Winter Running Jackets: How to Choose the Right Running Jacket for Cold Weather?

We are about to approach Christmas, and winter is at its peak with expected snow and chilly winds. If you like running outdoors instead of on a treadmill, the cold weather might sound like a hindrance to your performance. Fortunately, winter running is bliss when you have the right winter running jackets combined with warm gear. 

But aren’t they too heavy for running? Can running jackets keep you warm in cold weather? Similarly, there are so many questions that every athlete has when choosing a running jacket for cold weather. Considering this, we came up with a detailed trivia to answer these questions while sharing our tips and recommendations. So, let’s get started! 

Tips to Choose the Best Winter Running Jackets

Quality materials

No matter what you’re buying, high-quality material is the cornerstone of comfort and durability. However, when it comes to winter running jackets, materials determine their functionality and performance. Manufacturers use fleece, nylon, or polyester as the primary material in running jackets. 

We recommend buying a winter jacket that includes merino wool and proper venting panels. Why merino wool? It’s a natural moisture-wicking yet warm fabric with temperature-regulation properties. That’s what every runner seeks! 

Breathability 

Besides moisture-wicking and temperature regulation, breathability is worth considering while buying a running jacket. It’s obvious, too! You won’t like a jacket that suffocates you or makes you super sweaty after a quick run. Also, running makes your heart rate climb and generates sweat. 

If the sweat doesn’t evaporate, it can leave an odor and make you feel cold after exposure to air or wind. So, the breathability matters! We recommend buying a winter jacket with built-in ventilation and mesh panels to allow your body heat to escape. 

Weatherproofing

Winter is not all about dropped temperatures and chilly winds. Perhaps you also have rain and snow to deal with! While most winter running jackets feature water resistance, they are not completely waterproof and may not withstand a rain storm. 

If you run in an area with frequent rain or snow, you must prefer a waterproof jacket treated with Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. Manufacturers use innovative membranes with small holes between the face fabric and the liner to maintain ventilation while keeping the liquids out.

Insulation

Alright! You have resisted the wind, rain, and snow while keeping yourself dry and comfortable. Don’t forget that you’re running in below-freezing temperatures. Insulation is important to stay warm and cozy during your winter run. 

Here, puffer jackets spotlight the required insulation and become a solid option for cold winter runs. If puffer jackets seem to be too heavy, you can consider an insulated gilet as a lightweight and more breathable alternative.   

Hood

As we picked the concept of insulation, the hood is the element we can’t skip. But it’s hard to find a jacket hood that stays stable during the run. While we don’t recommend buying a running jacket with a hood, you should prefer a scuba hood instead of a cinched jacket hood. 

Also, you can try hoods with drawstrings that allow customization according to the requirements. One thing you must know is that hoods are not a deal breaker. Better buy a hat to keep your head warm without compromising the performance. 

Top 4 Types of Winter Running Jackets to Consider

Puffer jackets

When it comes to buying winter running jackets, puffer jackets are the first choice of most athletes. The credit goes to their heavy insulation and lightweight design. These jackets are filled with synthetic materials that keep them lightweight without compromising insulation. Moreover, manufacturers are using thermal technologies to enhance breathability. 

Windbreakers

If you’re not running in extremely cold weather, you can look around windbreakers as lighter options. They are non-insulated jackets with an outer shield designed to resist wind from reaching your body. While windbreakers may not offer insulation, they can still keep you comfortable in mild temperatures and light drizzle. 

Rain jackets

As the name describes, rain jackets come with a specific rain shield to resist water. They feature polyester and nylon as primary fabrics that don’t allow rain to enter inside. Besides being waterproof, some rain jackets also have drawstring adjustable hoods for custom fit and protecting your head. 

Running gilets

Want to run flawlessly without compromising insulation? Running gilets can be your choice. They are lightweight and focus on insulating your core. Your core stays warm while your arms are free, and it works like a balanced option. Especially if you tend to overheat while running, the versatile functionality of heat regulation and ventilation can make your running a bliss. 

The Bottom Line

Conclusively, winter running jackets are all about insulation and weatherproofing. If you choose a jacket with the right materials and construction, you can excel in the game of winter running. We recommend choosing a winter jacket according to temperature conditions for a worthwhile purchase. 

What are you gonna wear underneath your jacket? TD Sportswear offers custom running clothes that become a perfect match with their premium quality and functionality. Visit TD Sportswear and customize your sportswear for ultimate performance.