20 Best Windbreakers For Running (2022 Updated)

I absolutely love this jacket. Not only is it super lightweight and comfortable, but the style/ colorblocking of it is beautiful. There are a lot of subtle reflective points on the jacket so it doesn’t make it too overwhelming, but allows for you to easily be seen in the dark.

I’ve worn this on a couple of jogs, and it’s awesome for them because it adds no extra weight due to how lightweight it is, but it provides great protection from the elements. It’s 100% nylon. I’ve also used this jacket while playing volleyball and the material is perfect for playing since it doesn’t interfere at all with ball contact.

There’s a lot of New Branding on the jacket, but it’s done with style in mind because it suits the jacket and isn’t overwhelming in my opinion. Every opening of the jacket also provides cuffs so aside from it fitting true to size, it also doubles down on a truly snug fit but having those cuffs on the ends of the sleeve, waist, and hood.

There is one zipper pocket on the left side of the jacket and there is an added strap inside to connect your keys to or anything else you may want to take with you while on a run. For the TLDR, I’ll post the pros and cons below.

Pros: – Lightweight, made of 100% nylon – Fits true to size – I’m about 5’6″ and wear a size S. The cuffs on the end of the sleeves, waist and hood are a nice touch. The zipper also zips all the way up to your chin so it’s good on lightly windy, cooler days.

– Colorblocking/ design is beautiful and stylish. – Passed the “Laundry test” (didn’t shrink and the quality didn’t deteriorate after washing and drying multiple times) – Perfect jacket for playing any sports and for running – provides protection of light winds and has reflective points all over the jacket to make you easily seen in dark – Has one zipper pocket to further secure anything you may store in there – Good quality zippers Cons: – Some loose stitches here and there – these aren’t really present in the more crucial areas, but I have noticed some loose threads around the jacket – Only has one zipper pocket – this is more of a personal preference, but it would have been nice to have 2 zipper pockets rather than just one.

I love this jacket. Lightweight, but warm enough to run in it in -5 – 5°C without extra layering. It has 2 big zippered pockets in front that holds my phone, tissues, keys and sometimes my gloves when I got warmer.

My favorite part is the 2 side drop-in-packets that I usually use for bring a 225ml soft flask with me. The size is perfect for this purpose. Of or course for some gels if needed. On the left arm there is a plastic placed for seeing your watch without exposing your arm to the cold.

This worked for me very well in dark, when the watch screen light was strong. During daylight however it was very hard to read the face of the watch as the plastic got foggy. It has some small holes on it for trying to avoid this issue, but for me it didn’t work very well.

This is a good cold weather jacket. My only complaint is that it is a it heavy, both in weight and cumbersomeness (ok, not a word) and the weight on my weekly long run if 15 miles is noticeable – not so much on my day I’ll 8 milers.

The thickness of the lining provides the warmth and I guess the bit of weight. I find the watch flap very helpful. I will certainly be happy wearing this on cold days (though not very cold and windy days as the open slits in the back to let out excess heat tend to let in a bit too much wind).

Overall a positive review, but with some caveats.

Really nice for cool weather, lightweight while still providing some warmth. However, here in the Seattle area, we get a lot of rain. This coat is not waterproof. I would call it barely water resistant.

Other than that, it’s very nice. The material feels good too.

This jacket comes right to the waist. It is a little too short in my opinion for a windbreaker. It should be longer. I ordered up in size and it still felt too short. Not very happy with the product overall.

We ordered a youth xl and it is huge. It fits my 6’2″ husband. The sizing is so far off. The mens small sweatshirt we bought is smaller than the youth size. I think you need to check your sizing chart.

We are disappointed as it has my daughter’s number on it so we can’t return it.

Was looking for a running jacket and this exceeded my expectations. Based on a other reviews that said it keeps them warm in 30-40s degree weather, I was a little skeptical when it delivered because it is so light weight.

