Published November 13, 2026 03:00PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Getting outside for a run in the cold and even snow or rain can feel downright fantastic in the right jacket. The best jackets protect and breathe, shield and move. These cold-weather running jackets have been tested over hundreds of miles in all kinds of conditions and approved as the best we could find.<\/p>\n
November 2026 Update:<\/i><\/b> Throughout 2026, we tested exciting new running jackets in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies and the cold, damp Northeast and measured them against last year\u2019s picks. We\u2019re sticking with the Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket<\/a><\/strong><\/i>\u00a0<\/strong>as the best winter running jacket all-around for its stretchy, waterproof, breathable protection. The full-featured Salomon Bonatti Pro<\/a><\/strong><\/i> is our new pick for trail running, and the 3.7-ounce Rab Phantom Waterproof<\/a> <\/strong><\/i>is the lightest, most breathable, high-quality rain shell we\u2019ve tested.<\/i><\/p>\n Materials: <\/b>2.5L laminated ripstop, 100% nylon with PFC-free C0-DWR, Pros and Cons<\/b> Every runner needs a reliable, comfortable, waterproof\/breathable shell, and this is our pick for the season\u2019s best winter running jacket for women. We love how the Rainrunner Pack Jacket\u2019s waterproof ripstop material stretches to allow full mobility with every arm swing, and how the smart ventilation panels around the entire torso enable full breathability.<\/p>\n We appreciate thoughtful details, like extended (and stretchy) cuffs that kept our balled hands covered in a downpour, the extra-long cut on the backside that protected our rear ends, and a mesh pocket within the main pocket that kept our phones from bouncing around. Testers liked that the fit of the hood doesn\u2019t block peripheral vision, and the simple snap that keeps this running jacket from flopping around when not in use. The women\u2019s jogging jacket accommodates layering underneath, and its styling makes it work for both casual use and as a full-on winter running workhorse.<\/p>\n \u201cI fell in love with this running jacket,\u201d says our Virginia-based tester. \u201cIt excels in rain and wind, keeping me comfortable on a run in the 40s with a consistent downpour and 20-plus mph gusts. I feel like I found a new best friend for East Coast adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong> 100% recycled polyester with PVC-free DWR Pros and Cons<\/strong> The Rabbit Momentum Jacket has an old-school vibe with new-school features that make it a win for us. Priced at less than half what most of our other picks cost, it keeps up with more expensive options in protection and comfort on dry winter runs. Plus, its style can cross over to sporty casual wear, and you can stash it into the chest pocket and carry it like a clutch.<\/p>\n The jacket\u2019s recycled polyester shell fabric effectively blocks wind and light precipitation. An adjustable cinch cord and a storm flap behind the front zipper help keep warmth inside and cold air out. The zipper is also thoughtfully covered at the neckline to avoid irritation, and the stand-up collar adds protection.<\/p>\n Testers also appreciated the three zippered pockets (two side and one chest) that held small items securely and added to the jacket\u2019s casual look.<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong> 7D Pertex Shield 2.5-layer with fluorocarbon-free DWR Pros and Cons<\/strong> Don\u2019t be fooled by the scant 3.7-ounce weight of the Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket; this is one heck of a protective layer. The combination of extremely fine (7-denier) yarn and waterproof\/breathable Pertex Shield in a 2.5-layer construction (woven outer material, waterproof membrane, micro-thin half-layer interior print) keeps this jacket feather-light while providing full waterproofing. It\u2019s comfortable on the run, with articulated elbows and an adjustable hood that stows away with a simple hook-and-loop fastener when not in use.<\/p>\n This jacket did a great job shielding us from wind, rain, and cold while still allowing heat to escape. \u201cIt was 34 degrees when I started a run, wearing this jacket over just a shirt, and I found myself still wearing it when the temp heated up to the low 50s,\u201d said a tester. \u201cI didn\u2019t freeze or overheat.\u201d<\/p>\n A partially elasticized waist helps seal in warmth without restriction. The lack of pockets adds to the jacket\u2019s minimal feel, but since most tights we\u2019re wearing these days have pockets, we didn\u2019t really miss them.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re commuting to the studio or heading out for a misty morning run, this lightweight shell keeps you protected from the elements without sacrificing on movement or breathability. The mesh underarm panels act as vents to regulate your temperature and the elastic trims at the hood, hem, and cuffs keep water out. The performance woven fabric offers 4-way stretch and is made from 100% recycled polyester, giving you freedom of movement for whatever your active days brings. The reflective logo also help keep you visible through any conditions, whether it\u2019s on the road or trail.