These are the Best Rain Jackets for Runners in 2026

Rain, rain, go away

Here in the Mid-Atlantic, early summer is in full swing, which means hot days, chilly evenings, and rain showers or thunderstorms almost any time of day. That means it’s time to switch up your running wardrobe and put away the tights and long sleeves, but don’t forget about the weather. Although you might not need pants for several more months, you’ll probably find yourself gearing up for a training run or two under gray skies and a good chance of rain. When that happens, you’ll want to grab a trusty rain jacket.

Because the weather is unpredictable, you may not always want a heavy jacket, nor will you want one that you have to carry at all times. Thankfully, that’s why packable layers exist, and there are plenty of lightweight options to reach for across the board.

And sure, by the time you reach the middle of summer, you might be ready to put these layers away. That’s fine. Once the mercury hits nearly triple digits, you might be begging for rain and throwing your hands up like Andy Dufresne at the end of Shawshank. We won’t blame you, but you’ll still want a reliable rain jacket for when cooler days come around again — you can’t blame us if you go out unprotected and catch a cold.

We’ve also included some jackets that function well off the run, after the run, or for lighter activities like hiking and cross-training.

Whatever your purpose, there’s something in here for you. And remember– there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Our Favorite Running Rain Jackets

SAM: This product page for this jacket shows two pictures. The first is straight-on and slightly backlit, letting light through the transparent, paper-thin Gore-Tex ePE fabric. No joke, this fully wind and waterproof jacket is so paper-thin you can basically see through it. It’s as breathable as Gore-Tex always is (which is to say, very), and offers superb next-to-skin comfort. It also excels at its main job: keeping you dry.

The second photo illustrates the dual watch windows in the sleeves. The Arc’teryx Norvan made me realize that every waterproof jacket I’ve had badly needed a watch window. And I don’t ever want to go back. No more do I have to fight with semi-rigid cuffs to see my watch. These handy sleeve gaps even allow for a little extra air flow. Cool wrists are nice, who would have expected?

If the paper thin Gore-Tex or watch windows don’t sell you, consider the cut and durability of the Norvan. The seams are laid out specifically to enhance freedom of movement while reducing excess fabric, and the taping that seals those seams is sturdy and flawless.

Sure, it’s an investment, but this is explicitly a case of getting the performance that you pay for. If you’re looking for a fully waterproof and breathable jacket at a featherlight weight that offers the maximum range of motion, it’s this one.

ALEX: If you are looking for dependable, versatile performance this season, look no further than the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket. From high-alpine storms to wet multi-day hikes, the Norvan sets the bar high.

I have been a big fan of this jacket through all of its different iterations through the years. Its minimal, streamlined design, durability, and breathability keep me coming back. 

It’s actually breathable. While most rain jackets on the market tout breathability, this one actually is. Other rain jackets leave me feeling like I am wearing a sauna suit and quickly wet out, leaving me wondering if I am soaked from the rain or my own sweat. Either way it’s neither pleasant nor effective. Under arm vents allow for heat to escape without compromising protection. 

Another standout feature of the Norvan Jacket is its packability. I never hesitate to stow this in my pack or running belt. It takes up very little space, and is incredibly lightweight.

Finally, the material is soft and quiet. While this might not be high on your initial checklist, once you spend days on end in a stiff, noisy jacket reminiscent of that compostable sun chips bag discontinued in 2010, you understand why this matters.

While it is definitely an investment, I can attest that the jacket will last and far outperform many of its competitors and allow you to retire that gas station poncho for good.

REESE: Of all the running rain jackets I tested, the Salomon Bonatti Pro might be the most water-resistant. I tested this in snowy and heavy rainfall conditions, and it performed beautifully. The jacket can handle a decent amount of moisture (a 20-meter column) before it starts allowing moisture to permeate the fabric. I’d recommend using this in average to heavy rainfall or snowy conditions.

I can’t find how many fabric layers this jacket has, but Salomon states that the Moisture Vapor Transmission Resistance of the Bonatti Pro is 20,000 G/m². This means it allows 20,000g of sweat to pass through the jacket material per square meter in 24 hours. That being said, I’d suggest wearing this in slightly cool to cold temperatures. Although it’s advertised as breathable and the back of the jacket has a decent-sized vent, I found that it trapped heat.

It is packable and a listed weight os 6oz (unspecified size). However, if you’re looking for a super lightweight packable jacket, this might not be the one. While it is highly waterproof, it’s a bit bulky when packed down. Obviously, the waterproofing vs the packability trade-off is dependent on the needs or activity at hand.

ROBBE: As far as running rain jackets go, the good ones are few and far between. Luckily, Janji is one of the few. It is indeed waterproof, thanks to a laminated shell with a PFC-free DWR finish. I’ve taken this into downpours and varying degrees of other moisture-related events (sounds weird), and it’s kept me dry time and time again.

