- Staying warm and dry is not just important for your time, but also for your safety
Staying dry during a trail race is crucial not just for your performance but also for safety. But, when you're trying to move light and fast through the mountains, the last thing you want is the added weight of an anorak. Now there are a range of jackets for you to try so the next time you're in the hills you are warm and speedy.
Check out just some of them below.
The North Face Futurelight
The latest jacket from The North Face, they claim to have a new process to make the jacket that makes the material more breathable than ever. Reviewers say that you notice the difference when you touch the material " it's far softer than other waterproofs, and does not make the rustling sound of similar jackets. Reviewers also note that it is comfortable and dry.
Oiselle Vim Jacket
This lightweight jacket is windproof, but it's not entirely waterproof. It is water resistance so is perfect if you're expecting small showers, or drizzle. It has reflective tape on the chest, back and sleeve so you can stay safe when you're running on the road. The adjustable toggle, to pull the hood tight, is located on the side of the neck to avoid it running the neck or getting in the way of the zip.
Salomon Bonatti Race WP Jacket
This jacket is slim-fitted to comfortably hug your body, but not produce drag as you canter through the hills. However, the sleeves are a bit short. The fabric is soft, so if you have a T-shirt on under it, it does not stick to the skin. It packs into its own pocket, so it wont take up too much room in your race pack. It is great at keeping water out, but in a downpour, water will eventually seep through.
Gore Wear R7
The jacket is a bit looser than other similar products, which means it's great for putting on lots of layers underneath if you are heading out on a trail run that extends overnight, so you can vary your clothes depending on the temperature. There is only one pocket, on the chest. The zip has two zippers, so you can open up the bottom to have some ventilation but keep the jacket shut.
The North Face Venture 2
The Venture 2 is baggier than most jackets, so like the Gore, it can fit layers underneath. But, you may want to order a size down from your normal clothes size. Most appealing is the price. It is cheap, especially for The North Face gear. A lot of reviewers commented that it's waterproof, even in the heaviest downpour.
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