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The Best Winter Running Jackets That Make Cold-Weather Runs Bearable
From lightweight shells to heavy-duty layers that can stand up to snow and rain, these jackets will keep you comfortable in the cold.
In the hot, humid summer months, the idea of running through a snowstorm might sound like heaven. But winter brings its own set of challenges. You want to keep your body warm, yet you don’t want to overheat. And achieving the perfect balance of layers to do that can feel like solving a college-level math equation, with temperature, run time, and windchill as variables. You’ll also have to factor in the prospect of rain or snow, which requires an outer shell that’s both waterproof and breathable so you don’t get soaked from precipitation or your own sweat. Of course, getting it right takes a bit of trial and error, which ultimately begins with finding a dependable winter running jacket.
Best Winter Running Jackets
The Expert: I’ve been running in the Northeast for 20 years, including New England, Syracuse, New York, New York City, and northeast Pennsylvania, which means I’m no stranger to cold weather. What’s more, I prefer cold-weather running to its hot and humid counterpart. Over the decades, I’ve trained for three Boston Marathons, amounting to hundreds of miles in the bitter cold, ice, slush, freezing rain, and snow. This means I have tested my fair share of winter running jackets. In addition to firsthand testing, I worked closely with the gear editors at Runner’s World and fellow runners to determine important considerations when choosing a winter running jacket.
How to Dress for Winter
Finding your next favorite winter running jacket will make a huge difference in your motivation to get out this season. But “winter weather” can vary widely from day to day and region to region, so the ideal outer layer will depend on the conditions in which you expect to run. You'll also warm up as you move so the trick is to dress for temperatures 10 degrees warmer— including the windchill—than the current forecast.
If you’re planning to run through rain or precipitation, you’ll need a jacket that also repels water. The ones below cover the range of winter weather, from cold temps to rain and snow and the occasional balmy day, so you’ll be prepared no matter what’s going on outside.
What to Consider in a Winter Running Jacket
Even when it's wet or cold, many runners try to avoid wearing a jacket which can add a bulky top layer. When choosing a winter running jacket, you’ll want something that keeps you warm and dry, allows movement, and is breathable to avoid overheating.
Materials
Winter running jackets have to tread a delicate line: keep runners warm while being breathable. Often, runners will opt for a lightweight jacket on top of a base layer (or two). Most winter running jackets are made from fleece, nylon, or polyester. Some might also include wool, like merino wool, which has natural wicking abilities and can keep you toasty (and cool in the summer).
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If you, er, run cold, then having a heavier jacket is a good choice. But if you heat up quickly, choose a winter running jacket that’s thinner or can easily be taken off and tied around your waist mid-run.
Weatherproofing and Insulation
Unfortunately, winter running isn’t all soft, quiet snow. Often, you’ll have to brave less pleasant elements like windchill, rain, and sleet. Many winter running jackets have weatherproofing—wind and rain—and insulation properties.
With weatherproof properties, not all are created equal. A water-resistant jacket provides a thin, water-resistant layer, but won’t block downpours or an extended drizzle. A water-repellent jacket is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that makes it harder for rain to seep through—but that coating fades over time, about 20 washes. A waterproof jacket is the gold standard for keeping you dry (and tends to be much more expensive). The jacket is designed to resist moisture, including downpours and extended rain exposure.
Some jackets are considered wind-resistant or windproof, thanks to the tight weave of the material; the tighter the weave, the less wind can cut through the jacket.
Winter running jackets might also provide extra insulation thanks to certain linings like fleece, wool, down, or a synthetic material, but insulation can cause you to overheat if you already run hot.
Hoods
In theory, a hood seems like a good idea to protect from the elements. In practice, it can be hard to find a hood that stays on when you start running. We’ve found that cinched hoods (in which you adjust the hood using a cord on the back of the head) really struggle with staying in place. Hoods with drawstrings or a jacket with a high zipper tend to work better.
For us, a hood isn’t a deal breaker—if it works, great, if not, we’ll grab a hat. And because of this we don’t necessarily rule out jackets with or without a hood.
How We Evaluated
The winter running jackets selected here have been tested firsthand or come recommended by fellow runners and the Runner’s World test editors based on certain considerations, including fit, materials, insulation, and weatherproofing. I also relied on researching the market and surveying online reviews to find which jackets stand out in this category. Each pick is judged on value, technical fabrics, comfort, warmth, and of course, looks. These are the jackets to help you avoid the treadmill all winter.