It’s incredibly lightweight and packable, which is one of my favorite things about the jacket. Quite often, I’ll pack it into its own pocket (which comes with an elastic band for carrying purposes) and throw it in a backpack or duffel when I’m traveling. Makes for a nice extra layer in any situation. The ripstop fabric dries quickly and is surprisingly durable.

As far as breathability, it’s pretty solid for the price point, mostly on account of the 360-degree venting around the core. 

The cut is great, and while it’s a bit on the slim side, it allows for a great range of motion without feeling too loose. In the same way, the hood is the right amount of coverage and security from the bottom of the chin and around the face (this was an issue with the first version, but I’m happy to report it’s been fixed in the latest version).

REESE: The North Face Summit Series Superior FutureLight Jacket (what a name!) balances water resistance and breathability quite well. The FutureLight 3L shell, made with fully recycled materials, offers 10,000mm of resistance, meaning a 10-meter column of water can be applied to the jacket before water starts to leak through. In practice, I found that it is best suited for average or low rainfall conditions or snow.

The three-layered fabric does a great job of preventing water from seeping through, and I was able to shake off most of the water that had beaded on the outside of the fabric while running. The real highlight is how well it breathes for being so waterproof. I tested this jacket in cool to cold temperatures, and even with warm layers underneath, I didn’t feel like I was in a steam room.

However, if you are someone who cranks out a lot of heat, the two-way zipper will come in handy. I loved this. You can unzip the bottom of the jacket to allow heat to escape without having to unzip the top, which can loosen the hood.

SAM: When you test a lot of rain jackets, you develop a weird jacket sense that allows you to form some pretty accurate assessments of a jacket within the first five minutes of putting it on. The North Face Summit Series Superior FutureLight Jacket broke my jacket sense, in the best of ways.

It felt thick, restricting, and crinkly when I first put it on, but after a few days of wear in the rain and on runs, I can tell you this jacket hits that best-in-class sweet spot marked by its price tag. It actually has plenty of articulation, and the weight is fully acceptable. I’m a huge fan of the zippered side pocket with a standard, non-waterproof zipper protected by a fabric flap. It’s easy to access and comfortable to move your hand past. The breathability is truly good enough for use during chilly, windy activities. Thanks for breaking my reviewer senses on this one, TNF.

REESE: Who says you can’t have it all? Not Janji, that’s for sure. This jacket is the ultimate blend of functional, lightweight, and versatile without sacrificing comfort. This jacket feels like it’s a balance between the Outdoor Research Deviator Wind Jacket and the Patagonia Houdini. 

The small only weighs 4.3oz, which is impressive considering it has a hood and three pockets.  I will note that I found it runs a little big. I wear a small, but could have comfortably sized down to the XS. Despite the pockets, zippers, and hood, this jacket packs pretty tightly into the chest pocket. I can easily put this jacket into a running pack and barely know it’s there, or simply carry it in my hand if needed. I did carry it in my hand a few times, where I either thought I’d need the jacket or started with the jacket on but took it off once the rain passed. Carrying it didn’t bother me one bit. 

The 100% nylon construction with DWR finish makes this jacket stand up to wind and light rain showers. The hood, which has a bungee draw cord on the back, is adjustable, so it’s easy to cinch down in wind or rain. Even though it’s made from nylon, the jacket is fairly quiet (not a ton of swishing), and it’s decently soft rather than plastic-feeling. 

I tend to run pretty hot. For instance, if the temperature is over 45/50 degrees, I’m probably in shorts and a sports bra. Between 40-45, I might need gloves. I did wear this one when it was about 45 degrees out with cloud cover, and it did keep me a little too warm, but if it had been raining, that would have been a welcome treat. Given the fact that this jacket is so light, but has so many storage options, I think you could take this hiking, as your required jacket for a race, or with you on any high alpine adventure.

SAM: With windbreakers, there are only so many variations on a DWR coated nylon shell that can be twisted into something original, so it’s the details that matter. The Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell gets this. 

It covers its basics with the aforementioned ripstop nylon shell with DWR coating. The nylon Janji uses, however, is thin and soft with zero swish sound. In fact, the first thing I thought of when I first unpacked it was how close the shell material felt to my favorite worn-paper-thin cotton tee. It’s actually remarkable how soft and thin this jacket is. It does fit a little big, so note that when you pick this up. 

Down the backside of the jacket there are large in-seam air vents. I last saw vents like these in the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket, and I’d be surprised if we don’t start seeing this more often. They work so well to bleed off trapped heat. The reflective print below these vents is a thoughtful touch too.

Like Reese said, it’s impressive that the Zephyrunner manages to pack in three full zippered pockets (one of them the jacket packs into!) and still keep the weight so low, but on top of that this sports a waist hem elastic draw cord and a rear hood draw cord to keep your peripheral vision clear. 

