Waterproof jackets for runners buyers guide 2018

Waterproof jackets for runners....

It's a weekly question I get especially this time of year...

I've written a couple of articles and done a video or two that you can find on my blog, website and Youtube if you want more details but basically I have 2 Waterproof jackets I use for running.I also have a few that aren't waterproof but let's focus on waterproof for now. Why two? One is ultra lightweight so I would personally choose this one on a race where the forecast is good and the duration is short. Eg a flat trail marathon in the summer with no rain forecast anywhere. In the winter or on a long event out in the hills or when there's a chance of rain, I'd take a more substantial jacket.

First up, any waterproof jacket for running should really have a hood and taped seams (sometimes called seam sealed) I'll assume you know what a hood is, a good one will have two adjustments, one to close it around your face and keep the weather out, another adjustment to tighten the hood around the top of your head to stop it sliding off or over your eyes (where your halo would be if you were an angel)

As for taped seams they are found inside the jacket, so where material is joined on the seams, a special tape is used on top of the stitching to keep water from seeping through.

The jackets themselves will be ideally breathable (so that you don't feel like you're wrapped in cling film) but not let the water in. Usually there's a measurement on the manufacturers website or the shops detail that you're buying from, eg 5000 or 10000m/m. Occasionally race organisers specify a jacket should meet a certain rating but really you want to make sure the jacket of choice is going to be adequate for keeping you dry, warm and alive.

The weight of the ultra light ones like my Berghaus Hyper Smock are about 100g although this one is discontinued I have found a similar jacket by Inov8 and it's cheaper on Sportshoes website than their own Inov8 Jacket (sportshoes) at the time of writing Inov8s own website Also similar Montane Minimus here Montane Minimus

For the more extreme conditions I have a Berghaus Vapour Storm HERE which has been replaced this year by newer models. I'd go for the 'Extrem' range and probably choose between the 'Paclite' 'Fellmaster' or 'Hagshu' jacket depending on your preferences.

There are a huge range of brands and jackets but as long as you stick to these guidelines you should come up good. Have a look here for ideas If you're lucky enough to have a local running shop, pop in there and have a chat, you can try a few on and see them in the flesh.

Check out my video on here https://youtu.be/DIaoWIcB-BY

Waterproof Jackets for Running

JACKETS JACKETS JACKETS

The key things you need to consider

SIZE - Get one that fits yes, but also packs down small ideally WATERPROOF - Make sure it is a waterproof jacket and not 'weatherproof' or 'resistant'

HOOD - Some races specifically ask that you have one with a hood. If you don't have one you'll get wet.

TAPED SEAMS - Inside the jacket, where the stitches would be is like a tape that seals the jacket, again essential or else the jacket will leak

POCKETS - An internal one for your phone is a good idea, do you need more?

I get asked quite a lot about 'where my kit is' when running especially in races where you carry compulsory kit. I always have it of course, but I have condensed it down and upgraded things to be as light as possible when appropriate. One of the most important bits of kit when trail running, especially in British weather, is the waterproof jacket.

This is the waterproof jacket I use normally. It's the Berghaus Hyper Smock and has taped seams and a hood and is waterproof. It's spot on for packing light and I think it's great for any single day run that I normally do. Although it's now discontinued there's an inov8 jacket basically the same thing at Sportshoes HERE At the time of writing it's cheaper on Sportshoes than Inov8s own website

If you're setting off on a winter event or into a heavy storm forecast I have a more substantial water proof which is slightly bigger and thicker that I use in those cases. (Scroll down for that) There are similar products about from other brands which I'm sure are good too although I've used Berghaus for years and haven't actually owned some of the other brands.

It's fully waterproof and has a hood along with taped seams. (This is essential or water comes in through the stitching I guess, and also having rain run down your neck, not cool) The hood also has an adjustment string too for when the wind is trying to blow you back to where you came from.

Anyway the jacket I use is on the link below, or click HERE and as I write this there is currently showing a 20% sale . Just as a note some of you might know I was sponsored by Berghaus a couple of years ago when I did the Dragons Back Race and they did supply me with some of the kit for that, including this particular jacket although out of all the Berghaus gear I use I bought most of it myself.

Berghaus Hyper Jacket - Ultra light and super small

If you're after something a bit more substantial, what I would choose if racing an ultra on a bad forecast and heavy sustained rain conditions (eg all day/night) then I use the Vapour storm jacket also by Berghaus. This is a couple of years old and still going strong, used on The Spine Race and similar along with some training runs in truly awful weather (along with strolling to the shops in the rain too)

Basically there is an inner and outer layer to this jacket which makes it a bit thicker but also a bit heavier and bigger to pack (still very small compared to other jackets I've seen and tried) also I was impressed with the breath-ability which sometimes can be like wearing a bin bag in a cheap waterproof.

There are different ones to suit different budgets so probably the best thing to do would be to look at the website and Jackets Range and go from there. The 'Light Trek' or the 'Thunder' look to be the equivalent of what I have although newer (and currently showing as 40% off in some sizes) but if I was buying a new one now I'd probably be lured in by the 'Extrem Light Packlite' jacket because I really do like to pack as light as possible yet still be kept dry in the bad weather.

Berghaus also have a store on Amazon HERE so perhaps just check the price before you just in case one has a sale perhaps.

In terms of waterproof jackets, they're essential for most runners especially in the UK!

Hope you enjoyed a quick run down.

Talk soon!