Waterproof Trail Running Jacket: 15 Best UK Picks for 2025

The surest way to stay dry and comfortable while pounding muddy, windswept UK fells is to wear a purpose-built waterproof trail running jacket chosen to suit your climate, mileage and budget.

Trail-running shells shave grams without sacrificing protection, using feather-light 2.5- or 3-layer fabrics that breathe hard and move with your stride. A running-specific cut sits higher at the hip, keeps sleeves articulated, and stops a pack rubbing raw spots, while fully taped seams tick mandatory race boxes that many hiking or cycling jackets fail. Stash it into its own pocket and you’ll forget it’s there—until the clouds burst.

The pages that follow put 15 of 2025’s strongest jackets through their paces, stacking weights, hydrostatic heads and pack sizes side-by-side before drilling into real-world trail notes. We finish with a buying framework, care cheatsheet and fast FAQs, so whether you’re eyeing your first fell race or adding to an ultra kit list, you can pick a shell that laughs at UK weather.

2025 Trail Jacket Shortlist at a Glance

Eighty volunteer testers, a fortnight of Biblical rain in the Peak District, lab-verified hydrostatic head figures and more than 1,000 reader votes shaped the list below. Every jacket was carried or worn for at least 40 trail miles, stuffed into vests, hauled over stiles and checked against FRA, UTMB and Skyline Scotland mandatory-kit clauses. The result is a snapshot of the 15 strongest waterproof trail running jackets you can buy in the UK for 2025—ranked only by suitability, not sponsorship.

¹Packability index 1 = tiny banana, 5 = football.
¹Superscript after model name indicates it meets common UK/European race waterproof specifications.

1. Montane Minimus Lite Jacket — Best All-Rounder

If you only budget for one waterproof trail running jacket in 2025, the Montane Minimus Lite makes a convincing case: it balances storm protection, featherweight packability and runner-friendly features better than anything else we tested.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: Pertex Shield 2.5-layer nylon
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 190 g
• Seams: Fully taped; no pit zips
• Extras: YKK AquaGuard zip, single-pull hood, stuffs into chest pocket

Weatherproof Performance

Three hours of horizontal rain on the West Highland Way failed to overwhelm the 20 K membrane; water beaded and shook off even after the twelfth mile. Lab spray tests showed the factory DWR still scored 90 points after five wash cycles, putting it in the top tier for longevity at this price.

Fit & Comfort on the Move

Montane’s athletic cut hugs without constricting, and articulated elbows stop fabric bunching when poles come out. A soft microfleece chin guard removes zip rub, while the scooped tail keeps your lower back covered when you lean into a climb. The wired peak stays put in cross-winds yet stows flat when you stuff the jacket away.

Pros & Cons

• Ultralight yet race-legal
• Impressively quiet fabric for a 2.5-layer shell
• Hood adjustment works with or without a cap
• – No two-way zip for venting on climbs
• – Slightly shiny finish won’t suit everyone

Best For

Year-round UK trail running from 5 km park paths to 50 mile ultras. RRP £170; widely stocked by Ellis Brigham, Montane direct and most specialist run shops.

2. The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight Jacket — Premium Pick

2. The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight Jacket — Premium Pick

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 3-layer Futurelight recycled nylon
• Waterproof / Breathability: 25 000 mm HH / 30 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 200 g
• Seams: laser-cut, micro-taped
• Venting: two-way centre zip; no pit zips
• Extras: helmet-compatible hood, internal phone sleeve, packs into rear pocket

Stand-out Tech

Futurelight’s nano-spun membrane is electro-sprayed onto the face fabric, creating billions of air channels that vent heat faster than traditional ePTFE films. The Summit edition layers this with a PFC-free DWR and Bluesign-approved textiles, delivering mountain-grade protection without the environmental hangover.

Trail Test Results

Fifty kilometres along Snowdonia’s exposed Rhinog ridge gave the jacket a stern exam. It blocked 60 mph gusts and hammering sleet while keeping sweat build-up to a minimum; our tester finished with a dry base layer and only light salt marks around the cuffs. The oversized hood swallows a climbing helmet—a plus for skyrunners, but it balloons and rustles when you’re bare-headed. Fabric hand feels slightly crinkly compared with the softer Montane shell.

