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Stay comfortable—and reasonably dry—no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

A rainy run is like a ride on the log flume. No matter how hard you try to stay dry, you’re going to get wet—but that can be part of the fun. This doesn’t mean, however, that running in the rain has to leave you soaked. The right gear can save you from a soggy slog, and will make your puddle-splashing miles more enjoyable. Here are our top tips and advice—plus some gear recommendations—to keep you running through the raindrops.

Wearing something with a brim is one of the best ways to keep rain out of your eyes. For cold, rainy runs in the 30s or 40s, consider adding a light beanie or headband for warmth. A waterproof cap will help keep your head warm and dry(er). If you don’t mind looking silly, you can even slide a shower cap over your hat or visor. When it’s above 55 degrees, visors are best—they allow heat to escape through your head more efficiently.

In a driving rain, wearing a pair of light-tinted or clear glasses can help protect your eyes from getting pelted. A good anti-fog lens cleaner will keep your vision clear in the moisture and humidity.

Wicking apparel is key—it pulls moisture away from your skin, which helps prevent chafing and blisters. This is especially important for socks. For the rest of your wardrobe, running and fitness expert Jenny Hadfield, aka Coach Jenny, recommends wearing tighter tops and bottoms, since they will be less likely to chafe. Light-colored bras, tops, and bottoms become see-through when wet, so stick to darker colors in the rain.

Invest in a lightweight, waterproof shell jacket—not necessarily one that’s marketed to runners—to stay dry on cold, rainy runs and during other rainy day activities. These jackets may not breathe as well as running-specific ones, but they are best at keeping rain out. For warmer rainy runs, try an ultra lightweight rain-resistant running jacket or vest.

“Before a race, use a large garbage bag with a hole poked in the bottom for your head,” Coach Jenny recommends. “Fashionistas can use a smaller cinch bag for a better look—I once ran a half marathon in a white bag to stay dry, and my race photos were fabulous.”

Use an anti-chafe balm or petroleum jelly on your feet to help prevent blisters and on any other body part that may chafe (arms, nipples, legs, sports bra seam lines, etc.). When you finish your run, get out of your wet clothes and into dry ones (or a warm shower) immediately. To help your shoes dry, remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels, which will also help get the stink out.

Every piece of gear on this list has been evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience to determine the best options for your runs in wet weather. We hand-picked the gear below based on performance, price, comfort, technical features, style—and in some cases, personal experience—to build this collection of top essentials to keep you dry.

Whether you want to skip through water crossings without hesitation or just commit to “No Days Off” in 2022, the Sense Ride 4 is a top choice for rainy day trail running. The shoe has a waterproof GORE-TEX construction that’s bonded to the mesh upper so it doesn’t feel heavy or stifling. At the midsole, a combination of TPU and EVA-based foam provides a firm ride with some stability for overpronators. The outsole is packed with traction—a Contagrip rubber outsole specifically designed for wet and sloppy conditions can help you find firm footing on any surface. And our testers also raved about the security of the cord laces, which tighten and loosen by an adjustable cinch that’s easy to operate with cold, wet hands.

If you are looking for more of a road shoe, you can't go wrong with a Brooks Ghost. This version of one of America's favorite sh0es is made with GORE-TEX, which helps protect you from wind, rain, and mud, and keeps your feet dry mile after mile. The shoe is lightweight, and mid-cushion with a soft, comfortable ride, and quick turnover. It has just enough support to keep you feeling comfortable and supported on long runs, and the upper has a roomier fit than the 13, which helps prevent blistering and discomfort in the front of the foot.

In-between weather calls for an in-between layer that can keep your core dry and warm in light rain—without becoming sweltering when the sun pops out. This stretchy, well-ventilated vest can do all that, plus hold your phone, keys, and snacks in its waterproof zipper pockets. It’s made of lightweight, high-quality fabric and is small enough to pack down easily when not in use.

The Houdini jacket’s best magic trick is its ability to protect you from a surprise onslaught of rain and wind—and then disappear up its own sleeve when you no longer need it. Made of ultra-lightweight ripstop nylon, the jacket is ideal at providing just enough weather resistance without turning into a sauna after you’re warmed up. We love the Houdini's smart details, like a drawcord hem and sleeves, an easy-to-cinch hood, and a carabiner loop on the zipper chest pocket for carrying the jacket while it’s stuffed down.

