As much as I like training indoors, I also look forward to training and running outside in the sun. But weather can be tricky and there are times that I’d get caught in the rain. Weather disturbances are as normal as our own breathing, but this can also affect your training and eventually your overall performance.
The right type of clothing is essential whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Buying the best waterproof jackets can be really critical, most especially when this will be used for a certain physical activity like running.
You have to consider a lot of things, most importantly, how it will perform under various weather conditions.
A waterproof jacket should be an essential part of your wardrobe. It provides extra protection against the rain and can act as a windbreaker. It will generally keep your outdoor training more comfortable hence, you are more focused on building your strength and working out. Much like gaiters for keeping things out of your shoes when on a trail, these jackets help keep the rain out!
Here’s a list that I came up with to help you find the best waterproof running jackets for running in the market today:
Best Waterproof Running Jackets Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | The North Face Apex Flex GTX 2.0 Jacket | The North Face | Check Price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket | Outdoor Research | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Columbia Watertight II Jacket | Columbia | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Black Diamond StormLine Stretch | Black Diamond | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Fjällräven Mens Keb Eco-Shell Jacket | Fjällräven | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - The North Face Apex Flex GTX 2.0 Jacket
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
I know the feeling of regret when you purchase a very expensive product and not getting the worth of your money. However, this North Face jacket, despite being the most expensive choice in my list, has justified its price.
This slim-fit, breathable jacket is not only waterproof but it’s also 100% windproof. This jacket will surely block the wind and help you thrive against the harsh weather conditions during your outdoor experience.
Though I haven’t experienced having my hands on this piece of gem, reviews have declared that this jacket really was not made to disappoint. Its versatility is a good justification for its price. This jacket is said not to only fit into any one category because it can stand out in every aspect; water and wind protection, warmth, and other categorical features.
I believe that this is the best one yet, as far as I’ve read from the multiple reviews because it surpasses the definition of a jacket—this is rather a shell layer that totally protects you from all sorts of harshness from nature.
North Face really wasn’t kidding when they prided themselves in its premium quality material by using a 3-layer Gore-Tex build.
This membrane fabric stops any liquid vapor from the outside and also from the one that you perspire to pass through, keeping you dry and comfortable. Since it’s a 3-layer, the jacket is surely durable because the membrane fabric is used for the outer textile and the lining.
Warmth isn’t really the top priority of rain jackets, but the versatility of this North Face Apex Flex FGTX 3.0 jacket includes this standard as one of its features. Though it is not entirely insulated, there’s still a noticeable difference of warmth it gives!
The hood has a good rear cinch which gives extra security around the sides of the head and provides solid coverage overall. However, other than the price, this jacket is quite bulky and quite heavy, hence, packing this could be extremely challenging.
What have others said about The North Face Apex Flex GTX 2.0 Jacket?
“Impressive build quality! Remarkably the best jacket out there!” Juno L
PROS
- Water and wind protection with no weather limits
- Its 3-layered Gore-Tex makes it durable
- Provides additional warmth
CONS
- Bulky and not lightweight
- Not very affordable
#2 - Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket
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You may be eyeing for a waterproof jacket that does not only have good protection features but also has good outer features. I personally also would want a jacket that can spice up my wardrobe without having to worry about looking “too much”.
This multipurpose Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket has two zips along the sides that could transform the jacket into a poncho-style outwear. This gives superior protection when you’re engaging in outdoor activities, while still being able to be breathable to give you enough comfort that you need.
To enjoy your lengthy training or trips, this jacket has a dual-pull adjustable hood and a hand and chest pocket for your valuables. A catch, isn’t it? Moreover, this is only 0.96 pounds and is lightweight, easing your worries when packing!
This is made up of 2-Layer Gore-Tex that is bonded to the outer textile which creates a separate lining in your jacket which can be combined with good insulation. Moreover, the side-zippers do not only provide good poncho-style, but it is also for extra ventilation.
