RUNNING THROUGH EVERY WEATHER: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATERPROOF JACKET FOR YOUR RUN

Published: 07/11/2025, by: Jasmin Bodman

Whether you run for fun, for fitness, or both, having the right kit will enhance your experience and keep you on track to achieving your goals. Aiming for a new PB, tracking your distance or completing a marathon, having a reliable running jacket is going to help you out if the weather throws you a curveball. We’ve put together this guide on how to choose a great waterproof running jacket, so you can get out there, whether the weather wants you to or not.

Running can be done indoors on a treadmill and outdoors, wherever you fancy - while treadmill running is beneficial in many ways, we love hitting the trails outside. Fresh air, endless tracks and plenty to see as you go. But sometimes, the weather can be unpredictable. Cold temperatures that feel like they plummet further when you step out the door, wind and of course, rain showers. Light drizzle or a heavy pour, we know how annoying it can be when you just want to lace up and get outside.

We’re all about having the correct equipment when partaking in your favourite sports activities, including running. While running in summer makes you think of lightweight vests and easy-breezy shorts, the colder or wetter weather calls for something more: introducing a waterproof running jacket.

From road running after work, to trails and hills at the weekend, the rain stops for no one, so being prepared is key. Everyone has a preference as to what they like wearing when out on a run, but having a good quality waterproof jacket is essential for staying comfortable and protected.

This guide is going to explain the importance of a good waterproof running jacket, including features you should look for as well as breaking down different waterproof ratings, helping you to choose your next jacket with ease.

WATERPROOF OR WATER-RESISTANT? WHAT DO I NEED AND WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Sometimes you see these terms flying around but it can be tricky to define what they mean and how they’re different, so let us make it simple.

• Water-resistant: a ‘water-resistant’ jacket can withstand some water and moisture, but it won’t fully protect you if there’s a heavy shower, for example. Made for the days when there’s a light shower and a blustery drizzle, like those April showers or the autumn evenings when the weather can’t make up its mind.
• Waterproof: this is what you want to choose when there’s a heavier downpour. As in the name, something that’s ‘waterproof’ will aim to withstand water, using advanced fabric layers to keep the water out.

DO I NEED A WATERPROOF JACKET FOR TRAIL RUNNING OR LONGER DISTANCE RUNS?

If you’re preparing for a long-distance run, or you enjoy exploring new trails, we’d recommend investing in a new waterproof running jacket. Living in the UK, or other parts of the world known for their wet and rainy weather, runners are well-aware of the unpredictable weather. Light rain, heavy rain, wind and snow are just a few types of weather that can put a stop to your run, but this doesn’t need to be the case.

A durable, waterproof jacket should become an integral part of your wardrobe if it isn’t already, offering protection from the weather when you’re hitting the trails, clocking more kilometres or even participating in a marathon.

If you’re a beginner searching for a waterproof jacket, why not try the Karrimor Run Waterproof jacket? With an option for men and women, this budget-friendly jacket offers waterproof elements that make it lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for trail runs and more.

WATERPROOF RATINGS: HOW DO THEY WORK?

You may be wondering how waterproofing works. It might sound quite simple, a jacket that protects you from the rain, but what actually goes into the jacket that makes it so durable?

That’s where Hydrostatic Head (HH) ratings come in. This is a system that measures a fabric for its waterproof capacity by adding water pressure to it, which is measured in millimetres, and seeing how much it can take before leaking. There are several ratings, including:

• 5,000-10,000mm - this is a rating given to fabric that can withstand light showers
• 10,000-15,000mm - good for moderate rainfall
• 20,000mm+ - good for days where the rain is heavy, with no sign of giving up. Also great for heading on a trail run or into the mountains

Before purchasing your first waterproof running jacket, check out its specifications - depending on your use of the jacket, you’ll want to find one with the right amount of protection. If you envision yourself battling through varying trails in a downpour, then a jacket that can withstand more water pressure is ideal, whereas if you’ll only be using it when there’s a light drizzle, a jacket that offers a more lightweight approach might be best.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WATERPROOF RUNNING JACKET?

This is one of our favourite parts. We’re going to go through all of the features to look for when buying a waterproof running jacket, helping you to find the perfect fit.

1. WHY WATERPROOF RATING IS IMPORTANT

As mentioned above, the waterproof rating is important to consider. Whether you’re after something more lightweight that can withstand a drizzle, or a hard-hitting jacket that’ll keep you completely dry in a heavy downpour, look for a rating that’ll suit your needs.

As well, look for features like waterproof zip fastenings, hoods and taped seams - this means that the seams are secured so moisture and water can’t leak through.