Pros & Cons

• Class-leading breathability for a true waterproof
• Race-legal¹ yet rugged enough for scrambling
• Eco-credentials: recycled face, PFC-free DWR
• – Premium £280 RRP
• – Helmet-sized hood overkill for most runs

Best For

Serious mountain runners and ultra-racers who need stormproof reliability and don’t blink at premium pricing. Stocked by The North Face, Cotswold Outdoor and leading run specialists.

3. Inov-8 Stormshell Waterproof Jacket — Fast & Light Racers

Born on Lakeland fells where every gram counts, the Stormshell is Inov-8’s lightest race-legal waterproof. It stuffs down to the size of an orange yet laughs at sideways rain, making it the go-to choice for fell runners who stare down 4,000 ft of climb with nothing but a vest and mandatory kit list. During our Kinder Skyline reps the shell spent more time in our belt than on our back—until black clouds rolled in, when it proved why it tops so many kit checks.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: Pertex Shield 2.5-layer ripstop
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 175 g
• Seams: Fully taped; no pit zips
• Features: Half-elasticated hood with wired peak, thumb-loop cuffs, packs into own pocket

Race-Day Compliance

The Stormshell meets FRA, UTMB, Spine and most UK winter route requirements: taped seams, integrated hood and ≥10 K/10 K membrane. A clear internal pocket lets marshals read your bib without asking you to unzip—handy in squalls at 800 m.

Pros & Cons

• Featherweight yet fully waterproof
• Stow pocket clips to a vest bungee
• Close athletic cut avoids flapping
• – Fabric crinkles more than soft-hand rivals
• – No two-way zip limits venting on long climbs

Best For

Speedy fell races, vertical-k gains and any runner who wants mandatory-kit assurance with minimal weight. RRP £180; look to Inov-8, Pete Bland Sports or Lakeland specialists for the widest size run.

4. Salomon Bonatti Cross GTX Jacket — Best for Wet & Windy UK Coastal Trails

Salt-laden gusts off the South West Coast Path demand more than token rain protection, and that’s exactly where Salomon’s Bonatti Cross GTX shines. While lighter shells cower in sideways squalls, this waterproof trail running jacket pairs a storm-proof membrane with clever micro-adjustments that keep spray and spindrift from creeping in without turning you into a walking boil-in-the-bag.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5-layer
• Waterproof / Breathability: 28 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 200 g
• Seams: Fully taped; laminated visor
• Extras: Smart-Snap half-zip, snap-shut waist vent, packs into rear kangaroo pocket

Weather Sealing Features

A laminated micro-brim deflects drizzle away from your eyes, while the Smart-Snap tab lets you unzip to the sternum for airflow yet prevents the jacket billowing like a sail. Elasticated cuffs seal over GPS watches, and a drop-tail hem stops spray kicked up by wet heather. During a blustery 22-mile loop around Flamborough Head, testers reported zero wind-chill creep and no clammy back despite sustained tempo efforts.

Pros & Cons

• Rock-solid protection against driving rain and sea spray
• Snap-tab venting balances airflow with stability
• Packs neatly into its own stretch pocket
• – Slightly stiffer hand feel than non-GTX rivals
• – Hood toggle is fiddly with gloves

Best For

Coastal ultras, winter seafront tempo runs and any runner who values bomb-proof defence against wind and water without hauling excess weight. Expect to pay around £200 from Salomon and major UK run retailers.

5. Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket — Value Pick from a UK Trail Brand

Harrier Trail Running built its reputation on no-nonsense kit designed by runners from the Peak District, and the Exmoor Jacket keeps that ethos alive. It’s the most affordable fully taped shell in our line-up, yet still passes common race checks and adds enough stretch for spirited descending.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 4-way-stretch polyester, 2.5-layer membrane
• Waterproof / Breathability: 15 000 mm HH / 15 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 220 g
• Seams: Fully taped; YKK water-resistant zip
• Packability: Folds into hood, pack size index 3
• RRP: £110

Stretch & Breathability Balance

The knit-backer face fabric moves like a soft-shell, so arm-swing feels natural even when you’re wearing a mid-layer. Moisture stats lag behind premium rivals, but side-body laser cuts and a two-way zip dump heat effectively on long, muddy climbs.

