Are you wondering what is the best running rain jacket? If so, welcome to RunDreamAchieve. When you're a runner, and you’re the type of person who likes to keep it as natural as possible, the weather can be your biggest foe.
It's unpredictable and can change in the blink of an eye. So, it is not just about getting wet and uncomfortable; it's about keeping yourself safe and healthy. That's where a good running rain jacket comes in.
But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've compiled a list of the best running rain jackets for 2023. We've scoured the market, tested the products, and gathered feedback from runners like you.
In this article, we'll be discussing six of the top rain jackets that are designed specifically for runners. Each product has its own unique features, pros, and cons. Are you a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger? If so, there's a jacket on this list that will suit your needs. So, let's dive in and find the perfect jacket to keep you dry on your next rainy run.
Columbia Women's Heavenly HDD Jacket
Our first choice is the Columbia's Women's Heavenly HDD, a jacket that's sure to make your head spin. This product is one of the best running rain jacket for 2023. Also, it's not hard to see why. It's designed to be lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for high-output activities like running.
One of the key features of the Women's Heavenly HDD jacket is its ultra lightweight. Also, breathable Pertex® Equilibrium double weave. This material allows for increased next-to-skin airflow, which helps prevent that hot, sweaty feeling during intense activities.
Additionally, the jacket has a PFC-free DWR finish, which means that it's durable and water-resistant without using perfluorinated chemicals.
The integrated stuffsack is another great feature of this jacket. The zippered chest pocket can easily convert into a stuffsack. In addition, it has a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop, making it easy to carry with you on the go. The minimal trim cuffs and hem also make for a low-bulk and comfortable fit, even during vigorous motion. Plus, the adjustable hood allows for ease of use and clear peripheral vision.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TRAINING PLANSColumbia Running Jackets
As with any product, there are pros and cons to consider. The Women's Columbia Heavenly HDD jacket is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It's also breathable and designed to prevent excess sweating, which is ideal for runners. However, some users have reported that the jacket is not as wind-resistant as they had hoped. It's also worth noting that this jacket is on the expensive side.
Overall, the Womens Heavenly HDD jacket is perfect for runners who need a lightweight and breathable jacket for high-output activities. It's ideal for those who prioritize sustainability since 98% of the materials used are recycled. The jacket is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. So, this means that the people who made it earned a premium for their labor.
In summary, the Patagonia Houdini Air is an excellent running rain jacket for 2023. Its ultra lightweight and breathable design. Also, it features an integrated stuff sack, and adjustable hood. Thus, making it a top choice for runners who need protection from the rain without feeling weighed down.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NORTH FACE VENTURE 2 JACKET ON AMAZON
Brooks Canopy Jacket
Oh, The Brooks Canopy Jacket! This jacket is something else. The jacket is made from lightweight and breathable fabric. So, it provides excellent protection from the wind and light rain. Thus, making it perfect for those windy runs and light rain. No wonder it’s our second recommendation on the list! Are you ready to hear more about it?
Let's talk about its main features, shall we? First of all, it's ultra-comfy! No more “sort-of” comfy jackets. It has a semi-fitted fit, making it suitable for most body types. The jacket features three pockets, giving you ample storage space for your essentials. Plus, it has a UPF rating of 30, which means it protects you from the sun's harmful rays. The jacket is also bluesign® certified, ensuring that it meets the highest environmental and social standards.
Now, let's talk about its pros and cons. One of the best things about the Brooks Canopy Jacket is that it's packable. You can stuff it into a built-in mesh backpack. Thus, making it easy to take off and stow when the weather warms up. The jacket's breathable DriLayer® Seal fabric lets excess heat out without letting the elements in. However, some may find the jacket a bit too thin for heavy rain. So, it's best to stick with light rain.
Brooks Running Jacket
So, who is this product for? This jacket is ideal for runners who like to run in windy and light rain conditions. It's also suitable for those who prefer packable jackets for easy storage.
