The 8 Best Winter Running Jackets to Make Cold-Weather Runs Bearable
From lightweight rain shells to heavy-duty insulated layers that can stand up to snow and wind, these jackets will keep you comfortable in the cold.
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In the heat of summer, the idea of running through a snowstorm might sound like heaven. But winter brings its own set of challenges, and we don’t just mean icy sidewalks and slick trails. Sticking to a training cycle (or just continuing to run) throughout winter means getting out for runs of varying intensity and distances in all sorts of weather. You need to be able to keep your body warm without overheating, and your layers need to insulate, protect from weather, and wick sweat.
Achieving the perfect balance of layers can feel like solving a college-level math equation, involving variables like temperature, run time, windchill, and cardio output. You’ll also have to factor in potential rain or snow, which requires a waterproof, breathable membrane so you don’t get soaked from precipitation or your own sweat. Getting it right takes some trial and error, which ultimately begins with finding a dependable winter running jacket. These are our top picks for the upcoming cold, dark days of winter.
Best Winter Running Jackets
- Most Flattering: lululemon Another Mile Jacket
- Durable, Lightweight Shell: Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket
- Bonded Moisture-Repelling Material: Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket
- Core Warmer: The North Face Core Winter Warm Jacket
- Weatherproof: Tracksmith NDO 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 and gear for 10 years and have run and traveled for outdoor adventures all over the U.S., including some pretty frigid winters here in the Northern Rockies.
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 we listed 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 runners warm while being breathable for higher output runs, 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 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.
Materials
Most winter running jackets are made from fleece, nylon, or polyester. Some might 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. If you heat up quickly, choose a thinner jacket, or one that can be taken off and tied around your waist mid-run.
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Weatherproofing and Insulation
Not all weatherproof properties are created equal. Water-resistant jackets (as opposed to waterproof) provide a lightweight, water-resistant layer, but won’t block downpours. Water-repellent jackets are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that makes it harder for rain to seep through. That coating loses effectiveness after about 20 washes, but you can spruce up an older DWR jacket with spray. A waterproof jacket is more expensive and often less breathable, but they are the gold standard for staying dry.
Some jackets with a tighter weave or special membrane will say “wind-resistant” or “windproof.” The tighter the weave, the less wind can cut through the jacket. Winter running jackets might also provide extra insulation from linings like fleece, wool, down, or a synthetic material, but too much insulation can cause you to overheat if you already run hot.
Hoods
It can be hard to find a hood that stays on when you start running. Cinched hoods (where you adjust the hood using a cord on the back of the head) struggle with staying in place. Hoods with drawstrings or a jacket with a high zipper tend to work better.
For us, a hood isn’t a deal breaker—if it works, great, if not, we’ll grab a hat. Because of this we don’t necessarily rule out jackets without a hood.
How We Evaluated
The winter running jackets in our roundup have been tested by Runner’s World writers, test editors, and professionals. We looked for varying fits that allow for layering without restricting range of motion, materials and insulation to suit a variety of conditions, and winter-ready weatherproofing. Each pick is judged on value, technical fabrics, comfort, warmth, and intended use. Heather Mayer Irvine, Caitlin Giddings and Michael Charboneau also contributed to these picks, as they wrote previous versions of this article.
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.
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