6 Top Running Jackets for This Year – Breathable & Lightweight
Jackets are often the most debated gear when it comes to running. Of course, you want to keep yourself cool while you shed those calories, but you also want a piece of clothing that can guard you against the hail, snow, and wind. So, what’s the solution? Well, that is why you should invest in a running jacket designed exquisitely, keeping in view both of these aspects. Typically, the best running jacket men will prefer is supposed to be breathable yet shield you from the harsh weather while running.
Here, in this article, we will take a look at the six top running jackets men have chosen over the years because of their unique performance points. These are essentially some of the best windbreakers for running in any weather. Let us get started and address them one by one.
Key Takeaway
- Overall Best Performance – MEETYOO’s Workout & Running Jacket
- Best Budget Running Jacket – Little Donkey Andy Men’s Quick-Dry Running Jacket
- Best for Cold Weather – Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Run Jacket
- Top Lightweight Pick – MEETYOO’s Workout & Running Jacket
In This Article
- 6 Best Running Jackets for Men Compared
- Men’s Running Jacket With Best Reviews
- What Makes A Good Running Jacket?
- Running Jackets Q&A
- Final Verdict
Find Out How Your Running Jacket Compares To Others
6 Running Jackets That Are Breathable and Lightweight
1. MEETTYOO Running Jacket For Men – Best Lightweight Running Jacket
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Colors available – Black, Fleece Black, Green, Gray, Fleece Blue, and Blue
Want the best breathable running jacket? Well, this one is undoubtedly one of the finest picks that you can opt for, suitable for both warm and cold weather. Let’s have a look at its features.
Fabric: This is indeed one of the best running jackets with a light, ultra-slim, elastic polyester fabric. In addition, it is designed with a stretchable elastic material that provides adequate space for stretching muscles and movement.
Quick dry: Thanks to its polyester fabric, this is an extremely breathable jacket, adding to its quick-drying ability. So, while you are on the run, this jacket will quickly absorb the sweat and keep your body dry, odorless, and cozy.
Versatile for outdoor activities: Since it is one of the best lightweight running jackets at just 2.4 ounces, it is perfect for sports lovers. It would not add any burden on your body. You can wear this for fitness activities, such as cycling, running, basketball, football, fishing, climbing, hiking, and jogging.
Stylish hoodie: The attached hoodie will also protect your head from the sun.
Pockets included: This comes with two pockets, which can double as great storage if you want to carry light things while on the run, say your AirPods, cash, card, wallet, or phone.
Reflective strip: A great plus about this jacket is its reflective strip, along with the full zip. This is a great way to keep you safe on the road, especially if you like to run in the dark.
What do we not like?
- The reflective strip is a mandatory prerequisite for runners who like to go on the run early in the morning or late at night. But, this one has a strip in front but not at the back.
- As it is a slim-fit design, the size may run smaller if you are looking for something regular.
2. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Men’s | Lightweight, Versatile Synthetically Insulated Hoody
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Colors available – 10 variants
Arc’teryx has some of the best windbreakers for running with multiple vibrant color options.
Fabric: This jacket comes with a durable water-repellent coating that keeps it moisture-free. The Tyono 20 face fabric is also durable with high permeability quotient making it a nice breathable running jacket.
Style: It has a no-slip zipper in front. You absolutely don’t have to bother about the zipper pulling down in between your runs.
Also, the fleece side panels provide adequate ventilation.
USP: This is one of the best running jackets there is with lightweight, insulated fabric. What more? It is also wind and moisture resistant with a compressible material. It is an ideal pick for treks & hikes as it can be folded, compressed, and packed into a small size.
Hoodie: The hoody attached to it is adjustable with a mini hood brim and StormHood insulation.
Pocket style design: This jacket consists of two hand pockets with no-show zippers for things you need on the run and one internal zipped chest pocket for your valuables.
What do we not like?
Some designs from Arc’teryx do not have all the sizes readily available, so finding the right fit is a task. Also, for extremely cold weather, this shouldn’t be your first pick.
3. Little Donkey Andy Men’s Quick-Dry Running Jacket – Best Budget Running Jacket
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Colors available – Black, Detachable Hood Black, Detachable Hood Blue, Detachable Hood Yellow, Detachable Hood Green, Fluoroscent Yellow, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Detachable Hood Orange
The next one on our list for the best running jacket mens category is this Little Donkey Andy Men’s Quick-Dry Running Jacket. It is an imported pick that is composed of 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex.
Material: This is a breathable running jacket, thanks to its quick-drying properties. Its mesh panel at the upper back can aid in keeping you cool and dry throughout. Further, it has a water-repellant fabric, which will keep you dry even when it suddenly starts to rain.
