A waterproof jacket is essential for every runner, whether on road, track, or trail. Choosing one, however, can be confusing and expensive. Here’s our guide to making the right choice alongside some specific recommendations so you get it right first time!
Why you need a waterproof jacket
The main purpose of a waterproof jacket is to keep you warm, not necessarily dry, by preventing cold water and air from reaching your insulating layers. Once a waterproof jacket begins to lose its ability to stop water ingress (all jackets will after prolonged exposure) then those layers of insulating air, fill with water and your ability to keep warm drops. Waterproofness does deteriorate in prolonged rain, like a battery on a headtorch. However, once the jacket is dry, clean and functioning, that waterproofness is restored until the next downpour.
Importance of breathability
While a plastic poncho is an effective cheap waterproof option, it lacks breathability. Without breathability, sweat will quickly saturate the inside of the jacket. Breathable fabrics allow sweat to evaporate, keeping you dry and maintaining insulating layers of air. However, there is a balance; more breathability often means less waterproofness and durability. In warm or humid conditions or with intense exercise, your jacket will never be able to offload your sweat as quickly as you generate it, so don’t worry if you don’t feel dry in your jacket all the time, the key thing is, that you are able to keep warm.
Best fabrics
Well-known waterproof, breathable fabric manufacturers include Gore-Tex, Pertex, and eVent. These fabrics offer a range of waterproof performance, breathability, and durability. Outdoor brands also produce their own in-house fabrics.
Waterproof ratings
Waterproof performance is measured by the Hydrostatic Head (HH), indicating the water pressure needed to penetrate the garment. A rating of at least 10,000mm is necessary, with higher ratings offering better performance but reduced breathability and increased weight.
Design features
Key features of a good waterproof jacket include a hood, sleeves, and taped seams. Lightweight designs are preferable for running, and bright colours enhance visibility on trails. Avoid jackets with inner layers suited for hiking, as a waterproof shell is more appropriate. Areas of increased wear should have additional layers, and it might even be worth considering getting a jacket that goes over your running pack.
What to Wear Underneath
A thin layer, like a long-sleeve t-shirt, helps the jacket breathe and maintains comfort. Another option is a wicking t-shirt with arm sleeves.
Choosing the right waterproof jacket for running
Choosing a waterproof jacket largely depends on the environment you’re running in and the type of weather you’ll encounter. For example, a jacket suitable for a local Park Run needs to be waterproof for an hour, lightweight, and doesn’t require high durability—clearly, such a jacket wouldn’t be ideal for mountain running. We’ve compiled some guidelines based on your activity to help you select the right jacket (we’ve assumed you will be out in the rain for entire duration of the run!).
Short Runs (e.g., Park Run)
For runs up to an hour, a jacket with a single layer of ultra-lightweight fabric and a HH of 10-15kmm is ideal. Low durability is acceptable since it won’t be worn under a running vest. The jacket should be very breathable to handle short bursts of activity.
Our choice: Inov-8 Stormshell V2 Jacket
Meets race kit requirements, weighs 149g, is packable, has 20,000 HH, and is highly breathable.
Trail Running (up to several hours)
For trail runs lasting several hours, opt for a 2.5-layer fabric jacket that is lightweight with an HH of 20kmm and as much breathability as you can afford. This jacket is the most challenging to get right and may require a significant investment. It should balance between weight and packability. Jackets weighing less than 200g are unlikely to be suitable.
Our choice: Montane Spirit Lite Jacket
A packable, durable, and lightweight 2-layer Gore-Tex shell jacket weighing 285g.
Mountain Running (up to a whole day)
For mountain running over an entire day, a 2.5-3 layer fabric jacket with an HH of 20-30kmm is necessary. It must be durable and capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to heavy rain.
Our choice: Montane Spirit Lite Jacket (again!)
Packable, durable, and lightweight 2-layer Gore-Tex shell jacket weighing 285g.
Our most durable choice: Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket
Features 3-layer fabric, 28kmm HH, weighs 550g, and is very durable but doesn’t pack down easily. This jacket is ideal for heavy rain conditions in places like the Lakes or the Alps. This isn’t what most people would want to run, but it’s going to keep you warm if it’s raining that hard!
Care and maintenance
Proper care extends the life of your jacket. Clean it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and reproof when necessary. Typically, a good jacket can last 4-5 years with proper care, although frequent use may reduce this lifespan, however even when they are no longer waterproof, they make great wind-proofs so don’t throw them out.
Stay dry and warm out there!
Written by Simon James – Alpine Running Guide