I couldn’t help but compare this to other jackets that offer a 3-Layer Gore-Tex, but looking more into the reviews regarding this jacket, its 50-denier polyester material is outstanding quality for a jacket.
Since it’s 50-denier, it surely is thick enough to provide its protective features. Moreover, polyester is also known for being the better option for wardrobe pieces that are made to be exposed to the elements, making it water-resistant.
What have others said about the Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket?
“This jacket trumps every other jacket out there. Superb quality of materials and extremely comfy too!” Isaiah K
PROS
- Its water repellent feature does not get you drenched
- High durability
- Easily packable
CONS
- Not slim-fit
- Not very affordable
- The drawcord connected to the bottom of the hood is not user-friendly when loosening the hood
#3 - Columbia Watertight II Jacket
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From the very rainy weather during your hike to the city streets, and every corner in the region, this jacket is your best friend. This Columbia Watertight II Jacket is made up of 100% polyester, which is the perfect material for extreme weather clothes.
Not only that, but this jacket is my favorite because of its very affordable price, yet not compromising any of its qualities.
Polyester is moisture-wicking so it will definitely keep you from being drenched in rain (your perspiration also included!). The tight weave of the polyester also keeps the heat inside, giving you just the right amount of insulation to keep you warm.
Although it is made up of Polyester, I personally don’t like the fact that its lining is the one made up of polyester. It lessens its breathability feature when you have the lining made up of polyester.
However, the outer shell is made up of nylon which is generally tough abrasion resistant, making it hydrophilic—meaning, it can absorb water. This means that your jacket is definitely waterproof and you don’t have to worry about getting drenched under the rainy weather.
Your Columbia Watertight II Jacket is definitely packable because of its lightweight feature, with only weight 0.9 pounds. Moreover, its adjustable hood, cuffs, and hemline are the best additional features that you must have been eyeing for!
PROS
- Very affordable
- Doesn’t make you drenched even when it’s raining
- The mesh liner serves as a 2-layer construction for extra comfort
CONS
- Doesn’t fit well for some when wearing a bike helmet
- Sleeve ends start to fray very lightly after a few months use according to some reviews
#4 - Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
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Weather that is totally intimidating because of how harsh it is requires a good jacket that will give you the high-quality protection you need. This Black Diamond StormLine Jacket is very lightweight, thus packable and easy to store.
This windproof and waterproof jacket has a four-way stretch design which gives you the assurance that it’s durable and it won’t immediately fray after constant use. A four-way stretch design gives the material the ability to stretch in both lateral and vertical directions.
This is also made up of 100% Nylon, an extremely abrasion-resistant material that is perfect for absorbing wetness. It has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that will help the jacket to stop penetrating water, making you nice and dry.
This jacket has an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem to keep it snug around your torso. Moreover, its underarm has gussets for restriction-free movement. This only weighs 0.71 pounds, assuring you of the freedom of movement even when under the rainy weather!
PROS
- Soft interior lining provides warmth
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Reasonably priced
CONS
- Not the best breathability for some
#5 - Fjällräven Mens Keb Eco-Shell Jacket
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Looking for the jacket that’s designed to protect you and the environment? Say no more, because Fjällräven Men’s Ken Eco-Shell is made up of recyclable Eco-Shell fabric that is also wind and waterproof perfect for the varying weather conditions.
This material is made up of 100% durable yet lightweight G-1000 Eco-Shell in polyester, which is partially recycled. This Durable Water Repellent jacket also underwent fluorocarbon-free treatment, perfect for environmentally friendly and waterproof outdoor clothing.
Though I haven’t bought this product for myself, the reviews really did impress me. According to Daniel Neilson, a blogger who thoroughly reviewed this product, this Swedish-made jacket is extremely impressive because every detail is very well thought out.
The pockets are not found at the sides because this is specially made for those who hike and the hip-belt of hike backpacks often block the access to hand pockets. So, they innovated the idea by putting chest pockets instead, yet still making it as deep as hand pockets.
PROS
- Environmentally friendly
- Wired-peak hood
- Lightweight
CONS
- Pricey
