Following the dramatic change in UK weather conditions, it seems like the perfect time to provide a detailed review for a range* of the best trail running waterproof jackets, currently available from Sportsshoes.com.
*Please note that all jackets reviewed are available in options for both men and women.
1. INOV8 TRAILSHELL FULL ZIP JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1621/inov8-trailshell-full-zip-jacket-~-aw19
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £104.99 (RRP £149.99)
WEIGHT: 140g
BREATHABILITY: 20,000 B-1
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 4 (FITS SLIGHTLY LARGER)
The new inov-8 Trailshell full zip jacket is perfect for fast hiking/running, combining high-level performance with lightweight design.
It features a new super-soft Pertex Shield fabric for increased comfort and has a high waterproof protection rating of 20,000 HH. It is designed to be both wind and water resistant, even during the heaviest of showers. The jacket has taped seams throughout and will comfortably pass any race kit check inspection.
During testing, I wore the jacket with the inov-8 Race Ultra Pro 2in1 vest. The jacket fits comfortably and doesn’t move or ride up over the waistline during movement – it’s a slightly longer fit than most other jackets I tested. The elasticated trims on the wrist also restrict any unnecessary movement of the sleeves during exercise.
Fashion conscious runners will appreciate the simplistic design of this jacket and the grey and green colour scheme, which perfectly matches the rest of the inov-8 apparel in the current range.
KEY FEATURES
1. The material feels great and has a small amount of stretch, allowing you to use the hood even whilst the jacket is fully zipped. The hood also fits perfectly on the head and doesn’t block or restrict vision, especially when you’re moving at pace.
2. Super-lightweight! It weighs a mere 140g and packs down to easily fit inside a race vest or bag. On the inside of the chest, there is a zipped pocket, which allows the jacket to fold up neatly into a small bag.
3. There are 3 small under-arm air vents, which improve ventilation and help to prevent you from overheating.
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2. OMM KAMLEIKA JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/omm203/omm-kamleika-jacket-~-aw19/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £161.49 (RRP £189.99)
WEIGHT: 255g
BREATHABILITY: 1800g/m2
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
The OMM Kamleika is a stretch waterproof jacket that looks and feels fantastic. The material is soft to touch and extremely comfortable to wear, even against the skin. Weighing in at 255g, although lightweight, this is slightly heavier than other comparable jackets on the market. It does however, improve the insulation of the jacket, keeping you warmer during exercise.
During testing, I found the jacket to be extremely waterproof, but also very breathable. It’s ideal for everyday use and particularly well suited to longer runs. I would choose this jacket for training in wet conditions and racing in long distance events. The fit and tapered shape, at the back of the jacket, means it is also perfect for cycling. What I also love about the Kamleika, is the extra long arms, which stretch below the wrists to partly cover the hands. Working alongside the thumb loops, it creates a very effective barrier in wet conditions, as it overlaps the hands/gloves better than any other jacket – an excellent feature.
The casual fit means that you can wear as part of a layering system, with plenty of room underneath for a base and/or mid layer. It is a slightly bigger fit than other similar jackets, so bear this in mind before purchasing.
The colour of the jacket (blue) allows it to be seen clearly in low light conditions. This, combined with small reflective details on the sleeves and back of the jacket, make it the perfect choice for anyone training where they need to be more visible, especially in sight of motorists and cyclists.
KEY FEATURES
1. The long sleeves and active cuffs, with adjustable thumb loops are fantastic. They feel great and fit perfectly on my arms and hands, helping to keep out the rain because of their length, shape and design.
2. I also like the design of the hood, which can be easily adjusted for increased comfort.
3. There is plenty of room for storage in the front of the jacket, with two large zipped pockets at either side. The shape of the zips allows them to be opened and closed easily without any snagging.
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3. SCOTT RC RUN WP JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/sco26/scott-rc-run-wp-jacket-~-aw19/
PRICE: £169.99
WEIGHT: Super Lightweight
BREATHABILITY: 20,000/M2/DAY
WATERPROOF: 10,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 2 (FITS SMALLER)
I love this jacket. I particularly like the colour and design – it’s simple and stylish. It looks good, it feels good and most importantly, it fits me really well.
The shape of the cuffs and hood are perfectly angled to fit around the wrists and face. Unlike many of the other jackets I’ve tested, this one has a very athletic fit, meaning you may have to size up if you want a roomier fit (something I would definitely recommend).
A key feature of this jacket is its breathability, with vent holes below both shoulder blades to improve air circulation.
This is a jacket built for speed, designed to be light and streamlined, making it the ideal choice for racing.