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
Pros
- Ultra-warm
- Stylish
Cons
- Pricey
“When I tried on this jacket, I was surprised by how well cut and flattering it looked, compared to other boxy jackets (or, you know, ragged sweatshirts) I’ve worn to stay comfy when it’s cold outside,” said our tester. The hemline hits right at the hip, with stretchy material on the sides and sleek, yet still incredibly warm, padding through the torso. And the sleeves—which feature thumb holes—end perfectly at the wrists.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 10 to 30 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Water-repellent, windproof |
Marmot Tempo Women's Softshell Jacket
Marmot Tempo Women's Softshell Jacket
Pros
- Keeps out wind and rain
- Breathable
- Pockets galore
Cons
More of a windbreaker than a true softshell, the Marmot Tempo is built to be an over layer for balmier winter runs and light precipitation. It’s made from a polyester-elastane blend designed to both shed water and breathe well—a tightrope that the jacket manages better than most. The fit is relaxed but not loose, and it has elastic cuffs, a drawcord at the hem, and overall stretchy fabric so you can drop into a sprint without your upper body feeling restricted. Two zipper hand pockets and a chest pocket hold your keys, cards, and gloves after your hands warm up.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 20 to 40 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Waterproof, windproof |
Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket
Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket
Pros
- Insulated but not restrictive
- Removable hood
- Good coverage
Cons
- Too warm for sunnier days
Though it’s stuffed with 800-fill down insulation, the Inlet is a standout for its coverage. Its water-resistant bonded nylon-spandex blend staves off the elements, while the long length blocks from the high collar down to the hem that reaches below the hips. The removable hood has adjustable toggles should you want to cinch it down against the wind. Thumbholes keep the sleeves secure and keep cool air from seeping in.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 0 to 25 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Windproof, water-resistant |
Pros
- High-quality fabric and constriction
- Water- and wind-repellent
- Two-way zipper
- Merino wool insulation
- No added bulk
- 360-degree reflective details
Cons
- One of the most expensive running jackets on the market
- No hood
Every season, Boston-based Tracksmith comes out with something new and exciting. Although some models run their course, the No Days Off (NDO) Collection has stood the test of time, particularly for runners who want to brave the elements no matter what. The NDO jacket is billed as a “deep winter” running jacket, thanks to its merino wool lining for insulation, and water- and wind-repellent features. Tracksmith offers a number of pieces that provide exceptional warmth without added bulk, and this jacket is one of them.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 20 to 35 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Two-way zipper for temperature control |
The North Face Core Winter Warm Jacket
Pros
- Water repellent
- Wind resistant
- Zip pockets
Cons
- No hood
- Women’s cut rises in the front
Although billed as a lightweight winter running jacket, users are impressed with how well it provides warmth; some reviewers noted they're toasty in temps as low as 15 degrees. The slim fit may be a turn off for some or prevent adequate layering. The jacket's DWR finish adds a water-repelling feature, allowing runners to withstand cold and wet conditions.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 20 to 35 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Insulated core |
Gore Wear Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Hooded Jacket
Gore Wear Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Hooded Jacket
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Runs on the small side
When you don’t want to bundle up too much, there’s the Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Hooded jacket. “The breathable Infinium material traps heat well, so I’d be comfortable in the winter wearing a summer running shirt underneath in temps as low as 15 degrees,” said our tester. It’s not for cold rain, however, as it soaks up just about everything. Even so, the jacket is still light even sopping wet.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 20 to 40 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Wind-resistant |
Pros
- Merino wool provides warmth without bulk
- Thumbholes
- DWR finish
- Wind resistant
- Media cord-compatible
Cons
- No hood
- Men’s jacket is more expensive than women’s
This merino wool-lined jacket comes from Smartwool, a pioneer in wool-based performance gear. The lightweight jacket provides heavy-duty warmth thanks to the wool, which is found in the insulation and shell. And although a streamlined design, the Smartloft has myriad pockets: two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket with a media cord outlet, and two internal pockets.
A bonus is the jacket’s use of ZQ-certified merino wool, which guarantees environmental, social, and economic sustainability and promotes animal welfare.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 25 to 40 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Merino wool |
Houdini Outright Houdi Fleece Jacket
Houdini Outright Houdi Fleece Jacket
Pros
- Wicks sweat
- Cozy
Cons
- Minimal weather protection
This jacket is essential for runners who live for those 20- and 30-degree long jaunts. Trapping in enough body heat for hours on the road, the Outright also does an excellent job at wicking sweat on the inside, meaning you won’t get the chills with every hint of a breeze in the later miles.
Key Specs
| Estimated Temp Range | 20 to 30 degrees F |
|---|---|
| Weather Features | Quick-drying |
Expert Heather Mayer Irvine Shares What to Wear on a Winter Run and Whether You Need a Weatherproof Jacket!
RW: At what temperature do you actually need a winter running jacket?
HMI: Like all things running—gear, nutrition, training plans—what works for one runner might not work for another. A good rule of thumb for determining what to wear while running is to add 10 degrees to the temperature because your body is going to warm up once you get moving. For example, if you head out and it’s 35 degrees, you’ll want to dress for about 45 degrees, which might be too warm for a jacket for some runners. Personal preference and body dynamics—do you prefer to be a little chilly or does your body have a hard time warming up—will factor in to whether you wear a jacket or not.
The elements will also play a role. If it’s 40 degrees with a windchill of 30 degrees, you’ll likely want that extra, wind-resistant layer. Or, if it’s raining and 50 degrees, you might want a water-resistant jacket.
RW: What are the most important body parts to keep warm while running in the cold?
HMI: Over the years, we’ve learned that we don’t actually lose 50 percent of our body heat through our head, but keeping your noggin toasty will help mitigate heat loss, which is predicted to be about 10 percent for adults.
Warm running socks can help prevent frozen toes, which can be painful while pounding the pavement, and can help warm the rest of your body up. Finding a winter running jacket is a good way to keep your core warm, which, in turn, can help warm your extremities.
RW: Should I invest in a weatherproof running jacket?
HMI: Even a simple jacket that has heavy-duty protection against the weather can cost a pretty penny. But if you’re an all-weather runner with big training plans in the winter months, staying warm and dry is priceless.
A good way to think about an investment of, say, $150 to $300 for a piece of running gear, is how much it will cost per run (shoes are another story because they won’t last as long as a jacket): If you spend $200 and wear the jacket for 20 winter runs, that’s just $10 per run. And if you properly care for that piece of gear, it can last for years.
*Editor's Note: Caitlin Giddings and Michael Charboneau also contributed to this article.
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner’s World, the author of The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:44 5K, and 5:33 mile. Her work has been published in The Boston Globe, Popular Mechanics, The Wall Street Journal Buy Side, Cooking Light, CNN, Glamour, The Associated Press, and Livestrong.com.
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