Running jackets
As the harsh winter chill makes way for warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to train outdoors. Do it in style and comfort with a jacket that will protect you from the elements
Pearl Izumi Fly Softshell £90
pearlizumi.co.uk Pearl Izumi has re-imagined the classic tracksuit top, making it more stylish and functional than its 80s counterparts. It blocks wind while still being breathable, and is thick enough that you don’t need to keep moving the whole time to fend off the cold. The stretchy material has a slightly longer back to stop it from riding up, which keeps draughts out and means you don’t have to keep tugging it down to preserve your modesty. Wind can’t sneak up the armholes either, thanks to a skintight inner sleeve that starts at the wrist. It’ll cope with a light shower, but this one’s really intended for cold, windy days, not rainy ones. All we need now is the matching tracksuit bottoms. Pros ■ Soft, comfortable material ■ Retro look with modern features Cons ■ Not suitable for wet weather ■ Minimal reflectivity VERDICT ●●●● ● A stylish and comfy top that will keep you warm even on frosty days
Brooks LSD Lite Jacket IV £90
brooksrunning.com Unless you’re running in sub-zero temperatures you only need a light jacket, and this one’s so light it’s like having a second skin that’s windproof and waterproof. However, it’s not made from breathable material, so if the sun does grace you with its presence things can get a little clammy. An adjustable back vent is supposed to help stop you from overheating, but we found it less than effective. If do you start to sweat, all 99g of the jacket can easily be stuffed into its own back pocket, while if the wind gets up you can stow the hood away so it doesn’t flap about. Despite the muted colour scheme, reflective details keep you visible in low light. Pros ■ Ultra-lightweight ■ Packs away easily Cons ■ Too thin for cooler conditions ■ Clings to sweaty skin VERDICT ●●●● ● Perfect for staying protected from the weather on breezy, rainy spring days
Under Armour LTWT Warm-Up £50
underarmour.co.uk The soft mesh lining in this jacket feels ultra-comfy against bare skin, making it perfect to sling on between laps in the pool, after races or to and from the gym. It’ll keep you from freezing while training, plus the material across the upper chest and shoulders is water-resistant; however, it’s not particularly thick so it’s best suited to fair weather. Moisture-wicking properties mean it actively draws sweat from your skin – stopping it from gathering, drying and eventually smelling. Sadly, that doesn’t mean you’ll never have to wash it, but it does mean it will take longer to develop a musty odour if you ever chuck it in your bag and forget about it. Pros ■ Slim, well-fitting cut ■ Good sweat management Cons ■ Only partly water-resistant ■ No zips on pockets VERDICT ●●● ●● Reasonably priced and comfortable with good moisture management
Glofaster £ 140 (£ 240 with Glofaster Gizmo)
glofaster.com Made from waterproof yet breathable material that’s both stretchy and lightweight, this jacket hugs the torso snugly thanks to an ergonomic cut that’s designed not to restrict your movements. So far, so good, but it’s the wearable tech aspect that makes it extraordinary. LED lights run down the front, back and arms, and they don’t just mean you’re easy to spot in the dark – they also give live feedback on your performance. Simply set your parameters (heart rate zone you want to train in, pace you want to run at and so on) on the companion app and it visually lets you know if you’re sticking to your targets, meaning your phone can stay safely in one of the waterproof pockets for the duration of your session. Pros ■ Training aid and jacket in one ■ Highly visible in low light Cons ■ Not good for big-chested guys ■ Awkward LED switches VERDICT ●●●●● Take your running to the next level with the help of this tech-infused jacket