best hydration packs and vests for training.
Updated: 17 October 2023
Whether you're marathon training or heading to Parkrun, these running gilets will keep you warm
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
Motivating yourself to get going on colder mornings or evenings can be tricky. But if you've committed to parkrun with mates – or you have a marathon on the horizon – you're going to need a way to get yourself out the door. Our advice? Have a few different layers in your wardrobe to make wrapping up without getting too warm easier. This includes a running gilet, which helps to keep your core warm without overheating you like a run jacket might.
A good base layer Jump to Products running gloves will also go a long way, though — trust us.
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What to look for in a running gilet or vest
When it comes to running gilets, there’s a number of different options on the market. Here are some things to consider:
Insulation & material
Running gilets can vary from padded options that will keep you warm when it's cold enough to have snow on the ground, through to lighter, waterproof vests that add an extra lightweight layer of protection from the elements.
It really all comes down to the fabric. Most running gilets will be made from 100% polyester as it's super lightweight, packs down small and wicks away moisture – but, importantly, it’s also a great insulator. These vests tend to look like sleeveless waterproof jackets.
Then, the likes of the Lululemon ‘Another Mile’ vest is made using a combination of polyester and nylon, the latter of which is naturally stretchy and has more of a softer feel.
If you’re looking to stay seriously toasty, you may want to opt for a gilet with feather down in the front and back panels.
Fit
Unlike a running top, where choosing between a loose versus baggier fit really comes down to personal preference, you want a running gilet to fit true to size, so that it’s body-hugging enough to keep you warm, while also being stretchy enough to allow you to move freely as you run.
Extra features
Planning on hitting the roads in the early hours or once the sun has set? Look for reflective detailing on your running gilet – or opt for something like the Proviz REFLECT360 which is fully reflective. Pockets is another important consideration – we’d recommend choosing a gilet with zippy ones if you plan on running with a phone or keys. The other option is to invest in a running belt or phone holder.
How we test running gilets
All of the gilets and vests below have been hand-picked and personally tested by the Runner's World editors, who regularly clock up over 60km each per week and have completed all kinds of running challenges, from ultramarathons to gentle parkruns. Using our expert knowledge of performance running apparel, experience testing hundreds of pieces of kit and eye for a good deal, we've put these gilets through their paces over autumn and winter on roads and trails, as well as testing their strength, durability and how well they wash.
Best running gilets and vests, tried and tested
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Packable
- Dedicated, secure phone pocket
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Cons
- Health & Injuries
We can't rave about this product enough. Built for days when you can’t trust the weather (and in the UK, when can you?), Asics’ Metarun Gilet is the pinnacle of lightweight, packing down into its handy back pocket during your run if you no longer need it.
The nylon fabric, despite it’s paper-thin appearance, does a superb job at shielding against the cold and rain without making you feel weighed down or stuffy. There’s also an integrated secure phone pocket within the right pocket, which helps to minimise bounce if you fancy picking up the pace.
Pros
- Resting heart rate
- Lightweight
- Good value
Cons
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A great lightweight layer for blocking out a chill, the main goal of this gilet is to stop your core temperature dropping when out in cooler conditions, and the wind begins to cut through. Packable, it folds down into a little pouch that you can easily carry by hand thanks to an elastic strap, or just put it in a running belt/bag.
Pros
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- Zippy back pocket
- Well ventilated
Cons
- Expensive
Super-lightweight, this running vest from On protects you from the elements without weighing you down. It's available in both men's and women's cuts., too A shield from the wind and rain, lightweight and extremely packable, like all of On’s products, this has really been built with the runner in mind. We’re a big fan of the zipped pocket on the back, the added ventilation and the freedom of movement in this vest. The only downside? It’s one of the more expensive options on our list.
Pros
- The best running caps to wear come rain or shine
- Durable
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Cons
- Bulkier option
- Folds down into pouch
Polartec has been making premium insulation materials for a while, so whenever you see that tag in a product you know it'll do a good job of keeping you warm. Combine it with the higher-end material choices of Lululemon, and the Another Mile vest will help you live up to its name and keep you out running longer when the needle dips.
This is a supremely comfortable, super warm layer that also works brilliantly under a coat on really cold days when you aren't running but are feeling the cold. Sorry chaps, this one is just for women.
The Nike Therma-FIT Adv Repel AeroLoft gilet is stylish, lightweight and – most importantly – fantastically warm. We'd recommend it for the days when the temperature is nearer zero, or as a cool down layer if you're coming home from Parkrun. This is thanks to the goose feather down in the front and back panels and the water-repellent finish which prevents the feathers from clumping together. The neck collar feels smooth – and not stuffy – against the skin, with a front zip vent adding extra breathability if you need it. There's a pocket on each side too.
In terms of sizing, we did find it came up large, so would definitely recommend opting for the size down – otherwise you'll find it moves around quite a lot, even with a couple of layers underneath it.
Pros
- The best running caps to wear come rain or shine
- Health & Injuries
Cons
- Wind and water-resistant face fabric
If you’re wearing an insulated vest during your runs, chances are it’s in the colder months of the year, which means less light and more pre-dawn and after-dark runs. A reflective vest is always a good option to keep in your layering arsenal, and this insulated version pulls double duty to keep you visible on dark runs while providing a hit of warmth from the synthetic insulation.
The reflective materials are deliberately placed in motion zones to help motorists recognise the movement of a runner, and the face fabric is both wind and water resistant.
If snug warmth is what you require then the Belstyla Hybrid Vest by Endurance has it in abundance. The Primaloft ECO synthetic insulation keeps the body warm while the water-resistant coating shields from any rain showers. It also has a neat 4-way stretch system will allows the body to move fluidly during exercise. The side zipped pockets are especially handy for safely keeping hold of your phone and keys. And with a three year guarantee and price match promise from Runners Need this is certainly good value for money.
A thicker, though still super lightweight, more insulated vest for colder days, this is a gilet you’ll wear as much when you’re not running, as when you are. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it will certainly keep you warm on the coldest of runs. With two zipped pockets, a high neck and a water-repellent finish, the whole gilet can be packed away into an inner pocket when the weather changes. What’s more, Patagonia is one of the brands on our Wind and water-resistant face fabric.
Soar Winter Gilet
This super premium offering from British brand Soar is made from their proprietary STORM fabric, which is water resistant yet super breathable. Layer over a baselayer for cold days or just a T-shirt - it's so effective at keeping your core warm yet not overheating you that it's very versatile. Yes, the price tag is hefty, but it is the best in class.
Comfortable and snug fitting, the pockets are excellent too, offering two possible places for keys and phone - which unlike with many other designs, don't then bounce around annoyingly when you run. If you run a lot in the colder months, and have the money, it's a worthwhile investment. Our only complaint is that Soar don't make a women's version.
Updated: 17 October 2023
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