CLIMATE CONTROL
Don’t let the British weather put a damper on your outdoor training. Our MH Lab team tested the best new jackets to identify the true coats of armour
Dressing for transitional spring weather is always a challenge. But throw a run into the mix and you’ve a lot to plan for: biting winds that give way to scorching sunshine; precipitate downpours that leave your gym tee sodden. It’s entirely possible to cycle through all four seasons over the course of a 10K.
But don’t let an unpredictable forecast dampen your spirits.
Training outdoors offers many benefits, from the mental health boosts of time spent in nature to the superior calorie burn and increased muscle activation that comes from running (or lungeing or burpeeing) on uneven ground.
But you need the right kit. A good running jacket provides warmth, but is sufficiently lightweight and ventilated to pre-empt overheating. It should be waterproof and impervious to wind, while added extras such as reflective detailing for safety and pockets for stashing your house keys and gels can make all the difference.
To keep you on track whatever the weather, the MH Lab team put the best to the test. Our panel wore them for a variety of outdoor workouts over a fourweek period. From budget buys to streamlined style, these are our top picks. Get ready to hit the ground running.
01
TRACK STAR
86/100
Under Armour Storm Impasse Run Jacket, £150, underarmour.co.uk
How It Works Design
Ease Of Use
FOR DATA GEEKS: If you check your sports watch mid-workout, this jacket was made for you. A split in the left arm lets you keep an eye on your pace at a glance, with no need to roll up your sleeves. The fit is generous, with room to pop a base layer beneath in colder weather, and it packs neatly into its pocket when you want to shed a layer.
EXPERT VERDICT: Wind protection rated highly, as did breathability – the jacket kept testers cool, not clammy. The waterproofing won’t hold up in a downpour, so check your weather app.
02
LIGHT IDEA
88/100
New Balance Graphic Impact Run Packable Jacket, £80, newbalance.co.uk
How It Works Design
Ease Of Use
THE ALL-ROUNDER: Panellists rated its feather-light, breathable material, making this a smart choice for warmer days and longer, sweatier workouts. It packs down nice and small – handy for travel – and there’s a zip pocket for stashing valuables.
EXPERT VERDICT: Best left in the wardrobe on cold days, as it doesn’t trap warmth and has no hood. But it handled the wind well, with no rustling or flapping. Despite the slim fit, it didn’t feel restrictive and was easy to slip on and off mid-stride. It looks slick, too.
03
COLD COMFORT
95/100
Lululemon Men’s Cross Chill Jacket, £168, lululemon.co.uk
How It Works Design
Ease Of Use
RUNAWAY SUCCESS: It’s not cheap, but it does deliver, particularly on colder, wetter days. The plush fleece lining and close-fitting hood provided comfort and weather-proofing, while reflective detailing and interior and exterior pockets were a bonus.
EXPERT VERDICT: It scored top marks for waterproofing, even in heavy showers, and is clearly built to last. If we had to find fault, it was a little on the bulky side and can’t be stashed into a packable pouch. But you can sling it in your rucksack.
04
BLOW BY BLOW
82/100
Nike Repel Miler Men’s Running Jacket, £72.95, nike.com
How It Works Design
Ease Of Use
WIND SHIELD: This stylish offering from the experts at Nike held firm in blustery weather. It earned our panel’s stamp of approval thanks to its lightweight material and adjustable hood, which didn’t slip off once. The elasticated cuffs offered a welcome bit of extra wind-proofing, plus, it can be packed away easily.
EXPERT VERDICT: It scored well for temperature control, keeping testers cool in the heat and comfortable against the chill. However, it lost some marks on our waterproofing tests. Order one size up to ensure comfort.
05
THINK FAST
80/100
On Running Active Jacket, £120, on-running.com
How It Works Design
Ease Of Use
RACE READY: If speed is your goal, this thin, lightweight On jacket is a good choice. Weighing just 107g, testers barely noticed they were wearing an extra layer at all. Elastic around the wrists and waist kept the wind out, while the angular zip made whipping it on and off easy.
EXPERT VERDICT: It rustled a little and the roomy pocket won’t comfortably hold keys and a phone without jiggling. But despite the snug fit, the fabric felt breathable and allowed free movement. A good pick for race day.