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Materials:<\/strong> 100% polyamide Pros and Cons<\/strong> This is the jacket we reach for when heading out on winter trail runs and are looking for bomber protection, either from the start or stashed in our packs for an added layer later. The 6-ounce Salomon Bonatti Pro is fully waterproof and breathable, with smart venting at the lower back. An ingenious, expandable back panel lets this jacket fit over a hydration pack, which is a huge bonus on trail runs. Not only did it keep the pack dry, but we also didn\u2019t have to stop to remove the pack in order to put the jacket on or take it off.<\/p>\n We also loved the small snap tab at the chest that keeps the jacket from flopping around when we unzip it. And the hood is the best we\u2019ve tested for wet runs\u2014a soft, flat-seamed piece of material rests against the forehead while the visor extends beyond like a tent foyer to keep rain off the face.<\/p>\n Adjustable elastic at the waist and hood seals out cold and moisture, and extended material at the cuffs adds a touch of protection over wrists. Reflective detailing makes this a good choice for dark winter road runs, too.<\/p>\n Materials: <\/b>100% polyamide Pros and Cons<\/strong> Weighing just five ounces and packing down to the size of a California navel orange, the ON Running Explore Waterproof Jacket is a no-brainer for travel, whether we\u2019re running or not. During our run testing, it breathed well and moved comfortably when worn over just a tee or as an outer shell over a base layer and midlayer. Two side pockets let us stash thin gloves once we warmed up, and the hood\u2019s elastic perimeter provided ample protection and didn\u2019t flop excessively when not in use. \u201cThe hood is big enough for my thick braid but also stays secure around my face,\u201d said a tester. We also like this jacket\u2019s minimal seams and its generous, relaxed cut.<\/p>\n The ON Running Explore Waterproof Jacket won in our \u201cMost Versatile\u201d category because it provides effective protection on runs in a range of conditions, from wind to downpour, and also looks great worn in casual situations. \u201cThe subtle colors and branding make it really easy to wear without looking like a huge running dork,\u201d said a tester.<\/p>\n One knock: the zipper pulls aren\u2019t locking, so they bounce with every step.<\/p>\n Materials: <\/b>Shell: 100% nylon, Body: 44% recycled polyester, 37% bamboo, 16% merino wool, 3% elastane, Lining: 100% nylon interior, Insulation: 100% recycled polyester Pros and Cons<\/b> Testers from Colorado to New Hampshire quickly fell in love with this winter running jacket\u2019s ability to block a biting wind, insulate from frigid temps, and breathe well under high-output efforts while running and Nordic skiing. The merino wool\/bamboo\/recycled polyester\/elastane main body feels great against the skin, wicks sweat, and wards off odor.<\/p>\n Thanks to raglan-cut sleeves and a well-tailored, active silhouette, this jacket moved with us, staying close to the body as we scrambled over large boulders on rugged trail runs and climbed up and down hill and dale. \u201cI love the super-soft and light fabric. You don\u2019t even feel it\u2019s on you, just that you are warm,\u201d said a Colorado-based tester.<\/p>\n We appreciate the slightly longer cut of the backside that provides coverage, and the stretch in the wrist cuffs for tucking cold hands inside. In all, this is a high-performing jacket for cold-weather running that can be worn for other winter activities on its own or as a midlayer for colder sports like alpine skiing and snowboarding.<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong> 100% recycled polyester Pros and Cons<\/strong> The interior of this jacket is soft, fuzzy, cozy fleece that feels fantastic against the skin when worn over a tee or tank. The recycled polyester fleece breathes well and effectively wicks sweat to the exterior of the fabric, keeping us dry and comfortable.<\/p>\n We love how warm this jacket is for only six ounces. It\u2019s air-permeable, so won\u2019t block a chilling wind, but it layers well under a shell in gusty or frigid temps. \u201cI appreciate the longer sleeves and thumb loops for when I use this as a midlayer,\u201d said our New Hampshire-based tester. \u201cAnd I like the hood for extra warmth when pulled over a cap or a beanie.\u201d<\/p>\n This slim-fitting jacket moved smoothly with every arm swing on the run. One tester even kept it on to do a post-run yoga\/stretch session.