KEY FEATURES
1. Lightweight, breathable design.
2. An athletic fit, built for speed.
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4. HIGHER STATE STRETCH WATERPROOF MOUNTAIN RUNNING JACKET
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £49.99 RRP £159.99
WEIGHT: 280g
BREATHABILITY: 10,000
WATERPROOF: 10,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 4 (FITS LARGER)
This is an extremely comfortable waterproof jacket that looks and feels great. Although it’s slightly heavier than most comparable jackets, it is well insulated, offering ample protection against wet and cold weather. It’s very durable and both the materials and zips are built to last. I would be confident wearing this in all types of inclement weather.
This jacket is a casual cut, a direct comparison to the Scott RC Run Waterproof. It’s looser fit means that it offers more room during movement and is suitable for a range of outdoor activities. However, the fit can still be personalised. There are velcro straps on the wrists and the hood can also be adjusted by tightening the drawcord at both sides.
There is ample room for storage too, with handy large zipped pockets at both sides of the jacket.
I would personally use this multi-purpose jacket for walking, running and cycling.
Available to buy from Sportsshoes for just £49.99, this jacket is outstanding value for money!
KEY FEATURES
1. Ample storage for carrying essential items.
2. Extremely versatile. Ideal for a range of outdoor activities.
3. Warm, comfortable and durable.
4. Outstanding value for money!
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5. HAGLOFS LIMM PROOF MULTI JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/hgl886/haglofs-l%2Ci%2Cm-proof-multi-jacket-~-aw19/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £79.99 (RRP £159.99)
WEIGHT: 290g
BREATHABILITY: 20 000 g/m²/24h
WATERPROOF: 10,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 3 (TRUE TO FIT)
A fantastic addition to any outdoor wardrobe, this Haglofs jacket is an excellent waterproof. It’s simple in design, unassuming but effective. Built specifically for lightweight performance and versatile for a range of outdoor activities.
Breathability is enhanced with mesh-lines pockets, on both sides of the jacket at the front. These pockets are also great for storing small essential items and easy to access when you’re on the go.
The fit and feel of this jacket is second to none – it’s a joy to wear. The elasticated cuffs and hem, ensure a very snug and comfortable fit. Fans of Haglofs gear will not be left disappointed with this jacket.
Available to buy from Sportsshoes for just £79.99, this jacket is outstanding value for money!
KEY FEATURES
1. Simple and stylish in design.
2. Well positioned pockets with breathable mesh inner material.
3. Outstanding value for money!
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6. MONTANE VIA MINIMUS STRETCH ULTRA PULL-ON
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/mon1490/montane-via-minimus-stretch-ultra-pull~on-~-aw19/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £86.99 (RRP £144.99)
WEIGHT: 154g
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 2 (FITS SMALLER)
The key feature of this jacket is its weight, or lack of it! At 154g, it is one of the lightest waterproof on the market, without compromising on performance. This makes it an ideal jacket for anyone wanting to travel fast and light, as it packs down extremely small and stuffs neatly into the zipped chest pocket.
Unlike the other jackets in this review, it’s a half-zip design, which will either turn you on or off, when it comes to choosing a lightweight waterproof. It does however fit comfortably over the head and easily zips up and down, featuring a snag-free zip design. The sizing can also be adjusted, with an adjustable drawcord, on both the hood and the waistband, allowing for a more personalised fit.
KEY FEATURES
1. Super-lightweight in design!
2. Easily adjustable in terms of sizing and fit – both the hood and waistband can be adjusted.
3. Available to buy from Sportsshoes for just £86.99, this is another jacket that is outstanding value for money!
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7. INOV-8 STORMSHELL FULL ZIP RUNNING JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1570/inov8-stormshell-full-zip-running-jacket-~-aw19/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £125.99 (RRP £179.99)
WEIGHT: 174g
BREATHABILITY: 20,000 B-1
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 4 (FITS SLIGHTLY LARGER)
This jacket is an excellent addition to the inov-8 waterproof apparel range, boasting a range of quality features.
For a start, weighing only 174g, it’s one of the lightest jackets on the market. It packs down to a tiny size and can be compacted inside the zipped chest pocket.
This brightly coloured yellow jacket is perfect for dark nights, featuring complete reflectivity, making it extremely visible, especially to motorists.
In addition to its highly waterproof and lightweight design, it is also well ventilated. The hood can be rolled down and clipped neatly in place. The front of the jacket can also be partially unzipped and held together with a button clasp.
The fit and feel of this jacket is also impressive. I particularly like the elasticated cuffs with thumb loops, for an improved fit.
KEY FEATURES
1. A lightweight, compactable and well-ventilated design.
2. 360 degree reflectivity. Perfect for use at night and visible to traffic.
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8. SALOMON BONATTI PRO WATERPROOF RUNNING JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/sal3871/salomon-bonatti-pro-waterproof-running-jacket-~-aw19/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £143.99 (RRP £179.99)
WEIGHT: 194g
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 3 (TRUE TO FIT)
Firstly, this is a fantastic looking jacket. I love the design, especially the coloured trim around the zip and chest pocket, with the Salomon logo design on the sleeve.
