Waterproof or windproof running jacket

skedaddle

Barefooters
Sep 3, 2011
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It's just getting wetter and wetter here in the U.K. My old running jacket just isn't up to the job being only water resistant, not proof.
Does anyone know of a lightweight waterproof jacket, preferably hooded that has good wicking and is also windproof?
I've been looking and trying to wade though the marketing treacle of sportswear, it's just one of those few garments that you could make a really expensive mistake with, so i'm hoping for a few pointers or recommendations.

Thanks.
 
This would be a good start. http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/nine-running-jackets-for-the-rain

Truly waterproof and windproof wicking jackets are made with a PTFE (aka Teflon) lining. They will keep you dry from the rain. The problem is that these stay very warm, especially if one is running, so sweat can still be a problem. If the temps are 5C or below, sweat may not be a problem.

These types of jackets are cheaper for general activity, but the running specific ones can be pricey. Good luck!
 
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Thanks Sid for the information, i'm suspecting there is no ideal material, gain in one area and loose in another.
I reproof my jacket every three months or so, but what i didn't realise was that you have to activate the proofing with heat directly after washing, i'll give that a go and see if things improve.
The other option would be gilet, i suppose as long as your core is warm and dry then it won't matter too much about the arms.
 
I like their gear and have a pair of the light weigh pants. I am pretty happy with them and would consider getting the jacket. I have another coat that I use a couple times a week but I can't remember the name?

http://www.raidlight.com/en/waterpr...thable-trail-running.html#/size-s/color-white

Neither are wicking, even though they make the claim. I personally prefer layers under a very light coat since it gives you more flexibility for the cold.
 
I like their gear and have a pair of the light weigh pants. I am pretty happy with them and would consider getting the jacket. I have another coat that I use a couple times a week but I can't remember the name?

http://www.raidlight.com/en/waterpr...thable-trail-running.html#/size-s/color-white

Neither are wicking, even though they make the claim. I personally prefer layers under a very light coat since it gives you more flexibility for the cold.


Thanks for the suggestions Abide, the raidlight stuff looks interesting, don't think i've ever seen a watch window built into a cuff before, but i bet it steams up.
I agree about the wicking, it's kind of why i started this thread to see how others get by and navigate the marketing jungle of sportswear.
 
No me either, and I didn't even notice it until you mentioned it. Nice that it folds up into its own pocket too. Now I am busy checking out their bags...

I picked up some light merino wool shirts from decathlon and usually wear one or two of those for cold races over a regular t shirt. Then I can add the coat and it keeps me toasty warm in any weather. The nice thing about the rain jacket is its a great wind breaker too.
 
These days there are a lot of water repellants that one can add in the washing machine and use it to treat their favorite jacket. I've gone this route now for the last 3-4 years. Even if one buys a rain jacket it is usually recommended to treat the jackets once or twice a year. When I start to get wet again, in they go for another treatment.
 
living in the pacific north wet (PNW) i only worry about getting wet when it's cold outside. if it's raining heavy i can run shirtless. i produce enough heat to stay warm and the rain cools me down so i can faster. well, at least i feel like it and you can't tell me any different and if you do i won't listen.

i try to keep warm in light or cold drizzles. i have enough layers to keep me warm. dry, not too worried as i get inside or change as quick as i can.
 
These days there are a lot of water repellants that one can add in the washing machine and use it to treat their favorite jacket. I've gone this route now for the last 3-4 years. Even if one buys a rain jacket it is usually recommended to treat the jackets once or twice a year. When I start to get wet again, in they go for another treatment.


Thanks dutchie, i've been using the nikwax technical wash every two months or so, it says it refreshes the waterproofing and I thought that was good enough.
I shall go for a full re-proof tonight and see if it makes a difference, the forecast for tomorrow is a suspected 4ins of rain and gales, so i think so i'll have the perfect testing conditions.
 
living in the pacific north wet (PNW) i only worry about getting wet when it's cold outside. if it's raining heavy i can run shirtless. i produce enough heat to stay warm and the rain cools me down so i can faster. well, at least i feel like it and you can't tell me any different and if you do i won't listen.

i try to keep warm in light or cold drizzles. i have enough layers to keep me warm. dry, not too worried as i get inside or change as quick as i can.


