For those of us in the northern states, fall, and winter, and spring running require strategic layering. We know to “start cold,” but this can be a tricky balance to strike. Hats and gloves are packable items that you can easily don and shed based on temperature, but the real layering hero of chilly runs is the humble running vest.
Conventional running wisdom tells us to start our run dressed for weather about 10-15 degrees warmer than the actual air temperature, but it’s hard to tell exactly how comfortable you’ll be once you get moving. Variables include wind, precipitation, terrain, output, and the general difficulty and length of the run. Luckily, there’s a vest for that. A running vest is a key layering component, as it provides a hit of warmth to your core through insulation, wind protection, or both, while allowing you to dump heat under your arms and via the zipper. Most vests are body-mapped for optimal heat retention without added bulk, so check out the design and venting strategies when choosing.
Best Running Vests
- Best for Moderate Conditions: On Running Weather Vest
- Most Versatile: Dæhlie Run Vest
- Best Budget-Friendly Vest: Outdoor Ventures Men’s Running Vest
- Best for Wet Weather: Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light Vest
- Best Insulated Vest: Eddie Bauer Microlight Down Vest
- Best Women’s Insulated Vest: Sweaty Betty Accelerate Running Vest
- Best Windproof Vest: Sitka Jetstream Vest
- Best Women’s Running Vest: lululemon Another Mile Vest
- Best for Trail Running: REI Co-op Swiftland Insulated Vest
The Expert: I am a Montana-based hiker, biker, and runner who has to get outside all year round for my own mental health. This means running, biking, and hiking 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 hiked all over the U.S., including high alpine peaks and desert excursions in wintertime.
Key Considerations
Packability: A running vest is a layer you don’t necessarily need to take on and off, as you can vent heat under the arms or zip it all the way up for draft protection. But for runs in questionable weather when you want to stash an extra layer in your pack (or have the option of taking it off) consider a lightweight, packable vest that can be stashed in a running pack or even a pocket.
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Weather: Your choice of vest should be based on the temperature, conditions, and expected output. A fast, hard run in 35-degree weather doesn’t necessarily call for an insulated down vest, but that insulated model might be perfect for a slower mid-winter run. The coldest runs call for more insulation and probably some level of water- and wind-resistance, like a down vest with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment and a windproof membrane. Shoulder season runs will feel best in a lighter vest with less insulation (like microgrid fleece or Merino wool), and there’s always the minimal style to stash in your pack if you end up above treeline or get hit with a sudden vicious wind.
Cut and Sizing: Thanks to a variety of available fits, running vests excel at accommodating layers. A looser-cut vest works best over an insulated jacket, whereas a more athletic cut fits well over a base layer and under a shell as added insulation. When shopping, consider how you might wear your vest and the anticipated weather conditions. That will help determine where in your layering system your running vest will fit, and you can shop for the right cut for those needs.
How We Evaluated
For a layer as versatile as a running vest, I looked for a variety of designs, insulation levels, and weights that would get runners through everything from mild shoulder-season runs to the gnarliest winter running expeditions. I tested a range of vests in different conditions to evaluate their breathability, packability, and their optimal use. Input from RW editors and other runners also informed my recommendations.
Pros
- Waterproof zippered pockets
- Packable and lightweight
Cons
- Limited size range
Sizes: S–2XL (M), XS–XL (W)
Shell Material: Ripstop polyamide
Insulation: None
In-between weather calls for an in-between layer that can keep your core dry and warm in light rain without becoming stifling when the sun pops out. This stretchy, well-ventilated vest can do all that, plus hold your phone, keys, and snacks in waterproof zipper pockets. It’s made of lightweight, high-quality fabric and is small enough to pack down easily when not in use.
Pros
- Back venting
- Effective insulation
Cons
- Runs small, so buy one size up
Sizes: S–XL (M), XS–XL (W)
Shell Material: 92% polyester, 8% elastane
Insulation: 80% polyester, 20% Merino wool
Form and function combine in this fitted vest built with a combination of polyester and sustainably sourced Merino wool. The front insulation combines synthetic and Merino materials to protect against the cold and damp without losing loft or getting stinky, and I love the tall collar that can be zipped all the way up to the chin when cutting winds blow in. Built with a high-output in mind during cold runs, the vest also has upper-back vents to allow excess heat to escape without letting in a chill from the front.
Pros
- Wide size range
- Affordable
- Wind-resistant
Cons
- Materials (namely the zippers) won’t last forever
- Only available in men’s sizes
Sizes: S–4XL
Shell Material: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
Insulation: Fleece lining
This men’s-only vest isn’t specifically for running, but it makes for a solid wallet-friendly option that layers well in casual clothes and still feels comfortable and versatile on the trail or in-town runs. It has a wind-resistant shell, a lightweight fleece lining, and a standard fit for versatile layering, which means options throughout wintertime and the shoulder seasons. The slightly high collar offers draft protection without smothering you, and plenty of zippered pockets keep your small items safely stashed.
Pros
- Packable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Only available in men’s sizes
- No hood
Sizes: S–2XL
Shell Material: Nylon with 54% Merino wool, 46% polyester lining
Insulation: None
This Smartwool vest is no winter shell. True to its name, it’s an ultralight layer for those drizzly days when you want a little protection from the elements but know a full rain jacket would get too steamy while running. When the sky clears, just pack it down into its own pocket for easy travel. The vest is made from recycled nylon with a DWR coating for wind- and water-resistance.