Wore it for the first time today in 38 and sunny Wisconsin weather and it definitely lived up to the hype. Im 5’9, 171 lbs and a Medium fit great, cut off right at my belt line.

Running in 30-40 degree weather as a top layer has been really great. After the first mile warm-up, could probably do without a midlayer if you can get over the hump. Runs a bit baggy, so I sized down despite being a larger, but short fellow.

Like how it’s packable — Can bring while traveling whatever the weather.

I used to have a nike jacket that was great for walking – light weight and covered you up so it could be thrown on over whatever leggings. Found it so hard to find one again until this one! Only thing I’d prefer is if there was a way of tightening the elastic at the end.

Also can look sit a bit weird if you’ve a lot in your pockets (phone, earphones etc).

This jacket is v lightweight but still blocks the worst of wind and some light rain. I overheat quickly and so the details like the buttons on the front that allow you to unzip without becoming a windsock are great.

Also the ability to strip it off and basically turn it into a small backpack is equally great. Finally the clip on the back to keep the hood rolled up and out of the wind is good too. This thing is so well designed that I get disappointed when it is too warm to wear it.

Light and water resistant. Love the snaps that keep it together if you unzip it to let a breeze in. The stuff sack and straps are a cool feature. The orange makes me very visible on the road! Some loose threads / seams showing on the inside of it etc.

– it’s not of the same quality as Arcteryx or other brands that make similar jackets. But it does the job well for a great price. Water resistance is great. If it wears off later I’ll just treat it with a waterproofing spray.

I’m 6’1″ and 150 pounds. I went with size small for my narrow shoulders. The length of the sleeves is fine on me, just a tiny bit short maybe but I think the medium would be too big.

Bought this jacket for my husband for Christmas. When it arrived and I opened it, I immediately pulled up my order. The jacket looks like light gray/white in the photo, but I can assure you it is not.

It is a very light color with kind of green undertones with a darker green matrix/striped pattern all over. You really have to zoom in on the photo to see it. Very disappointing. Returned it the day it arrived.

If you need a really light jacket this is perfect. Usually Adidas runs on the smaller size but this jacket is true to size. Just be aware that the back has a LARGE Adidas logo. I don’t like the fact that they only show the front of the jacket in the picture.

So i’m a good size 16, I purchased this jacket in a size Large and it was tiny. The arms are really short, the jacket is not long enough also. It’s also soo thin. It’s like paper. I had to return it unfortunately, completely not worth the money in my opinion.

I bought this windbreaker & so glad I did. It’s thin but perfect for my 20 min run in the mornings. Love the toggle ties on the inside to stop the jacket riding up. I’m a 10-12 & bought the M so buy your right size! Buy it now while it’s in the sale!!!.

The material is light weight and comfortable. With a long sleeve under it keeps you warm in cooler temps. The white camo is the perfect color. In true unisex fashion, for women size down at least one if not two sizes.

I ordered two sizes down and while it does fit, it leaves little room for movement in the arms.

My initial impressions were that the windbreaker was quite thin and can be compressed to fit in almost any backpack. I was quite impressed with the jackets ability to keep you warm in windy conditions while also being so thin.

The jacket is also water-resistant, however after a 1 hour session in the rain, water had penetrated the jacket and my hoodie underneath was slightly damp. Overall decent purchase at the price, but I would prefer if the jacket had more pockets and a slightly higher quality zipper.

At the price, I do recommend this product.

This seems to be the pattern over the last few years (for alot of clothing). this particular company’s jackets are not fitted for the average American male. If you’ve done the slightest sporadic lifting or genetically your shoulders, lats, chest are wider than “slim”.

don’t flex or reach. You’ll tear this jacket open. If you go up one size. it’ll be much longer than the normal proportion. Tall and narrow. it’s fine. Average height and slightly wide. no good.

Bought this a couple of weeks ago for my brother. He likes going to the gym and playing golf and this is perfect for him. Very lightweight and has good air flow (his words lol) Colour is beautiful as well.