Thanks Mike
The issue i have is being dumped on with the sort of rain that gives you brain freeze when i'm up in the hills in the middle of nowhere. I know i should probably man up but it's the sort of thing that can sap your energy faster than a speeding ticket.
 
No me either, and I didn't even notice it until you mentioned it. Nice that it folds up into its own pocket too. Now I am busy checking out their bags...

I picked up some light merino wool shirts from decathlon and usually wear one or two of those for cold races over a regular t shirt. Then I can add the coat and it keeps me toasty warm in any weather. The nice thing about the rain jacket is its a great wind breaker too.


The packs do look sweet, i'm tempted with the olmo r-zone for long training runs, I hate bladders, and i'd rather the bottles were at the back other than sloshing about around by your face as many of the packs seem to be these days, i think the sound of that would drive me nuts.
 
The packs do look sweet, i'm tempted with the olmo r-zone for long training runs, I hate bladders, and i'd rather the bottles were at the back other than sloshing about around by your face as many of the packs seem to be these days, i think the sound of that would drive me nuts.

Me too, but let me introduce you to the anti-slosh softflask! http://www.raidlight.com/en/bottles-and-bladders/4239-soft-flask-press-to-drink.html#/capacity-600ml

The nice thing about having two front bottles is you can have water in one and some sort of sports drink in the other. I think that is what I am going to do from now on in my ultras and then carry something like this in the back so I can fill my front bottles when needed. http://www.rei.com/product/820769/platypus-platy-bottle-70-fl-oz

Last year I did all my races with a hydration pack for water and then a front bottle for an isotonic drink. I never felt like I drank enough water because of the difficulty getting it out of the rear hydration pack. I figure to give it a try and the time to refill should be minimal.
 
Me too, but let me introduce you to the anti-slosh softflask! http://www.raidlight.com/en/bottles-and-bladders/4239-soft-flask-press-to-drink.html#/capacity-600ml

The nice thing about having two front bottles is you can have water in one and some sort of sports drink in the other. I think that is what I am going to do from now on in my ultras and then carry something like this in the back so I can fill my front bottles when needed. http://www.rei.com/product/820769/platypus-platy-bottle-70-fl-oz

Last year I did all my races with a hydration pack for water and then a front bottle for an isotonic drink. I never felt like I drank enough water because of the difficulty getting it out of the rear hydration pack. I figure to give it a try and the time to refill should be minimal.


I actually just returned a salomon pack that had soft flasks in the front, just got the wrong size. But these raidlight packs seem a lot cheaper, don't know if that's a good or bad thing.
Replacing the bladder with a large soft flask is a great idea! I never thought of that. You could just as well carry a couple of flasks in the back the same size as the front ones and just swap them over when needed. Would save on the refill hassle.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SAAL6...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=07PYDJP23W1KJHE49KG5
 
I think i'm going for this OMM Kamelika Smock, i like the idea of stretchy fabric. it weighs just over 8oz and is waterproof and so say breathable but does have a double front zip.
 
I find the waterproof jackets to be comfortable while walking around in the rain, as they breathe much better than regular raincoats. However, for vigorous activity, they still trap too much moisture inside if one is sweating.


I understand Sid, and I doubt i'd do much running in it, at least not at the speeds that would cause me to overheat. Think as it more of a safeguard for when I'm up in the hills, on my own, a long way from home and the weather turns. I want something to limp home in and keep me warm, especially if i'm already tired. I'm just trying to respect the environment I run in. 99% of the time things are fine, but it's that 1% that keeps me focused.
For races, or running locally, it's not a problem as there are loads of folk about and chance of a change clothes, I'm happy with just a 3oz windshield for that, but may try out some merino tops as Abide suggested. I know it's the only technical fabric that stays warm when you're wet, but it seemed a bit rough to the touch, so I kind of side-stepped it.