Kit Corner: waterproof jackets
It’s that time of year again! Daily we see posts in Facebook groups, ‘What’s the best waterproof jacket for under £100’, ‘Recommendations for jackets please!’. Well, in short, it depends. If you are unsure what waterproof jacket to buy for running, then hopefully this blog post will help you have some direction. Whilst we partner with Ellis Brigham, we are not sponsored, and any recommendations for jackets are based on personal experience. The only two industries I have worked in have been outdoor retail, or outdoor adventure coaching, I have experienced a vast selection of fantastic, and not-so-fantastic products.
How They Work
“Not all waterproof clothing is created equal. Understanding how They works can help you choose the right gear for your adventure”.
The most common technology used in waterproof clothing is a waterproof membrane. This is a thin layer of material with microscopic pores that are too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough to allow water vapor (sweat) to escape.
Most waterproof jackets are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outer layer. This chemical treatment causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than soaking in. While DWR doesn’t make fabric waterproof on its own, it enhances the overall water resistance of the garment. Over time, the DWR coating can wear off, reducing the jacket’s effectiveness. Reapplying a DWR treatment periodically can restore water repellency.
Even if the fabric is waterproof, water can still seep in through the seams where different pieces of fabric are stitched together. Seam sealing involves applying tape or heat-sealed strips over the seams to make them watertight. For most ultra-distance races, fully taped seams are a requirement.
Waterproof Rating
“a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mm. If you expect to encounter heavy rain, consider jackets with ratings of 15,000 mm or higher”.
Waterproof ratings are often measured via hydrostatic head which comes in millimeters (mm). This refers to the amount of water a fabric can withstand before leaking. Higher numbers indicate stronger waterproofing.
2,000mm -5,000mm: Minimum rating for a jacket to be called waterproof. This won’t stand up to much more than a light shower. Not the jackets we are after.
10,000mm- 15,000mm: Will withstand most downpours and even heavy snow. Where this will let you down is if you have a heavy hiking pack on. The pressure of the pack will essentially press water through your jacket and eventually, you’ll get wet. Most running packs will be light enough not to apply this amount of pressure.
20,000mm Plus: this rating will keep you dry even if you plan on carrying heavier loads.
The backside of the these ratings is that the higher you go with the hydrostatic head, the lower the breathability will go. This is why you will see those higher-rated jackets come with another way to vent, usually through zips under the arms or the sides.
Breathability Rating
Breathability is measured in grams (g) of moisture that can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. Higher numbers indicate better breathability. For running, breathability is key to avoid overheating. Look for a breathability rating of at least 10,000 g/m²/24h. For intense running sessions or races, a rating of 15,000 g/m²/24h or higher is ideal. There have been many customers who have said their jacket is not waterproof anymore. Most commonly, they have been sweating in the jacket, thinking it was the rain getting in. Cleaning your jacket can help reduce this. There are a few different tests that companies do to measure breathability so sometimes it can be complex to determine if one jacket will be more breathable than the another.
Layer Construction
Waterproof and Water Repellent Textiles and Clothing 2017.
2-Layer Construction: This consists of an outer fabric bonded to a waterproof membrane, with a loose lining inside. It’s often less expensive and bulkier.
2.5-Layer Construction: A waterproof membrane is bonded to an outer fabric, and a protective inner layer (often a print or coating) is added to protect the membrane. This type offers a good balance of weight, breathability, and waterproofing, making it popular among runners.
3-Layer Construction: This has an outer fabric, a waterproof membrane, and an inner lining all bonded together. It’s the most durable and offers the highest performance but can be heavier and more expensive.
How to select a jacket
The selection of waterproof jackets for running has never been bigger. We need to find a way to narrow the selection down. There are a few questions to ask yourself that will really help guide you into getting the best jacket for your needs. Mainly, What will I be using it for? Yes, yes, you want it to keep you dry when it’s raining on your run. But that’s not what you want it for, that’s what you want it to do.
Do you want it for a running in every day during the winter (or summer at this rate!). Perhaps you want it for a mountain marathon you have coming up. Perhaps, you want it to fulfill the basic kit requirements of an ultra or you want it to be as lightweight as possible.
Some of the factors to consider:
Weight and Packability
Fit and Comfort
Ventilation Features
Hood Design
Reflective Details
Price
Recommended Jackets
Below is a selection of jackets that we think will suit most needs of runners. Firstly some lightweight ones. These options are great if you are looking for that minimalist, pack down as small as possible. These jackets are really for the racer. After regular use, my Phantom is still going after 2 seasons of racing including some winter ultras. I haven’t linked through to any particular shop for a reason. You can go and find your own deals, and maybe even pick up a bargain 2nd hand on Outdoor Gear Exchange or Vinted.
Rab Phantom
£175, 90g, 20,000 HH, Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of 40,000. Superlight weight and packable.
Montane Miniums
£125- 110g, 15,000 HH 15,000 breathability. very similar pack size to the Phantom and a similar fit.
Inov-8 Raceshell
£120- 100g, 15,000 HH and 15,000 breathability. has a bit more room in the shoulders than the Rab and Montane I find.
These mid-weight jackets come in heavier but have the bonus of being more reliable and robust than the lightweight category. These are great for more winter-based, everyday jackets. If you know you are going out in the rain these are worth it, rather than a ‘just in case’ option.
Inov-8 Storm Shell
£160, 149g, Packs down into its check pocket. the V2 has 20,000mm HH and 20,000 breathability. The cut on this at the back is nice as it doesn’t ride up.
Rab Kinetic Ultra
£185, 165g, 10,000mm HH and 35,000 MVTR breathability. The Pro-flex face fabric on the jacket is amazing. It feels like a soft-shell jacket. This greatly reduces the noise you would normally get from wearing a jacket. Very nice if you are running it in for hours on end!
These heavy rain/multi-use jackets are great if you are looking for a waterproof that can do a bit of everything. Great waterproof ratings, packable. but also comfortable to use every day.
Mountain Equipment Firefly
£200, 200g, 28,000HH and 25,000 breathability. This jacket is a Gore-tex Active shell. This is great at giving that all-day protection with decent breathability. It would be better suited if you are looking for a jacket that you can run in, but also use as a lightweight hiking jacket and not have too much compromise.
Arc’teryx Norvan
£350, 190g, 28,000 HH, 25,000 breathability. This is a 3-layer Gore-tex jacket. Arcteryx has pulled out the stoppers on this one! To have a 3L Gore-Tex jacket come in under 200g is very impressive. This jacket gives great protection and is hard wearing. There is one 1 drawback with this (apart from the price), there is no pocket.
Conclusion
“there will always be a compromise”.
Choosing the right waterproof jacket for running is about balancing waterproofing, breathability, and comfort. Let’s not forget about the price also.
Get a cheap jacket sure, but it won’t be breathable. Get a higher waterproof-rated jacket and it won’t be breathable. Get a jacket that this highly waterproof and breathable, it won’t be cheap.
Understanding how waterproof clothing works can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable no matter the weather conditions. Whether you're tackling a rainy trail run or braving a stormy race day, the right waterproof jacket will keep you focused on your performance, not the weather.
Invest in quality gear, and maintain it well.