Whatever the weather

Welcome to the WH Lab, where we put fit kit through a rigorous testing process to determine which pieces deserve a place in your workout wardrobe. This month, our team of testers braved all weathers to put wind-proof and waterresistant running jackets thr

Even the best of intentions for a Saturday morning run can be derailed by drizzle. And on those days, there’s one crucial piece of kit that could spell the difference between a PB day and a PJ day. A good running jacket does more than keep you dry, it also needs to be more breathable than your average anorak; a hood can mean the difference between damp and drenched; and, if you run with your phone, a zipped pocket is handy, too. Factor in aesthetics and price point, and finding the right jacket can feel harder than a HIIT sesh on a hangover. But fear not, for our team of WH Lab testers have trialled these jackets in all conditions so you don’t have to (they’re nice like that).

HOW WE TEST

The WH Lab tested these jackets by measuring how water-resistant they were and putting them through a series of wash tests, noting any shrinkage, wrinkling or damage. They were also sent to a running club, where each jacket was worn in a variety of weather conditions, from light showers to strong winds and heavy downpours. Runners also tried them at night to test any high-vis detailing. They assessed the fit, breathability and comfort levels, as well as whether they would continue to wear each jacket after testing. The scores are calculated using the data collected from both the lab tests and the runners.