Raising outdoorsy kids means finding gear to keep them comfortable and active year-round. For young runners, that comfort hinges not only on a great pair of running shoes, but also on a good outer layer that’s versatile enough for other sports, protective against the elements, flexible enough to move with your kid’s body, and not so heavy that it becomes a steam room the minute they break a sweat. Of course, you’ll also want to set them up with a kids’ running jacket that’s durable enough to last multiple seasons—with the understanding that they’ll probably outgrow it before you reach the end of even one. With all these factors in mind, we hunted for this season’s best jackets for kids who run. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on this list, consider that older kids could potentially fit into smaller adult sizes.
What to Consider
When it comes to choosing a good kids’ running jacket, a high level of warmth shouldn’t necessarily be the first thing to look for. Much like adults, kids heat up quickly when running, so any jacket that feels just right for the first couple blocks will likely feel like a sweaty snowsuit once they get going. The best approach is to add 20 to 30 degrees to the forecast, factoring in windchill and any precipitation, and dress for that temperature.
You should also adopt a layering strategy: Start with a base layer that sits close to the skin, vents heat, and wicks sweat; and then add on a lightweight wind-resistant or wind- and water-resistant jacket, like one of our many options here. In temperatures below freezing, you might consider adding a third layer between the base layer and the jacket, or a down jacket like the REI Co-op 650 Down listed below.
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The majority of our picks are made from polyester because it’s lightweight, durable, and water-repellent, while still being fairly breathable. Nylon shares these qualities and is often both stronger and softer than polyester, though it tends to cost more. Natural fibers like down and merino wool also make excellent options for running in the coldest conditions. Merino tends to be more expensive than synthetics and harder to find in youth sizes, but on the chilliest days, it provides the best combination of warmth, weather-resistance, and sweat-wicking.
How We Evaluated
As a year-round marathon runner with an active preschooler (that I can occasionally convince to join me on quick jaunts), I spend far too much time thinking about tiny-runner layering strategies and the delicate balance between warmth and breathability. On the rare occasion I can talk my kiddo into wearing any type of outer layer in winter weather, she gravitates toward the same top qualities in a jacket that I do: that it’s comfortable, it allows for freedom of motion, and—most important—it has pockets galore. To find the best jackets here, I used input from my kid, my running friends with kids, my own experience with many of the adult versions of these jackets, and recommendations from the Runner’s World test editors. I also sought out well-reviewed jackets online from trustworthy brands and evaluated them based on comfort, coziness, style, durability, value, and use of technical fabrics. These are the best kids’ running jackets I found.
The North Face Resolve Reflective Jacket
Fabric: Polyester and nylon with DWR finish | Weather Resistance: Fully waterproof | Warmth Level: Midweight | Sizes: XXS to XL
The North Face North Face Resolve Reflective Jacket
The North Face North Face Resolve Reflective Jacket
Pros
- Taped seams block out rain
- Durable
- Zippered hand pockets
- Fitted hood
- Elastic cuffs
Cons
- Length is long for running
This two-layer hooded jacket comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, including patterned and monochrome options from XXS to XL. A waterproof outer shell with taped seams blocks out the weather for four-season adventures, while a polyester mesh inner lining wicks sweat. It’s a fairly warm jacket for all but winter running, but it’s versatile enough for casual wear all year.
Marmot Trail Wind Hoodie
Fabric: Ripstop polyester | Weather Resistance: Wind- and water-resistant | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: S to XL
Pros
- High quality
- Packs down easily
- Very lightweight shell
- Elastic cuffs
Cons
- Limited color options
Soft on the inside and water-resistant on the outside, this ultralight jacket is cozier than most. On chilly fall runs, it provides just enough of a shell to block out the wind and light rain without causing kids to overheat once they warm up. When winter hits, you can pile it on over one or more base layers for weather-resistant warmth that breathes and won’t drown them in their own sweat. The whole jacket packs down easily into one of its own zippered hand pockets.
Columbia Pixel Grabber Reversible Jacket
Fabric: 100 percent polyester | Weather Resistance: Waterproof | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: XS to XL
Columbia Columbia Pixel Grabber Reversible Jacket
Columbia Columbia Pixel Grabber Reversible Jacket
Pros
- Reversible
- Zipper pockets
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Some colors/patterns cost more
The reversible Pixel Grabber is a lightweight unisex hooded jacket for all your kid’s outdoor expeditions. Both sides are made of jersey-lined water-resistant fabric, so you can choose your own adventure with a patterned or solid look. Two zipper pockets keep hands cozy or just store a key and a spare pair of gloves.