The Brooks Canopy Jacket is one of the best running rain jacket in the marketplace. In addition, is an excellent choice for runners who want a lightweight and breathable jacket. Also, that can protect them from the wind and light rain. With its packable design, three pockets, and UPF rating of 30, it's a reliable choice for those who prioritize comfort. In addition, convenience, and environmental sustainability.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRIVATE, MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITYShowers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
The Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket is a high-performance piece of clothing designed for athletes who demand exceptional all-weather performance. This jacket provides a perfectly balanced waterproof and breathable option. It addresses concerns around overheating. Thus, making it the perfect choice for athletes who want to focus on their performance, not on the weather.
The Cloudburst jacket is made from 3-layer eliteAIR™ fabric that features an impressive 10.2K waterproof rating to keep moisture out. Also, an industry-leading 43K MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) for maximum breathability. The 4-way stretch fabric is soft to the touch inside and out. Also, it moves with your body, providing comfort and freedom of movement. The jacket is fully seam taped to ensure that water does not seep in through the seams. The low-profile front zipper with storm flap and reflective trim ensures that you stay visible and protected from the elements.
The large core vents double as mesh pockets, allowing you to carry your essentials with ease. The partially elasticized cuff ensures a sleek trim fit. In addition, the large back pocket with reflective trim adds another level of convenience. The jacket packs down to fit inside the back pocket, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. The double cinch cord at the hem allows you to customize the fit to your liking. Also, the soft moisture-wicking lining at the collar adds another layer of comfort.
When it comes to washing, the Cloudburst jacket should be washed using a gentle cycle with cool water. It is important to avoid excessive heat, as seam tape can fall apart in a dryer or when exposed to excessive heat. The jacket is lightweight, weighing in at just 9.8oz (medium).
Is Showers Pass a Good Brand?
One of the main advantages of the Cloudburst jacket is its balance of waterproofness and breathability. Also, it allows athletes to perform at their best without being weighed down by a heavy and uncomfortable jacket. The jacket's innovative material, eliteAIR™, is designed to keep the elements out while allowing perspiration to ventilate freely, making it ideal for activities that require a high level of physical exertion. However, it is important to note that this jacket is not designed for extreme weather conditions.
The Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket is ideal for athletes who demand exceptional all-weather performance and want a jacket that can keep up with their active lifestyle. The jacket's balance of waterproofness and breathability, along with its lightweight design and comfortable fit, make it the perfect choice for runners, cyclists, hikers, and anyone who loves to be outdoors.
In all fairness, the Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket is a highly functional and innovative piece of clothing that provides a balance of waterproofness and breathability. With its impressive features and innovative material, this jacket is perfect for athletes who want to perform at their best in all weather conditions.
Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket
The Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket is one of the best running jacket options and is a piece of hiking gear that's worth every penny! Made with Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper and seam-sealed to provide stellar weatherproofing, this lightweight hard shell is soft to the touch and comfortable to wear on treks in any weather. With a 20-denier nylon ripstop material and a DWR finish, this jacket has a water resistance rating of 30,000 mm and a breathability rating of 43,000 g/m2/24hrs (JIS L-1099 B-1 method).
The Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket comes with an array of features that will make any hiker's life easier. The unique K-MONO CUT pattern reduces seams, making the jacket lighter and more water-resistant. The 3-way adjustable hood allows for a fine-tuned fit to provide an excellent field of vision, and the weather-resistant Aqua-Tect zipper provides waterproofing without storm flaps. The roll-up hood and adjustable alpine cuffs are perfect for quickly adapting to changing weather conditions.
This jacket is available in four colors: BLACK (BK), CYAN BLUE (CNBL), MUSTARD (MST), and PINE GREEN (PIGN), and comes in eight sizes: S, M, L, XL, U/S, U/M, U/L, and U/XL. It also includes two zippered hand pockets and a stuff sack, making it easy to store and transport when not in use.