Packing (pun intended) all of these features into such a light jacket is truly a feat, and Janji manages it in a jacket that feels so soft it almost disappears on the run. I’d recommend grabbing this for runs under 45 degrees, or as a low-weight backup you know will always fit in your pack.

REESE: This is the most insane raincoat I’ve ever owned. I had to include it on this list, even though it’s overkill for running, because it’s just the best of the best. It would be a crime not to include it. I know, you probably took a look at the $650 price tag, and your jaw dropped to the ground. But if you are in serious need of a serious rain jacket that will keep you dry in hurricane conditions, this is it. Maybe you’re headed to a 100-mile race, and it’s calling for rain, and you’ll be out there walking in it for hours. Buy this jacket. Your future self will thank you.

I’m not joking when I say it’s for hurricane conditions. This goes through the “storm test,” where they hold the jacket down and pummel it with 22 inches of water for an hour straight. And no water passes through. What? Insane. Now, this isn’t ideal for legit running, but are you hiking in the rain? Walking in the rain? Crewing in the rain? Snow? This is it. No water is getting past this.

SAM: The Stratus is, at first glance, a straightforward lightweight rain shell. It has a streamlined cut that looks fitted, yet still offers enough articulation to be comfortable while running. The overcoverage in the storm hood is fully capable of sealing out whatever you need it to, but it can also relax away from your neck when the waterproof zipper isn’t fully up. But, other than the cut and the hood, there isn’t much to immediately signal quite how impressive this jacket is.

At 6.25oz (180g) for a men’s medium, it’s right in the “oh, wow, so light” range, which is great to see in a jacket that looks so good. The true star here, though, is the Japanese Toray Dermizax 3D fabric, which is the key building block of the Stratus. It’s thin and comfortable against skin, slightly stretchy, and has enviable breathability. I wore this with a long-sleeve shirt on a weepy, windy day in the 40s and felt comfortable until the temps hit the mid-50s when the sun finally showed its face. I have a hard time taking most waterproof jackets on runs in temps above 35.

The Stratus runs just a touch big compared to many other running brands. I’m 6’2” and usually wear a large, especially in running brands. This in medium fits perfectly, but there’s not enough room to layer a thicker fleece underneath. To make its weight as impressive as it is, this jacket is stripped to the bone. There’s just a single pocket at the hip that serves for packing. Don’t expect features, just a waterproof layer that’s actually breathable, made from a great fabric, in a great cut. The Stratus isn’t the cheapest jacket around, but it punches way above its weight for that price.

REESE: I was pretty surprised with this Scott jacket. When I think of rain gear, I think of Gore-Tex and, to a lesser extent, The North Face Futurelight. Before testing the Endurance SL, I had never heard of Pertex Shield or Scott’s Dryoshpere material. I won’t soon forget them, though.

This jacket is perfect for running in wet conditions, even on race day. This jacket offers breathability of 20,000 G/m² and waterproofness of 20,000mm (20-meter column), meaning it is suitable for normal to heavy rainfall conditions and offers excellent breathability, i.e., it is ideal for more aerobic activities. And I can confirm that in testing, I never overheated in this jacket, and it repelled rain incredibly well.

Because it is compatible with a pack, it does look a little funny compared to other jackets. The extra room around the check makes it look puffy, but if you don’t care how you look or if you do need to wear a pack, it’s perfect. The chest has flaps for easy access to front hydration flasks.

This jacket had the most secure hood of all the jackets I’ve tested. It was snug around my face and chin. I never worried it would slide off, and no water trickled in from the collar.

RYAN: Right here, right now, stop the presses. My favorite rain jacket at the moment isn’t a jacket at all. It doesn’t have a hood, it doesn’t zip up, and it’s not bulky enough to fit over a pack or a vest. And yet, the Reyes Shirt rules. I’ve been really big into RC Outdoor Supply as of late (designed by Reese Cooper), and the Reyes Shirt fits perfectly into my crossover style. I could definitely wear it on the run, have definitely worn it to the bar, and will probably wear it as a sun layer when I need to because it’s simply so light.

Personally, I think the lack of a hood is what drew me to the Reyes Shirt in the first place. I’ve always been a hat guy, as well as a hair guy, which means that the inside of a waterproof hood can be a very warm place indeed. With the Reyes, I don’t have to worry about that, nor do I have to worry about the slight deafness that comes with a hood.

One thing to note, though, is that RC Outdoor Supply’s sizing is a little tricky. I went with a size small because the website notes that the shirt uses men’s sizing, but it’s still a bit big on me. It still fits the oversized, layered aesthetic, but if I were to wear it as my only layer, I’d probably want to drop down to an extra small.