But that doesn’t mean you should shirk coverage or give up entirely on keeping dry during a workout. A good running jacket should keep out moisture, protect you from wind gusts, and allow airflow while pushing the pace. There are materials to consider, along with weather ratings, that depend on your needs and personal preference.
Jacket features like zippers and toggles shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping for a protective shell, either. You don’t have to prove anything to us, but if you wish to brave the elements—or just act like a kid and jump in puddles—here’s our guide on how to pick the best rain jacket based on the jackets our testers loved the most. Water-resistant: Breathable shells or lightweight windbreakers are usually made of nylon and polyester, which keeps out moisture better than cotton.
These jackets will sometimes have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, but they won’t keep you dry during long runs in rainy conditions or downpours. Waterproof: Jackets that are waterproof include laminates or coatings. These waterproof jackets will keep you dry but also feel like you stepped into a sauna as you accumulate sweat on your run.
To help alleviate this, brands like Gore-Tex have created a permeable membrane, allowing airflow and preventing water from passing through. Number rating: Some manufacturers share a rating on their product page, like 10K/10K or 20K/20K. The first number refers to water-resistance.
It represents the height of a water column (in millimeters) that 1 square inch of a jacket’s fabric can withstand before it starts to leak. The higher the number, the better the resistance. The second number refers to the grams of water vapor per square meter that can pass through the jacket’s fabric.
A higher number, like 20K, indicates better breathability. It should be noted, however, that there is no industry standard for “waterproof” or “breathability.” Brands will sometimes list 2L, 2.5L, and 3L under jacket specs. These stats give you more insight into how the jacket is constructed.
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