Winter running jacket recommendations

I prefer unlined or lightly lined shells versus jackets per-say. I prefer to layer up.

The reason I prefer the unlined shells is because they don't really absorb anything. Like for example, I got a nice Hind Run 365 shell that I wear a lot all year long. Some of the key features is that it is water resistant (not proof), it's fairly breathable, stops wind, sleet, and snow for gathering up, and finally the best feature -- it keeps my back clean from sand, salt and mud! After it dries, I can simply shake it all off and good as new! I refer to it as my upper body shield. Kind of like wearing a plastic bag, but a very breathable plastic bag.

I also got a Brooks unlined shell too. But I like the Hind one because it's more reflective. Both cost me ~$80. Money well spent!

Forgot to add, during the summer when the temps are in the 50Fs and it's raining out, I'll just wear it alone, because it doesn't absorb water and it's slightly insulating. Reason I do this is merely because it's so light, versus a wet and soggy t shirt. It also dries a heck of a lot quicker than a t shirt!

Just my take, but during

Nike aerojacket hooded , Ive run in negative 20 with a long sleev T-shirt underneath and been warm , good quality too

Second vote for lightweight shell. Run in 20s and below with the Outdoor Research Helium II. It's only 5-6 oz, so it's also used for rainy days or to carry up hills when you might hit windy ridge lines. Jacket is ~ $150 list but you can usually find it under 100, if you don't mind last season's color, etc.

This is my new favorite jacket by far, and I've had a lot of cross country skiing jackets by Salomon, Craft, Sporthill, Patagonia, Swix. It's an insulated hoody with a super breathable shell, which is key. It's in a relatively new category of jackets called active insulation. It's so breathable that you can put your mouth to it and breathe through the shell pretty easily. It's also lighter than my xc ski jackets and has some stretch. I recommended it a week ago in a thread about - 20 F jackets (with appropriate underlayer), but this is so versatile that I comfortably run in the low 30s F without overheating for relaxed paces.

It's on sale now. The price is in Canadian. The $119 cdn translated to $93USD on the credit card when I got mine last month in Edmonton.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5045-076/Light-Obsession-Hoodie

VOMax jackets!

I'd agree with the guys saying go with an unlined shell and buy yourself several different weights of base/mid layers.

There are a lot of good water resistant shells on the market and closeout places like LeftLane usually have solid styles that work.

Try to find one with a 2 way zipper so you can vent from the waist area if you do overheat.

What really makes you cold when running is the cold wind/air permeating your clothing. A light weight shell or wind breaker with the appropriate layering underneath is the golden ticket.