Best Mid-Range Running Jackets

Updated October 14, 2026. Prices checked October 14, 2026.

Running-specific rain jackets start around this price. All five below are built for running. They differ mostly in weight, venting and how much rain they hold off.

How these scores are built. Outer layers are judged mainly on waterproofing, which counts for 55% of the score. The other criteria count 15% each. Based on: Manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and owner reviews on retailer pages. We do not test products in person. How we score.

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#	Product	Best for	Waterproofing	Score
1	Rab Phantom	Best overall and lightest	8.5	7.8
2	Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0	Best ventilation	7.5	7.4
3	Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket 2.0	Best with front and rear vents	7.5	7.2
4	Salomon Bonatti Waterproof	Light and packable	6.5	6.7
5	REI Co-op Swiftland H2O	Lowest price here	7	6.6

Rab Phantom

Best overall and lightest, $225

7.8/10

Standout strength. The lightest jacket in this ranking, about 4.1 oz (116.5 g) in size M.

Waterproofing 55%: 8.5/10
Breathability 15%: 8/10
Fit and mobility 15%: 8/10
Durability 15%: 5/10

Pros

2.5-layer Pertex Shield rated 20,000 mm and 20,000 g/m2, with fully sealed seams.
In the 220 Triathlon test, the closely related Phantom Pull-on was the top pick for light weight and ventilation.

Cons

The face fabric is only 7 denier. Expect less toughness than heavier shells.
No pockets and no thumbholes.

Sources: REI, 220 Triathlon, Backpacking Light forum

Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0

Best ventilation, $218

7.4/10

Waterproofing 55%: 7.5/10
Breathability 15%: 8/10
Fit and mobility 15%: 8/10
Durability 15%: 6/10

Pros

2.5-layer shell rated 20,000 mm and 20,000 g/m2, with fully taped seams and panel venting around the core.
Owners call it very ventilated and comfortable. REI owners rate it 4.5 out of 5.

Cons

One owner reports the waterproofing is not 100 percent.
The fabric is a bit rustly, and REI reviewers say it fits slightly large.

Sources: REI, Janji, Run & Become

Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket 2.0

Best with front and rear vents, $215

7.2/10

Waterproofing 55%: 7.5/10
Breathability 15%: 7.5/10
Fit and mobility 15%: 7/10
Durability 15%: 6/10

Pros

Front and rear vents. A Road Trail Run reviewer says vents matter more than the fabric rating when running.
REI owners rate it 4.8 out of 5, but from only 9 reviews.

Cons

Sources disagree on the waterproof rating, from 10,000 mm to 18,000 mm.
No source publishes a weight.

Sources: REI, Road Trail Run

Salomon Bonatti Waterproof

Light and packable, $200

6.7/10

Waterproofing 55%: 6.5/10
Breathability 15%: 7/10
Fit and mobility 15%: 8/10
Durability 15%: 6/10

Pros

About 155 g, and it packs into its chest pocket.
Ventilated back and a smart-vent front, with reflective details.

Cons

Its 10,000 mm and 10,000 g/m2 rating is lower than the Rab, Janji and Brooks.
Owner ratings conflict between listings, with a 4.8 average on REI and a 3.0 average on another listing.

Sources: REI, Running Warehouse

REI Co-op Swiftland H2O

Lowest price here, $179

6.6/10

Waterproofing 55%: 7/10
Breathability 15%: 5.5/10
Fit and mobility 15%: 7/10
Durability 15%: 6/10

Pros

2.5-layer, seam-sealed shell at 10.4 oz, with a vented back cape and a snap to run with the zipper open.
REI owners rate it 5.0 out of 5, from 5 reviews.

Cons

Adventure Alan found it clammy on uphill efforts and notes there are no front vents.
Few owner reviews so far.

Sources: REI, Adventure Alan

How we picked

Each score comes from the manufacturer’s specifications, independent reviews and owner reviews, and every product lists its sources. Owner review counts are small for several of these jackets, so treat their star ratings as a hint and not a verdict.

What we left out

Montane Minimus Lite, Scott RC Run WP and Inov-8 Stormshell: strong results in the 220 Triathlon test, but we could not confirm a US price.
Hiking shells such as the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L: good jackets, but not made for running.

What to look for

A 2.5-layer or 3-layer shell with taped seams
Vents you can open while moving
A hood that stays put without a hat

Questions

Why not the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L or the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch?

Both are well reviewed, but they are hiking shells at $189 each. This ranking only includes jackets built for running.

Where do the prices come from?

The regular price on REI on October 14, 2026. Sale and outlet prices are ignored.