more affordable price.
It’s important to find a balance between price and quality that works for you.
Packability
If you’re planning on taking your jacket on the go, look for one that can be easily packed into a small space. This can be especially useful for traveling or storing in a small gym bag.
A jacket that can be easily packed away can also be convenient for those times when you need to shed layers as you warm up during your run.
Style
While functionality is important, you’ll also want a jacket that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. Look for a jacket that fits your personal style and that you’ll be happy to wear on your runs.
Care instructions
Consider the care instructions for the jacket. Some jackets may be machine washable, which can be convenient for busy runners.
Others may need to be hand washed or dry-cleaned, which can be more time-consuming. Choose a jacket that fits with your personal care preferences and routine.
Warranty
Check to see if the jacket comes with a warranty and what it covers. This can provide added peace of mind and protection for your investment.
A good warranty can also be a sign of a manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of their product.
Customer reviews
Look for customer reviews of the jacket to get an idea of its performance and durability. This can be a helpful resource in making your decision, as it can give you an idea of how the jacket has held up for other runners in various conditions. It can also be helpful to read reviews from runners with body types or needs similar to your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a great variety of running jackets, with some coming in at budget range while others are expensive. Commonly, the high-end running jackets offer runners great features and technology to keep them warm and comfortable on their runs.
So whether a running jacket is worth it will depend on where you live, how keen you are to run in the winter months, and the price you are willing to accept. If you run frequently, come rain, cold, or shine, it is worthwhile investing in a good quality running jacket.
Many runners aren’t familiar with the difference between the two. It comes down to the fabric used to make the jackets. Water-resistant jackets are most commonly made with nylon or polyester. This means that rain might not be able to penetrate it initially, but if you are running in persistent rain, you will get wet after some time.
Waterproof jackets are made with materials that offer a solid barrier against water, so even in heavy rain, your body will remain dry. Whether you should choose a waterproof or water-resistant jacket will depend on how much it rains where you live. If you live in an area with little rainfall, a water-resistant jacket should be fine. However, if you live in an area with heavy rain, invest in a waterproof running jacket.
You want a snug fit that won’t allow cold wind to penetrate your running jacket when it comes to keeping you warm. Therefore it is best not to choose an oversized running jacket.
Of course, you don’t want a jacket that is so tight that it restricts your movement. Therefore, look for a jacket that fits comfortably enough for you to move freely without being too loose.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.