I can’t lie, I think the right gear is probably the most important tip! (Right after just learning to enjoy it!) So let’s start with the gear and then focus on the tips that will make running in the rain more enjoyable.
A few of these I have tested and others have been recommendations from friends out in the Pacific Northwest! The biggest thing we all have to understand about jackets is terminology! A running rain jacket needs to meet the requirements of where you live.
Waterproof
Means that it is designed to totally block water from reaching your body. The result of this most often is a jacket that’s a little stiffer (think GoreTex) and doesn’t allow your body to breathe, making it like a little sweat box.
More and more jackets are claiming to be waterproof and breathable, which is obviously much better for runners but most still report these jackets can get warm.
Water-resistant
These are what you might often think of as a wind breaker, they’re usually very light weight and good in a light drizzle or a short light rain. They aren’t going to keep you dry in a heavier or longer lasting rain.
Based on the above if it’s warm outside, you’re probably better off to just embrace the wet. But when it’s cool, the jacket is key because it’s going to prevent your body temperature from dropping. If your core is working hard to warm up it will pull blood from fingers, toes and limbs.
Which jackets will really keep you dry in the rain? And which one's are actually best for running? Find out! #runchat #gearchat Click To TweetBest Rain Jacket for Running
Moving on to the best rain jackets! All of these are linked so you can get additional product information if desired and indeed they are Amazon links. As always it’s a free way to send some coins to RTTF if you make an Amazon purchase (doesn’t change your price, but they give me a few pennies) and it’s anonymous!
Jackets are listed in order of last known price high to low.
OMM Halo
This jacket is a lightweight waterproof option, recommended by a few different runners. It’s on the upper end of the price spectrum but might be because it’s supposed to be both waterproof and yet breathable enough for running.
Designed by runners in Britain who created the Original Mountain Marathon, they have that one their side! It wasn’t designed for something else and then converted to runners, it was designed for runners.
Patagonia Houdini
This is what I’m wearing here and clearly having a blast. Let’s be honest though, I was wet in every conceivable inch of my body because it was a total downpour. I however love this jacket (as did about 20 other people who recommended it) because it’s SUPER lightweight which makes it comfy in the spring or summer and it will handle a light drizzle, plus block wind. Right now this has my vote for the best running rain jacket.
Shower Pass Pro Tech
Recommended by someone who bike commuted for years and now runs in it. They don’t make this particular version in women’s, but sizes do go down to a XS. It’s also clear, which I seriously think is cool, but this jacket is not for summer runs.
Asics Storm Jacket
This water-resistant running jacket has reflective threads throughout which is a big perk for road runners. This jacket is probably more ideal for spring or fall rainy runs than summer runs. The fitted nature also makes it a bit more flattering than a lot of jackets.
Marmot Precip
This is another fully waterproof jacket, which the recommender did note wasn’t super breathable for runners. Maybe more ideal for hiking, walking, etc in the rain. It is super lightweight, so it’s not designed to keep you warm, just dry and if you aren’t a sweater like me, might be just perfect!
What to wear running in cold rain? This is all about layers! I’ve talked about base layers, so start there and then ensure you’ve got a waterproof jacket.
Additional Gear for Rainy Runs
Once you get past the jacket, is there anything else that can help in the rain? Yup a few pieces of gear and good old fashioned duct tape! These tips are great for running a marathon in the rain or simply making your training run a bit more enjoyable.
Grab a Big Billed Hat
I love wearing a hat when it’s raining. Something about at least keeping it from slapping you in the face is helpful. Not that it won’t at points, but it’s a bit of welcome protection.
When I say big billed, I’m not thinking floppy hat, more that you can find running hats with a larger bill like this Columbia Watertight Hat.
Waterproof Shoes (or DIY)
If you have waterproof shoes, now is the time to embrace them. Often they’re trail shoes or a bit harder shoes, so be sure you’ve worn them before. Don’t buy waterproof shoes at the expo! A little drier feet might cost you blisters.
What you can do instead is duct tape your existing shoes!
This is a BRILLIANT idea from So What I Run. What’s worse that that moment you splash in to a puddle and feel your sock soak up the water. This isn’t going to keep you 100% dry, but so much better!!
Rock the Trash Bag Fashion
You’ve seen them at a plenty of start lines and that’s because it’s nice to at least be dry while you wait. Once you start running a trash bag or poncho can become problematic because of the humid heat bubble they create.
Be sure you aren’t afraid to rip it off if your body is getting warm because you’ll still end up wet, just either from sweat or rain.
Wool Clothing and Socks
If you’re out in cold and wet conditions, this is one of the better options for keeping the water away from your skin. You want that to help keep you from getting chilled.
Tips for Running in the Rain
Now let’s finish it off with a few additional tips, including my own personal honesty. If it’s cold outside and massively down pouring, you’ll find me on the treadmill. I LIKE running, there’s nothing for me to gain in making myself miserable.
Now if it’s over 45 degrees, I’m pretty good. And if I happen to be out when it starts running, then it’s even easier to embrace it!
Attitude Makes the Day
If you can think like a kid, you’re going to have a much better day. Once you’re shoes are wet, embrace it and jump in the puddles, laugh about it and just charge on. You won’t dry out, so stop trying to side step it.
Prep for the Temps
If you happen to be running in the cold and it rains, then be sure you have a dry towel in your car and can pull off wet clothes as soon as possible. Your body temperature will drop quickly once you stop running, so drying off and finding warm clothes is key.
Body Glide Like Crazy
Don’t skimp in getting every single toe, bit of your foot, leg and arms layered up with Body Glide. The additional friction from wet clothes makes it more common to find yourself chaffed.
Dry Your Shoes
After the run you can stuff your shoes with newspaper or honestly I have found these Stuffits to work really well!
What I love about all of this is it’s also helping me as I get more in to hiking where you truly have to be prepared for all potential weather! My friend Heather has inspired me to keep pushing my limits every time she posts about new trails like Bryce Canyon!
Any rainy run tips I missed?
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Kelly Tetreault says
I have an Asics running jacket that I’m obsessed with. And I always wear a baseball cap when I run in the rain. I hate having the water hit me in the face. Rainy runs are ALL ABOUT attitude.
amanda says
I totally agree!! As kids we loved to go out in the rain, gotta embrace that attitude.