Running in cold temperatures calls for a well thought-out outfit. In addition to suiting up your snow-proof running kicks,  cozy gloves, and wind-proof hats, there's one staple piece you need not forget: a running vest. This essential layer provides a dose of warmth to your core, retains heat, and shields you from environmental elements like snow, wind, and rain. Unlike regular vests, the best running vests were designed to be lightweight while offering optimal heat retention, so you don't have to sacrifice comfort or warmth.

In This Article 01 What to look for 02 best running vests Faith Breakers

According to Colleen Quigley, Olympian and professional runner based in Flagstaff, Arizona, the best running vests will be padded but not too puffy, so it doesn't get in the way when you're swinging your arms. Another feature to look out for is the breathability factor, "because you will likely start warming up during the run and if you start sweating, you're gonna want that ventilation so that you don't get overheated or wet," Quigley says. Breathable materials to look for: nylon, polyester, merino wool, and cotton.

We rounded up the best running vests based on breathability, wind-resistance, water-repellent, and comfort. Below, you'll find running vests of every style, color, and budget.

Best Overall Lululemon, Down For It All Vest — $148.00 Sizes available: 0-20 The Lululemon Down For It All vest will have you ready to hit the pavement. “I love this one because it provides the perfect amount of warmth and that extra layer without being too much—it’s not too bulky or too thick,” says Quigley. This vest features a water-repellent shell and 700-fill goose down, keeping you toasty and dry when the temperatures dip. Colors: 7 Pros Water-resistant Windproof 700-fill goose down Cons Expensive Shop Now

The Lululemon Down For It All vest will have you ready to hit the pavement. “I love this one because it provides the perfect amount of warmth and that extra layer without being too much—it’s not too bulky or too thick,” says Quigley. This vest features a water-repellent shell and 700-fill goose down, keeping you toasty and dry when the temperatures dip.

Best Stretch Athleta, Inlet Vest — $149.00 Sizes available: 0-20 Runs or jogs, Athleta’s Inlet vest will make training more bearable when wintry weather hits. It’s lightweight, breathable, warm, and stretchy, making it ideal for outdoor runs or sprints. Plus, it holds onto your phone, keys, and/or credit cards, since the vest is pocket-friendly. Colors: 7 Pros Stretchy Water-repellent Contains pockets Cons Expensive Shop Now

Runs or jogs, Athleta’s Inlet vest will make training more bearable when wintry weather hits. It’s lightweight, breathable, warm, and stretchy, making it ideal for outdoor runs or sprints. Plus, it holds onto your phone, keys, and/or credit cards, since the vest is pocket-friendly.

Best Style Lululemon, Storage Insulated Running Vest — $198.00 Sizes available: 0-14 Lululemon’s Storage Insulated Running vest will have you prepared to tack on the miles. It boasts a built-in fanny pack—ideal for storing running fuel, keys, and other essentials—marrying functionality and style. What’s more, the integrated bag has a sleeve that fits a one liter water bag, so you can quench your thirst on long-distance jogs. It’s no wonder why Quigley swears by it. Colors: 2 Pros Built-in bag for extra storage Water-resistant Stretchy Cons Expensive Shop Now

Lululemon’s Storage Insulated Running vest will have you prepared to tack on the miles. It boasts a built-in fanny pack—ideal for storing running fuel, keys, and other essentials—marrying functionality and style. What’s more, the integrated bag has a sleeve that fits a one liter water bag, so you can quench your thirst on long-distance jogs. It’s no wonder why Quigley swears by it.

Best Reflective Free People, Run This Puffer Vest — $98.00 Sizes available: XS-XL Rain, snow, or mist, Free People’s vest will get you to running no matter the condition. The highlighter yellow color and reflective accents will render you visible to cars and bikers, making it an ideal vest for night-time running. The vest is insulated with a down-alternative and a water-resistant outer to keep you dry and comfy. Colors: 4 Pros Breathable Reflective details Water-resistant Cons May run small for some Shop Now

Rain, snow, or mist, Free People’s vest will get you to running no matter the condition. The highlighter yellow color and reflective accents will render you visible to cars and bikers, making it an ideal vest for night-time running. The vest is insulated with a down-alternative and a water-resistant outer to keep you dry and comfy.

