11 best women's running jackets for keeping you dry on rainy runs, tested

Score: 89/100

Cold training sessions will pose no problem with this reliable Decathlon jacket. The thick fabric, snug hood and built-in mittens (yes, really!) kept our panellists toasty, while the strong zips helped stop chilly winds in their tracks.

You don’t have to worry about overheating though – the clever design features air vents around the back and arms and two side zips that open to allow body heat to escape. It also has two secure pockets for all your bits and bobs (these were easy to slide open while on the move) and handy slits in the arms so you can check your fitness tracker while running.

Opt for one of our lighter options if you’re a keen racer or looking to hit some PBs. But for the average runner who wants something practical, weatherproof and comfortable, this is excellent value for money. Just make sure to size up as our testers said it ran small.

Score: 87/100

As the name suggests, this “super water-resistant" jacket from the running experts at Under Armour is designed to leave you high and dry come the end of your run. Sure enough, our testers agreed it was great for colder, wet weather, with one even saying they “couldn’t fault its performance.”

The flattering design and streamlined fit also proved popular among our runners, who loved the way it cinched them in at the waist. They were grateful for the variety of pockets, including a zipped one for your keys and a drop-in pocket for your phone, and the smooth, non-restrictive material earned their seal of approval, too.

Some found the hood slipped down while pounding the pavement and we would have liked more reflective detailing for evening runs, but these are minor niggles for an all-round impressive piece of kit.

Score: 87/100

Running jackets aren't all about functionality. We also want to look good while we’re doing laps of the park. Enter this bright beauty from the team at Salomon. The design — available in five colours — got our runners’ attention with handy details including poppers and zipped pockets for your keys. The jacket also got 5/5 in our lab waterproof testing.

Some of our runners found it came up quite snug and could have been more breathable, so you may want to consider sizing up. However, it's a great option if you want a multi-purpose jacket you can go for runs and walks in.

Score: 83/100

Whether you’re a short-distance sprinter or love nothing more than going out for a long weekend run and seeing where the path takes you, you’ll need an all-rounder like this Storm jacket.

Our testers appreciated the range of useful features such as a chest pocket, roll-up hood and lightweight fabric. Need to layer up underneath? Not a problem. Our runners found the jacket was versatile enough to wear with thicker base layers when needed and had solid breathability. Plus, it scored top marks for waterproofing in our tests. We’re sold.

Score: 79/100

Weighing in at just 100g (about the same as a small banana!), this is one of the lightest jackets on our list. In fact, some of our runners forgot they were even wearing it, and it scored an impressive 4/5 in our waterproof testing.

Our panel loved the breathability of the jacket, with some saying they’d recommend it for race day; the thin material means you race bib is visible underneath. See you at the start line.

Score: 76/100

The second Keela offering in our round-up, this Talus jacket is the dream for all your outdoor adventures when the weather is still on the cooler side. It features fleece-lined panels and advanced insulation tech to keep you supremely warm, without having to wear a million layers. It also has elasticated cuffs and a reinforced peaked hood to keep the rain out.

Despite the high level of insulation, our panel found it was surprisingly lightweight and allowed them full freedom of movement while exercising. Details including toggle strings for a tighter fit and fleecy side pockets for extra warmth earned it additional brownie points. “It’s one of the best jackets I’ve ever hiked in,” commented one tester.

If you’re planning on really working up a sweat, this may not be for you. Our testers found it a little too warm for intense sessions, noting its suitability for lower intensity runs, jogs and hiking instead.

Score: 71/100

Everyone needs a bright yellow jacket in their wardrobe: fact. And this one from Decathlon is a solid choice. All of our panel thought it would be best suited to those months when you’re battling the elements and need optimum protection and warmth.

Scoring 5/5 in our lab waterproof tests, and a resounding thumbs up for the well-designed hood from our panel, it’s a great mid-price purchase that will keep you dry and visible.

Score: 71/100

After a good-looking running jacket you can wear all day long? Look no further. Our runners rated this cropped H&M design for style, and liked the reflective details, making it a top choice for dimly lit early morning and evening runs.

The high-neck design provided protection from the bracing winds and the jacket did a good job of keeping everyone dry when the heavens opened. “I ran in torrential rain and my vest top underneath was bone dry,” said one tester. The smooth, lightweight material felt soft against their skin, and it scored highly for breathability, too.

The pockets are on the larger side, so our belongings bounced around when we picked up the pace, but it will do the job nicely for slow to moderately paced runs. A few testers would have preferred a longer length to keep their leggings dry, but that comes down to personal preference.

Score: 70/100

Available in three stylish colourways, this jacket may be at the lower end of our price range, but you wouldn’t know it – it scored an impressive 5/5 in our waterproof lab tests. Note, some of our testers found it on the snug side so you may want to size up.

The side-zip pockets are also genuinely useful, according to our panel. However, this jacket didn't score too highly for breathability so it may be best saved for gentler runs or hikes.