Top 10 Rainy Day Running Gear

For us runners, we will run come hell or high water (okay, maybe not too high for flood water!) This would mean that many of us (this writer included) run despite heavy rains that slam on the roads.  As long as our safety isn’t compromised, a long run under the rain can turn you into a child again stomping on puddles and being free to roam and play.

To make your rainy run, fun and enjoyable, here are my top 10 running gear for rainy days:  (Warning to Men: These are all my personal run gear so sorry if most of the items are women-specific.)

1) Berghaus Jacket

FAVE FEATURES: I would use this during a run under a light drizzle. It has a unique zipper on the arm to hold an ipod/mp3 player. Material is lightweight. The look is stylish and feminine.

2) Nike Womens Cyclone Vapour Running Jacket

FAVE FEATURES: This Nike jacket is designed to move along with you while you run.  The textured dots inside aren’t just for aesthetics; they create space between the jacket and your skin to reduce cling. There’s an adjustable cord both at the hood and the lower hem should you run against wind.  It is lightweight and water resistant.  See the internal pocket on the left side?  You can fold the jacket in for easy storing.

3) Nike Epic Run Shorts and Nike 

FAVE FEATURES: While these aren’t necessarily rain-specific, I like wearing them most especially when it rains because the fit remains the same even when soaked in rain water unlike loose shorts that tend to cling when wet.  The Nike Epic Run shorts (black in the middle) has 2 internal drop-in pockets to carry gels, keys, mp3 player, or cash.  The other 2 shorts (grey and blue) fit very well and provide good comfort.

4) Otterbox Armor Series

FAVE FEATURES: It’s shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof! This keeps your phone safe even when it rains. Actually, even if you submerge it in water.

5) Garmin Forerunner 310XT

FAVE FEATURES: Garmin’s triathlon watch is water-resistant. It can be used for swimming so it’s obviously safe to use under the rain. Should it get dark out, tap it to turn on the backlight.

6) KSwiss K-Ruuz 1.5 Shoes

FAVE FEATURES: The K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5 is K-Swiss’ lightest racing flat. It uses K-Swiss’ unique ION-mask hydro-phobic technology which is designed to repel water. It also has drainage holes underneath the shoe to keep your feet dry. It has limited cushioning and a bit of support so I would use this only for short runs. The shoe below is the 2012 model for women.

– KSwiss K-Ruuz 1.5 2012 version for Women –

7) Otterbox Waterproof Series

FAVE FEATURES: This air tight container keeps its contents dry and protected. For the Otterbox 2000 Series seen below, you can fit your iphone, ipod, passport/license, cash, and more. There are other available sizes for these. You can also check out the Otterbox Pursuit Series which are updated versions of mine below.

8) Adidas Handheld Hydration Bottle

FAVE FEATURES: This handheld hydration bottle from adidas can’t possibly slip off your hands due to its design. It’s also lightweight and easy to drink from even while on the run.

9) 2XU Cap

FAVE FEATURES: The material of this cap is water resistant, lightweight, and breathable.

10) Petroleum Jelly

FAVE FEATURES: Keeps your skin chafe-free and blister-free. Apply this liberally on your chest area in the perimeters of your sports bra if you’re a woman, at the edges of your shorts, and even on your toes to avoid blisters from soaked socks and shoes. Never leave home without this!