Moreover, its concealed opening or the ventilation system on the upper back helps you stay dry and cool when indulging in physical activity.
Stretchable: If you need the best running jacket, one factor that you must consider is the stretchy material. This jacket has a 4-way stretch, which is pivotal because you need adequate mobility while you are indulging in sports or running, or any other outdoor activity.
USP: This comes with zip-off sleeves, which can be removed to convert this jacket into a vest. You don’t find this feature normally in all the jackets. This makes it multi-purpose.
So, if you feel warm in the summers, you can remove the sleeves of this best lightweight running jacket and enjoy your run.
Storage pockets: This is a good running jacket that comes with one large pocket and two side pockets. So, while you are on the run, you can use the pockets for storing your cash, wallets, phone, and cards.
High visibility: To be the best running jacket men or women prefer, it needs to have reflective printing and straps both in the front and the back. So, if you are going for a run in low-light conditions, the vehicles behind you can spot you easily, thereby keeping you safe on the road.
Unlike the MEETTYOO, this one has reflective stripes in both front and back.
UV protection: This running jacket assures UPF 50+ protection. So, you can run in the sun without being affected by the sun’s harmful rays. This is again a unique feature not found in many of the products.
Windproof: It is the best windbreaker for running. The jacket has a full frontal zip closure with an internal storm flap and chin guard. The two seal the outside elements. You can fold or tuck the windbreaker into the back pocket and convert it to a small bag to add to the convenience.
What do we not like?
The sizing chart seems a bit off, and it is not suited for colder conditions.
4. Brooks Men’s Canopy Jacket
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Colors – Indigo, Tide, Asphalt
Need a minimalist, breathable, and easy-to-pack best running jacket men love? Well, the Brooks Men’s Canopy Jacket is right here. The jacket is a fine blend of element-proof performance, comfort, and a perfect fit.
In addition, it is breathable and helps the excess heat to move out, thereby keeping you cooler.
Fabric: This is the best trail running jacket composed of the driLayer seal polyester ripstop fabric. This makes it both water-resistant and wind-proof. If you do not want to miss your run, you can wear this best windbreaker for running on both cloudy and windy days. In addition, you get a hanger loop, which ensures effective and quick drying.
No-bounce hood: The problem seen in even some of the top running jackets is that the hood keeps bouncing during the run. This can interfere while running, but such is not the case with this Brooks Men’s Canopy Jacket.
You can stow the hood while not in use. There is also a chin guard and a zipper garage, which ensures that the zipper does not rub on your body.
Stretchable: The fabric of this jacket is stretchy. So, it won’t curtail your movements when you play a sport or go for a run.
What do we not like?
Even though it ranks well on our selection of running jackets, relatively speaking, this one is slightly heavier than others. Of course, the weight difference is not huge, but it is still an ounce or two heavier.
5. BALEAF Men’s Cycling Waterproof Running Jacket, Windbreaker, Reflective Lightweight Windproof Jacket
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Colors – Fluorescent Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, Gray, Orange, Red
The next one on our list is the Baleaf Men’s Jacket which is also the best trail running jacket. It is made of 100% Polyester material and is incredibly versatile.
You can wear it for running and other outdoor activities, such as cycling, running, hiking, jogging, climbing, camping, and other outdoor sports.
If you wish to wear this in cold weather, you must adorn it above a long-sleeved T-shirt for extra warmth. Also, please bear in mind, if you are wearing it with fleece tops, you must go a size up.
Storage: There are six pockets – one back pocket, one chest pocket, two hand pockets, and two inner pockets. These pockets can comfortably accommodate the keys, cards, cash, and wallet.
Waterproof: It is a waterproof jacket. So, even when there is a drizzle or rain while you go out running, the jacket will ensure that it keeps you dry inside.
Fabric: The jacket is composed of 100% polyester fabric. The interior of this jacket is infused with a TPU membrane along with 3000g/m2/24hr breathability and 5000mm waterproofing. This makes it the best trail running jacket and even more breathable & waterproof.
There is also a mesh ventilation system in this breathable running jacket that keeps you dry and cool even during strenuous activity.
Reflective stripes: This best running jacket also has reflective stripes in its logo design. This is incredibly effective for people with busy schedules who like to go on a run late in the evening or early in the morning.
Big hood design: Thanks to the big hood design of this jacket, you can shut out the rain from falling onto your eyes while you set out in difficult weather.
What do we not like?
- This won’t be able to keep you warm during a running session in winter.
- The fabric is prone to easy ripping.
6. Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Water-Repellent Run Jacket
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Check price on Amazon |
Colors – Black, Charcoal, Navy, Safety Yellow
Next, we have another best running jacket presented to you from Amazon’s in-house brand. It is an imported, 100% polyester cold weather running jacket.