Pros
- Warmth without the bulk
- Great value
- Tall sizes available in the men’s version
Cons
- Less versatile in the shoulder seasons
Sizes: S–2XL (M), XS–2XL (W)
Shell Material: Polyester
Insulation: 650-fill down
This synthetic-exterior, down-insulated vest works well for Polar Vortex season, whether you pair it with a long-sleeve shirt to keep your core warm while running or tuck it under a parka to stay warmer while walking around. It’s surprising how toasty it is, given its light weight and lack of puff. It’s also durable and a great value. One tester said, “I’ve had mine for years, with zero signs that I didn’t recently tear off the tags.” The DWR finish sheds light rain and snow; two zipper hand pockets hold your gloves and cash.
Sweaty Betty Accelerate Running Vest
Pros
- Athletic cut for midlayering
- Women’s-specific fit
Cons
- Not as packable
Sizes: 2XS–2XL
Shell Material: Nylon
Insulation: Recycled PrimaLoft synthetic
Built with a women’s-specific fit, this insulated, slim-fit vest is packed with recycled PrimaLoft insulation, which provides warmth even when wet. The face fabric is also water-resistant; I wouldn’t recommend wearing this in a downpour, but it will hold up just fine in light snow or misty rain. The body-mapped insulation provides warmth where you need it, and panels of uninsulated polyester on the sides and lower back dump heat. I also appreciate the drawstring hood that means I can conceivably go for a run without carrying an extra hat.
Pros
- Durable
- Windproof
- Zippered chest pocket
Cons
- Expensive
Sizes: M–2XL (M), S–XL (W)
Shell Material: Polyester
Insulation: Microgrid fleece
Sitka’s layering systems are built for movement in all sorts of weather, and although the company primarily focuses on hunting apparel, its lineup includes solid-colored wares that are high-tech and versatile. The Jetstream line is one of Sitka’s most popular, thanks to the streamlined design that doesn’t restrict movement but does an incredible job protecting from the wind. This fitted softshell vest features a microgrid fleece interior for warmth, then a Gore Windstopper membrane under a DWR-treated recycled polyester face fabric for just enough warmth for chilly shoulder-season outings and runs.
Pros
- Removable hood
- Flattering, comfortable fit
Cons
- Only available in women’s sizes
Sizes: 0–14
Shell Material: Nylon with 82% nylon, 18% Lycra side panels
Insulation: PrimaLoft polyester
The Another Mile Vest has everything RW editors loved about the Another Mile Jacket with none of its shortcomings—like its too-snug shoulders and tendency to get too hot. Instead, you get the same warm PrimaLoft insulation and water-repellent exterior in a snug, flattering fit that stretches to move with your body. The hood can be zipped off, if you prefer to run without. And it’s got zippered front pockets, with a phone sleeve.
Pros
- Recycled materials
- Versatile fit and use
Cons
- Less packable
- Men’s only
Sizes: S–3XL
Shell Material: Ripstop nylon (upper portion); 91% polyester, 9% spandex (lower)
Insulation: Fleece
Bring on the pockets! This men’s-only insulated vest has two zippered side pockets as well as a zippered chest pocket, so you never have to worry about your small items going flying as you're running down the trail. This piece is made with primarily recycled materials, has a single-panel synthetic fleece insulation, and a moderate fit that accommodates a base layer without being too bulky to sit under a shell. Like the Sweaty Betty vest, this model has body-mapped insulation for warmth where you need it without added bulk. This is a solid trail-running vest for windy days where you want equal parts warmth and wind protection and anticipate hiking the uphills and running the downhills.
Expert Maggie Slepian on When She Reaches for a Running Vest and How to Keep Yours Clean
RW: For running, what do you consider to be vest weather?
MS: I tend to run cold, so my vest weather starts in the low 40s, even if it’s sunny. My base layer will change though. I might be wearing a lightweight long-sleeve shirt under a wind vest at 40 degrees, then as the temperature drops to the 30s, I switch to a Merino base layer with the same wind vest. As it gets colder (into the 20s), I wear a Merino crew neck paired with an insulated vest.
RW: How often should you wash a running vest?
MS: This varies depending on the vest, but because it is mostly worn as an outer layer, or at least under a shell, it doesn’t need to be washed as frequently as a base layer or clothing worn next-to-skin. I wash my running vests after four or five wears as long as they haven’t gotten muddy on the trail or splashed by road slush. It’s helpful to wash your waterproof/breathable items, as the pores can get dirty and clogged, and they won’t be as effective, which is another reason I make sure my outer layers get thrown in the wash at least once in a while.
RW: What’s one must-have feature you have when shopping for a running vest?
MS: P O C K E T S. Unless the weather is truly ghastly, I wear my vest as the outer layer, which means I need pockets. I stash my phone and headphone case in my pockets, as well as an inhaler and maybe an energy gel if I’m not carrying a pack. Running vests come in so many styles and insulation levels that really the only consistent criteria I look for are side pockets, or better yet, a zippered chest pocket so I know nothing will fall out on the trail.
Editors’ Note: Caitlin Giddings and Lauren Steele contributed to 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.
