| A. Ario Block out $99.99 |
Features Double storm flap at front; adjustable Velcro straps on sleeves; hood rolls away into collar. Evaluation As the dropped tail, slightly heavier material and storm flaps show, this is not exclusively a running jacket. That doesn't mean you can't run in it. You can, although you feel and hear it a lot more than the others. The water-proofing is excellent, bit it struggled to allow any air circulation on longer runs. But if you intend to do more than run in the jacket, this is the one for you. |
| B. Fine World $84.99 |
Features Reflective piping on back of shoulders and logo on collar; detachable hood; two side pockets. Evaluation Fine world set out with the intent of finding a fully waterproof, breathable material at an affordable price. It has largely achieved that with a coated nylon which is fairly light, reasonably quiet and certainly keeps out the water. Where it suffers is in its ability to keep you dry inside. The polyester lining was always soaking after every run, especially around the upper body. |
| C. Fine Form $ 119.99 |
Features Concealed hood; front and back reflective trim; two side pockets. Evaluation This is a classic, no-frills jacket specifically designed for the running market. It is heavier than some of the other models, but it's certainly the best one to be wearing in the midst of a storm. Due to the weight, you tend to generate more sweat when you're running, which it struggles to clear. It is expensive but well finished throughout. One minor irritant is the hood, which is bulky when rolled away in the collar and would be better detached. |
| D. High Flyer $ 49.99 |
Features Reflective piping; half-body lining; two side pockets. Evaluation If you want light and quiet, this is your jacket. The material must be one of the lightest around. It has a soft, cotton-like feel which cuts down on the usual noise of the jacket rubbing against itself. But while water initially beaded and fell off the jacket, in a heavy downpour it can become quite damp inside. However, it did dry out again particularly quickly. If you're worried about price, this is a good option. |
| E. Run riot$ 79.99 |
Features Concealed hood; reflective piping; side pockets. Evaluation Their new material, vortex, is extremely light, fully waterproof and seems to breathe pretty well. Rather than just a warm-up jacket, this really is a model we felt you could train in. The all-round vents help the body breathe, and though the mesh lining was sometimes damp after a run, the outer material wasn't. (NB the jacket is not available until next season.) |
| F. Storm-trooper $119.99 |
Features Reflective trim on body and sleeves; elasticated Velcro cuffs; thick collar. Evaluation Despite its appearance, Storm-trooper's weatherproof material has a soft feel. However, although the large back vents help air circulate, it doesn't keep you perfectly dry inside, and the fleecy collar doesn't help. Nevertheless, everyone who ran in the jacket liked it a lot. In fact, it looked almost too good not to go out running in. The curious thing is the color. Despite the reflective elements, near-black is a strange choice for a winter jacket. |
