Ask any runner and they’ll tell you tales of scheduled training runs on days that ended up dumping rain. You might be one of them if you’ve decided to forego the treadmill and push through with the outdoor run.
No matter how much you prepare for a rainy run, you’ll probably get wet anyway, but it doesn’t mean you have to get soaked. The right gear can save you from a soggy slog and will make your puddle-splashing miles more enjoyable. Here are our top gear recommendations for staying as dry as possible and still enjoying those wet miles.
Best Running Rain Gear
- Ultralight Water-Resistant Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
- Waterproof Running Cap: Gore Waterproof Hat
- Active Rain Jacket: Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
- Weatherproof Running Vest: On Running Weather Vest
- Waterproof Socks: Sealskinz Waterproof Socks
The Expert, Maggie Slepian: I started road running in New Hampshire in college, taking my love of running from road to trail when I moved out west after graduating. Each year I test all sorts of running gear and use my field experience to pick the best options for a variety of athletes. I’ve been writing about outdoor gear since 2013, and my reviews and other work have appeared in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, Travel + Leisure, the Strategist, Women’s Health, and more. In 2020, I cofounded Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
What to Consider When Choosing Running Rain Gear
How We Selected
We compiled our longtime favorites that have proven themselves on rainy runs over the years, then sought out the best new gear and apparel to fill in the gaps. Building off of the initial roundup developed by Caitlin Giddings and the RW test team, I looked for new and updated rain jackets, hats, and the latest in Gore-Tex shoes for my recent refresh of this guide. I tried to anticipate the needs of all kinds of runners—and select options in every gear category.
Nearly all of the products here have been tested, and everything is approved by our team based on price, comfort, style, technical features, and the ability to keep us dry on days when most people wouldn’t venture out.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fit might feel too narrow for some runners
Key Specs
| Made of | Recycled ripstop nylon |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Water-resistant |
| Sizes | XS to XXXL (M), XS to XXL (W) |
The Houdini jacket’s best magic trick: its ability to protect you from a surprise onslaught of rain and wind—and then disappear up its own sleeve when you no longer need it. Made of ultra-lightweight ripstop nylon, this jacket is ideal at providing just enough weather resistance without turning into a sauna after you’re warmed up.
Notice the Houdini's smart details, like a drawcord hem and sleeves, an easy-to-cinch hood, and a carabiner loop on the zipper chest pocket for carrying the jacket while it’s stuffed down.
Gore Waterproof Hat
Gore Waterproof Hat
Pros
- Available in hi-viz yellow
Cons
- One size option might feel tight to some runners
Key Specs
| Made of | Polyester and polyamide |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Waterproof |
| Sizes | One size |
Rainy day runs can feel like joyful, puddle-hopping adventures or miserable slogs—and sometimes the difference just boils down to whether or not those drops are beating against your face the whole time. A decent rain hat will not only protect you from that gentle water torture, but it also beads water off of the cap and brim so your hair doesn’t get too wet and cold.
Yes, this waterproof cap is on the expensive side, but if you’re determined to maintain a dry head while sprinting through a deluge, this is the cap for you, thanks to its Gore-Tex construction and heat-sealed seams. Despite all the protection in its waterproof membrane, the hat is lightweight, comfortable, and fairly breathable. Just be warned: It’s available in only one adjustable size, which might not fit bigger heads.
Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
Showers Pass Cloudburst Jacket
Pros
- Roomy enough for layers underneath
Cons
- No hood
Key Specs
| Made of | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Waterproof |
| Sizes | S to XL (M), S to XL (W) |
If it's truly a waterproof jacket as opposed to a water-resistant one that you're searching for, this option from Showers Pass is a great pick. Its design includes a three-layer polyester fabric that helps keep the water out while still remaining lightweight and breathable.
The fit is slightly tailored so you have plenty of room to move without feeling like you're wearing a bag, and there's even enough space to wear a few layers underneath when the weather is chilly.
This is marketed as a cycling-specific jacket, but we love cycling clothes for the same reason we love running-specific gear. They’re designed to stay comfortable and breathable during high-output activity, and are made for a range of motion. The only thing we’d swap out for a running-specific rain jacket is the fact that this doesn’t come with a hood. Because, well, helmets.