Fits him well, he is medium in t-shirts etc and prefers jackets a little looser so got a large and he says it’s a perfect fit.

Good product stylish and does the job. Large size is really a big medium and fits over a hoody. Good after training

Nice solid jacket. bought it when I could get an additional 50% off so I couldn’t pass it up. A little heavier than I thought it would be (not necessarily a bad thing). Somehow I missed that it was a full zip so I ended up returning it because I was really looking for a half or quarter zip jacket.

Let me preface this review by saying that I have only used this for cycling, and my style of cycling is usually pushing myself somewhat hard with fast (for me) pedaling and lots of heavy breathing when I ride.

I bought this jacket in hopes that it would be a nice windbreaker for cycling on chillier, but not cold, days. I have a Gore shakedry goretex jacket that i like to use when it’s around freezing or below temps.

I was hoping this would be a nice jacket for when it’s around 35-50f, but i was very disappointed with the breathability, which seemed to pretty much be none. My first ride was just below 50f and i was sweating quite a bit; i figured maybe that was just too warm for the jacket.

The other day I went for a ride when it was about 38f and I was riding into a strong freezing headwind for 2 hours, and I was still sweating!! It felt like I was wearing a giant plastic bag, not a tech jacket designed for high output activities.

I’m basing my standards of breathability off of the alpine start jacket, which keeps me warm enough down to around 35f and breathes amazingly, but i don’t like using it because i have the hooded version.

I’m going to get another alpine start jacket without a hood and call it good. For size reference. I wear a medium in most stuff, but i have 3 different BD jackets and they’re all small. I think their stuff runs a little baggy/is not form-fitting and that’s why I usually do small.

I’m 158lbs and 5’11” and as far as size, the small for cycling is perfect for me.

Let me preface this review by saying that I have only used this for cycling, and my style of cycling is usually pushing myself somewhat hard with fast (for me) pedaling and lots of heavy breathing when I ride.

I bought this jacket in hopes that it would be a nice windbreaker for cycling on chillier, but not cold, days. I have a Gore shakedry goretex jacket that i like to use when it’s around freezing or below temps.

I was hoping this would be a nice jacket for when it’s around 35-50f, but i was very disappointed with the breathability, which seemed to pretty much be none. My first ride was just below 50f and i was sweating quite a bit; i figured maybe that was just too warm for the jacket.

The other day I went for a ride when it was about 38f and I was riding into a strong freezing headwind for 2 hours, and I was still sweating!! It felt like I was wearing a giant plastic bag, not a tech jacket designed for high output activities.

I’m basing my standards of breathability off of the alpine start jacket, which keeps me warm enough down to around 35f and breathes amazingly, but i don’t like using it because i have the hooded version.

I’m going to get another alpine start jacket without a hood and call it good. For size reference. I wear a medium in most stuff, but i have 3 different BD jackets and they’re all small. I think their stuff runs a little baggy/is not form-fitting and that’s why I usually do small.

I’m 158lbs and 5’11” and as far as size, the small for cycling is perfect for me.

Replaced my Houdini with one of these. Two big likes compared to the Patagonia windshirt: 1) reasonably usable chest pocket; 2) hood that fits over a helmet. The fabric is slippery, slides over layers, and is surprisingly breathable considering how water-resistant it’s been.

Grunting uphill on a trail hike the Distance kept the wind off me while venting moisture, and shedding snow from the periodic squalls. Back toward the valley the trickling snow turned to drizzle. My partner switched to a rain jacket, but my Distance jacket kept the water at bay for another hour, long enough to reach the car.

Also used on a bikepacking trip. Hood fit over my bike helmet, sleeves are long enough for riding, and the breathable fabric helped with moisture management. Cut is snug, fitting close over light layers.

