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We ran countless miles testing running jackets from Patagonia, Salomon, Smartwool, Brooks, and more to find the best models
Running jackets have come a long way. These days, running jackets are built to be lightweight, protective, and host loads of features that can make running more comfortable.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 17, 2025
Every runner knows the sky can turn dark in seconds. One minute, sunshine. The next, pelting rain. Finding the perfect running jacket isn't about fashion but protection against unpredictable weather.
Over the last few years, we've bought and tested over 35 of the best women's running jackets, including the 14 contenders in this review. We tested these jackets side-by-side on trails and city streets from California to Washington to South America and beyond for months. From chilly days of full sun to whipping rain and downright frigid temps, we found the limits. We considered weather resistance, comfort, and breathability.
The Patagonia Houdini offers some of the lightest-weight protection out there. The REI Co-op Swiftland Windshell is a more budget-friendly option that offers solid packability, comfort, and a useful, stowable hood.
The Patagonia Houdini is the lightest-weight running jacket we tested, so it quickly became our first choice for stashing in our pack when heading out for long trail runs. It offers just enough wind and rain resistance to keep you comfortable without weighing you down. With a comfortable and surprisingly functional hood, this ultra-packable jacket is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Available for slightly less money than some other high scorers, this is the running jacket we recommend to runners who may get caught facing unexpected weather.
When it comes to warmth, the Patagonia Houdini doesn't offer much. Those who need a cozy layer to stay comfortable while traipsing through a snowfield should consider a warmer option. The Nike Swift Repel is significantly warmer, but it weighs more and is not our favorite for sunnier/warmer weather. This jacket may not provide adequate protection if you live in a rainy climate. The REI Co-op Swiftland Windshell is better at repelling rain, while not waterproof, it put up a fight longer than the competition. But if you are looking for a layer that can live in the bottom of your pack and one you can use atop chilly and damp mountain peaks, we bet you'll love the breathable and comfortable Houdini.
When summer starts to turn to fall in the mountains, we love having the Houdini in our packs in case of thunderstorms or high winds.
When the breeze starts to blow but a run is calling your name, the REI Co-op Swiftland Windshell is ready to go. A more budget-friendly choice than many competitors, this lightweight shell provides just the right amount of protection to take the edge off a chilly wind. Runners and outdoor adventurers will appreciate its quick-drying fabric, compact packability, and thoughtful design details like soft elastic cuffs and thumb loops that stay put without constricting. The adjustable hood cinches securely for blustery conditions, and the built-in stuff sack makes it easy to stash. Altogether, it's a smart, affordable choice that keeps you comfortable when the weather turns unpredictable.
While the REI Swiftland Windshell delivers plenty of performance for its price, it does come with a few trade-offs. Its thin ripstop nylon body is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so it won't hold up in heavy rain. Some runners also found the fit a bit snug, especially if layering underneath. The Brooks Canopy also offers a comfortable fit, but is somewhat baggier and better over thin layers (thicker layers likely won't work). That said, the Swiftland's close-to-body design makes it aerodynamic and efficient for running and biking, and REI managed to balance affordability, comfort, and thoughtful design in one lightweight package.
The updated Brooks Canopy is a standout in modern running gear with a redesign that brings together what most runners want: breathability, comfort, and smart utility. The latest version softens earlier length complaints by delivering a true hip-length fit that works well across body types. It combines super-light ripstop construction and a well-designed hood for mobility and ventilation without feeling bulky. Thin layers fit comfortably underneath, UPF 30 protection guards against the sun on bright runs, and in cooler breezes, it adds enough barrier to keep the chill away without locking in heat. This jacket wins hearts because it feels great from the first mile to the last.
As excellent as the Brooks Canopy and its features are, it shines most in wind and light drizzle, not in downpours. Exposure to heavy or sustained rain will eventually reveal its limitations. The refined fit is more accommodating for many runners, but it still isn't ideal for runners who want to layer thickly. The Asics Fujitrail might be an intriguing option if your layers run thicker. The Brooks' compromises are small considering that the Canopy delivers best-in-class breathability, thoughtful design touches, and a fit that finally feels universal enough to wear confidently.