Jacket Benefits
While the Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket is a fantastic piece of hiking gear, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The jacket may experience tears or abrasions under situations of high friction, such as contact with rocks, trees, or sharp objects. Additionally, since the pockets are not waterproof, it's recommended that you place valuables in a waterproof case or take other measures to prevent water damage.
Overall, the Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket is a great investment for hikers who want a reliable and comfortable hard shell that can withstand the elements. It's ideal for hikers who want a lightweight jacket that's easy to pack and carry, yet still offers top-notch performance. With its exceptional weatherproofing and breathability, this jacket will keep you comfortable and dry on your next hiking adventure.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NORTH FACE VENTURE 2 JACKET ON AMAZON
Inov-8 Raceshell HZ Unisex
Our last product on the list is The Inov-8 Raceshell HZ Unisex Jacket. It is one of the best running rain jacket options in the marketplace. It is an ultralight smock jacket that boasts of its bare essentials to keep things fast and light on the trail. Also, designed for those who value speed and agility in their running. Also, who need a waterproof jacket that won't weigh them down.
Main Features: This smock jacket has a long water-resistant half-zip that can be ventilated from the center using two glove-compatible zip cords. The material is a 2.5-layer waterproof fabric with taped seams made from polyester with a PU lining. It also provides a hydrostatic head of 15,000 mm and has a breathability rating of 15,000g/m2. The peaked hood is a nice touch that protects your head and face from the elements.
The Raceshell HZ has a lot of great features for its weight, including a peaked hood, a water-resistant dual-center half-zip, a slight drop-tail, and glove-compatible zip cords. The smock design is perfect for those who want to carry as little weight as possible. The jacket also meets all FRA and ultra-distance race requirements, which makes it ideal for racing.
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Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, the Raceshell HZ has a few drawbacks. It doesn't have any hood adjustment, so you can't tighten or loosen it according to your needs. It also doesn't have any pockets, which means you'll have to carry your essentials in a backpack or waist pack. Additionally, there's no hem or cuff adjustment, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
The Inov-8 Raceshell HZ Unisex is designed for runners who prioritize speed and agility over everything else. It's perfect for racing and fast training runs where you need to keep the weight down to a minimum.
Overall, the Inov-8 Raceshell HZ Unisex is a great waterproof jacket for those who need something lightweight and packable. It has a few drawbacks, but the pros outweigh the cons, making it a top choice for serious runners who want to go fast and light on the trails.
Closing Thoughts
Wow, what an awesome selection of running rain jackets we have here in 2023! From the feather-light Inov-8 Raceshell HZ to the versatile Patagonia Storm Racer, these jackets are designed to help runners stay dry and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
But which one is the best? Well, it really depends on your running style & secludes. If you want a jacket that can handle heavy rain and keep you dry for hours on end, the Patagonia Storm Racer is definitely worth considering. Its 3-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric and adjustable hood make it a great choice for serious runners who don't want to let a little rain slow them down.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a jacket that's incredibly lightweight and packable, the Inov-8 Raceshell HZ is hard to beat. With a weight of just 120g and the ability to pack down into a tiny ball, it's perfect for runners who want to carry as little as possible.
CHECK OUT OUR RUNNING COURSESShowers Pass Jacket
Of course, the other jackets on this list are all great choices in their own right. The Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket is an excellent all-around option, while the Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket offers impressive weather protection in a very lightweight package. And let's not forget the stylish and breathable On Running Weather Jacket, which is perfect for runners who want to look good while staying dry.
Ultimately, the best running rain jacket for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Do you prioritize weight and packability, or do you need maximum weather protection? Are you looking for a jacket that's stylish and versatile or one that's designed specifically for serious runners? Think about what's most important to you, and then choose the jacket that best fits your needs.
No matter which jacket type you choose, one thing is clear: with the right rain gear, there's no need to let a little rain ruin your next run. So, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors, rain or shine.