Torso is long, tucks into a harness. Sleeves are long. Gripes. Would like shorter front body and some tail drop, which would work well for all sports. An even larger chest pocket would be nice. Otherwise, the Distance is a really good windshirt.

No more Houdinis for me.

I am giving it a 4 star because everything but the sizing I don’t like. The waist line/bottom doesn’t fit me in my normal size but the rest of it does, I would have to go up to a 2xl if I wanted the waist line to fit me but then the top/sleeves would be wayyyy to big.

My husbands true size of a 2xl fit him but he doesn’t have women hips or a booty. Hahaha.

Purchased for visibility while running. Definitely NOT water repellant in any way. Rain goes RIGHT through-you’ll get soaked. Helpful as a windbreaker. I wish the pockets had zippers on them – they’re pretty useless if you’re doing anything active.

Overall I wish I had spent more money to get a better quality jacket. You get what you pay for. :(.

I find this concept and design genius! Fold it up when you dont need it. No hassle with tying it around the hips while running and you decided to take it off. It is lightweight and compact and can fit into the smallest pocket!! When you do need it against the chills for those early morning runs.

it is perfect! Keeps the heat in and the wind out. Breathable and extremely comfortable. Great product. I have three of them – all different colours :).

Great jacket nice and comfy for running, easy to fold away into pocket.

very happy with my purchase, recommend

Product arrived swiftly and promptly The only issue with this product is the material. You expect windbreakers to be a little more thicker when its water resistant; but this windbreaker ran on the thinner side.

Its also squeaky when the material rubs against each other. Other than that; it sure is water resistant But I wouldnt wear this if its raining and I need to stay warm.

I love these windbreakers and use them with nylon specific HTV. Just make sure you use teflon sheets because the nylon WILL melt if the heat press touches it directly. Also for your information the windbreakers definitely run on the larger side.

I am 5’11” and 155lbs and wear the small size. It fits nice and snug without being baggy.

These jackets are super lightweight, comfortable, and tough. The quality is awesome and it looks and feels great!

Just a few notes: -The jacket is super lightweight and not noisy, as others have said. -I think it runs slightly small (contrary to another reviewer). I’m 5’6′ 140 and the medium fits but it is not roomy (I’m usually between a small and a medium).

But maybe others want it fitted. It is not flattering fitted, on me (I tried the small also) b/c of my belly-clings to all the wrong places. Also, the fabric has an interesting stretchiness. -The teal color really is teal-it looked more turquoise to me online, which is why I chose it, but it definitely has green undertones.

So unfortunately I’m going to return it and try another color (teal is terrible on my skin). I’m giving it 5 stars b/c I can tell it would be a great, useful jacket.

I love the quiet material! I wish it had a hand pocket (vs only a chest pocket) for gels, etc, but that might be my habit. Also, wish it had cinch straps around the waist. It is great that it is wind proof but without the cinch straps the wind really can blow up it letting in a lot of cold air.

I got a small and can comfortably wear a hoodie underneath. I do love the sleeve length and the hood! A higher ponytail hole would be great for us bun gals!.

When I got this coat I couldn’t believe how thin it was and had to double-check the reviews on the coat as to why I bought it. I wore this recently on a hike when it was a little overcast and threatening to rain.

There was a downpour while out on my long hike. I did get damp during the hike (it was POURING rain) but I had dried quickly and didn’t feel the wet grossness I typically feel when wearing a coat while running/hiking.

I also loved the long sleeves over the hand during the rain. This coat is perfect for lighter rain and wind. I can’t wait to wear it again. I also think the suggestion from another review to wear in the woods to prevent mosquito bites is spot on!.

I have gone back and forth on this jacket since it was released. I have seen it in TNF stores and tried it on multiple times but never pulled the trigger because of the cost. I ran and raced in the North Face Vectiv Enduris this year and was so impressed by the quality of the shoes.