The Asics Fujitrail Packable running jacket is our top, full-featured choice for runners who travel often. This 4.52-ounce jacket packs down into its own pocket, zips closed, and offers a handy carrying loop, making it ideal for attaching to a travel bag or stuffing into a backpack. This Asics jacket also features a rear hanging loop, which is super helpful for hanging to dry after a day out exploring beneath a drizzly, grey sky.
While the Asics Fujitrail Packable isn't a totally waterproof rain jacket, it repels water better than some of the ultralight running jackets. Although this jacket boasts plenty of cinch straps and features for a versatile and ideal fit, its limited storage space is a drawback, with only one pocket on the chest panel. If more pockets are your jam, the Janji Zephyrunner has three and an impressive overall performance. If you need a thoughtfully designed running jacket to protect you on wide-spanning adventures, the Asics Fujitrail is one of our top recommendations.
We've tested several versions of the Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover over the years, and the new version did not disappoint. This latest version strikes an awesome balance between the trusted features we've always loved and a few thoughtful upgrades. The soft, stretchy body fabric moves effortlessly with you and flows beautifully over a base layer, while the deep half-zip design maximizes airflow on warmer runs. With its featherlight feel, quick-drying materials, and barely-there comfort, the Airshed Pro remains our top pick for runners who want performance-level protection in a jacket that doesn't feel like one.
Since it is comprised of soft, stretchy fabric, the Patagonia Airshed Pro doesn't hold up very well when running in the rain. It makes a breezy layer, but doesn't offer much in the way of water resistance. Better water resistance can be found in the lighter-weight, budget-friendly REI Co-op Swiftland Windshell. However, with an added pocket, a high-zip, stretchy hood, and added breathability, we truly never wanted to take off the Airshed. This may not be the first choice for runners in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest, but if you're searching for a cozy layer for chilly days or a light layer for warmer days, the Airshed Pro will be a great pick.
The Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover stands out as one of our favorite jackets for mild-weather runs, thanks to its exceptional softness, versatile layering ability, and deep half-zip design that allows for effortless ventilation and temperature control.
If you want an occasional running jacket and are on a tight budget, the Baleaf Lightweight Full Zip is a solid option. It is available for nearly a third of the price of some premium products and offers both breathability and warmth. It also has a UPF rating of 50, which is ideal for runners who spend time running in the sun.
The Baleaf Lightweight Full Zip offers limited protection against wind and rain. Furthermore, it isn't cut in the most flattering way. If your budget can stretch, we prefer the REI Co-op Swiftland Windshell for many reasons. However, if you need a running jacket built for the sport and don't want to break the bank, this UPF-rated, breathable, and affordable jacket might be right all you need.
The Baleaf Lightweight Full Zip is a featherweight running jacket that delivers impressive UPF protection at a fraction of the cost of most competitors.
Chest pocket converts to stuffsack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
Stores into chest pocket, thumb loops, fit adjustment cords on hood, wind and water repellent
Media port, UPF 30
Press button keeps jacket in place while vents are open, Hood also has a slight visor
Stores into chest pocket, thumb loops, stowable hood
Two-way zipper
Stores into chest pocket, bungee hem, wind blocking, water resistant
Stores in pocket, wind proof, water repellent
UV-rating (unspecified) Stores into pocket, whistle at collar, adjustable hem closures
Bungee drawcord and stopper on hem, WIND.DRY
UPF
Packs into back pocket, roll away hood, 100% waterproof
UPF 50+, thumbholes
Thumbholes
Vent Type
None
None
None
Front snap
None
Half zip in front
Back
Underarm mesh paneling
None
None
None
Back
None
None
Reflective Material
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Hood
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Foggy days call for a light shell to help make running as comfortable as it can be.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
How We Tested
Testing running jackets might be our dream job. It requires strict attention to detail and the bravery to lace up our kicks regardless of the unappealing wind, rain, or snow. We've taken the time to truly analyze the architecture of each product and look at each metric with fresh, unforgiving eyes. We get outside and run through it all when the weather turns from bluebird days to stormy and seductive.
Our running jacket testing is divided into five rating metrics:
Breathability (30% of overall score weighting)
Weather Resistance (20% weighting)
Comfort and Mobility (20% weighting)
Portability (15% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
Our test plan includes multiple runs in various climates, from steep, uphill runs in the sweltering heat of San Luis Obispo, CA, to winter track days in West Seattle, WA. See our How We Test article for more details on our testing process.
