The best winter running jackets: our selection

Choosing your winter running gear is a big deal when you live in Quebec or Ontario. And the reward is worth it: running when all is white means enjoying the peace and quiet, the immaculate landscapes and the sound of your strides in the snow. After you put on your men’s or women’s sportswear and running shoes, there is still one crucial step left to complete your outfit: adding a jacket that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements. Salomon, Outdoor Research, RAB… Discover our selection of the best winter running jackets!

Men’s running jackets Women’s running jackets

Norrona

A winter running jacket needs to be well insulated and highly breathable, while also remaining lightweight. That’s exactly what you get with Norrona’s Falketind Octa jacket, available for men and women. This is an ideal model for both trail running and winter hiking.
Suitable for high activity levels, this insulated jacket integrates perfectly into a multi-layer system. This comfortable, elegant piece, made partly from recycled fibres, will go with you on roads and trails and dry quickly when you pick up the pace. Its Octa lining will keep you warm, and its recycled Pertex® (windproof) outer fabric will protect you from gusts and moisture (with a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment).
Another thing we love about this waterproof jacket is the comfort and ease of movement it provides – perfect when going for a run. You will also appreciate all the built-in “details” and features: high collar, large pockets to store your cell phone and a Näak bar, elastic cuffs with thumbholes…

Outdoor Research

With its Gore-Tex Foray II (men’s) and Gore-Tex Aspire II (women’s) models, Outdoor Research is at the top of the rankings for the best winter running jackets.

There’s a lot we love about these models, and they are in fact the brand’s best-selling waterproof jackets. As far as waterproofing is concerned, you can be confident that the Paclite® Gore-Tex® membrane will keep you dry, especially with the sealed seams that keep water out. You can learn everything you need to know about Gore-Tex and why this membrane is the ultimate waterproofing material by reading the dedicated article on our blog.

These men’s and women’s running jackets are windproof and breathable, and they include TorsoFlo™ vents to help regulate your temperature throughout your outing.

The Foray II and Aspire II are not the warmest models in the Outdoor Research collection, but that’s actually an advantage, as you don’t want to “suffocate” under your coat when running. Both also make excellent “shields” against the elements with their fully adjustable hood, drawcord hem, cuff closures…

You will definitely appreciate the variety of colours available and the practical, well-thought-out details such as the chest pocket, side pockets, and key clip.

RAB

The RAB Xenair Alpine Light, for women or men, may just be one of the most versatile running jackets in our selection. This model has many convenient features, whether worn as an outer layer or a mid layer in a multi-layer system.

Made from almost 50% recycled materials, the Xenair Alpine Light is resistant, compact and ultra-lightweight. Created by RAB as a multi-purpose jacket, it is ideal for winter running as well as other outdoor activities like climbing and hiking. It is windproof and highly breathable, which is perfect if the wind picks up during your outing on the trails. Its durable water-repellent treatment makes it water-resistant without being totally waterproof.

Its PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ synthetic insulation provides the right amount of warmth for high-intensity winter activities. It will also keep you warm if you stop to tie your laces or refill your flask, thanks to its Pertex® Quantum Air outer fabric.

Like the other winter running jackets in our selection, the Xenair Alpine Light from RAB is filled with features that are very useful during physical activities: elastic cuffs, adjustable hood, zippered pockets (including a chest pocket), hem adjustment, etc.

Sportful

Sportful creates far more than cycling clothing. The brand indeed has an extensive range of clothing designed for winter activities such as cross-country skiing and running. The Engadin jacket, available for both men and women, is equally suited to runners and cross-country skiers. Versatile and technical, this lightweight jacket is ideal for your winter runs, provided the cold isn’t too biting.
This well-designed polyester jacket features a windproof softshell fabric on the front and a more breathable fabric on the back for effective moisture wicking during physical activities. The Engadin model is breathable and water-repellent but not waterproof. You’ll want to avoid wearing it in heavy rain or if there is a chance of showers catching you during your run.
Two large front pockets on the jacket allow you to carry your keys and cell phone, and a high collar provides protection for your neck (again, as long as the temperature isn’t too cold).
All in all, Sportful’s Engadin athletic model is a versatile, practical, and budget-friendly option if you’re searching for a men’s or women’s running jacket. However, you may want to consider another jacket from our selection if you plan to run during the coldest hours of winter.

Jack Wolfskin

The Feldberg men’s softshell jacket illustrates what Jack Wolfskin does best: developing clothing for the most intense winter activities.

This versatile polyester jacket, perfect for winter hiking and running, makes no compromises. It is completely windproof, highly water-resistant, and very breathable, thanks to Texashield Pro, the brand’s own insulating and windproof technology. Its three-layer construction makes all the difference when you’re out running in harsh conditions with the cold along for the ride. Its stretch fabric also lets it follow your body’s movements perfectly.

This soft, breathable, bluesign®-certified winter running jacket isn’t the most lightweight in its category, but it is undoubtedly one of the warmest in our selection. Its pockets, hood, and high collar will be appreciated during your most demanding outings. Be aware, however, that it is not waterproof. So save it for a non-rainy day!

Salomon

Salomon needs no introduction when it comes to cross-country skiing, hiking and trail running gear. So it’s only logical that the French brand should appear in our selection of the best winter running jackets.

In the men’s department, we really like the Gore-Tex® Infinium™ Windstopper® model. For women, we couldn’t pass up Salomon’s cross-country ski soft shell.

The men’s Windstopper® cross-country ski jacket has just about everything you could want from a technical piece for winter running. Warm and weatherproof yet breathable, flexible despite its Gore-Tex shell, lightweight, windproof and comfortable with its Active fit… this model is perfect for running, cross-country skiing and all kinds of winter adventures.

The Salomon women’s cross-country ski soft shell with a fixed hood also has everything to please winter runners. Lightweight (just over 300 grams) and stretchy, this model offers all the ease of movement you need. Windproof and water-repellent (thanks to a durable water-repellent treatment), this lightweight jacket is breathable and warm enough for high-intensity activities, thanks to its AdvancedSkin technical fabric. Its chest pocket, Active fit and safety reflective inserts make this model one of the best winter running jackets on the market!

In Canada, choosing a winter running jacket is not something to do lightly. Whether it’s your first winter running season or your tenth, the outer layer is arguably the most important of all, protecting you from the cold, wind and snow. You can’t go wrong with one of the pieces in our selection. Just take your pick and get outside. The joys of snowy strides await!