Easy to clean: As one of the best winter running jackets, it is very easy to clean. You can put it in your washing machine and wash it with your regular clothes.
Durable: Another brilliant feature of this jacket is that it is durable. So, it will last you for many, many seasons.
Lightweight: It is a lightweight budget pick that will snug you brilliantly without adding to the unnecessary weight.
What do we not like?
It is not just a windbreaker; it actually keeps you warm too. So, if you are going to use it in a relatively hotter timezone, maybe it isn’t the best idea.
Since you are here, you might also be interested in some of the best running hats and best cooling towels.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before Buying A running Jacket
When shopping for the best running jacket, there are some factors that you must bear in mind. Here, we will enlist a few of them.
Is it a breathable running jacket?
In a running jacket, breathability is a critical factor and is pivotal, regardless of whether it is a summer jacket or a winter jacket. In a summer jacket, breathability is essential because the jacket should not make you overheated wearing an extra layer.
Further, in winters, when you run, the body tends to produce heat, resulting in high blood circulation and heartbeat. It can consequently result in overheating. So, a breathable jacket will ensure that the heat is not trapped inside, and you will be more relaxed while running.
Will I get weather protection?
You cannot trust the weather. There may be rain or a sharp wind that can intervene with your running. So, look for the best running jacket that is both wind-proof and water-resistant. Our jackets listed above are some of the best windbreakers for running.
So, if you just want protection from the wind and are not peculiar about other features, you may pick any of the items listed above.
Is it light enough to run on with?
Though a jacket is an additional layer on the body, it should not add unnecessary weight to you. Hence, it would help if you looked for the best lightweight running jackets. You may opt for a hardshell jacket as they are the lightest.
Is it comfortable and fits well?
Your jacket should neither be too tight that it curtails your movement or too loose that it intervenes with your movement. Instead, it should be just the right fit that complements your silhouette without compromising on comfort.
Can I Store it easily?
You may need your phone or headphones, sometimes even your car keys or cash and card when you run. So, to accommodate these, your jacket should have pockets. More so, to keep what’s inside the pocket secure, it is good to look for pockets with zip closure.
Is a hoodie part of my running jacket?
Having a hood in the jacket is a great way to block the harsh UV rays from reaching your face. So, this, too, is a great complementary feature to look for in your jacket.
Does it have pit zips?
In a summer jacket, the pit zips are quite important. They can be a good way to keep heat away without removing the jacket. This further adds to the jacket’s breathability.
Moisture-wicking fabric – is it?
Regardless of the season, when you run, you naturally sweat. So, look for a jacket with good moisture-wicking properties that can keep you cool and dry, even after a long run.
Safety comes first!
Some people like to work out early in the morning, while a few prefer working out at night. Unfortunately, these are both low light conditions and subject you to the risk of road accidents.
So, the best running jacket men prefer to have is with a reflective band that will make them visible to the vehicles on the road even from a distance.
Is it a value for money?
A good running jacket need not be expensive. So, you can certainly find one that fits your budget without compromising on the essential features.
For us the best budget running jacket that allows you decent features at a reasonable price is Little Donkey Andy Men’s Running jacket.
Common Running Jacket Queries Answered
Ques 1. Should the running jacket be tight or loose?
Ans. The best running jacket is one that is neither too tight nor too loose. It should loose enough to fit you well over the inner layers you are wearing. A very loose fitted jacket will hamper your run with all that wind striking you.
So, it should be tight enough to maintain the aerodynamic significance as well.
Ques 2. Does wearing a jacket while running burn more calories?
Ans. No, even the warmest running jacket won’t be able to do that. Whatever you sweat out running with a jacket on, it is just fluid loss from your body. The jackets do protect you from the weather and sun but do not aid in burning the calories.
Ques 3. How do I choose a winter running jacket?
Ans. We have mentioned six best running jackets, along with a buying guide. In an ideal case, your winter jacket should protect you from the weather but still be lightweight and breathable for a comfortable run.
Ques 4. What is the lightest running jacket?
Ans. MEETTYOO and Brooks are the two lightweight running jackets that you can try from the above list.
Ques 5. Are windbreakers good for running?
Ans. Yes, windbreakers are great for running as they will not let the wind hit your body. They are a good option to wear while running on a brisk morning or in the surprising conditions of the spring and fall.
The Best Running Jacket Is…
So, these are the 6 top running jackets, starting from the best lightweight running jackets to the ideal best trail running jacket, we have it all for you.
We suggest that you go for Arc’teryx if you need an extremely comfortable jacket for a day-to-day run and the weather in your area isn’t extreme.
Further, we have tried to address some conventional doubts people have associated with these running jackets. So, check them, read the buying guide, and make an informed buy.