I was heading into another long Minnesota winter and decided to try out the Futurelight Jacket. I’m so glad that I did. I also compared it to a thermal jacket by Janji, but ultimately am sticking with TNF Futurelight Jacket.

It has worked incredibly well with maintaining warmth and releasing moisture from inside. I wear a Merino wool layer(s) under the jacket based on temperature and wind chill. I have done long runs (3+ hours) and short high intensity runs in the jacket and have zero moisture build up on the inside of the jacket.

It handles snow and wind like a champ as I ran in -7 degree wind-chill today. It does pack into itself, but it doesn’t have actual pockets-my only complaint. I get it though, a jacket like this is easier to make without them.

Lastly the green is highly visible, which I love while running in town.

I’ve just used this jacket for the first time on a week long camping and hiking trip through southern Utah. I love the simpleness which also adds to how lightweight and compact it is. It’s windproofing is amazing, although the hood won’t stay up in a headwind and there’s no drawstring to tighten it, because that would add weight.

I haven’t had a chance to test it in the rain yet. It folds up to the size of a baseball! I would say the got is a tiny bit off for me though. I’m 180cm tall and medium/slim build, but long limbed. I would like the sleeves and the torso to be a bit longer.

Finally a cropped jacket! I am petite and this jacket is perfect, so much that I just had to purchase both the blue and the black one. I loved the fit of the jacket and although it’s not thick, pretty thin actually, it is surprisingly warm! Yes the length is a cropped sits right at the waist but if you like that fit then this is for you.

It is warm, light, easy to pack, and the bright blue color was stunning. I am very happy I purchased in both colors. Not to mention is has the large TNF logo too so has a bit of the that vintage TNF look to it.

I wouldn’t recommend for very cold/extreme weather unless you plan to layer. Great for California winters.

This jacket is fantastic. It fits like a glove the cut is amazing. The quality of materials is clearly superior. And despite it being super thing and light it actually does keep warm. If there was not that issue with the zipper.

I agree it would be great to have the little button so you can keep it open and just fasten both sides so you don‘t go flapping about like batman. But the issue I have – presumably a production issue – is that the inside of the zipper is so rough and the jacket being cut rather close to the body, it roughs up and basically damages my t-shirts.

All t-shirts I have worn underneath this jacket so far all have a roughed up frizzy line running right across the middle where the on jacket zipper chafed against the tissue. On has without a doubt Apple status – fabulous designs paired with fabulous quality, but this one is a bit of a let-down.

I love this jacket! It was more than I normally like to spend on a running jacket but after taking it out for a few runs I think it is worth it. The quality matches the prices. It fits well, looks nice, and is functional.

There is an inner mesh inside that makes it really comfortable compared to other weather running jacket’s that tend to feel like garbage bags. The cuffs are also one of my favorite parts there is a small bit of elastic to help the jacket fit well around with wrists to keep moisture out but not too tight to be uncomfortable.

Loved how this jacket looked on website, decided to purchase gray and white combo; I live in the PacNW and am always looking for good wet weather running gear. When the jacket arrived, I was disappointed in numerous ways.

First, the material is sheer and the images onsite are misleading (the material appears to be opaque). Second, I ordered my usual size S (I am 5’6″, 117lbs) and the fit was odd–body was too loose (making the silhouette unflattering) and the length was too long (I have a normal, athletic build and do not have a short torso).

Third, the hood was really heavy and when the jacket was completely zippered and the hood was not in use, the weight caused the collar to press against my neck in an uncomfortable way. Lastly, the collar/neck was stiff and the edge often suck into my chin when the jacket was zippered as pictured on the Backcountry site.

I could not convince myself that this jacket would be comfortable on a 5 mile run and for the price, this jacket needed to be perfect. Returned it to Backcountry with no regrets.

size large; arms are so skinny i couldnt get mine in them, really tight around the chest not the size it states and the bottom of the jacket is so wide get 2 people in that bit and its soooo sooo short it barely touched my waist.

overall really dissapointed in this item and all my clothes are Nike!.

