If you’re a regular runner, then you know how addictive it can be. However, sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate for your running.

Sure, you may be able to stand the temperature, but rain can literally put a damper on your time outdoors.

So what to do?

Well, you could start running with an umbrella and see where that gets you, or you could opt for one of the top running rain jackets for women. We’re thinking the latter is probably the more convenient option!

Best Women’s Running Jackets

	ASICS Women's Storm Shelter Jacket	Nike Womens Lightweight Hooded Jacket	Cheering Lightweight Running Jacket
Shell:	Polyester	Storm-FIT 5 Fabric	Polyester
Waterproof:	Yes	No	Yes
Hood:	Yes, Removable	Yes, Removable	Yes, Adjustable
Venting:	Zippered Body Vents	Back Vent & Underarm Zip Vents	None

For more of my running gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Running Leggings, Running Shorts, Running Sunglasses.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Women’s Running Jackets For 2025

1. ASICS Women’s Storm Shelter Jacket
2. NIKE Lightweight Women’s Running Jacket
3. Cheering Women’s Lightweight Running Jacket
4. Pearl iZUMi W Elite Barrier JKT
5. Ultimate Direction Womens Deluge Shell
6. Salomon Women’s Lightning WP Jacket
7. Columbia Women’s Arcadia Ii Waterproof Jacket

We’ve reviewed the top rated women’s running jackets, followed by a comparison table and buying guide to help you decide on jacket that will work best for you.

Running Jacket Reviews

#1 ASICS Women’s Storm Shelter Jacket

As is consistent with ASICS, their Women’s Storm Shelter Rain Running Jacket knocks it out of the park.

The water-resistant product is not only excellent at keeping you dry, it’s also comfy, breathable, and ensures you’re visible no matter where you go.

Featuring a mesh inner lining and a bit of polyester lining, it’s not all that “plush”, save the felt lining on the two-inch collar, which keeps your neck nice and warm – a feature often missing in these.

The polyester outer with a laminate layer has a rating of 10K WP/10K BR, which is essentially rain-and-waterproof under medium pressure.

The mesh works well to prevent the polyester from clinging to the skin, and thanks to the zippered openings also covered with mesh, you won’t get all hot and sweaty underneath.

The hood is great, as it zips on/off, complete with pull cords to cinch the hood and keep out any water, as well as buttons right under the chin for complete protection.

Finish that off with the 360-degree 3M reflectivity lines running along the length of the jacket, and you’re all set for your next run in the rain with the best waterproof running jacket!

#2 Nike Womens Lightweight Hooded Windbreaker Jacket

The Nike Lighweightt Running jacket is one of our favorites from Nike, in terms of protective material.

It can be used in all types of weather conditions, as well as various kinds of sporting activities, such as soccer, golf, basketball, and of course, running!

The lightweight, minimal jacket is the “light” version of the regular Shield, and allows for a bit more breathability, and is perfect for wearing over warmer layers.

It’s made up of Nike’s own Storm-FIT material, which is water-and-wind-resistant. The inner mesh adds a bit of extra warmth to keep you protected, even on those nights where you can see your breath! The biggest downside for us was that it wasn’t 100% waterproof, but it does do a good job for wind, cold, and an average rainfall.

The hood is a “scuba” hood, which gives you a solid amount of protection, while giving a bit more warmth thanks to the knit lining.

The visibility isn’t the greatest, but along the length of the sleeves, you’ll find a thin, reflective strip. Overall, we prefer this one for lighter rainfall, or someone looking for the best windproof running jacket.

#3 Cheering Women’s Lightweight Running Jacket

If you’re looking for the ultimate budget product that can still keep you dry during a rainy run, then check out the Cheering Lightweight Waterproof Windbreaker.

It may not have a ton of bells and whistles, but it will keep you dry and looking and feeling good, and that’s all many of us are looking for in a jacket.

The 100% polyester jacket works in just about any weather. It features UPF 40+ protection, and is antifouling, windproof, quick-dry, and has adequate airflow/ventilation.

The hood does adjust with a pull cord, but we’ll be honest – isn’t the warmest. The windbreaker is extremely lightweight, however, and is even packable, down to the size of a soft drink can. If you’re looking to travel with it, you’d hardly notice the added size or weight.

We were a bit disappointed in terms of visibility, due to the fact that there aren’t any reflective materials included. While they do come in bright colors that could help with that, it’s just not the same.

However, it’s effective in what it says it does, and is the best running rain jacket that comes at an extremely affordable price.

#4 Pearl iZUMi W Elite Barrier JKT

If all you’re looking for is a very lightweight extra layer to protect you from a light drizzle, then check out the Pearl iZUMi Elite Barrier. The jacket is so thin, you can even keep it handy in your pocket!

