Ask any runner and they’ll tell you their training run ended in rain and clouds. If you’ve decided to ditch the treadmill and take up running outdoors, you might be one of them.
No matter how much you prepare for a rainy day run, there’s a chance you’ll get wet, but that doesn’t mean you have to be soaking wet. The right gear can save you from trudging through mud and make puddle runs more enjoyable. Here are our top tips for choosing gear that will help you stay as dry as possible while still enjoying rainy days.
A hat with a brim is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from the rain, and when running in cold, rainy weather, consider wearing a lightweight beanie or headband to keep warm.
When the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to wear sun hats – they allow heat to dissipate away from the head more effectively. During a rainstorm, choose light or clear glasses to protect your eyes from the rain, but remember that glasses can fog up, so be prepared with a lens cleaner to defog the lenses.
Moisture-wicking clothing is always a must for running, especially in wet weather. Moisture-wicking products move moisture away from your skin, helping to prevent chafing and blisters. This is especially important for socks.
As for the rest of your attire, running and fitness expert Jenny Hadfield (aka Coach Jenny) recommends wearing tighter tops and bottoms, as they’re less likely to chafe your skin.
Light-colored bras and other clothing will soak through when exposed to water, so it’s best to wear dark clothing on rainy days. Invest in a lightweight waterproof jacket to stay dry during cold rain runs and other wet-weather activities. These jackets may not be as breathable as running jackets, but they offer better protection from the rain. If you’re running on a warm, rainy day, try wearing an ultralight waterproof jacket or running vest.
In damp weather, clothes become more chafed and smell more unpleasant, so use anti-chafing cream or petroleum jelly on your feet to prevent blisters, as well as on areas of your body that may chafe (hands, nipples, legs, seams of clothing).
When you finish your run, immediately remove your wet clothes and change into dry ones (or take a hot shower). To dry your shoes, remove the insoles and stuff them with newspaper or paper towels, which will also help eliminate odors.
We’ve rounded up the classic gear that’s won awards for running in the rain over the years, and picked out the best new gear and apparel to fill in the gaps. I’ve recently updated this guide based on the original review by Caitlin Giddings and the RW testing team, and I’ve also scoured the web for new and updated rain jackets, beanies, and the latest Gore-Tex running shoes. I aim to anticipate the needs of all types of runners and provide choices in each gear category.
Almost every product featured here has been tested and all have been approved by our team based on factors such as price, comfort, style, performance and the ability to keep you dry on days when most people don’t go outside.
The amazing thing about the Houdini jacket is that it protects you from sudden wind and rain, and when you no longer need it, it automatically tucks away into the sleeves. Made from ultra-lightweight ripstop nylon, this jacket provides enough weather protection to keep you from getting too hot or too cold, even when you’re warm.
Note Houdini’s thoughtful details, like the drawcord at the hem and sleeves, easy-to-pull hood, and carabiner loop on the zipped chest pocket for carrying the jacket when tucked in.
Running in the rain can be either a joyful adventure or a harrowing experience – sometimes the only difference is whether the rain hits your face or not. The right rain hat will not only protect you from minor flooding, it will also deflect water away from the brim and peak, preventing your hair from getting wet and frostbitten.
Yes, this waterproof hat is expensive, but if you want to keep your head dry while running in the rain, this hat is definitely for you thanks to the Gore-Tex fabric and heat-sealed seams. Despite the comprehensive protection provided by the waterproof membrane, this hat is still lightweight, comfortable and breathable. One thing to note, however, is that it only has one adjustable size, so it may not fit those with larger heads.
If you really want a waterproof jacket, rather than a water-repellent one, this jacket from Showers Pass is a great choice. It’s made from a three-layer polyester fabric that keeps water out while remaining lightweight and breathable.
It’s cut loose enough to give you plenty of room to move without feeling like you’re carrying a bag, and even enough room to layer underneath in cooler weather.
This jersey is marketed as a cycling-specific jacket, but we like cycling jerseys for the same reasons we like running gear. They’re designed to be comfortable and breathable during intense workouts, and they’re suitable for a wide range of movements. The only thing we’d change from a dedicated running rain jacket is the lack of a hood. Because, well, helmets.