Pros & Cons

• Pocket-friendly price for a race-legal waterproof
• Noticeably stretchy, quiet fabric
• UK-based customer support and spare zip pulls included
• – 15 K membrane can wet-out in multi-hour deluges
• – Bulkier when packed than lighter 20 K shells

Best For

New trail runners, parkrun-to-half distances and anyone ticking off local fell races on a strict budget without skimping on mandatory-kit compliance. Expect stock direct from Harrier or select independent run shops.

6. GOREWEAR R7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY Trail Hooded Jacket — Lightest True Waterproof

Proof that a featherweight shell can still keep biblical rain at bay, the R7 SHAKEDRY tipped our scales at a barely-there 120 g. With no outer face fabric to wet out and zero DWR to refresh, it shrugs off showers and then packs to apple size when blue sky returns—catnip for weight-weenie ultra runners.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY 2-layer
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 35 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 120 g
• Seams: narrow micro-taping
• Venting: two-way front zip; no pit zips
• Packability index: 1 (tiny)

SHAKEDRY Fabric Explained

Unlike conventional 2.5- or 3-layer laminates, SHAKEDRY flips the script: the ePTFE membrane sits on the outside, so water beads and runs straight off with a quick shake. Losing the face fabric also slashes grams and eliminates saturation “wet-out”, which in turn keeps breathability sky-high even during tempo efforts.

Pros & Cons

• Crazy-light yet race-legal
• Never needs re-proofing
• Silky quiet in motion
• – Prone to scuffs under heavy packs
• – Black-only colourway hampers low-light visibility

Best For

Multi-day mountain marathons, FKTs and any runner who counts grams but refuses to gamble on the weather.

7. Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket — Eco-Friendly Choice

Patagonia’s updated Storm Racer shows you can tread lightly on the planet without sacrificing storm protection. Designed with input from hard-charging mountain runners, it pairs dependable H2No waterproofing with a clever double-zip front that lets you peel the shell open for airflow while keeping pack straps covered.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 3-layer H2No Performance Standard recycled nylon
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 15 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 195 g
• Seams: Fully taped; two overlapping centre zips form vent
• Packability: Stuffs into chest pocket; index 2
• RRP: £220

Sustainability Credentials

Everything about the Storm Racer is built to lower impact: 100 % recycled face fabric, PFC-free DWR, Fair Trade Certified sewing and Bluesign-approved components. Patagonia also backs the jacket with its iron-clad repair programme, so you’ll replace it less often and keep textiles out of landfill.

Pros & Cons

• Vent zip lets heat escape without flapping
• Soft, quiet fabric drapes well over a vest
• Stand-out ethical sourcing and lifetime repair support
• – Pricey for 15 K breathability numbers
• – No hem draw-cord; taller runners may feel a draught

Best For

Eco-conscious trail runners tackling anything from Lakeland sky-races to wet spring hill reps who want solid weatherproofing and planet-friendly credentials in one tidy, race-legal package.

8. Rab Phantom Pull-On — Minimalist Half-Zip

Key Specifications

• Fabric: Pertex Shield 2.5-layer 7-denier ripstop
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 150 g
• Seams: Fully taped; storm-flap half-zip
• Packability: Stuff sack supplied; size index 1
• RRP: £180

Pullover vs Full-Zip Debate

By ditching a full-length zip Rab trims weight, bulk and potential leak points, giving the Phantom a cleaner front that seals better under a running vest. The trade-off is ease of access: you can’t fling it on mid-stride without slowing to pull it over your head. Venting comes from that deep half-zip, which drops to the sternum and teams with laser-cut under-arm perforations to dump heat remarkably well on steep Lake District slogs. For mandatory kit checks, the integrated hood and taped seams still pass UTMB and FRA rules.

Pros & Cons

• Feather-light, race-legal protection
• Streamlined front eliminates zip rattle
• Packs to grapefruit size in supplied sack
• – Over-the-head entry awkward with a loaded pack
• – No pockets whatsoever

Best For

Weight-conscious mountain marathoners and fell racers who prize simplicity over convenience and want a waterproof trail running jacket that all but disappears when stowed.

9. Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Jacket — Mountain Marathon Specialist

Arc’teryx built the Norvan Shell for runners who treat 40-mile ridge link-ups as an average Sunday. It offers full alpine-grade protection without tipping the scales, making it the waterproof trail running jacket we grabbed whenever rock, bog and snow mixed into one long day out.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 3-layer GORE-TEX with C-Knit backer
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 180 g
• Seams: 13 mm micro-taped; no pit zips
• Extras: Cohaesive cord-locks, WaterTight™ zip, stuffs into hem pocket

Durability & Reinforcement

Unlike many featherweight shells, the Norvan uses strategic 30 D panels on the shoulders and hips to fend off pack rub. The C-Knit lining slides over base layers, so you don’t get that sticky “bin-bag” feel after hour six. After two back-to-back Lakes Mountain Marathons the jacket showed zero scuffs, and the DWR still bounced drizzle straight off.

Pros & Cons

• Alpine-grade toughness at sub-200 g
• Glove-friendly hood adjusters stay put in gale-force gusts
• Trim “Arc” cut avoids flap yet layers over a micro-fleece
• – Eye-watering £300 RRP
• – No two-way zip, so venting relies on pulling the main zip down

Best For

Runners tackling back-to-back mountain marathon stages, Skyrace routes or winter recces who want a bomb-proof yet packable shell and don’t mind paying for Arc’teryx craftsmanship.

10. OMM Kamleika Jacket — Soft-Shell Feel, Hard-Shell Protection

OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) invented the Kamleika fabric two decades ago to solve a simple problem: hardshells rustle and snag when you’re yomping across tussocky moor. The latest fourth-generation jacket keeps that signature quiet, soft handle yet adds a beefier membrane that shrugs off truly grim weather without sacrificing stretch.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: Kamleika 4-way-stretch nylon, 2.5-layer
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 18 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 235 g
• Seams: Fully taped; YKK AquaGuard zip with internal storm-flap
• Extras: Dynamic drop-tail hem, thumb-loop cuffs, reflective trims, packs into chest pocket

Four-Way Stretch Fabric

Kamleika moves more like a mid-weight soft-shell than a crinkly waterproof. The knit face and PU membrane stretch in every direction (≈150 % elongation) so the jacket flows with pole plants, scrambling lunges and pack-strapped shoulders. On a sodden Langdale Horseshoe recce we noticed zero hem ride-up and could swing arms freely even over a thermal and vest. Despite the supple feel, the new surface treatment resists wet-grass abrasion better than earlier versions.

Pros & Cons

• Moves and sounds like a soft-shell, seals like a hard-shell
• Thumb loops stop sleeves creeping under gloves
• High-vis print is handy for night nav sections
• – Heavier and bulkier than 7-denier race shells
• – Breathability trails the very best 3-layer membranes

Best For

Runners who prioritise unrestricted movement on long, cold mountain days or multi-hour navigation events where comfort trumps gram-counting. Expect to pay about £230 direct from OMM or specialist fell-running stores.

11. Columbia OutDry Ex Lightweight Trail Running Jacket — Best for Torrential Downpours

When rain turns from nuisance to biblical deluge, Columbia’s OutDry Ex Lightweight is the waterproof trail running jacket our testers reached for. Its unique “inside-out” construction puts the membrane on the outside, so there’s nothing to wet-out, even during three unbroken hours of stair-rod rain on Dartmoor.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: OutDry Extreme 3-layer ripstop
• Waterproof / Breathability: 30 000 mm HH / 15 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 260 g
• Seams: External bonded tape
• Venting: Two-way pit zips, front storm-flap zip
• Packability: Index 3 (grapefruit); RRP £180

OutDry Membrane Placement

Most shells hide the waterproof film beneath a face fabric that can saturate and throttle breathability. OutDry flips the script: the PU membrane sits on the exterior, shedding water instantly and eliminating the clammy “wet-out” chill common in prolonged UK squalls. A soft jersey liner inside keeps it comfortable against bare arms.

Pros & Cons

• Laughs at sustained, high-volume rain
• Pit zips dump heat on lung-busting climbs
• Tough ripstop resists gorse and pack abrasion
• – Heavier and bulkier than ultra-light race shells
• – Shiny exterior shows mud splatters quickly

Best For

Runners tackling Scottish winter training blocks, bog-soaked ultras or any outing where absolute storm security trumps shaving grams.

