These 7 Men’s Running Jackets Can Keep You Comfortable in Any Weather

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It’s official: The gloomy days of fall are here, and somehow, they once again feel chillier than you remember. After months of building miles in the summer heat, the early frost might tempt you to stay inside and hit the treadmill, but there’s nothing like running on a crisp fall morning. And to stay comfortable in the ever-changing elements, you’ll need to layer up with a good running jacket on top.

With all that in mind, picking the perfect outer layer is easier said than done. In the realm of running apparel, jackets have one of the broadest ranges—they can vary greatly in weight, breathability, water resistance, insulation, and price. We’ve had our fair share of outerwear mishaps on runs—but we’ve also figured out how to avoid them. To help make your search for the ideal jacket a walk (or run) in the park, we’ve rounded up the models we’d be happiest to have at our disposal.

For more great additions to your inclement weather arsenal, check out our picks for the best gear for running in the rain and the best winter running shoes.

The Best Men’s Running Jackets

• Best Overall: Brooks Men's Canopy Running Jacket

• Best Value: Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Running Rain Jacket

• Best Fleece: Tracksmith Franklin Men's Fleece Jacket

• Best Waterproof Layer: Arc'Teryx Men's Norvan Shell Running Jacket

• Best for Long Runs: Patagonia Men's Storm Racer Jacket

What to Consider

Weatherproofing

Water-resistant jackets are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, then they’re coated in a durable, water-repellent (DWR) coating. Synthetics aren’t as breathable as natural materials like cotton, but they do a good job of keeping you dry during a light sprinkle.

But a DWR-treated jacket won’t keep you dry in a heavy rainstorm. For weatherproofing against downpours or long runs in the rain, look for fully waterproof jackets with water-impermeable membranes and taped or bonded seams to keep moisture from seeping through the jacket. Waterproof jackets are not known for their breathability, so we recommend a non-insulated one if you need full waterproofing so you can shed layers underneath as you warm up.

Insulation

Waterproof running jackets can block rain, snow, and wind to help you stay warm as you run. But, at the same time, a running jacket should ideally be flexible, light, and breathable; that way, it won’t restrict your movement, weigh you down, or cause you to overheat. For the most breathability, opt for an uninsulated shell and pair it with a warm mid-layer.

If you plan on running during very cold days or for long periods of time in the cold, you might want some insulation in your running jacket. This can take several forms, including a fleece-lined interior, synthetic insulation, or even down. Each has its advantages: Fleece is soft and comfortable against the skin; synthetic insulation will keep you warm even if it gets wet; and down is lightweight, resilient, and easy to compress, which makes it more packable.

Keep in mind, though, that insulation isn’t always necessary when you’re working up a sweat.

How We Evaluated

The original author of this guide, Michael Charboneau, is a Runner’s World alum and has been covering running gear for years as a freelance journalist. He’s evaluated tons of men’s running jackets over the years, most recently on runs, hikes, and bike rides around L.A., and used his expertise to select the jackets we recommend below.

We recommend a variety of options—from ultralight windbreakers to heftier insulated layers—to suit different preferences, budgets, and weather conditions. We evaluated each jacket based on its materials, weatherproofing, and warmth, and, when possible, we tested jackets out ourselves. To compile this list, we used our own experience with running jackets, considered feedback from the RW test team, researched a wide range of options from top running brands, and talked with brand representatives to get more information on the latest running jackets for men.

Men’s Canopy Running Jacket

Balanced nimbly on the line between a lightweight, breathable layer and a harder windproof shell, the semi-soft Canopy is an outstanding do-it-all jacket that feels just as comfy atop a t-shirt as it does wrapped over three base layers. Sure, it may not feel the greatest at zero degrees (or 50), but it’s a safe choice to grab on your way out the door for an average autumn run.

Decide you don’t need it halfway through your run? No problem—you can pack this jacket into a pocket that lines the backside, and it comes with an adjustable waist strap that cinches down tight enough to not bounce around.

Men’s Glennaker Lake Running Rain Jacket

Premium running jackets can get expensive quickly. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds for reliable coverage in a variety of conditions. Take Columbia’s Glennaker Lake rain coat as a prime example: For less than half the price of many of the other jackets on this list, you can have a jacket that’s roomy, decently light, and totally waterproof.

On top of all that, this jacket has a moisture-wicking interior, which will help mitigate the swampy feeling you tend to get when sweating in rain jackets. It might be more than you need on warmer days, but it can also pack down small when you’re not wearing it.

Franklin Men’s Fleece Jacket

Tracksmith’s Franklin Fleece delivers big on warmth and breathability. This full-zip layer is made with Polartec double velour fleece for exceptional comfort and warmth (seriously, it feels like a blanket).

At the same time, it’s highly breathable, thanks in part to stretchy nylon side panels that vent heat as you run. The fleece created good airflow on my test run and kept me from overheating, but on particularly frigid, blustery days, you might need another layer to block the wind.

Men’s Norvan Shell Running Jacket

Arc’teryx makes its Norvan jacket with a dense, circular-knit Gore-Tex fabric that’s less bulky and more breathable than comparable water- and wind-proof materials. The silhouette is also cut on the relaxed end of slim to allow maximum freedom of movement without feeling like too much fabric.

Although the Norvan is light, be warned that this jacket can still get fairly toasty if you’re booking it on the road or trail. That said, if you need to pack it away, it can collapse down small enough to fit in a small bag—we recommend wrapping it in a rubber band or hair tie for some extra security.

Men’s Storm Racer Jacket

The first thing you’ll notice about the Storm Racer jacket is its strange zipper setup: Two zippers on the front, only one of which goes all the way to the bottom of the jacket. This system allows you to pull the jacket over a hydration pack and partially unzip it to access a water bottle or gels mid-run (or get some extra ventilation). With its taped seams and three-layer waterproof fabric, it offers dependable protection from the elements as well.

Smartloft 60 Hybrid Men’s Half Zip Running Jacket

Merino wool is nature’s performance fabric. It keeps you warm in the cold but vents heat and sweat when you warm up, and it also resists odors.

This half-zip from Smartwool puts those qualities to work with a merino wool interior lining. That’s combined with a synthetic outer fabric for weather resistance and wool insulation on the top half of the jacket for extra warmth while running in cold conditions.

Shield Men’s Hybrid Jacket 2.0

When you’re going for a proper run, you’d be surprised how little you need all the bulk and fluff of the majority of heavy winter jackets. This option from Brooks seeks to give you some insulation, but it’s pared down to keep you feeling cozy instead of sweltering when you’re settled into a higher heart rate zone.

The Shield 2.0 has puffy panels of insulation around the torso, but the arms and underarms are a thinner material that allows more heat to escape. It might seem underdone at first, but you might surprise yourself with how much heat your arms produce as they swing around.

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