When the weather gets cooler, you’ll need something that can keep you dry and warm in light rain, but won’t be unbearably hot in bright sunshine. This stretchy, breathable vest not only holds all your essentials, but also allows you to store your phone, keys, and snacks in a waterproof zippered pocket. It’s made from lightweight, high-quality fabric and is compact, so it’s easy to store when not in use.
When it’s cold and rainy outside but you’re determined to keep going, you’ll want to reach for these completely waterproof socks. These socks have a three-layer construction: the outer layer is nylon, the inner layer is a hydrophilic membrane, and the inner layer is wool fabric for added comfort.
They’re designed to be breathable, but waterproof socks can only breathe so much. On warm days, Sealskinz socks wick away sweat, and once you start moving, you quickly get stuffy. But on cold days, these socks are the perfect option — they’ll keep your feet comfortable on muddy trails and through water without getting them wet. Available in ankle and mid-calf lengths.
These leggings are a lifesaver in unpredictable winter weather. Tracksmith’s soft and durable Inverno blend repels rain, keeps you warm in windy conditions, and breathes even in bright, sunny conditions. A handy zipped pocket at the back of the waistband keeps things like keys, maps, and fuel safe and secure.
The RW test team really liked these trail running shoes, especially for all-weather training. The waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane provides waterproof protection, keeping your feet dry, warm, and comfortable in all weather and terrain. The Peregrine’s outsole is a little stiffer than other shoes, so if you prefer a softer layer between your foot and the ground, this shoe may provide a little less protection.
But for runners who care more about how their feet feel, the durable outsole, grippy lugs, and secure fit have made this shoe a top choice for years. The latest version is a full ounce lighter than previous versions and features a more flexible upper for a smoother stride.
These headphones combine the features of AirPods and Beats Studio Buds into a compact design with over-the-ear hooks for a secure fit while you run. They’re some of the most comfortable headphones for long runs, with easy-to-use buttons that let you play, pause, skip, go back, and turn on active noise cancellation and Siri with a single press.
Finally, the headphones have a “spatial sound” feature, which means that when you turn your head, the sound rotates, making it feel like the band is in the same place, just like the sound changes when you turn your head at a real concert. The headphones are IPX4 rated for water and sweat resistance.
It never hurts to carry a bottle of Body Glide hand cream with you. This hand cream is sweat- and water-resistant, won’t clog pores, and won’t leave a greasy residue. You can use it anywhere you think you might get bruises or blisters while running. Reapply about every 30 minutes to keep the protective layer from wearing off.
Waterproof gear (usually with a DWR water-repellent treatment) can protect against light rain and drizzle; however, a sustained downpour will eventually soak through the fabric and seams, leaving you soaking wet. Fully waterproof gear will withstand heavy precipitation and keep you dry in all conditions.
It is important to note that in the latter case, breathability may be reduced and you may end up wet from your own sweat. Fully waterproof gear is best for running in the rainiest and coldest weather; in warm weather and drizzle, it is better to wear waterproof clothing.
If the weather is wet enough to require complete waterproofing, choose clothing and gear with multiple layers, including waterproof membranes and water-repellent coatings (such as DWR), as well as taped seams that prevent water from seeping through the seams.
If you see a number next to a garment’s waterproof rating, you can better predict how it will perform in the rain. For example, a 10K/10K jacket will protect you from normal rain, while a 20K/20K jacket will keep you dry in heavy rain.
For runners who forget to pack a raincoat on race day or don’t want to spend the money to buy one during the race, Coach Jenny has some practical advice. “Before the race, use a large trash bag with a hole in the bottom so it’s easier to put on your head,” she advises. “Fashionable girls can use smaller drawstring bags for a more stylish look. I once ran a half marathon with a white bag just to stay dry, and my race photos turned out great.”
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance outdoor writer with nearly a decade of experience testing professional gear. She is an avid hiker, trail runner, cyclist, and equestrian who has logged thousands of miles of trails in the Appalachians, Colorado, and Ouachita Mountains, as well as wilderness trips along the coast, in the desert, and on high mountain peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, The Huffington Post, REI, and Outside Magazine. She is a columnist for Backpacker Magazine and the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. You can reach her at MaggieSlepian.com.