We went searching for wet weather in which to test our jackets. Here, the Vuori Outdoor Trainer Shell is being put through its paces.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by Ally Arcuri and Lauren DeLaunay. Ally is an expert in running jackets and is no stranger to running in the cold, having grown up in South Lake Tahoe, CA. In fact, she says that some of her best mountainous runs have been on days that offer a bit of a refreshing drizzle. Ally lives on the Central Coast of California, so much of her current testing takes place on foggy coastal bluffs. In addition to her excessive trail and road running habits, Ally earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton, which is handy when surveying the biomechanical prowess of different running gear. Lauren primarily lives in a tent cabin in Yosemite Valley's Camp 4 and spends a lot of time on the trails. Bouncing between the high Rockies, the canyons of Utah, and California's granite walls, she tests gear in various conditions.
Analysis and Test Results
It only takes one big rainstorm or an accidental run in the stifling heat to realize the importance of the correct layers for every occasion. To find the best running jacket, we tested breathability, weather resistance, comfort and mobility, portability, and features.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We know that price is important to nearly every buyer. We analyze how well this gear holds up after general wear and tear and its potential for continued usefulness. The best value is the very deserving Patagonia HoudiniandREI Co Op Swiftland Windshell this time around. These relatively wallet-friendly shells are lightweight, packable, and ready for adventures and the abuse that comes with them. The Houdini is the shell we recommend to friends seeking a technical piece of gear for extra protection. The Swiftland Windshell performs nearly as well and is available for slightly less money.
Behold the high-scoring, and affordable Patagonia Houdini. This jacket would be one of our favorites even if it cost more.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Breathability
Whether you're just getting into the game or are a seasoned ultramarathon runner, running leads to sweating, which is why your choice of layers is so incredibly important.
Breathability is the ability for air to flow freely through the jacket. When you're in motion, your body sweats to stay cool. For the sweat to evaporate, you need air. You don't want to run in a plastic-feeling outer layer that restricts sweat's ability to flow freely. You want your skin to stay as cool and dry as possible, which requires unique and skillfully engineered materials.
Not all jackets balance protection and breathability with the same ease.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The most breathable jackets in our tests often had softer materials and thoughtfully placed panels. Breathability often comes at the cost of weather protection, a factor we considered. Lightweight products with inherently breathable materials do their best to protect from wet weather, while prioritizing unparalleled breathability. Jackets with these qualities performed better during testing.
The Asics Fuijtrail Packable jacket has a ventilation button to help encourage airflow without removing the protection of the jacket.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The most impressive breathability belongs to the Patagonia Airshed Pro. However, its awesome breathability comes at the price of virtually no water resistance. While it maintains its standing as a seriously fantastic layering piece, its softer polyester and stretch-woven ripstop materials don't repel rain as well as other contenders. If breathability is your top goal, it is hard to beat the half-zip Patagonia Airshed where the airflow can be adjusted by moving the zipper.
Even on warmer days, the Airshed Pro is breathable enough to find running comfort in.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Ventilation can also be increased with well-placed holes and grommets to increase airflow. This allows air to travel in and out, but under arm holes, for example, make it more challenging for wet weather to infiltrate. This venting style is our second favorite for breathability, but it shines when the weather turns arctic. Breathable materials are the best way to help regulate body temperature while on the move.
The Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind is a highly breathable running jacket that includes closure buttons on the front. This way, runners can run with the jacket unzipped for airflow without having it trail behind.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Following close behind the breathability of the Airshed are the Patagonia Houdini Jacket, Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind, and the Brooks Canopy. The Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind utilizes snap closures beneath the zipper. This allows runners to unzip their jackets for airflow, but still keep them “closed.” In our opinion, this is an under-utilized design feature that we have grown to love in our running jackets.
The 90 Degree is not as breathable as the competition.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The 90 Degree by Reflex Full Zip Runner is the least breathable option. It is one of the heaviest jackets in the group and feels thick and heavy while running, limiting overall airflow.
