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Jun 02, 2023

12 Best Running Jackets 2023: Nike, New Balance & Decathlon

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Don't let the dodgy British weather dampen your spirit during the race

From bodybuilders to functional fitness fans, more of us are swapping gym time for jogging than ever before – and it's hardly surprising. Running is free, widely accessible, and it does wonders for the body and mind, from stoking your metabolism and boosting aerobic capacity to relieving stress and improving sleep.

The only issue? The great British weather. Let's face it, braving the elements and putting foot to floor is not fun when it's cold, wet and blustery outside.

Enter our round-up of the best running jackets, aka your superhero cape. Not only can they provide warmth and comfort in miserable conditions, but these nifty bits of kit can also keep wind at bay, help you stay safe with reflective detailing, offer handy pockets for stashing valuables and even enhance performance thanks to lightweight, form-fitting materials.

If you've been lucky enough to secure a place in the London Marathon this year, April showers are very much a realistic weather condition you could have to contend with – or worse, heavy rain. This is England, after all. But while our weather may be unreliable, we're not, so read on for everything you need to know about the best running jackets to keep you pounding the 23.2-mile marathon route, no matter the weather.

To ensure you stay on track, our Men's Health Lab team has trialled a range of market-leading jackets, wearing them for a variety of outdoor sessions over a four-week period. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly throw-on for park laps or want to splash out on a streamlined style for race day, hit the ground running with our top picks.

As with any bit of fitness kit, to find the right running jacket you need to consider the wider context. What do you plan to use it for? Do you prefer a loose or tight fit? When and where will you be wearing it?

Keep these in mind when taking your pick:

Fit: If you’re a regular race-goer whose 10K time tends to leave people's jaws on the floor, you’re probably going to want a tighter fit. Excess material is only going to get in the way and slow you down. More casual runners may consider a looser fit so they can layer-up underneath their jacket when temperatures drop.

Waterproofing: Plan on running in the rain regularly? Opt for a jacket with a water resistant coating to protect you from the elements. Our winning Lululemon jacket scored top marks in our lab tests, as did this nifty Decathlon number.

Packability: The weather has a tendency of changing like, well, the weather. If grey clouds do decide to give way to a spot of sun, you don't want to be stuck lugging a cumbersome coat with you as you run. We’ve identified the featherlight jackets that can be packed down into a palm-size pouch, so it won't get in the way as you try to shave seconds off your PB.

Additional features: Whether it's toggles to adjust the fit or a peaked hood to keep the rain out of your face, a cleverly placed pocket for your phone or reflective strips to make you more visible when running at night, innovative features can make the world of difference.

To ensure your running plans aren't derailed by bad weather, the Men's Health Lab sought out the best running jackets on the market.

We sent our panel of seasoned runners a selection of top jackets to find out which products’ rain-beating claims hold water, and which ones left us high and not-so-dry. They wore the jackets over a four-week period, testing them in different weather conditions while running at a range of paces. Here's how they were scored:

Ease of use: Jackets had to be made from flexible materials so they were easy to put on and take off, providing a comfortable fit without restricting our movement or getting in the way when running.

Design: Our panellists were asked to rate the comfort and aesthetic of each jacket. Points were also awarded for practical inclusions such as zipped pockets, reflective panels and toggles to adjust the fit.

Performance: We asked testers to note how the jacket felt during gentle and challenging runs, whether it was distracting and if they’d wear it again. We also used a hydrostatic head machine to measure the water penetration resistance of fabrics that claimed to be waterproof.

This running jacket is on the pricier side, but Lululemon really does know its stuff when it comes to top-qual activewear. Our testers found it a godsend for cold, wet winter runs – the plush fleece lining kept us warm and comfortable all session long and the close-fitting hood moved well with our head, staying in place as we revved up the pace.

If all that wasn't enough, the waterproofing is excellent (it scored top marks in our lab tests), keeping everyone dry, even in heavy showers. It boasts reflective detailing for staying seen on dimly lit runs, myriad interior and exterior pockets for stashing your gear and stretchy fabric for quick on/off.

If we had to find fault, it was a tad bulky, and we would have liked a packable pouch to store it away. Still, if you’re after a versatile jacket for year-round running and you’ve got some cash to splash, this is your guy.

Our runner-up is a trusty pick for any type of jogger, whether you’re a casual couch-to-5ker or a marathon man. Panellists raved about the featherlight, breathable material that kept them cool and comfy.

No irritating rustling or flapping kicked off when things got breezy, and despite the slim fit, it didn't feel restrictive. It's easy to pull on and off without breaking your stride, it packs down small (handy for travel) and there's a zipped pocket for storing your phone, keys and fuel.