In terms of performance, Salomon have managed to create a jacket that is both lightweight and extremely well-built, offering a large amount of protection against the elements. I would be happy wearing this jacket for both short and long distances, confident that it will shield me from even the worst weather conditions.
Like many other comparable jackets, it packs down small and stuffs into a zipped chest pocket, ideal for compact storage. There is also an extra volume of material at the back of the jacket, to allow for movement – particularly handy for wearing over a running vest/pack. Another excellent feature is the press button clasp, at the top front of the jacket, to allow for extra ventilation.
The versatility of the Bonatti Pro makes it a perfect choice for any outdoor activity, not just for running.
KEY FEATURES
1. Zipped pocket for storage
2. Press button design for extra ventilation.
3. Motion fit material, with extra material at the back of the jacket.
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9. INOV8 ULTRASHELL PRO FULL ZIP JACKET
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1569/inov8-ultrashell-pro-full-zip-jacket-~-aw20/
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £224.99 (RRP £249.99)
WEIGHT: 106g
BREATHABILITY: 40,000 B-1
WATERPROOF: 20,000 HH
SIZE GUIDE: 3 (FITS SLIGHTLY LARGER)
If you can afford to splash out on a lightweight waterproof jacket, then this top-of-the-range model from inov-8 is almost impossible to beat. At 106g, it’s just about the lightest full-zipped waterproof on the market and coupled with the fact that the breathability rating is a staggering 40,000 B-1, this is the perfect choice for any serious athlete.
What I like most is the fit and feel of the jacket. It performs exceptionally well in both wet and windy conditions, because it doesn’t flap about if you’re being battered by huge gusts of strong wind. The snug, athletic fit does mean that it’s a more figure-hugging design than other jackets on the market, but ideal for racing (similar to the Scott RC jacket). I chose to wear a small in this jacket (which I prefer) as the inov-8 jackets do tend be be slightly on the larger in size to other brands. Bear this in mind before purchasing.
This jacket is perfect for fast, lightweight competition as it packs down to a tiny parcel, zipping neatly inside the pocket located on the left shoulder. This compartment is also handy for carrying small items during a run, like a key, money, compass or whistle.
When fully-zipped, the tight fit of the jacket ensures that hood stays firmly and comfortably in place during extreme weather conditions. Also worth noting is the fact that race numbers can be easily visible beneath the jacket, as the material is slightly transparent – just make sure you wear some clothes underneath, especially if you’re pairing this jacket with the matching waterproof trousers! ;-))
KEY FEATURES
1. Handy zipped shoulder pocket for storing small items/zipping away the jacket.
2. Unbeatable light-weight design.
3. Extremely high waterproof and breathability ratings.
3. Athletic fit, perfectly suited for travelling fast and light, especially in harsh weather conditions.
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10. THE NORTH FACE FLIGHT SERIES FUTURELIGHT JACKET
SPORTSSHOES.COM PRICE: £224.99 (RRP £249.99)
Please note that TNF do not provide comparable industry details for breathability and waterproof ratings.
SIZE GUIDE: 4 (FITS SLIGHTLY LARGER)
The new FutureLight material has been developed by TNF to be the worlds most advanced breathable-waterproof outerwear. A very bold aim, but after testing this jacket in some particularly harsh Scottish weather, I must confess to being very impressed with its performance.
The comfort and soft feel of this jacket, is the first thing that grabbed my attention. It feels great to wear, not just for running, but also for casual use. The simplistic design is also available in two very contrasting colours for both men and women – bright green or plain black.
The enhanced breathability of the FutureLight material is noticeable, particularly in extreme weather conditions. When the jacket is fully zipped and you’re performing at a high-level of intensity, I found that my temperature was very well-regulated. The material wicks away sweat and moisture, whilst at the same time allowing you to stay warm and protected against the harsh elements. However, it is essential that you pair this jacket with the correct base-layers to allow this system to work as effectively as possible (obviously the same can be said for all the jackets in test).
This jacket is slightly heavier than most of the others I’ve tested, but I do think it will keep you warmer for a longer period of time. Therefore, I would recommend this as a top-quality training jacket or more suitable for longer races, when you’re likely to be exposed for an extended period of time.
There is a large, zipped pocket at the back of this jacket. Although easy to access and a great size, I would avoid carrying any heavy items in here, as they could potentially move around and annoy you during exercise.
It’s also important to mention the sizing. I wore a medium-sized jacket during testing and it felt quite large. I would definitely opt for a small in the future. The shape and cut of the jacket can certainly be classed as more ‘regular’ than ‘athletic’, so something to bear in mind before purchasing.
KEY FEATURES
1. Large zipped pocket for storage, located at the back of the jacket.
2. Excellent breathability.
3. Suitable for training/long races.
4. 360 degree reflectivity. Perfect for use at night and visible to traffic.
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The secret fell running diary of Ben Mounsey aged 40 and a 1/2 