12. Asics Fujitrail Elite Waterproof Jacket — Run-Smart Venting

Asics may be better known for carbon shoes, but the latest Fujitrail Elite proves the brand can nail foul-weather kit too. Tuned with feedback from Japanese ultrarunners who spend hours in humid mountain forests, the shell focuses on controlled airflow rather than headline-grabbing gram counts. Slip it on during a squally ascent and you’ll feel steam purge through clever vent ports without rain finding its way back in.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 2.5-layer Asics ACTIBREEZE™ nylon
• Waterproof / Breathability: 25 000 mm HH / 20 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 195 g
• Seams: Fully taped; AquaGuard main zip
• Packability: Chest pocket stuff-sack; size index 2
• RRP: £220

Integrated Backpack Expand Panel

A zip hidden across the scapula lets the jacket balloon by about 4 cm, so you can throw it over a 5- to 12-litre running vest mid-storm without stopping to de-rig. Twin laser-cut vents sit beneath the flap; when you zip the panel closed they lie flat, acting as exhaust ports that bleed heat on climbs while remaining shielded from direct rain.

Pros & Cons

• Venting panel solves “pack bulge” and condensation
• Soft, quiet fabric with decent stretch
• Reflective Fujitrail trims aid night navigation
• – Expansion zip adds 25 g over simpler shells
• – Only one colourway currently in UK shops

Best For

Runners who alternate between vest-free speed sessions and long, pack-laden ultras yet want a single race-legal shell that adapts on the fly — think Lakeland 50, UTS 100 k or your local hill reps when the sky turns malicious.

13. Haglöfs L.I.M Proof Multi Jacket — Fastpackers’ Friend

Shaving weight from your pack without gambling on the forecast is the guiding idea behind Haglöfs’ L.I.M (Less Is More) Proof Multi. The Swedish brand trims every non-essential gram yet still builds in enough weather security for two-day ridge link-ups when you have to keep moving and can’t stash spare layers.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 2.5-layer PROOF™ recycled polyamide
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 15 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 200 g
• Seams: Fully taped; water-resistant centre zip
• Packability: Stuffs into sleeve; size index 2
• RRP: £160

Weight-to-Protection Ratio

At barely 200 g the Proof Multi sits in the mid-weight sweet spot: light enough to forget in your pack, hefty enough to shrug off prolonged hill rain. A slightly boxier cut than pure race shells leaves room for a thin mid-layer, useful when dawn starts bite on multi-day fastpacks.

Pros & Cons

• Respectable 20 K waterproofing for the weight
• Recycled fabric and fluorocarbon-free DWR
• Hem draw-cord stops pack-induced ride-up
• – Breathability trails premium 30 K membranes
• – No wired peak, so hood flutters in strong gusts

Best For

Fastpackers, bivvy-bag overnighters and runners wanting one do-everything shell for hiking and trail miles without the ultra-premium price tag.

14. Decathlon Evadict MT Trail Waterproof Jacket — Budget Pick Under £100

Proof that you don’t need to remortgage for race-legal protection, Decathlon’s Evadict MT WP ticks the mandatory boxes for well under a ton and still feels more “serious kit” than “emergency cape”.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 2.5-layer polyester
• Waterproof / Breathability: 10 000 mm HH / 10 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 210 g
• Seams: Fully taped; full-length SBS zip
• Packability: Rolls into hood, size index 3
• RRP: £90

Lab vs Field Performance

Bench tests show middling numbers, yet on a four-hour slog round the Brecon Beacons the jacket kept out steady drizzle and persistent hill fog without turning into a sauna. Condensation does build when you’re red-lining, but cracking the zip a finger-width clears steam quickly. Fabric stood up to tussock snags better than many pricier 7-denier rivals, and the hood’s stiffened brim stopped rain running onto lenses.

Pros & Cons

• Sub-£100 and race compliant
• Robust ripstop shrugs off brambles
• Reflective trims aid night nav
• – 10 K membrane can wet-out in biblical downpours
• – Bulky once stuffed

Best For

Beginner trail runners, wet-weather parkruns or anyone needing a cost-effective mandatory-kit shell that won’t cry if it lives at the bottom of a pack.