On Running Weather Vest
On Running Weather Vest
Pros
- Packs down easily
Cons
- Limited precipitation protection
Key Specs
| Made of | 65 percent recycled polyamide, 35 percent elastane |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Water-resistant and windproof |
| Sizes | S to XXL (M), XS to XL (W) |
In-between weather calls for an in-between layer that can keep your core dry and warm in light rain—without becoming sweltering when the sun pops out. This stretchy, well-ventilated vest can do all of that, plus hold your phone, keys, and snacks in its waterproof zipper pockets. It’s made of lightweight, high-quality fabric and is small enough to pack down easily when not in use.
Pros
- Effective waterproof membrane
- Reasonably chafe-resistant
Cons
- Not as breathable as regular socks
Key Specs
| Made of | 94% nylon, 6% elastane |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Waterproof |
| Sizes | S to XL (M/W) |
When it’s cold and rainy out—but you’re determined to forge on like it isn’t—you'll want to slip your feet into these fully waterproof socks. Made from a three-layer construction, these socks have a nylon outer, a hydrophilic membrane, and an internal wool blend that gives them a cozier feel against your toes.
They’re designed to be breathable, but that only goes so far with waterproof socks. On warm days, Sealskinz’s socks will trap sweat and quickly become too steamy once you start moving. But on chilly days, the socks are ideal—allowing you to dart down muddy trails and through water crossings without getting soggy, unhappy feet. Find them in ankle and crew lengths.
Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Pros
- Resists rain
Cons
- May run small
Key Specs
| Made of | 80% nylon, 20% elastane |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Water-resistant |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (M), XS to XL (W) |
These tights are a savior for unpredictable winter weather. Tracksmith’s soft and durable Inverno blend fabric repels raindrops and keeps you warm when the wind starts to blow—but also stays breathable if the skies clear and the sun peeks out. A convenient back zipper pocket at the waistband lets you keep keys, cards, or fuel dry and secure.
Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX
Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX
Pros
- Aggressive lugs
- Durable upper
Cons
- Can feel narrow at first
- Midsole can feel firm to some runners
Key Specs
| Materials | Mesh, foam, rubber, Gore-Tex |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Gore-Tex waterproof membrane |
| Sizes | 7 to 14 (M), 5 to 12 (W) |
The RW test team loves these trail runners for training runs in all sorts of foul weather. The Gore-Tex membrane provides waterproof protection to keep your foot dryer, warmer, and more comfortable through any conditions and terrain. The Peregrine has a slightly stiffer midsole than other running shoes so if you prefer a cushy barrier between your foot and the ground, these might feel a little less protective.
But for runners who appreciate feeling more ground, the firm platform, grippy lugs, and secure fit have made this shoe a go-to for multiple years in a row. This latest update is a whole ounce lighter than previous versions with more flexion through the upper for an unimpeded stride.
Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Earbuds
Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Easy on-earbud command button
- Secure fit while running
Cons
- No wireless charging capabilities
Key Specs
| Components | Apple H1 Chip, Bluetooth, Charging Case, charging cords |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | IPX4-rated for high water resistance |
| Sizes | Three silicon earbud sizes |
These earbuds have the best combination of features from AirPods and Beats Studio Buds all crammed into a tiny set of earbuds with an ear wing to keep them secure while running. These are some of the most comfortable earbuds to wear on long runs, and have easy-to-use buttons that require just a light press to play, pause, skip, go back, and switch on active noise cancellation modes and Siri.
Lastly, these feature “spatial audio” which means when you turn your head, the audio rotates so it sounds like the band is in the same spot, just as the sound would change when you swivel your head at a real concert. These are rated IPX4 for a high level of water and sweat resistance.
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Pros
- Goes on clear
Cons
- Needs to be reapplied during long run
Key Specs
| Components | Plant-derived Caprylic/capric triglyceride and cetearyl alcohol, ozokerite wax, glyceryl behenate |
|---|---|
| Weather protection level | Water-resistant |
| Sizes | 1.5 oz., 2.5 oz. |
It’s never a bad idea to keep an extra stick of Body Glide on hand. This balm is sweat- and water-resistant, won’t clog pores, and doesn’t feel greasy. Use it everywhere and anywhere you suspect chafing or blisters might pop up during a run. Reapply every 30 minutes or so, just to make sure you don’t wear through the protective layer.
Q+A With Rainy Running Expert Caitlin Giddings
..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.