2. HEAVY-DUTY CAN STILL BE BREATHABLE

Breathability is still an important factor to think about, even if you’ve opted for a heavy-duty jacket. Running is a great way to exercise but overheating or feeling uncomfortable can make you feel like quitting.

MVTR, or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, is used to measure how much water vapour passes through fabric in 24 hours. If the MVTR is higher, that means the fabric is more breathable. We love a good run, and we also like staying cool and free from excess sweat, so a breathable fabric is essential.

Optimal levels to look for when buying a jacket include:

• 10,000g/m²/24hr+ is good for general use outdoors, like walking or low intensity activities
• 20,000g/m/24hr+ is better for more high-intensity training, like long runs and even marathons

Another aspect to take note of when buying your new jacket is RET, or Resistance to Evaporative Transfer. This measures how breathable a fabric is, looking at the material’s resistance to water vapour. The lower the RET, the more breathable a material is.

3. CONSTRUCTION IS KEY

When running, you don’t want your clothes weighing you down. Look for lightweight options that feel good to wear and keep you comfortable.

Consider looking at materials like nylon, polyester and elastane blends as these tend to be breathable.

DWR, Durable Water Repellent, can be applied to fabrics to provide a coating that helps repel water, snow, dirt and other elements.

4. THINK ABOUT THE FIT AND COMFORT OF YOUR JACKET

Fit can come down to personal preference, but as a rule of thumb, we’d say opt for a running jacket that’s not too tight or too big, and is able to fit layers underneath - but don’t worry, you can strip them off if you get too warm.

You can find an extensive range of different features when considering comfort, from hoods, to adjustable cuffs and waists to zip fastenings.

5. MORE VENTILATION, MORE RUNNING!

We’ve spoken a lot about breathability and how essential it is when running, especially when you’re sweating lots and it’s raining. Look for underarm zips and mesh vents to provide more ventilation.

Ventilation is important when running as you want excess warmth and moisture to escape, allowing you to stay cool and dry. The last thing you want is to find yourself too hot but can’t remove your jacket because of the bad weather - find a jacket that helps you stay cool and dry at the same time!

6. BE SEEN WHEN RUNNING AT NIGHT

If you tend to run later in the evening or you’re simply trying to adjust your routine when the days draw in earlier, staying seen is essential. Look for jackets with reflective elements or logos, so you can be seen when running.

You may also want to opt for a headlamp or small torch for yourself, too, so you can see as you go.

7. SOMEWHERE TO KEEP EVERYTHING

Do you always find your hands full when running? A running jacket with pockets is ideal whether you’re doing a quick sprint around the block or a long distance trail run. Zipped pockets are great for keeping your items secure, while internal pockets offer hidden storage space so you always know where your essentials are, like your keys or mobile.

If pockets are a vital feature for you, always ensure that the jacket you're choosing has them - sometimes, a running jacket can have all of the modern tech and waterproof benefits you’re after, but may have limited or no storage.

STORING YOUR JACKET WHEN YOU DON’T NEED IT

Even if you’re running every day, you need to be able to store your jacket when it’s not in use. If it’s lightweight, it should be easily packable, which is great for storing it at home and on the go - taking it to your next marathon has never been so easy!

Bonus tip: some running jackets come with a handy pouch you can pack it in, which means you can throw it in your bag for when you fancy a speedy lap or are heading to a race.

There are plenty of features to look for, with these being some of our top picks. Choosing a waterproof running jacket is down to your personal preference and can take some trial and error when finding the right one for you (but sometimes, trying out different jackets can be the best part).

YOUR RUNNING STYLE

Although it’s all down to you when selecting your jacket, you may want some guidance.

If your running style is…

The casual runner who ventures into the city or urban areas often. A recommended waterproof rating would be around 5,000-10,000mm and it’d be worth looking for something lightweight, visible and easy to wear.

If your running style is…

A marathon-lover, training for your next fix. A recommended waterproof rating would be around 10,000-15,000mm. Opt for something really lightweight that won’t weigh you down as you run, with the ability to be packed away with ease.

If your running style is…

A trail or mountain runner. A recommended waterproof rating would be around 15,000-20,000mm+, made with strong, reinforced materials and features like a hood and taped seams.

If your running style is…

Quick sprints and high-intensity runs. A recommended waterproof rating would be around 5,000-8,000mm, built with breathability in mind and simplistic designs.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Want our advice? We’ve got four options here that are ideal for those searching for the right running jacket. Take a look at our picks below.

We hope you’ve found our guide on choosing the right waterproof running jacket useful, enabling you to feel confident when heading out, no matter the weather. While wind and rain can make you feel apprehensive to lace up and step outside, the weather shouldn’t affect your run!