<\/p>\n Choosing a cold weather running jacket is primarily about the kinds of winter conditions you face where you live, travel, and run. Consider if you need a waterproof layer, or can get by with water resistance\u2014waterproof jackets are more costly, don\u2019t breathe quite as well, and tend to be somewhat stiffer and noisier, but they\u2019re worth it when you\u2019re out in a downpour or blizzard.<\/p>\n Then decide if you want your winter running jacket to be insulated and provide warmth on its own, or work as a thin, exterior shell. Insulated jackets can make heading out in frigid temps less daunting, especially if you tend to run cold, but can get hot during high-intensity exercise or if the temps rise. Shell jackets allow you to layer underneath to adjust for a range of conditions. Also, consider if you want a fitted jacket that stays close to the body for streamlined mobility, or a looser fit that affords flexibility with layering underneath.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches new releases and works with gear companies to get samples on herself and testers in Boulder, Colorado; Virginia; and New Hampshire. The team tests jackets in all conditions, from mild to monstrous. We then pare down selections and weigh them against past category winners. The best rise to the top of our list.<\/p>\n Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.<\/p>\n Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia, and then New Hampshire, after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.<\/p>\n Vermont-based Lindsay Warner Hrenko puts running gear to the test by logging miles on roads and trails, Nordic skiing, and cold-weather mountain biking. She appreciates apparel that can handle winter in the Northeast while allowing sweat and body heat to escape, that also allows her to wear to school drop off and not feel silly.<\/p>\n Katie Bleichman runs the roads, dirt roads, and rugged trails around Louisville and Boulder, Colorado, with her favorite routes being the hilly dirt paths around the mesas of the Flatirons. She most-often runs in the pre-dawn hours before work, which, in the winters of Colorado, means she demands a lot out of her cold-weather running apparel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nBest Cold Weather Running Jackets for Women: At a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Winter Running Jacket<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing: <\/b>XXS-XXXL<\/p>\n
+ Waterproof (PFC-free)
+ Good ventilation
\u2013 No drawcord at the waist<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Rabbit_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best Value Running Jacket<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rabbit Momentum Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XL<\/p>\n
+ Roomy fit allows layering underneath
+ Three convenient pockets
\u2013 Fabric is slightly noisy<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/RAB_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best Lightweight Rain Shell<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XL<\/p>\n
+ Ultra lightweight
+ Packs remarkably small
\u2013 No pockets<\/p>\n<\/section>\nPaid Advertisement by Vuori<\/span><\/h2>\n
Vuori Women\u2019s Renew Trainer Shell<\/h2>\n
![\"Black](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Vuori-Womens-Renew-Trainer-Shell_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salomon_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best for Trail Running<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Salomon Bonatti Pro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XL<\/p>\n
+ Can be worn over a hydration vest
+ Hood visor best-in-test at shielding from rain
\u2013 Weighs slightly more than other shells<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Gray](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ON_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Most Versatile<\/strong><\/h2>\n
On Running Explore Waterproof Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing: <\/b>XS-XXL<\/p>\n
+ Lightweight and packable
+ Subtle branding and neutral colors add casual-wear versatility
\u2013 Zipper pulls don\u2019t lock<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/LeBent_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best for Frigid Temps<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Le Bent Alpha Active Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing: <\/b>XS-L<\/p>\n
<\/b>+ Great balance of warmth and breathability
+ Can be worn casually
\u2013 Not waterproof
\u2013 Pricey<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TNF_crop-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Most Cozy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The North Face Futurefleece Full-Zip Hoodie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XXL<\/p>\n
+ Great warmth-to-weight ratio
+ Can also be worn as a midlayer
\u2013 Top of zipper and zipper tape can be annoying<\/p>\n<\/section>\nHow to Choose the Best Cold Weather Running Jacket<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How We Test Cold Weather Running Jackets<\/h2>\n
Meet Our Testers<\/h2>\n