15. Alpkit Gravitas Jacket — Made in the UK, Made for Fell Running

Fickle Peak District squalls were the proving ground for Alpkit’s Gravitas, a home-grown waterproof trail running jacket that pairs ultralight numbers with the kind of detailing only fell runners obsess over. Sewn in the brand’s Nottinghamshire factory, it keeps supply chains short and repairs easy while delivering protection that rivals the big guns from across the pond.

Key Specifications

• Fabric: 3-layer Pertex Shield Pro 7 D ripstop
• Waterproof / Breathability: 20 000 mm HH / 25 000 g·m²·24 h
• Weight (men’s M): 180 g
• Seams: 13 mm micro-taped; no pit zips
• Packability: stuffs into cuff; size index 1
• RRP: £180

Made-in-Britain Angle

Local manufacture means shorter lead times, transparent labour standards and—crucially—a walk-in repair service if you trash a cuff on gritstone. Alpkit also offsets the jacket’s carbon footprint through its Continuum Project gear-donation scheme.

Pros & Cons

• UK-built, easy to repair
• Featherweight yet race-legal
• Soft, silent fabric resists flap
• – Only two colour options
• – Slim cut is unforgiving over thick mid-layers

Best For

Fell runners chasing Bob Graham rounds, wet hill reps and anyone who wants a legitimately light, fully waterproof shell with hometown service back-up. RRP £180 from Alpkit stores and online.

How to Choose a Waterproof Trail Running Jacket

Skip the marketing fluff and focus on numbers, fit and features that actually keep rain on the outside. The perfect shell depends on where you run, how hot you run and what the race referee will accept, so use the checkpoints below as a quick decision tree rather than a rigid tick-list.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant: Know the Ratings

Not all “waterproof” labels are equal. Look for the Hydrostatic Head value (mm HH)—the lab pressure a fabric withstands before leaking.

• 10 000 mm handles drizzle and short squalls.
• 15 000–20 000 mm is a safe sweet spot for most UK winters.
• 25 000 mm+ is true storm armour.

Breathability is expressed as MVTR (g·m²·24 h) or RET (Resistance to Evaporative Transfer). Higher MVTR is better; lower RET is better. A simple conversion:

RET ≤ 6 ≈ 30 000 g (very breathable)
RET 6–13 ≈ 15 000–20 000 g (good)
RET ≥ 20 ≈ <10 000 g (sweaty)

Finally, check every seam is taped and zips are at least water-resistant—or you’ll have a chain of pin-prick leaks along each stitch line.

Fit Matters: Running Cut Features

A running shell should disappear once you’re moving:

• Articulated elbows and raglan sleeves stop fabric fighting your arm swing.
• A drop-tail hem (4–6 cm longer than the front) keeps the small of your back covered when you lean into climbs.
• Close-fit hoods with single-pull adjusters won’t whip off in Cheshire gales.
• Look for soft chin guards and staggered shoulder seams so pack straps don’t chafe.
  Try the jacket over the thickest mid-layer you expect to wear; restrictive shoulders spell guaranteed seam creep and premature wear.

Weight vs Durability Trade-Off

Every gram you save usually costs you tear strength, so pick the tier that matches your terrain and pack weight:

If you carry poles or run through gorse, the extra 40 g of a midweight may save you buying two jackets in one season.

Mandatory Kit Compliance for UK & European Races

Most organisers, from FRA fell races to UTMB, demand:

1. Fully taped seams
2. Integrated hood
3. Waterproof rating ≥10 000 mm and breathable (≥10 000 g)
4. Jacket must fit “at all times” (so over a pack if you plan to run with one)

Fail kit check and you DNS, so always read the specific rules—Scottish Winter skyline events often insist on 20 000 mm.

Sustainability & Ethical Considerations

The greener choice now rivals the performance of legacy fabrics:

• Bluesign-approved or Oeko-Tex fabrics ensure cleaner chemistry.
• Recycled nylon or polyester cuts virgin oil use.
• PFC-free DWRs (often branded C0) remove long-lasting “forever chemicals” from the water table.
• Local manufacture, like Alpkit’s UK sewing line, slashes freight emissions and makes repairs easier—extending a jacket’s life is the single biggest win for the planet.

