Winter running jacket

[letstryagainnow]

Completed the c25k back in March and pleased to say I've kept up with the running and am really enjoying. This will be my first winter as a 'runner' and I'm trying to work out if I need a waterproof running jacket 20000 mm type , or whether to focus on just a running jacket with good high viz like the proviz which isn't properly waterproof but would give another layer and some protection. My current waterproof makes me feel like I'm running in a big bag as it's too big and I just feel sweaty in it.
I do night runs with a running club, and morning runs with running friends on weekend mornings.

Bump

Check out harrier

I like there jackets

harrierrunfree.co.uk

I have a very thin ronhill waterproof. I rarely wear it for long unless it’s absolutely pouring but it’s good for starting out in early mornings and folds down small.
also have a proviz gilet which is good for visibility in the dark

I never wear a jacket. Gloves and hat, yes, and sometimes a light fleece, but I find jackets sweaty and rustly.

I have a high viz running gilet from proviz sport - if it’s not raining I run in an icebreaker, merino, running hoodie (super warm but I don’t over heat) and wear this over the top. Great for visibility and i hope to wear it over a decent waterproof - but I haven’t found one.

I have an ancient waterproof I run in, that I hate. I’ve bought two replacements over the years but haven’t been happy with either. I have seen something on finisterre that looks like it might be good. I’ll see if I can find it…

I don't really get on with running jackets. They're a bit boil in the bag for me.

I just get wet 🤷🏻‍♀️

As long as I can dry off quickly it's all good.

Those harrier jackets look good - which one do you have @Indoctro ?

Guess it also depends a bit on how far you run, how long it takes and what you do after. I am generally soaked through but that’s fine as I run from home to home so I don’t get cold as I’m not hanging round after run and straight in shower. If I hung round chatting or went for a drink with running friends it would need different clothing.

Oh I have a harrier hydration vest, running poles and other merch so I think their products are excellent.

I've got a very thin one I got from Sainsburys yonks ago. I only use it if its chucking it down at the start of a run. It keeps the rain at bay long enough for me to warm up. It is by no means waterproof.

I wouldn't advise spending much money on one tbh. In the winter I just layer up with a long sleeve layer on under a treat wear a buff / hat.

However, I am very much only a short distance runner. I don't tend to do further than 10k at best, so I'm not out more than an hour and never get vastly uncomfortable.

Thanks for the replies!
I'm generally somewhere between the 5 and 10K point at the moment. I have two 10ks coming up that will be my first two at this distance. I'm not fast. Tend to be out for around an hour-hour and half max. Usually run from/to home but on club running nights I'll drive to and from meeting point but really close to home.
I have a harrier running belt but haven't looked at their jackets. I did also consider the proviz gilet which looks fab. Couldn't decide if that over a long sleeve top would do the job despite me getting wet 🤔

I have a rab charge and a rab spark. I can’t remember what the actual running one and what the lightweight hiking one is meant to be, but I love them both. I am the coldest person on the plant so don’t miss a heavier jacket, however i would recommend a properly waterproofed, taped seam number. It makes SUCH a difference especially on longer wetter days

Thank you! So properly waterproof etc. Do you find you get sweaty in that so still wet? Or are those ones quite breathable too?

I've been running for 10 years here in the countryside and in dublin where it rained all the time.

I found a wind breaker far more use than something totally waterproof. I'd get a gillet or another long sleeve top.

I don't wear reflective high viz although my trainers and leggings have flashes in, I just wear a really good head torch in the dark.

That said my long sleeve running tops are pink and orange so I can be seen against the mulchy countryside colours on the rare moments I'm running on a road.

I'd def go layers rather than a coat. I also wear a waterproof cap from amazon which stops the rain going in my eyes.

Have a lovely winter running. I'm currently injured and waiting for an MRI and can't wait to be all recovered!!

I can't run in a jacket at all. They're all too sweaty and end up wet anyway. I use a high vis gilet in the dark but that's it.

I've got a yellow Ronhill one that I stole from an ex many years ago. It's fine if it's actually raining or snowing and below 5°, otherwise it's worse than the rain. I find a peaked cap to keep water out of my eyes and ears and sleeves that pull over my hands are enough to keep me warm and dryish.

I bought a decathlon once a few years ago. I love it, it has integrated mittens, hood and a neck band. But it's pretty warm so I can only use it is it is less than 10 degrees, the lower the better. This one

Any higher and I use another decathlon super light weight clingy jacket ( not waterproof).

I came here to ask exactly this! Do I need high viz? Do I need it to be waterproof or not bother? It seems like there's so many options. I do run on country lanes so I think I need some element that aids in "being seen".

I have a BTR reflective gillet which I wear over a long sleeved top (cheaper than proviz and their seconds are as good as their first if you get what I mean). It partially avoids the 'boil in a bag' feeling

btrsports.co.uk/collections/gilets?gclid=Cj0KCQjwteOaBhDuARIsADBqRejpnkyVk86bAwnUJXmBminVcjOG0BOC863bHmAbJZLv_8SkyaM7MTkaAro1EALw_wcB

My wet weather running essentials are a cap to keep rain off my face, some sort of waterproof protection for my phone and good socks that don't rub up a blister when wet. Add a high viz gilet or top if it's gloomy and lights when fully dark. Gore Tex shoes are good for running on wet pavements (useless for serious puddles and mud though!). But I have never really got on with waterproof jackets - I'd rather be wet from rain than sweat, so I use a light jacket if I am going to running club and don't want to get wet before we start, but otherwise find it's fine to get wet. Exercise and wicking clothing does an amazing job keeping bodies warm - I did my first triathlon a few weeks ago so was literally soaked to the skin but was warm enough even on the bike ride!

Good point - a cap makes a difference for me when running in the rain

I don't run in heavy rain as even in a waterproof, last time I attempted it I was soaked and ached for days afterwards.
I just have a few fleece lined tops from Decathlon in bright colours that I wear over t-shirts/long sleeved tops and layer up with a running hat/gloves/neck buffs when it's really cold. I find a light baseball cap (I have a thin Nike one) good for keeping light rain out of my face as I don't like that feeling.

I'd go light and cheap. If it keeps some of the wet off that's enough. Do warmth with layers rather than a jacket because then you can vary depending on need.

Remember you need to dress for mile 2 once you're warm or you'll be roasting alive and have to take things off.

I have a couple of Aldi/Lidl cycling/running jackets. They were cheap but aren't very breathable but mean I do run a bit on cold wet days. If it's warm (over 10 degrees) and wet I just get wet as I'd be sweaty in anything warmer!

These are all really helpful. Thank you!
Dress for mile two is something our run leaders always tell us funnily enough. Hi viz is compulsory on our night runs with the club which makes sense to me.

I get too hot running in a jacket, and prefer to start cold or get wet. But I recommend Decathlon for all running apparel - really good stuff, and criminally cheap for the quality.