The Best Running Jackets of 2016

Published October 2, 2015 12:00AM

These six reflective jackets will help you log miles—safely—by trail or road.

Brooks Bolt

Thicker and more insulating than the other shells here, the Bolt showed legit wind and water resistance, although it was a bit stiffer and heavier than the other options—best suited for easy cold-weather runs. The hem cinch and media pouch tucked into the zippered pocket are nice touches.

The North Face Ultra Lite Waterproof

If you haven’t yet known the well-ventilated glory of a short-sleeve waterproof jacket, start here. Slim, pocket compressible, and supple, the Ultra Lite offers all the storm protection you need without the oppressive mugginess of a full-sleeve shell.

Saucony Sonic Reflex

Bold by day, bold by night—the garish pattern of trickle-down squares on the Sonic Reflex’s shoulders and chest shines like a disco ball. Beyond that, it’s a traditional polyester windbreaker with a fluid, soft-on-skin feel, decent breathability (credit the stretchy mesh underarm panels), and a snag-proof zipper. A great option for shoulder-season weather.

Sugoi Zap Run

The Zap has the brightest reflectivity in this group. It’s a stout polyester wind shell absolutely loaded with features: Velcro wrist cuffs, zippered waist pockets, and a hem draw cord. The downside is that all those extras add weight. Given the heft and the lack of breathability, we liked it best in strong winds and weather that’s teetering on the edge of a storm.

Adidas Supernova Storm Half-Zip

The half-zip Supernova is a master at climate control—a thin, stretchy back panel dumps heat, while the wind-blocking polyester sleeves and comfortable soft-shell nylon front panel curb icy gusts. Secret weapon: when the Supernova is hit with headlights, the static-like graphic on the sleeves and shoulders blooms brightly to life.

Helly Hansen Pace Norviz Heat

The Norviz would be a pretty average wind shell but for two things: baffles of insulation across the chest, and a reflective splatter print that hides by day but comes out when light hits it. The Norviz’s reflectivity was the least bright of the jackets we tested, but its wind-blocking chops kept it in our rotation for use on dry, frosty nights.