Primarily providing wind protection and light water resistance, it’s not one you’re going to want to wear in the midst of a torrential rainstorm, but for those borderline spring/summer or summer/fall days, this will do the trick.

Made of polyester, it will keep you warm protected from the wind, while also providing superior ventilation. So much so, that you can even zip off the sleeves for a vest, if you’d like.

The fit is somewhat form-fitting, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. The fit is actually probably one of our favorite things about the jacket.

Visibility is quite good, thanks to the fluorescent shades it comes in, although it is lacking in reflective material. We weren’t a fan of it not coming with a hood, however it makes up for it somewhat by being windproof.

If you prefer using a head covering of your own, however, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. If you’re looking for the best women’s lightweight running jacket, look no further!

#5 Ultimate Direction Womens Deluge Shell

The Ultimate Direction Deluge Shell is a waterproof, non-ventilation jacket, which is unique in the sense that, well, it’s not ventilated at all.

Made of 20D Nylon Ripstop with a silicone outer and a PU inner face, it’s very similar to the material you’d find in a tarp or camping tent. With that being said, it does well in light to even somewhat-heavy rainfall.

The silhouette is very minimal, and the design looks attractive. It does feature a horizontal vent in the back panel to increase airflow, but even with that, we noticed some steaminess inside the jacket.

The Brimmed Tunnel effect hood with ventilation allows for a good amount of airflow while still maintaining complete dryness.

We really enjoyed the addition of the integrated FlipMitts, which are essentially self-storing mitts to provide warmth to your hands, too! Overall we think this is the best running jacket for women on our list.

#6 Salomon Women’s Lightning WP Jacket

Salomon is a company that produces high-performance aerobic wear, and their Lightning WP is an excellent example of that. Effectively blocking out wind and rain, you’ll stay dry and comfortable in style.

Made with a combination of polyamide and polyester, it’s not only waterproof, but also keeps out the cold quite well.

Aerotek fabric with reflective yarn integrated into the front and rear panels ensures you’re visible no matter the weather or time of day.

Despite being so protective, it’s surprisingly lightweight. In fact, it’s so thin that you can pack it up and store it in a pocket, if you’d like! Bolstered protection in the upper torso adds another layer of weather protection, keeping your lungs nice and warm .

The full front zip gives adequate ventilation, and also makes it easy to take the jacket off or put it on. The hood provides full coverage, complete with a warm lining inside.

It also has pull cords to keep the cold and wet out, and zips all the way over under the chin to keep the neck protected, too. While the Aero FZ costs a bit more it’s one of the best runners rain jacket available!

#7 Columbia Women’s Arcadia Ii Waterproof Breathable Jacket

The Columbia Arcadia Ii is hands-down, our favorite running rain jackets for women. Columbia is a company that produces some of the best-quality products, no matter what they are.

This classic layering piece works to keep out even stronger winds and rainfall, while still remaining surprisingly lightweight and easy to pack along. In fact, you can keep it stored in a pocket if you’d really like.

The featherweight 100% nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent finish is machine washable, too, so you can just toss it in the washer when you’re finished.

The hood adjusts easily – in just one pull, keeping the wind and rain out, while ensuring your vision is nice and clear.

Durable half-elastic cuffs and a drawcord hem will ensure no wetness or wind will get in, keeping you warm during the entirety of your run.

We also enjoyed the addition of the zippered hand pockets for secure storage of essentials like keys and the drawcord adjustable hem.

Women’s Running Jacket Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Women’s Running Jackets – Buyers Guide

Before we finish up, we want to ensure you know exactly what you want to purchase, and why. All of the above items are great, but only one will be the best one for you!

Waterproof Level

Just how waterproof is your running jacket? Many are mistaken in the sense that they believe that all “waterproof” jackets are the same level of water resistance.

This just isn’t true. Unfortunately, there are many companies out there that market their products like they could resist a hurricane, but the truth is, they are best for light drizzles. Make sure you read into this aspect of each one before you settle on it.

So, think about what kind of conditions you’re buying this jacket for. Are you planning in running through torrential storms, or just a few drops here and there? Waterproof jackets are usually going to have taped seams to prevent water from getting in, however, if one lacks that, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not waterproof.

Jacket Materials

This brings us to our next point, which is the fabric of the jacket. We can divide most jackets into the following categories: Coated Fabrics, Laminates/Membranes, and Paramo.

Coated Fabrics

Depending on the brand, these are going to have different names, however all will have a similar construction. Polyurethane is the most common, but they’ll all have limited breathability (depending on the coating), and are ideal for low-to-medium-level activity. The most common are: AquaDry, IsoTex, Dewpoint, and Precip.

Waterproof Membranes

There are, once again, many types here. GORE-TEX is the most popular of them all, and is a membrane which bonds to other protective fabrics to form a laminate. They have countless little pores which allow water vapor to evaporate from the inside, but are so small that rain drops cannot get in.

