The Best Women’s Waterproof Running Jacket
There’s nothing quite like dropping into a flow state on a trail run or nailing all your intervals in a training session. That runner’s high is worth chasing, and with the right gear, you can find it all year. One of the essentials in every runner’s arsenal is a good waterproof running jacket.
From heavy rain to wet snow, running in wet and cold conditions can be uncomfortable at best or dangerous at its worst. While waterproofing is important in staying warm and dry, it’s not the only factor to look out for in the ideal running jacket. Breathability is crucial, as is mobility, fit, and comfort.
As an expert in outdoor performance gear, we know a few things about running. In this guide, we’ll talk about how to select and care for your new women's waterproof running jacket so you can make an informed decision. Read on to learn more about our favorite waterproof jackets for women runners.
Why You Need a Women’s Waterproof Running Jacket
When you love to run as much as we do, you don’t let a little bad weather stop you. Rain, wind, and colder temperatures all impact running performance and comfort, but they don’t need to stop you from getting after it. With the right gear, runners can stay warm, dry, and safe in wet conditions, but everyday coats and non-running jackets that are bulky or not weatherproof just won’t cut it.
Depending on where you live, you’ll have different needs for a women’s running jacket. One of these key distinctions is whether a jacket is waterproof vs. water-resistant. Trail runners in the Pacific Northwest will likely need a different jacket than a winter marathon runner in California. While a waterproof membrane deflects water droplets by repelling them on the surface, water-resistant fabric (such as that of a rain jacket), is often less repellent, designed more for light rain rather than a downpour.
Weatherproofing is far from your only consideration, since you also need your jacket to give you full freedom of movement while running. For this full mobility, many women seek gear designed by and for women to get the best possible fit. Features like adjustable hoods, lightweight materials, wind protection, and weather-resistant outer fabric all play into the decision as well.
Key Features to Look for in a Women’s Waterproof Running Jacket
From weatherproofing to mobility to chest pockets, here are some things to look out for when shopping for your next waterproof running jacket.
Waterproofing & Breathability
All-season runners know the cold isn’t the problem on its own; it’s the damp cold that poses the biggest threat to recovery and overall health. To keep you dry in heavy rain, your jacket needs to keep water out. While there are different types of waterproof materials, a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX has the added benefit of being breathable.
Breathability is arguably just as important as waterproofing when it comes to high-output activities like running. GORE-TEX waterproof membranes have pores much smaller than a water droplet to protect you from external weather while also allowing sweat and moisture buildup to escape. Breathability prevents overheating and helps with temperature regulation, so you’ll want a jacket that balances both.
Fit & Comfort for Running
As a runner, you know freedom of movement is essential. To ensure you have a full range of motion, look for features like articulated sleeves, micro seams, and stretchy fabrics. A well-fitting running jacket is more than just comfortable; the right fit can also prevent chafing from rubbing the wrong way, and it will also be easier to layer as needed in the cold.
Weight & Packability
Layering or not, you don’t want to be carrying around extra weight while you run. The best waterproof running jackets are lightweight, especially if you’re running long distances. Whether you’re training for an ultra marathon or enjoying more leisurely trail runs, your lightweight, all-weather jacket should also be packable for easy use on the go. Jackets that pack easily into a running vest or backpack are ideal for traveling, layering, and regulating your body temperature.
Hood & Adjustability
To keep you dry, a good waterproof running/rain jacket should have a hood, but you don’t want it to be flapping around or impeding visibility. Adjustable hoods can give you extra protection against wind, rain, and other harsh weather. If you’re doing a lot of trail running, you’ll also want to look out for an adjustable hood that can fit over a helmet.
Additional Features to Consider
Ventilation zippers can help you get more airflow and prevent you from overheating while running, especially pit zips. For winter running, reflectivity will help keep you safe in low-light or nighttime conditions. Lastly, make sure your jacket has small but strategic zippered pockets for storing essentials like your keys, phone, and gels.
Best Arc’teryx Women’s Waterproof Running Jackets
From trail running in Chamonix to winter laps in the Rockies, here are a few of our frontrunners for the best women’s waterproof running jacket. Designed for maximum mobility and high-output days, these tried and true favorites have your back rain or shine, but especially in the rain.
Best Overall – Women’s Beta Jacket
This lightweight GORE-TEX shell is fully waterproof, with the GORE C-KNIT™ backer adding extra comfort and breathability. Fully articulated seams mean the jacket moves with you for full freedom of motion while running, and the adjustable StormHood provides extra weather protection while not impeding your lines of sight. The embedded RECCO reflector is there if you need it for search and rescue emergencies.
The new ePE membrane technology is lighter and thinner, but just as strong and durable as the materials we used before. You may notice the face fabric “wetting out” slightly faster, but rest assured, this does not affect the waterproofing of the membrane itself. If it’s wetting out faster than you’d like, simply wash the jacket and dry it to remove the oil contamination and bring the DWR back to its full power.
Best for Trail Running –Women’s Beta SL Jacket
Made for alpine travel and mountain realities, the Beta SL Jacket – our lightest Beta – is carefully designed to deliver complete waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing key features or lightweight packability. Its next-generation GORETEX ePE membrane is light, thin, strong, and PFC-free, and C-KNIT backer technology improves comfort and breathability. The adjustable StormHood is also helmet-compatible, making it ideal for trail run safety. Additional features include pit zippers for extra ventilation and a RECCO reflector for emergencies.
Best for Cold Weather – Women’s Norvan Insulated Hoody
The Norvan Insulated Hoody combines stretch, airflow, and weather protection so you can get out in the worst weather and rack up kilometres comfortably. Created specifically to manage unpredictable weather, this running jacket uses air-permeable recycled polyester fabric to stretch with you. Fortius Air 20 face fabric provides weather protection that is windproof, water-repellent, and highly breathable, and Coreloft™ insulation in key areas provides lightweight warmth without overheating. While it’s not completely waterproof, the Norvan still offers water resistance and is a lighter, more breathable go-to when it’s sprinkling rain and not downpouring. Bonus features include a streamlined adjustable hood for added protection, articulation designed especially for runners, a zippered pocket that provides bounce-free storage, and tuck-away flip-mitts in the sleeves to keep your hands warm.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Running Jacket for You
To find the best running jacket for your specific needs and environment, determine whether you’ll be running more on trails or roads. Trail running might require more durable fabric in case of snags on trees, and trail runners will also want to prioritize a helmet-compatible hood for added protection. Next, consider your local climate. Are you on the coast and regularly running in wet conditions, or are you further inland dealing with the occasional winter storm? Relatedly, what is your layering system like? Ideally, you’ll want to have layering options to wear under your waterproof jacket depending on if you’re running in the bitter winter cold or the more mild transitional spring. Short-distance vs. endurance runners might have different preferences too, with endurance runners having an even greater need for breathability and packability.
Care & Maintenance Tips for Your Waterproof Running Jacket
To protect the outer fabric and waterproof coating, be sure to wash your waterproof running jacket with a technical detergent in cool water. While too much heat can harm the finish, a little heat can actually help reactivate GORE-TEX’s water-repellency, so don’t be afraid of the dryer. Additionally, avoid using fabric softeners or bleach on your jacket, since they can deteriorate the waterproof coating and breathable membrane. If your jacket starts to absorb water droplets instead of pooling them on the surface, that’s a good indication it’s time to reapply the DWR coatings.
Once your gear is clean and dry, it’s ready to be stored in a cool, dry place until your next run. To avoid damage from prolonged compression or cracking in the fabric, hang your jacket to store it whenever possible, or if you need to fold it, do so loosely to prevent creases and potential damage to the waterproof membrane.
Invest in the Best
Get your strides in rain or shine with the best women’s waterproof running jackets. As the saying goes, there’s no bad weather; only bad gear. Built in the rainy Canadian coast and designed for the alpine, Arc’teryx jackets stand out from the pack with their quality, durability, and performance in all weather conditions. If you’re looking for your new favorite running buddy, you’re in the right place. Check out the best Arc’teryx women's waterproof running jackets.