Bunny Jacket: What It Is and Why Irish Runners Love It

When people talk about a bunny jacket, a lightweight, insulated outer layer with a soft, fluffy interior often used for casual warmth and light outdoor activity. Also known as puffer jacket or fleece-lined jacket, it’s not just for lounging—it’s become a go-to for runners in Ireland who need to stay dry and warm without bulk. You won’t find it in fancy fashion magazines, but you’ll see it on morning joggers in Dublin, cyclists in Galway, and walkers along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s the kind of jacket you throw on over a running top before the sun rises, when the wind bites and the rain hasn’t quite started yet.

What makes a bunny jacket different from a regular winter coat? It’s the balance. It’s not meant for snowstorms or deep winter hikes—it’s for the in-between days. The kind of day where you need a little extra heat, but not enough to sweat through your layers. Most Irish runners prefer ones with a water-resistant shell, a hood that fits over a cap, and elastic cuffs that seal out wind. Brands like Decathlon, Columbia, and even local Irish outdoor shops stock them because they’re cheap, durable, and pack small—perfect for tossing in a gym bag or clipping to a belt loop after your run.

It’s not just about warmth. In Ireland, where weather changes faster than a pub playlist, your jacket has to be flexible. A bunny jacket works over a running vest in October, under a rain shell in November, and alone on a crisp March morning. It’s the jacket you borrow from your partner when you forget yours, the one you find in the back of your closet in April and wonder why you ever took it off. And yes, it’s called a bunny jacket because of the soft, fluffy lining—like rabbit fur, but synthetic, ethical, and machine washable.

What you won’t find in most bunny jackets? Heavy padding, zippered pockets that hold your phone awkwardly, or bright neon colors that scream "outdoor gear." Irish runners prefer muted tones—charcoal, navy, olive, even heather grey—because they don’t show dirt, blend into the landscape, and don’t look out of place walking into a café after a 5K. Some even buy them second-hand from local charity shops, where they’re often still in great shape and cost under €20.

There’s a reason this jacket keeps showing up in posts about Irish running gear. It’s not the fanciest, but it’s the most reliable. It doesn’t promise to make you faster or stronger—it just makes sure you show up. And in Ireland, showing up is half the battle. Whether you’re training for a marathon, walking the dog in the rain, or just trying to stay warm while waiting for the bus, a good bunny jacket doesn’t ask for much. It just does its job.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish runners who swear by their bunny jackets—how they picked them, what they wear underneath, and why they’d never trade them for something bulkier or more expensive. These aren’t fashion tips. These are weather-tested truths from people who run in it every day.