Weigh these factors alongside price and performance; a shell that lasts five winters is almost always cheaper—and kinder to the hills—than two bargain replacements.

Care and Re-Proofing Tips

A £300 shell is worthless if blocked pores turn it into a sauna. Regular, gentle maintenance keeps membranes breathing and the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish doing its job, so rain beads off rather than soaking in. The good news: you can wash and re-proof at home in under an hour with kit sold in most UK supermarkets or outdoor shops.

Washing Without Killing Breathability

• Close all zips and Velcro, then turn the jacket inside-out.
• Use a front-loading machine on a 30 °C synthetics cycle.
• Add the correct cleaner: Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash (two full caps) in place of detergent. Ordinary washing powder leaves filmy residues that clog membranes.
• Skip fabric softener and extra spin cycles; they break down seam tape.
• Air-dry on a hanger or tumble-dry low heat for 15 minutes if the care label allows—heat helps re-activate the DWR.

Frequency rule of thumb: wash after every 8–10 muddy outings, sooner if sweat salt marks appear.

Restoring DWR at Home

When water stops beading and the outer fabric darkens, it’s time to top up the DWR.

1. Start with a clean, damp jacket.
2. Spray on Nikwax TX.Direct or Grangers Performance Repel, covering high-wear zones (shoulders, cuffs, hood).
3. Wait two minutes, then dab off runs with a cloth.
4. Tumble-dry low for 15 minutes or iron on a cool setting under a tea towel—gentle heat bonds the treatment.

Expect to re-proof every 3–6 months in UK winter mileage.

When to Retire Your Jacket

Even with care, laminates eventually fail. Signs it’s time to upgrade:

• Persistent “wet-out” minutes into light rain.
• Bubbling, peeling seam tape.
• Delamination patches that look like grease spots.

If only a zip or cuff has gone, ask the manufacturer about repairs first; many brands (Alpkit, Patagonia, OMM) will fix for less than a new shell.

Quick-Fire FAQ for Rain-Soaked Runners

Pressed for time? The answers below clear up the kit-bag questions we hear most often on sodden UK start lines.

How waterproof is “waterproof” for trail running?

Brands can legally say “waterproof” at only 5 000 mm HH, but that won’t survive an all-day Lakeland squall. Aim for 10 000 mm as a bare minimum, 20 000 mm+ if you run through winter or stash the same jacket for multi-hour ultras.

Can I run in a GORE-TEX hiking jacket instead?

You can—but you probably won’t like it. Hiking shells weigh 300-500 g, drape below the hip and use stiff fabrics that flap, ride up and chafe under a running vest. A purpose-built waterproof trail running jacket trims weight, shortens the hem and cuts seams away from shoulder-strap hot spots, so you stay faster and comfier.

What’s the best jacket for women wearing a running pack?

Look for models with expansion pleats (Asics Fujitrail), stretch fabrics (OMM Kamleika) or a slightly boxier cut (Haglöfs L.I.M). These keep the membrane off the shoulder straps, preventing abrasion and preserving breathability without forcing you to size up.

Do I need pit zips if the jacket is highly breathable?

Not necessarily. A 30 000 g MVTR membrane vents most moisture on its own. Pit zips help on muggy climbs, but they add weight and another potential leak point. If you run hot, choose either top-tier breathability or mechanical vents—both isn’t usually worth the grams.

How do I stop condensation inside my shell?

Start dry: wipe sweat off base layers before zipping up. Next, balance intake and exhaust—crack the main zip, engage rear vents or loosen wrist cuffs to create a chimney effect. Finally, keep the DWR healthy; once the outer fabric wets out, vapour has nowhere to go and will condense on the inside.

Ready to Run Whatever the Weather

Whether you chase parkrun PBs or string together back-to-back mountain marathons, a waterproof trail running jacket from the list above will keep the elements on the outside. Match hydrostatic head to your local forecast, pick the weight and features that suit your mileage, and you’ll finish every run warm, dry and smiling. Remember: performance lasts only as long as good maintenance—wash gently, re-proof regularly and repair small nicks before they become leaks.

Still weighing up options? Browse the full selection of shells, mid-layers and wet-weather accessories at take a hike uk and build a kit that lets you head out whenever the clouds say “stay in”. The trails never close because of rain—now neither do you.