This single-layered jacket doesn't trap warmth and comes sans hood, so keep it stashed in your wardrobe during the chillier months. For mild spring and summer sessions, though, it's tough to beat.

Look to this sleek and stylish offering from the OGs at Nike for running in blustery weather. It earned our panel's stamp of approval thanks to its lightweight material and neat adjustable hood, which didn't slip off once as they racked up some windy miles.

The elasticated cuffs offered decent coverage and the press-stud pockets came in handy for safely stashing valuables. Plus, it can be packed away into its own side pocket, making it a great piece of kit both for commuting and transitional months.

This bad boy will keep you cool in the heat and insulated against chilly weather but look elsewhere if you’re braving the rain as it lost marks in our waterproofing tests. Size up to ensure comfort.

If you’re hoping to run light and fast, you'll love this thin, featherlight On option. Weighing just 107g (about the same as a small banana), some of our testers forgot they were wearing an extra layer at all. Elastic around the wrists and waist kept brisk air out, with no distracting billowing, and the angular zip made for easy on/off. Despite the snug fit, the fabric felt breathable and flexible, allowing for free movement.

A hot pick for serious runners, this travel-friendly gem folds up super-small. It rustled a bit as we pounded the tarmac, and our phone and keys bounced around in the roomy front pocket, but those were our only niggles.

Heading out for a casual 5-10k? This Decathlon jacket – complete with a packable hood, adjustable toggles and elasticated cuffs – is a budget-friendly choice. The movement-friendly fit went down a treat with our panel, who said it felt comfortable and cool thanks to the perforations and venting on the back. It features two generous side pockets, but we would have liked a longer design for more coverage.

For running newbies who don't want to spend over the odds, this one's a winner. The fabric is on the thicker side, however, so reach for something lighter and more streamlined if you’re gunning for a PB.

Montane designed this jacket with speed and performance in mind, claiming to use one of the lightest breathable fabrics around. Its race day credentials are enviable, though the absence of pockets will be a miss for some.

It packs away into a natty bag that can fit in the palm of your hand and offers protection from both wind and rain, making it a trail runner's best friend.

Another affordable all-rounder from Decathlon, this jacket will shield runners of all abilities from inclement conditions — whether you’re a newcomer bagging your first few kilometres or a seasoned strider boasting some serious mileage.

We liked the fit, which provided enough room to layer up underneath without feeling too loose. The reflective stripes helped panellists feel safe and the elasticated waistband made sure it didn't ride up.

Regular race-goers, this ultra-light jacket might be more your speed. It's built for the fleet-footed among you, with Inov-8 even using semi-transparent material so your race number will be visible at all times — smart thinking.

Impressed testers said the material was so lightweight and breathable it was easy to forget they were wearing a jacket at all. Some found the zipper was uncomfortably high and tight around the neck, but this was easily remedied by not doing it up fully. The clean design won plenty of admirers too.

Whatever the weather, this Nike jacket has you covered. Despite only claiming to be water repellent, it scored top marks in our waterproofing tests and can be packed down into a wearable bag if the sun decides to make an appearance.

The Windrunner's looser fit is brilliantly comfortable and gives you the option of layering up underneath in chilly conditions. The pockets are a tad too roomy to reliably store our wallet and phone while running, but the soft material and top waterproofing credentials more than make up for this.

If you’re after something to wear for a gentle plod around the park or doing errands on a Saturday morning, you’ll be the most stylish runner in town with this hooded Gym+Coffee design. "It's the best-looking running jacket I’ve ever seen!" said one enthusiastic tester.

Aesthetics aside, it has two genuinely useful zip pockets, a side slit for range of movement and a reflective logo to keep you visible when running in low light.

With a super-relaxed fit, there's plenty of room to wear layers underneath – handy for chilly sessions and travelling to and from the gym. However, there are better bets for challenging fast-paced sessions as the fabric billowed and the hood needed regular readjusting.

This jacket will suit runners and cyclists alike. The Flylite Aqua fabric is lightweight and waterproof, while velcro straps and toggles around the neck and wrists allow you to customise the fit — though the arms were a bit too baggy for our liking

Our testers found the Keela could stand up to the test of heavy rain and driving winds, and we were big fans of its adjustable elements and handy back pocket.

Unlike race-day running jackets from the likes of Montane and Inov-8, this waterproof layer has a more casual fit and (much to the joy of some testers) plenty of pockets. This makes it great for everyday wear, with space to store your phone and keys as well as ample room to layer up underneath if the mercury plummets.

The looser fit wasn't as well suited to faster runs, however, with the excess material rustling noisily and getting in the way when we pushed the pace. Despite this, our testers liked the reflective elements for helping them feel safe during recovery runs after dark, and praised the jacket's ability to pack down into a small, portable bag.

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