Paramo

This is a common brand of outdoor clothing, but also a complete waterproofing system. It’s not seen in the items above, but still important to mention. They use a breathable, yet permeable pump action liner, which shares many properties to animal fur. It works to move moisture instead of solely water vapor, so you don’t feel all sweaty and clammy. It’s extremely breathable, as well.

Hood

As you probably already know, hoods are pretty important when it comes to running in foul climate conditions. Wind can make your ears incredibly cold, and even give you a headache. In addition, you don’t want your head and face getting soaked, if if doesn’t have to be that way!

The fit of your hood is important, as you lose the majority of body heat through your head. The size and fit should be fully adjustable, without restricting your view. Stiffened hoods are often ideal, as they provide the most protection from poor weather conditions.

Fit

How does your jacket fit you? So many people overlook this, and just assume that all waterproof jackets are going to be kind of loose-fitting and feel like a parachute with pull tabs. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, and it really shouldn’t be the case.

You want your jacket to fit well to minimize wind from slowing you down, and a well-fitting jacket will keep you warmer and make you more aerodynamic.

It should be large enough to fit a mid-layer and base-layer underneath, while being long enough that your back is completely covered while running, yet not so long it restricts any movement.

Zippers

Zippers are often not even considered when looking at a running jacket, however, don’t skip over this part. Zippers should be nice and smooth, and if they’re not fully waterproof, should be hidden away with some kind of storm flap to keep water from seeping in.

They can also allow a good amount of airflow in, which is why you may see them added in under the armpits, on the back, and so on.

Lightweight

Just how lightweight is your jacket going to be? If you’re just looking for something to protect you during a small drizzle, or something that you can take with you everywhere you go with ease, then really look into how thin and lightweight it is.

The vast majority of the good ones are so thin that they can easily be packed up into a tiny pack, and fit into one of the pockets of the jacket itself, so you can take it wherever you need to.

FAQs For Women’s Running Jackets

Q: Can I wash a waterproof jacket?

A: Yes, you can! In fact, we highly recommend it. There’s a common misconception that you can’t wash one as it may damage the “waterproof-ness”, however, it’s not true. If you don’t wash it, bacteria and sweat can build and ultimately block the breathability which can have a negative effect on the jacket’s performance.

Q: What is layering and why should I do it?

A: You shouldn’t just go outside with a tank top and waterproof jacket over the top and call it a day. Well, you could, but don’t expect yourself to be very comfortable. You want to layer to combine various layers of clothing to ensure you’re properly protected and comfortable in the wind and rain.

Various thin layers as opposed to just one bulky layer can help keep you warmer, as the multiple layers trap heat and act as an insulator. You can also more effectively regulate your temperature as you go by adding and removing layers, depending on how you feel.

Q: Should/can you re-waterproof a jacket?

A: Over time and with continuous use, the DWR finish on the outside of the jacket can wear off. This will typically occur first in the areas that see more movement and contact, such as the sides and arms of the jacket. With that being said, you both should and can do this.

Q: How often should I re-proof my jacket?

A: This will depend on how often you use your jacket. If you feel like it’s not working as well as it should, it could just need washing, and perhaps, re-proofing as well. If you wear it often, we recommend doing it every 3 or 4 months.

Tips For Running Jackets

Tip #1: Wear a cap underneath your jacket’s hood

This creates a kind of awning to keep rain out of your face and eyes more effectively, as well as prevents it from running down your neck. Ideally, you’ll want to go with a synthetic cap which dries quicker.

Tip #2: Leave the pit zips open to their default setting

In most light-to-medium rain, the venting benefits will outweigh any chance of a tiny bit of rain sneaking under your arm is. However, in heavy rain, we do recommend keeping it all closed.

Tip #3: Tuck your undershirt into your pants

This is just to keep the hem of your shirt from peeking out below your jacket, becoming exposed to the rain if your jacket rides up during your run.

Tip #4: In very light drizzle, keep your hood down and roll it up like a collar

This keeps the rain from collecting in the hood and pouring down the back of your neck if the rain decides to intensify. A very compact jacket is a good choice, as when the rain stops you can fold it up small enough to fit in a hydration vest or even a pocket.

Tip #5: Make sure to draw the drawcords on the hems

This will prevent rain and wind from getting into your sleeves, and will also keep your jacket from riding up.

Tip #6: Pockets make you have them.

Look for plenty of pockets to keep a pair of gloves, sunglasses or your phone etc. Be sure they zipper shut so nothing can fall out.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read through each review of the best running rain jackets for women, as well as our buying guide, FAQs, and tips, have you selected the perfect one for you?

We want to thank you for joining us, and we hope that this has helped you select the best waterproof running jacket. We’ll see you again, soon!

How We Researched

To come up with the top running jackets for women, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources