--- source_url: "https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20865161/best-winter-running-jackets/" title: The 5 Best Winter Running Jackets for 2026 - Jackets for Winter Running mirrored_at: 2026-08-07T13:01:44.742Z host: www.runnersworld.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20865161/best-winter-running-jackets/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20865161/best-winter-running-jackets/ ### Pros - Body-mapped insulation - Stylish cut ### Cons - Slim fit makes for limited layering “When I tried on this jacket, I was surprised by how well cut and flattering it looked, compared to other boxy jackets (or, you know, ragged sweatshirts) I’ve worn to stay comfy when it’s cold outside,” said one of our testers. This jacket is still our top pick, with a hemline that hits right at the hip, stretchy material on the sides, and sleek (yet still warm) padding through the torso. And the sleeves—which feature thumb holes—end perfectly at the wrists. Everyone we talked to loves the fit and cut of this jacket, even with the slim, sleek tailoring, it never felt like it restricted our tester’s range of motion. It’s a bummer that men get left out of this combo of fit and insulation, and we’d love to see a men’s version at some point. Otherwise, be aware that the slim fit does make for trickier layering, and you won’t be able to wear heavier mid layers underneath. ### Pros - Natural insulation won't trap odors - Highly breathable - Comfortably slim fitting ### Cons - Too warm outside of deep winter Unless you live in the northernmost parts of the country, you won’t spend much time in an insulated running jacket because most often you turn into a soggy mess under that bulk. I’ve found the new VLVInsulator Jacket mostly solves that, even on days that only dip into the 20s Fahrenheit. Largely that’s due to smart placement of ventilated panels as well as the use of breathable materials. To keep you comfortably dry, the VLVInsulator has a mesh panel down the middle of the back, which lets heat escape through a vented flap on the jacket’s outer shell. And fleecy panels under the arms and down the sides do the same in those high sweat zones, while also making the jacket feel extremely comfortable. The insulation is a combination of wool and silk, so it’ll keep you warm even when it gets damp, but won’t build up nasty odors if you wear it a bunch between washings (guilty here). And the fit of the jacket keeps you fully covered, even in blizzard-like conditions. I first wore it during a snowstorm. I usually don’t like to zip a jacket up over my chin, but I forgot a Buff at home so took my chances. I appreciated the tall collar and snug fitting hood that stayed put around me and kept the white stuff out where it belonged. One feature I especially appreciated was the elastic cinches around the waistline. That feature alone is nothing new, but rather than use those plastic cord locks that you find on nearly every running jacket, the VLVInsulator has a keyhole-like grommet in the hem. You can quickly adjust the tightness and lock it in place by pulling the cord into the narrower opening in the grommet. [Shop Men’s at cieleathletics.com](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74968X1576258&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcieleathletics.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-vlvinsultator-clay) [Shop Women’s at cieleathletics.com](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74968X1576258&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcieleathletics.com%2Fcollections%2Fwomens-apparel%2Fproducts%2Fw-vlvinsultator-clay) ## Key Specs Estimated Temp Range 0 to 25 F Weather Features Water-repellent, insulated Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Relaxed fit for ideal layering - Targeted panels provide insulation - Stowable ### Cons - Washing causes insulation to wear The Thermalrunner is built for running in the cold without hampering your stride. The insulated jacket feels remarkably lightweight and has a relaxed fit that’s perfect for donning a baselayer (or two) underneath. The jacket is water- and wind-resistant and hoodless, so you’ll want to accessorize to keep you head covered. But we liked how warm the Thermalrunner kept us, especially when the temperature dropped below freezing. You can stow the Thermalrunner in one of its zippered hand pockets; the jacket has one on both sides and a zippered chest pocket. Bungee toggles on the hem adjust the fit and a zipper garage prevents your chin from getting scratched. _\*The women’s option is currently out of stock._ [Janji Thermalrunner Insulated Jacket Review](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a69675208/janji-thermalrunner-jacket/) ## Key Specs Estimated Temp Range 0 to 35 degrees F Weather Features 40g synthetic insulation, water-resistant, wind-blocking ### Pros - Very stretchy and breathable - Stretch Grid Fleece for insulation and mobility - Highly breathable ### Cons - Not waterproof - Thinner than other jackets on this list Senior Features Editor [Pavlína Černá](https://www.runnersworld.com/author/251593/pavlina-cerna/) was initially skeptical about the Deviator as a winter jacket. “It’s incredibly light and feels like a bottom layer more than a top one. But I was nothing but positively surprised.” Černá ran in it in temperatures hovering just above freezing with only a t-shirt underneath. “It kept me warm and cozy but not steaming inside as some of my other winter running jackets do. It’s incredibly breathable and great at wicking moisture. I sweat quite a bit once I warm up and the fleecy back panel helped me regulate my temperature. Plus, the fleece material on the sides and the back allows the jacket to stretch and move with your body. ” The hood hugged her face and didn't fall down when her hair was in a ponytail, nor did it feel restrictive. [Shop Men’s at backcountry.com](https://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/3006986/358742/5311?subId1=ruw&subId3=xid:{xid}&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Foutdoor-research-deviator-hoodie-mens) [Shop Women’s at backcountry.com](https://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/3006986/358742/5311?subId1=ruw&subId3=xid:{xid}&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fb%2Foutdoor-research-deviator-hoodie-womens) ## Key Specs Estimated Temp Range 25 to 40 degrees F Weather Features Weather- and wind-resistant, insulated Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Merino wool provides warmth without bulk - Thumbholes ### Cons - No hood This merino wool-lined jacket comes from Smartwool, a pioneer in wool-based performance gear. The lightweight jacket provides heavy-duty warmth thanks to the wool in the insulation and the shell. And although streamlined, the Smartloft has ample storage: two zippered hand pockets and a zippered interior chest pocket. A bonus is the jacket’s use of ZQ-certified merino wool, which guarantees environmental, social, and economic sustainability and promotes animal welfare. This jacket has been on our list for years, and is a versatile piece for a range of temperatures that also looks tailored enough for wearing around town. [Shop Men’s at amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Mens-Standard-Smartloft-Jacket/dp/B0DLHJKXC6/?tag=runnersworld-auto-20) [Shop Women’s at amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Womens-Smartloft-Hybrid-Jacket/dp/B0DLY2LRW7?tag=runnersworld-auto-20) ## Key Specs Estimated Temp Range 25 to 40 degrees F Weather Features Merino wool lining, wind- and water-resistant body mapping ## What to Consider ![line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/line-break-listicle-649c7b1c9e9cc.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "line break ") Layering Winter weather can vary from day to day and region to region, so the best winter running jacket will depend on the conditions in which you expect to run. You’ll also warm up as you move, so a good rule of thumb is to dress for temperatures 10 degrees warmer—including windchill—than the forecast. Winter running jackets need to keep you warm while being breathable to vent and let sweat evaporate, and they need to provide at least some weather protection. Runners often opt for a lightweight jacket on top of a [baselayer](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20865557/best-base-layers-for-runners/), or a [vest](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a26976890/best-vests-for-running/) paired with a baselayer and a weatherproof shell. Even when it's wet or cold, many runners try to avoid wearing a bulky outer layer, but there are plenty of sleeker options that still provide warmth and weather protection. Look for a winter running jacket that keeps you warm and dry, allows movement, and has breathable fabric and insulation to avoid overheating. Materials Most winter running jackets are made from fleece, nylon, or polyester. Some also include merino wool, which has natural wicking abilities and excellent temperature management. If you run cold, wearing an insulated jacket is a good option, but look for one with venting panels and synthetic insulation (which won’t lose its insulating power when it gets wet). If you heat up quickly, choose a thinner jacket, or one that you can take off and tie around your waist mid-run. I am a picky runner—I hate starting cold but I also hate taking my jacket off mid-run. I typically opt for a full-zip model that allows me to unzip halfway open for air flow, and I like being able to push my sleeves up my arms. Whether or not this actually does anything is debatable, but it feels less hot. Weatherproofing If you’re planning to run through rain or precipitation, you’ll need a jacket that also repels water—look for DWR finish or a waterproof/breathable membrane. The winter running jackets I recommend cover a range of winter weather, from below-freezing temps to sleet and snow, along with more moderate conditions and rain. I note when a shell is water-resistant or waterproof below, and while both will protect from precipitation, there are some differences. Water-resistant jackets (as opposed to waterproof) provide a lightweight, water-resistant layer but won’t block downpours. They’re treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes rain to bead up and roll off instead of seeping through. That coating loses effectiveness after about 20 washes, but you can [spruce up an older jacket with fresh DWR spray.](https://rei.pxf.io/c/3006986/1448521/17195?subId1=ruw&subId3=xid:{xid}&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F724688%2Fnikwax-txdirect-spray-on-17-fl-ozckets%2Bfor%2BWinter%2BRunning%26cta%3Dspruce%2Bup%2Ban%2Bolder%2BDWR%2Bjacket%2Bwith%2Bspray.%26trxNetwork%3Dal) Waterproof jackets are more expensive and often less breathable, but they are the gold standard for staying dry thanks to the membrane between the face fabric and the liner. This membrane has holes small enough to let vapor pass through (so sweat can evaporate) but keep liquids out. Brands will market some jackets with a tighter weave or special membrane as “wind-resistant” or “windproof.” The tighter the weave, the less wind can cut through the jacket. Winter running jackets might also provide extra insulation with linings like wool or a synthetic material, but too much insulation can cause you to overheat if you already run hot. Hoods: Hit or Miss It can be hard to find a hood that stays on when you start running. Cinched hoods (where you tighten and loosen the hood using a drawcord on the back) struggle with staying in place because they leave the opening around your face wider than under-the-chin drawstrings. Plus, the added movement of running (versus hiking or walking) increases the chances of a hood sliding off. That said, hoods with drawstrings at the front or a jacket with a high zipper tend to work better as they close tighter around your face. And for super cold days, I honestly recommend a midlayer with a scuba hood instead of a looser running jacket hood. A hood isn’t a deal breaker for me—if it works, great, if not, I’ll grab a hat. I don’t necessarily rule out jackets without a hood, and it’s not one of the first things I look for when choosing what to wear. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## Runner Heather Mayer Irvine Shares What to Wear on a Winter Run ![maggie slepian in a winter jacket](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/winter-running-jacket-lifestyle-651c6d4cc997b.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "maggie slepian in a winter jacket") Maggie Slepian We checked in with our writer and gear reviewer [Heather Mayer Irvine](https://www.runnersworld.com/author/215039/heather-mayer-irvine/) about her techniques for winter running layering. So these answers are Heather’s, but you still get this stellar self-timed photo of me as a little treat. **At what temperature do you actually need a winter running jacket?** Like all things running—[gear](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/), [nutrition](https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/),[training plans](https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a30911910/download-your-runners-world-training-plan/)—what works for one runner might not work for another. A good rule of thumb for determining what to [wear while running](https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20803133/what-to-wear/)is to add 10 degrees to the temperature because your body is going to warm up once you get moving. For example, if you head out and it’s 35 degrees, you’ll want to dress for about 45 degrees, which might be too warm for a jacket for some runners. Personal preference and body dynamics—do you prefer to be a little chilly or does your body have a hard time warming up—will factor in to whether you wear a jacket or not. The elements will also play a role. If it’s 40 degrees with a windchill of 30 degrees, you’ll likely want that extra, wind-resistant layer. Or, if it’s raining and 50 degrees, you might want a water-resistant jacket. **What are the most important body parts to keep warm while running in the cold?** Over the years, we’ve [learned](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-heat-loss/) that we don’t actually lose 50 percent of our body heat through our head, but keeping your noggin toasty will help mitigate heat loss, which is predicted to be about 10 percent for adults. Warm [running socks](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20809978/the-best-socks-for-runners/) can help prevent frozen toes, which can be painful while pounding the pavement, and can help warm the rest of your body up. Finding a winter running jacket is a good way to keep your core warm, which, in turn, can help warm your extremities. **Should I invest in a weatherproof running jacket?** Even a simple jacket that has heavy-duty protection against the weather can cost a pretty penny. But if you’re an all-weather runner with big training plans in the winter months, staying warm and dry is priceless. A good way to think about an investment of, say, $150 to $300 for a piece of running gear, is how much it will cost per run (shoes are another story because they won’t last as long as a jacket): If you spend $200 and wear the jacket for 20 winter runs, that’s just $10 per run. And if you[properly care for that piece of gear](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a39024016/longer-lasting-workout-gear/), it can last for years. ![Headshot of Maggie Slepian](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/40bb7928-4364-45cb-b930-f5cb42dfd4b4_1644854999.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Maggie Slepian") Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.