The hood of the Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind helps keep your head protected as the weather starts to kick up.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weather Resistance
If we had it our way, we'd only ever have to run under clear skies on the beach in 65-degree temperatures. But everyone eventually has to put up with less-than-ideal conditions. Whether it's wind, rain, snow, or cold temperatures, running jackets are designed to keep the elements at bay.
The Patagonia Houdini, and Baleaf Waterproof Cycling are among the top-performing jackets in our test for repelling light rain. The Baleaf Waterproof Cycling is the only totally waterproof jacket that we tested. It feels much more like a raincoat on runs, making it slightly less appealing. However, it is budget-friendly and could be compelling if you often run in the rain (we see you, Pacific Northwest runners!).
Bring on the rain! The Baleaf Cycling Jacket is a wallet-friendly, waterproof jacket built for cold, drizzly days.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
As you might imagine, a fabric that can block wind and rain is typically not as good at letting air out, which means compromising between weather resistance and breathability. Some weather-resistant layers struggle to find this balance. The Patagonia Airshed Pro is a fairly breathable jacket, but it can't withstand hours of consistent, heavy rain. The Brooks Canopy also falls into this camp, though its recent updates have helped it become a more weather-resistant competitor.
In addition to testing wind and rain resistance, we evaluated the jackets in cold conditions. Most of them offer minimal insulation, though a few heavier models, like the 90 Degree by Reflex Full Zip Runner, provide extra warmth. Some designs feature thumbholes, which, while not insulating, can help keep hands and wrists covered and shielded from the chill.
Details on the hoods may seem tiny, but they can make or break a running experience if the weather is blustery or damp.
Similarly, hoods with slight visors can help protect eyes just enough to keep you running through unpleasant conditions. Some runners appreciate a good hood when the weather turns bad, while others feel a hood is impractical for comfort and heat management. Some designs feature a small bungee for rolling the hood down and securing it out of the way during runs. Others have cinch straps at the back of the hood for a customizable fit, helping it stay secure and protective through movement. The soft and stretchy build of the Janji Zephyrunner makes it a great choice for runners who know they'll use a hood frequently.
Hoods like the one on the Nike Swift Repel work in a pinch, but aren't quite as highly recommended as ones with softer, stretchier builds.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Hoods like the ones included on the Adidas Own the Run and Nike Swift Repel are functional but don't hug the head comfortably despite offering comfortable weather resistance for drizzly mornings.
Drizzly days on the trail are easier with a breathable, mobile, and weather-resistant jacket like the Brooks Canopy on your side.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Mobility
We emphasize comfort and mobility because ill-fitting or poorly designed clothing can cause chafing and sore spots, which can ruin your workout and slow you down on race day. Comfort can also boost enthusiasm for running, motivating you to get out the door and run.
Mobility is also essential. If a jacket doesn't move and stretch, it can distract you from the ground underfoot, the beautiful scenery, or the rhythm of your breath.
The Airshed Pro Pullover is one of the running jackets that our testers cannot get enough of.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
We evaluated each jacket's materials. Most are nylon or polyester, in a wide range of textures. Our favorite jacket for comfort is the Patagonia Airshed Pro. With its super luxurious interior, it offers a bit of stretch, making it perfect for adventurous days in moderate climates.
The Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind is comfortable enough for short morning runs and meandering weekend excurisions.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Some jackets, with a slightly baggier fit, provide excellent comfort and mobility. These include the Asics Fujitrail and Nike Swift Repel. Other jackets create comfort with multi-way stretch and silky-smooth textiles. We love the 4-way stretch fabric of the Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind for its overall mobility and long-lasting comfort.
The least comfortable jacket was the Baleaf Waterproof Cycling, which feels more like a heavy rain jacket than a lightweight running kit. The hood is loud, heavy, and shifts a lot while running, and the overall fit is less athletic and more casual for everyday wear.
Jackets like the Adidas Own the Run (and many others) can be stuffed into their pockets for ultimate stashability.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Portability
After months of testing running jackets, we came to a runner-oriented conclusion: ounces matter, and so does packability. You might be willing to carry a few extra ounces, but if a layer is annoying to stow when you take it off, you will likely be annoyed.