Under Armour Sackpack Jacket
Fabric: 100 percent polyester | Weather Resistance: Wind- and water-resistant | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros
- Turns into a drawstring backpack
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Elastic cuffs
Cons
- So popular it’s often out of stock
The magic of this hooded running shell is that it transforms into a drawstring backpack when you fold it down. Then, once the rain starts, you can bust it out for wind- and water-resistant protection and extra warmth. The jacket is lightweight and well-ventilated enough for running on chilly days in fall, winter, and early spring.
Patagonia Baggies Jacket
Fabric: 100 percent recycled nylon | Weather Resistance: Wind- and water-resistant, UPF 50 | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: XS to XXL
Pros
- Two hand pockets and a chest pocket
- Lightweight
- Made of recycled fabric
Cons
- Other pattern options cost more
Patagonia wins the style award with this wildly patterned nylon jacket that’s light enough for running in cold weather but still burly enough to block out wind, rain, and snow. A hood and cinched sleeves lets your kid batten down the hatches when the wind kicks up. Two hand pockets and a pocket at the chest hold cash, a key, and other small necessities.
Nike Windrunner Jacket
Fabric: Ripstop nylon | Weather Resistance: Wind- and water-resistant | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: S to XL, 2, 5
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Zipper pockets
- Mesh ventilated sides
Cons
- Only black and white options, no colors
This lightweight jacket is as stylish and functional today as when it first launched in ’78—back in Nike running’s heyday. It’s loose-fitting, comfortable, and made of lightweight ripstop fabric that blocks most rain and wind while venting body heat, with a generous hood for additional coverage. Two front zipper pockets give hands a place to rest or store a key and other small essentials.
Nike Dri-Fit Long-Sleeve Running Top
Fabric: 100 percent polyester | Weather Resistance: None | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: XS to XL
Nike Kids Nike Dri-Fit Long-Sleeve Running Top
Nike Kids Nike Dri-Fit Long-Sleeve Running Top
Pros
- Breathes well
- Feels cozy
- Can be worn as a base or outer layer
- Long sleeves with thumbholes
Cons
- No weather-resistance
- Not an actual jacket
This half-zip top is more shirt than jacket but pile it on over a more fitted long-sleeve and it makes an ideal outer layer for bitterly cold runs. It has a mock collar to block out the chill, and extended sleeves with thumbholes so they can tuck in their hands when not wearing gloves. When the jacket is worn alone as a base layer, the stretchy mesh fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin while breathing well and effectively wicking sweat.
REI 650 Down Jacket Kids
Fabric: 100 percent polyester shell, 650-fill down | Weather Resistance: Water- and wind-resistant | Warmth Level: Made of warm down | Sizes: XXS to XL
Pros
- Made of recycled polyester
- Warm without being heavy
- Packs down into a pocket
- Good price for a down jacket
Cons
- Overkill for all but the coldest running
Keeping kids active when temps drop below freezing requires a complex layering strategy that balances warmth, movement, and breathability. On the coldest days, that means you need an outer puffy layer that feels toasty and insulated enough to get them out the door but doesn’t pile on so much bulk that it overheats or hinders their range of motion. This lightweight down jacket repels wind, rain, snow, and chill, while moving well and allowing for some airflow. It has an internal pocket and two zipper hand pockets, and the whole jacket packs down into one when not in use.
C9 Champion Cardio Jacket
Fabric: 100 percent polyester | Weather Resistance: None | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Nice fit
- Long sleeves with thumbholes
- Durable
Cons
- Not weather-proof
When paired with a base layer, this fitted full-zip jacket provides the perfect level of warmth for low-30s winter running. A stand-up collar insulates your kid’s neck from the wind, while thumbholes hold the long sleeves down and keep hands cozy. The stretchy polyester fabric feels soft, comfy, and warm yet well-ventilated. Plus, the jacket is inexpensive enough that it’ll hurt a little less when your kid outgrows it.
The North Face Kids Glacier Full Zip Hoodie
Fabric: 100 percent polyester | Weather Resistance: None | Warmth Level: Lightweight | Sizes: 2XS to XL
The North Face Kids The North Face Kids Glacier Full Zip Hoodie
The North Face Kids The North Face Kids Glacier Full Zip Hoodie
Pros
- High-quality
- Super-soft fleece fabric
- Versatile
Cons
- No weather protection
This soft, fleecy zip-up hoodie is a nice, warm over-layer for winter runs while still being light enough to vent heat and move well. On super-cold days, it makes an excellent mid-layer under a wind shell. The Glacier has extra-long sleeves that kids can pull down over their hands while running, and a split front pocket for keeping them warm when not. It’s so cozy that kids won’t want to take it off or save it only for active wear.