Button popped out on day one , pocket ripped within a week of owning. Otherwise the jacket is very comfortable as the fit is great. 5’8 165 with a medium and the fit is perfect.

does the trick, light enough to feel free to run in but with another protection to keep of the worst of the plan. I like the fit, it feels loose but without looking like it

Absolutely love this jacket. Bought it to use for my first 100K along the Outer Banks of NC. Specifically searched for a lightweight rain jacket since I knew temperatures would be in the upper 60s. Admittedly, I was skeptical when the jacket arrived due the the thin material.

I was pleasantly surprised when I used the jacket from mile 37-50. Kept me completely dry during a thunderstorm and the material breathes perfect! The snaps on the front allow for additional air flow.

Well worth the price in my opinion!.

I wasn’t too sure about this at first because I was thinking if it as a top layer and I don’t know that you could fit a fisherman’s sweater underneath, but then my husband reminded me that if it was that cold/rainy out, he would wear a different jacket all together.

So this is great for those cool/warm rainy days we get here to keep you dry without overheating you. Definitely a lightweight layer. And it’s a full zip! I didn’t realize and that makes it just about perfect.

Big fan of Vuori style and quality. I had a zipper malfunction on this jacket probably the second time Worn while riding a bike with a pack on. Zipped region mid chest came apart. I was only able to fix it myself by re-threading zipper it from the top but issue reoccurs I think when there is significant tension across the zipper.

Doesn’t seem to be an issue when running with a pack so I’ll use it for that instead of on the bike.

Just wore my rain jacket on a rainy weekend in Portland. It’s lightweight, really easy to pack but kept me nice and dry. I love the little front pocket that can hold my phone. Having the hood was great.

Comfortable and still breathable, unlike some rain jackets that I’ve had that make me claustrophobic. Would def recommend and the blue color is really nice – neutral but interesting.

I was looking for a lightweight windbreaker that could be worn in the fall, spring, and early summer mornings for hikes, jogging, fishing, etc. I have worn this jacket on a 50 degree overcast day with a slight drizzle, and it kept me dry, and protected from the wind.

I have yet to try it out in a direct rainstorm. The quality of the jacket is solid. Very simple construction with two hand pockets secured with velcro tabs, a full front zipper with storm flap and velcro tabs, and an interior compartment that works as a stuff sack when the jacket is not in use.

The hood is not detachable, and the interior mesh is very comfortable. As a very tall, very slim man, it can be difficult to find clothing that fits comfortably without looking like I’m wearing a trash bag, because most stores only offer “BIG and tall” options.

Fortunately, LL Bean has options for almost everybody! One thing I will point out, which seems to be griped about in other reviews is that this jacket is slightly fitted. SO, if you have very broad shoulders, or a bit of a gut, this may not offer the ideal fit for you.

I’ve been buying this wind breaker for a decade or so. I have 2 of the older style ( zippered outer pockets). There are a few pluses and a few minutes with the new style. I like the zippered inner pocket and the velcroed outer pockets.

With my older jackets, the outer zipper cover material was always getting caught in the zipper. The two things that are missing from the new style – I REALLY miss the extra Velcro strap at the sleeve cuffs so that you can tighten the cuffs! I miss the bottom cable that you could use to snug up the bottom of the jacket.

Also, LLBean should have put a bit more Velcro for the outside pockets.

Overall, this is a great choice for days when you don’t need a warm rain jacket and when it looks like rain and you want something lightweight to take with you so you don’t get soaked. It folds into something that you can easily carry with you in a backpack or tote bag.

The interior mesh lining makes it more comfortable than a totally unlined jacket, without adding bulk. The size was my normal L. L. Bean size. I love the bright blue color. My only complaint is that the two outside pockets have a short strip of velcro instead of a zipper.

A zipper would make it easier to use. However, there is an inside pocket with a zipper.