Running requires a bit of work, especially compared to other activities. Because of this, you'll notice the weight of your clothes more during a run than during an evening stroll or a cross-country mountain bike ride. We scrutinized jacket weight because you might use these pieces in races and during events where time matters. The range in this review is surprising. Our lightest jackets came in under two ounces, while our heaviest weighed over ten ounces. The unsurprising element is that warmer jackets typically weigh more than those with less insulation.
You'll face various temperatures and weather patterns during any given run, especially in mountainous environments. You might start in a jacket, only to warm up and take it off, then the wind will pick up, requiring the jacket once again. Given the numerous variations in conditions, you'll want a jacket that stows away easily when not needed.
Even thicker, heavier jackets like the Baleaf Waterproof Cycling jacket (9.45 ounces) can be stuffed into their own pockets for portability.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
We've crumpled our jackets on runs and stuffed them roughly into our packs for years. We've left jackets on trail signs, under rocks, and tied them around our waists only to find them covered in ticks after dragging across tall grass. Many jackets fold into their pocket for easy storage, a feature we wildly appreciate. Even those that don't explicitly state they can be folded into their own pockets can, for the most part, be stored that way.
The impressively packable Houdini weighs around 3 ounces and packs up to be only slightly larger than a pair of sunglasses.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Patagonia Airshed Pro is a portable favorite. It comes with its own stuff sacks that take up a fist's amount of space and weighs in on the lower end of the spectrum (3.12 ounces for a women's size small), making it even more packable. The Patagonia Houdini is another jacket that weighs next to nothing (3.10 ounces for a women's size small) and can be packed down to an impressively small bundle.
The ultra-lightweight and minimal On Zero running jacket is perfect for stashing and runs when you aren't sure what the weather is going to do.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Asics Fujitrail Packable is a prime example of an easy-to-stash jacket. It zips into its own pocket and features a loop, allowing it to be easily clipped to a bag or stuffed into a backpack. The REI Swiftland, Nike Swift Repel, Janji Zephyrunner, and On Zero all pack into their own pockets easily. With so many easily packable jackets available, we compared their weights to gauge their overall portability. The On Zero is a jacket that comfortably snuggles into its pocket and weighs 1.98 ounces!
The least portable of the group is the 90 Degree by Reflex Full Zip Runner. It probably doesn't come as a big surprise, as it is one of the heaviest and doesn't pack into its own pocket.
On many jackets, the logo is designed with reflective materials to enhance visibility in low-light situations.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Features
True running jackets include a few critical features designed specifically for running. We tested the small details.
One of the more important safety features in a running jacket is visibility. For night running through town, reflective stripes or logos are crucial to keeping you safe. They allow drivers to see you, something that's especially important when you can't see them first. We gave higher scores to jackets with ample reflectivity, especially on the back.
The updated design of the Patagonia Airshed Pro includes a chest pocket that is large enough to fit an iPhone 16 with a thin case.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Another detail we look for is unique storage solutions. Running may seem like a carefree sport, but when you're taking it seriously, the items needed to come along for the ride add up. To minimize bounce, we prefer zip-closure chest pockets to side pockets.
We love the small, useful pocket inside the uninsulated Vuori Shell.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Nike Swift Repel impressed us by offering a safety whistle in its design. While we have seen plenty of safety whistles included in hydration pack designs, finding one on a jacket is a first.
The safety whistle included on the Nike Swift Repel adds an entirely new level of comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Some jackets come with UPF ratings, which is another feature we really value. We often forget to apply sunscreen before heading out on overcast days, only to have the clouds part and the sun emerge in full force. In those moments, we're grateful for jackets with built-in UPF protection to help shield our skin from the glorious, but harmful, UV rays. The Baleaf Lightweight Full Zip offers a UPF 50 rating, making it one of the most sun-protective running jackets we tested. The Vuori Outdoor Trainer Shell and Brooks Canopy also offer UPF ratings. In addition to its UPF 30 rating, the Brooks Canopy offers media ports in both front pockets.
The right running jacket can help you find success when inclement weather beckons.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Running can get complicated, despite its superficial simplicity. That's why we did this deep dive into the world of lightweight running jackets. The top-notch running layers are designed to make tough days easier, cold days more bearable, and windy days more comfortable. No matter what sort of piece you're looking for, from insulated winter layers to lightweight alpine shells, we've got you covered.
