Real Women Review: Waterproof Running Jackets
There’s no such thing as bad weather, you just need the right kit. We asked our running and triathlon community for their top waterproof running jacket recommendations to help other women choose the best kit and get out in all weathers…
Inov-8 Stormshell Full Zip Running Jacket
Price: £180
Key attributes: Lightweight jacket for training and racing in wet conditions.
“The Inov-8 Stormshell folds away really small, so it’s perfect to carry on changeable days, it’s waterproof and, most importantly breathable too.
The jacket also has a slight stretch to the material too which I really like, as I can feel it moving with me as I run, rather than restricting me.
It has a toggle to tighten the back of the hood, a small wire in the brim to stop it blowing off backwards and thumb-holes too so you can keep some of your hands covered” – Jem (@angel_jem_j)
The Finisterre Rainbird Waterproof Jacket
Price: £110
Key attributes: Fully waterproof, the Rainbird is lightweight, versatile and made of recycled material.
“I love my Finisterre Rainbird jacket because it keeps you so dry. After a wet and windy seafront run this morning, my top half was bone dry and I wasn’t overheating or sweating from wearing it. It’s also really lightweight and made from recycled plastic.”– Fiona in the GRTW Facebook group.
This jacket also won Wanderlust’s Gear of the Year Best Travel Waterproof, so a good all-purpose choice.
Paramo Alize Ultra Light Windproof Jacket
Price: £60
Key attributes: Packable, ultralight, water-repellent windproof jacket
“I wear a Paramo Alize Ultra which is windproof and water repellent rather than waterproof. But I’ve washed it in Nikwax and it has kept me drying running in the mountains in Wales, cycling in Shropshire and hiking in Scotland and the lakes.
It has kept me warm and dry but I’ve not worn it in a full-on downpour so can’t attest to that. But I can say that it’s breathable, no boil in the bag chicken feeling!’ Julie (@mejulieh1)
OMM Kamleika Jacket
Price: On sale for £130
Key attributes: The super stretch fabric allows the jacket to move providing comfort and the performance of a fully-featured mountain shell.
“I’ve always worn the OMM Men’s Kamelika jacket because it has some flex in so it’s great for mountain biking too, it’s waterproof and windproof so it keeps you super warm despite being pretty light.” – Rachael, GRTW Founder
Ultimate direction Ultra jacket V2
Price: £145
Key attributes: You don’t have to choose between windproof and waterproof – with the Ultra you get both.
“The Ultimate direction Ultra jacket V2 is women-specific, 30,000mm, tapered seams with a hood so passes even UTMB requirements for mandatory kit….and it works, seriously!” – Lucja Leonard, GRTW coach and extremely experienced ultra runner.
Rated ‘The Best Women’s Running Jacket of 2018’ by Outdoor Gear Lab.