This longtime favorite jacket is fully waterproof with taped seams, so it’s the consummate barrier between you and the elements. The jacket is thin, but the fit is fairly loose so you can layer it over as many tops as you need, or take it off and easily pack it down if you get too warm. It has two zippered hand pockets to stow gloves and other small items, and a hood that can be tucked in the jacket’s collar. It’s already a bargain for the quality, but if you want an even better deal on it, find it in discontinued colors from previous seasons.

These tights are a savior for unpredictable winter weather. Tracksmith’s soft and durable Inverno blend fabric repels raindrops and keeps you warm when the wind starts to blow—but also stays breathable if the skies clear and the sun peeks out. Plus, a back zipper pocket at the waistband lets you keep keys, cards, or fuel dry and secure.

Honestly, these shorts are what runners' dreams are made of. They don't roll, meaning they have plenty of staying power for both short and long runs. The high waist keeps the shorts in place even when the pockets are loaded down or damp from precipitation. There is also an inner drawstring for added security if necessary. As far as thigh rubbing goes, these babies keep your legs chafe-free. If a 10-inch inseam feels too long, Lululemon also makes a shorter cut.

Rainy day runs can feel like joyful, puddle-hopping adventures or miserable slogs—and sometimes the difference just boils down to whether or not the drops are beating against your face the whole time. A good rain hat not only protects you from that gentle water torture, but it also beads water off the cap and brim, so your hair doesn’t get too wet and cold. Yes, this waterproof cap is on the expensive side, but if you’re determined to maintain a dry head while sprinting through a deluge, this is the cap for you, thanks to its GORE-TEX construction and heat-sealed seams. Despite all the protection in its waterproof membrane, the hat is lightweight, comfortable, and fairly breathable. Just be warned: It’s available in only one adjustable size, which might not fit bigger heads.

This hat is water resistant and quick drying, which means that even if you get caught in a torrential downpour, it will bounce back quick. It has a lightweight, flexible brim which allows you to stash the hat away mid-run, and it comes in two sizes which makes it likely to fit both smaller and larger heads. It comes in three colors, and also has reflective elements which help to keep you visible as the clouds come rolling in.

When it’s cold and rainy out—but you’re determined to pretend like it isn’t—these fully waterproof socks are the perfect things to slide your feet into. Surprisingly comfortable for weatherproof footwear, they’re made from a durable knit exterior and have a moisture-wicking inner lining, with a membrane that’s as breathable as can be without sacrificing its waterproofing superpowers sandwiched between. Our tester was skeptical they could handle the steady drizzle of the Pacific Northwest, so she first tested them by stepping into a half-full bathtub while wearing a pair. To her surprise, her feet stayed completely dry—and ready to dart out the door and get muddy.

Thanks to a waterproof membrane embedded in cozier fabric blends, Otter’s waterproof socks provide a similar level of triple-layer water protection to those from more recognizable brands, though they’re not quite as warm as socks from some of their competitors. But they provide equivalent breathability and sweat-wicking capabilities—and at a relatively lower price. The socks are available in four lengths and many stylish color combinations and patterns, including stripes and camo.

These buds are some of the smallest and most comfortable you’re going to find, and are perfect for taking your music out in the rain. An update to IPX7 waterproofing means they’re fully waterproof, so they can withstand torrential downpours without harm. Improved Bluetooth reception also gives the buds a rock-solid connection to your cell phone that won’t cut out in stormy weather.

If you are looking for a truly waterproof jacket as opposed to a water-resistant one, this option from Showers Pass is a great pick. Its design includes a three-layer polyester fabric that helps keep the water out while still remaining lightweight and breathable. It has a slightly tailored fit, so you have plenty of room to move without feeling like you're wearing a bag, and it provides enough room for you to wear a few layers underneath when the weather is a bit chilly.

Armpocket makes some of the most comfortable and secure armbands you can buy, thanks to a soft inner fabric that won’t chafe your arm and a powerful Velcro strap to hold your phone in place. This model isn’t specifically designed for running—it’s more of a water-sports band—but it’s a lifesaver on the wettest days when you don’t want to run with a Ziploc-wrapped phone scrunched inside your usual armband. Both a zip seal and snap lock give your electronics twice the protection from rain getting in. Just make sure your phone will fit in the band’s case before purchasing.

It’s never a bad idea to keep an extra stick of Body Glide on hand. This balm is sweat- and water-resistant, won’t clog pores, and doesn’t feel greasy. Use it everywhere and anywhere you suspect chafing or blisters might pop up during a run.