Trial runners experience all sorts of temperature changes, especially if you’re trail leads you to high altitudes. If you’re running long distances, you can’t predict if the weather is going to dramatically change at any given point.
This is the reason trail runners have to give their clothes a little extra attention, and it’s the reason you’re here. You’re trying to see which windproof jacket is right for you, and you’ve got 10 choices here.
1. Salomon Bonatti
Salomon Bonatti or Salomon Lighting are great jackets for trail runners. Part of the reason people love it is because the materials used to make the jacket are very lightweight. When you’re running, the last thing you want is something heavy. On top of that, the jacket uses skin dry technology that helps keep you dry during your run. It’s breathable, and the fabric allows for much freedom; it may not be the cheapest jacket out there, but it’s worth it.
2. Arc’Teryx Norvan Hoody
The Arc’Teryx Norvan Hoody is a jacket people fall in love with. You won’t find a model specifically for women, but men and women can wear this jacket because it feels more unisex, which is mostly due to its minimalist design. There are no pockets. It is expensive but also performs extremely well. It comes with a high-neck design to help keep you warm even when things get a little crazy on your run.
3. Gore Wear R7
Gore Wear R7 is another jacket that has a minimalist design that makes the jacket unisex. It’s considered one of the lightest jackets on the market, which is part of the reason many people fall in love with it. This jacket comes with a pocket and other great features, like breathable material that’s also reflective. Those who run at night are going to be happy to learn that you’re wearing something that’ll help cars see you at night.
4. Inov8 Stormshell
The Inov8 Stormshell is a jacket you’ll be happy with should you choose it. Experienced trail runners love the unisex jacket because it’s got everything you might want in a jacket. It gives you the 360 reflectiveness you need at night. It comes with sleeves that have thumb holes built in. This may not seem like such a big deal, but this will help keep your hands warm when it gets chilly. It’s a little heavier than other jackets, but it’s also incredibly comfortable, which is a plus.
5. OR Helium II
The OR Helium II works well for men and women, just like many other jackets mentioned here. This model is the budget option. The jacket will get the job done but won’t cost you an arm and a leg either. One awesome thing about the jacket is that you can compress it and put in a pocket. It comes in several colors, and it’s lightweight, so you’ll find the jacket that fits your style.
6. Craft Women’s Repel
Sometimes, a jacket designer doesn’t make something for the other sex. It does everything a jacket should, thanks to its three-layer construction. You’ll get a jacket that can help keep you warm, but the benefit of this jacket is that it contains an inner layer that’s quite pleasant. You know most trail-running jackets aren’t comfortable, so this is a major plus.
7. Brooks Canopy
Brooks Canopy is a jacket for all genders, and it’s a well-made jacket. While some windproof jackets are designed for all weather, this one was mostly designed for the cold. It’ll keep you warm and can protect you against light and medium rain. You get thumb holes for some additional protection, and you even get a pair of pockets with this jacket. What you might love about this particular jacket is that it won’t cost you much.
8. Brooks Nightlife
Brooks Nightlife is the kind of jacket that’ll make a statement. The design may not be minimalist, but that’s mostly because it’s trying to keep you safe at night. The jacket is highly reflective, no matter the lighting situation, be it low-light conditions or no lights at all. The jacket could be worn by either sex. The material of the jacket helps keep you dry, and it can deal with light to moderate rain, just in case you need that.
9. Icebreaker Incline Windbreaker
The Icebreaker Incline Windbreaker is a great jacket for trail runners. It’s a unisex jacket, and it’s budget friendly for those who don’t want to spend much on gear. It comes with a mesh lining that helps wick away any built-up moisture. You know sweat is a big problem when you’re running, so having something like this is a positive thing. The jacket even has ventilation holes in the armpit area because it anticipates your needs.
10. Salomon RS Softshell
This jacket isn’t as waterproof as some of the other jackets mentioned here, but it’s ready for the cold weather. It’s considered by most to be one of the warmest jackets out there. If you happen to have a lot of trouble dealing with cold temperatures, then this is the jacket for you. It’s still breathable and very flexible, so you’ll have a comfortable run with it. You’re going to love it, and it isn’t gender specific, so that’s a bonus. The price is relatively low, but it’s a worthy investment nonetheless.
Hopefully, you find your jacket on this list, but if you still aren’t sure, keep looking. The jacket you get for your trail running should do what you need. It should fit your style and the types of weather conditions you normally encounter.