Best Windproof Brooks, Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0 — $81.00 Sizes available: XS-XXL If you live in a windy city, Brooks Shield Hybrid vest is here to help you power through. The vest features wind-resistant panelling, repelling cold air away from your core. In addition to being ultra warm, it features a total of five pockets, two side pockets, two hand pockets, and a chest pocket to secure your valuables. Colors: 2 Pros Lightweight Features pockets Windproof Cons No color variability Shop Now

If you live in a windy city, Brooks Shield Hybrid vest is here to help you power through. The vest features wind-resistant panelling, repelling cold air away from your core. In addition to being ultra warm, it features a total of five pockets, two side pockets, two hand pockets, and a chest pocket to secure your valuables.

Best Sport Nike, Therma-Fit Vest — $115.00 Sizes available: XS-XXL Built with a fleece collar and polyester-filled panels, Nike’s Therma-Fit vest will keep you warm and dry even when things gets wet. The front pull-zip allows you to control the airflow. Even more, it has easy-access pockets, which means you can bring your phone or keys along for the ride. Colors: 2 Pros Features pockets Full-zip design Reflective elements Cons No color variability Shop Now

Built with a fleece collar and polyester-filled panels, Nike’s Therma-Fit vest will keep you warm and dry even when things gets wet. The front pull-zip allows you to control the airflow. Even more, it has easy-access pockets, which means you can bring your phone or keys along for the ride.

Best Lightweight Sweaty Betty, Fast Track Thermal Quilted Running Vest — $76.00 Sizes available: XXS-XL In-between cold and warmer days, consider Sweaty Betty’s Fast Track running vest. Made of a polyester and elastane blend, the vest is lightweight, breathable, and restores body heat for chillier days. The vest cinches at the waist, giving the vest some shape, and features two pockets for hand warming. Colors: 2 Pros Lightweight Features pockets Cinches at the waist Cons Hang dry only Shop Now

In-between cold and warmer days, consider Sweaty Betty’s Fast Track running vest. Made of a polyester and elastane blend, the vest is lightweight, breathable, and restores body heat for chillier days. The vest cinches at the waist, giving the vest some shape, and features two pockets for hand warming.

Best Breathable Under Armour, Cold Gear Reactor Run Vest — $120.00 Sizes available: XS-XL This vest combines function and style. Featuring honeycomb-like panels and stretch-woven sides, the Reactor is a stylish coat that’s both stretchy and warm. Constructed from 100 percent polyester, the vest is airy and breathable. Plus, it repels water, has a dropped hem for additional coverage, and features a pocket for storage. Colors: black Pros Breathable Water-repellent Features pockets Cons No color variability Shop Now

This vest combines function and style. Featuring honeycomb-like panels and stretch-woven sides, the Reactor is a stylish coat that’s both stretchy and warm. Constructed from 100 percent polyester, the vest is airy and breathable. Plus, it repels water, has a dropped hem for additional coverage, and features a pocket for storage.

Best Eco-Friendly Girlfriend Collective, Thorn Everyone Puffer Vest — $60.00 Sizes available: 1-12 Girlfriend Collective’s Thorn Everyone Puffer vest is the environmentally-friendly layer you need when a gust of wind comes through. Constructed out of recycled plastic bottles and fleece-lined pockets, the Thorn Vest will keep you and the environment happy. Plus, it’s water-resistant, windproof, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s stylish. Colors: 3 Pros Water-resistant Eco-friendly Windproof Cons May be too thick for some Shop Now

Girlfriend Collective’s Thorn Everyone Puffer vest is the environmentally-friendly layer you need when a gust of wind comes through. Constructed out of recycled plastic bottles and fleece-lined pockets, the Thorn Vest will keep you and the environment happy. Plus, it’s water-resistant, windproof, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s stylish.

Best Odor Control Eddie Bauer, Hybrid Vest — $98.00 Sizes available: 1-12 Layers is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor running, and Eddie Bauer’s Hybrid vest is packed with a 650-fill of responsible down. Made of a polyester blend, this vest repels water, wind, and odors. Thanks to the stretchy exterior, the vest moves with you as you hit the trails. Colors: 3 Pros 650-fill Odor-resistant Water-resistant Cons May not fit petite Shop Now

Layers is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor running, and Eddie Bauer’s Hybrid vest is packed with a 650-fill of responsible down. Made of a polyester blend, this vest repels water, wind, and odors. Thanks to the stretchy exterior, the vest moves with you as you hit the trails.

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