Why do I need a running jacket?

The weather shouldn’t prevent you from hitting the roads or trails, but choosing what to wear in adverse weather can be a demotivator.

With the abundance of running gear available, key items are often dismissed as ‘nice to have’ but are, in fact, essential for contributing to performance, maintaining a routine, and keeping you running.

Running jackets are a commonly forgotten option, yet, the wrong choice of outer layer can stick to the skin, cause sweat to form and add extra bulk that slows down the pace. Running jackets designed by athletes are essential for all-weather running and can help aid performance, so read on to discover why a running jacket should be part of your collection.

What is a Running Jacket?

A running jacket is a lightweight shell made with fabric properties that act as protective skin against wet and cold. Designed to provide full freedom of movement through panel designs and innovative body mapping, a quality running jacket will aid performance, not hinder it.

There are ranges of running jackets that also maintain core temperatures during the colder seasons. These jackets have a thermo layer with reflective details that are perfect for lower-light conditions.

Whichever jacket you choose, it’s crucial to ensure it is designed for your sport, as it will quickly become a staple of your running gear.

How to Choose the Best Running Jacket

If you live in a temperamental climate, you must consider a jacket that is appropriate for all seasons. Although you may not need separate waterproof, water-resistant, and windproof jackets, there are styles with specific fabric technologies that make them perfect for individual seasons

Unsure which you need? Our guide on the difference between water resistance and waterproofing can help you decide.

Waterproof - For Those Wet Days

Waterproof jackets are crucial for running in heavy rainfall. The range of CONCURVE jackets from GOREWEAR boasts features, unlike any other jackets (details to follow). The most important element is the GORE-TEX promise “GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY”, making it perfect for battling the rain and wind any time of year.

Water-Resistant - Perfect for Post-Rainfall Runs

Showers or post-rainfall conditions may still require a level of protection. Water that falls on running shirts can still cause discomfort, chafing, and difficulty maintaining a core body temperature, especially in cooler weather.

Water-resistant jackets have a specific layer that offers a level of protection without full waterproofness, but most also offer a high level of wind proofing, making them ideal for between-season running.

Thermo / Insulated - Suitable for Winter and Cold Runs

A common misconception is that a jacket is not required when running due to increased body temperature. However, a jacket, along with base layers and running shirts, is designed to help maintain a core temperature.

Insulated jackets are designed to offer exactly this, and thermo jackets, specifically designed for colder conditions, often have additional reflective details for lower-light conditions.

Windproof Jackets - Perfect for Colder, Windier Days

Windproof protection is vital for keeping chills at bay and reducing soreness and chafing, as well as ensuring that body temperatures remain stable and aren’t affected by bitter chills.

GOREWEAR’s Approved Checklist for a Premium Running Jacket

The CONCURVE GORE-TEX Jacket is the latest design and technology for a running jacket. Its features are unlike other jackets and make it stand out from the competition. Let us share what makes this one of the ultimate running jacket on the market at the moment.

• Magnetic Hood Clip for Storage and Easy Accessibility: Most hoods on jackets, even running jackets, are fiddly to pack away and have a mind of their own in windy conditions. With the CONCURVE jacket, the hood can attach to the back of the jacket through a magnetic connection that is strong enough to keep the hood clasped in strong winds but easy enough to disconnect when the rains come. The mechanism has reduced the need for bulky zips and frustrating pack-a-ways seen on more traditional running jackets.

• Elasticated Cuffs to Prevent Water and Wind Entry: The elasticated cuffs allow for gloves to be worn UNDER on particularly cold runs. It prevents the rain and cold winds from entering but with the flexibility to be worn with a watch and gloves.

• Taped Seams for Waterproof Jackets: It's essential for runners, and if you’re entering events, this is the only type of gear that passes the kit check for full waterproofing.

• Internal Hood Band to Secure the Fit of the Hood: Secured features are crucial for running gear, so the CONCURVE jacket has an inside peaked band within the hood to keep it in place. However, it can also act as a moisture barrier, either for forehead sweat or rain from entering and getting into the jacket. A small feature that can make a big difference.

• EPE Material to Keep You Dry: The CONCURVE jacket features a low profile, streamlined fit and innovative body mapping for second skin-like freedom of movement without excess bulk, along with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise of our new thinner, lighter and PFC-Free** GORE-TEX fabric, for unmatched protection from the elements.

• Award Winning Design: The ISPO Award winning CONCURVE running jacket is a masterpiece of Kinetic Garment Design, delivering an ergonomic fit that moves effortlessly with your body while maintaining a sleek, streamlined profile. Using new GORE-TEX ePE fabric throughout, that’s thinner, lighter, and PFC-free** we were able to deliver the same durable protection you’ve come to trust for next level performance, with a lower carbon footprint*.

* Through laminates with a new lower-mass membrane and select textile(s) (per Higg MSI) ** Advances Gore Fabrics´ goal of being free of PFCs of environmental concern over the lifecycle of its consumer products. In this case, the goal is accomplished using non-fluorinated materials.

How to Choose a Running Jacket

Now that you know why you need a running jacket, how do you choose the right one for your style of running?

Choose a Jacket for the Time of Year

We’ve explained the types of weatherproof jackets available, so it's essential to understand when they are most appropriate to wear. Layering is critical in winter, so base layers, shirts, and jackets are all standard. Long sleeves, thermo layers, and breathability are all key components of a good winter running jacket.

Rain can come at any time of year, so although an insulated jacket may not be necessary, a lightweight, packable, and breathable jacket is the right solution for adverse weather days. Even in summer, a jacket may be essential depending on the distance and trails you’re running. Mountain treks can get colder as you incline, so taking a jacket with you where conditions may change is also crucial, even if the ground-level temperatures are high.

Look for Materials with Breathability

Breathability is the most important feature of any running gear, but it is especially important when choosing jackets. As body temperatures rise, so do moisture levels from body heat, which is why specific clothing is made for such sports. Trapped moisture can cause high levels of discomfort, resulting in chaffing, cold chills and difficulty in maintaining a core temperature.

Choose a Jacket Made with Greener Credentials

Runners may want to prioritize buying a product with a lower carbon footprint than another option. The goal should be finding products that deliver on performance, design, and style while reducing an environmental impact, and fortunately, there are running jackets that tick all of these boxes.

Opt for a Jacket with Reflectors

Choose a jacket with reflective details, especially if you're running in lower-light conditions. These are often situated on the back of a jacket or the arms.

Where to Get Your Running Jacket

GOREWEAR’s range of running jackets has been designed for athletes, by athletes. With so many options, they have considered all of the conditions and running styles that will aid performance and keep you focused on the road ahead.