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WHICH TRAIL JACKET TO CHOOSE?

Among the equipment necessary for trailers, the jacket is an essential. You can choose a lightweight, soft-fabric one to simply keep warm. But to face the elements, you'll need more than just an extra layer. Find out the key points to consider when choosing your waterproof/windproof jacket and you'll have no more excuses not to go out in bad weather!


Key criteria for choosing your trail jacket

Whether it's summer, winter or a rainy day, comfort should remain your watchword. In addition to the quality of the fabric and membrane, the following points will prove to be real assets during your run. When buying a trail running jacket, you should think of:

  • The ease of movement: loose fit or fitted, it's up to you.
  • The shape of the hood: it should be easy to put on, to adjust and to store.
  • The number of pockets, waterproof closures if needed and their accessibility.
  • Elastic sleeves or a transparent space on the wrist for the watch if you like running on the clock.
  • The weight: on your shoulders or in the backpack, the lighter, the better.
  • The breathability and capacity to wick away perspiration.
  • The waterproofness of the membrane to run and stay dry.
  • Safety: bet on the reflective strips, especially if you are running at night.

BREATHABLE FABRIC: WHAT MEASUREMENTS?

To measure the breathability of a fabric, American brands rely on the RET system, whereas in France, we talk about MVTR. In RET, the lower the number, the more breathable the fabric. The top being that it should be less than 6 for maximum wicking of moisture during intense effort. In MVTR, the range is from 5,000 (not very breathable) to 30,000 (ultra breathable).


Choosing your windproof jacket for trail outings

Lightweight, compact and practical, it is a timeless trail accessory. On the one hand, even in mild weather, you're not safe from a little breeze or a gust of wind at altitude. On the other hand, the windproof jacket is ideal for keeping your muscles warm when warming up or after exercise, and avoiding getting cold. In addition, we opt for a model with a water-repellent treatment to counter the first drops of rain.

Thus, this garment is multifunctional and covers you in a variety of situations and weather conditions. However, if rain's coming, you will need to equip yourself with a real waterproof jacket.


Waterproof jackets: what you need to run and stay dry

A little water will not stop you? Alright, but don't run in the rain without a waterproof jacket. It keeps you dry, of course, but also prevents you from losing heat, especially if the weather turns cold. To choose it well, you need to consider two measurements. Your jacket must be both waterproof and breathable. There usually needs to be a good compromise between the two, as the more waterproof a product is, the less perspiration it wicks away, and vice versa. This is why you will need to choose your trail jacket according to the effort (training or race), duration and weather.

MEASURING THE WATERPROOFNESS OF A TEXTILE

The Schmerber is a unit of measurement to assess the waterproofness of a fabric. The higher the number, the more rain resistant the textile will be. Note, however, that the more waterproof a garment is, the heavier it is and the less breathable it is.

Running comfort is invariably impacted by the quality of your gear. The trail jacket is no exception. You should choose a waterproof and breathable fabric for maximum ease of movement and running comfort.

THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR TRAIL JACKET:

  1. Comfort and ease of movement are two main criteria in order to choose your trail jacket.
  2. Opt for a minimum of 8,000 Schmerber to stay dry.
  3. Go for a RET of less than 10 or MVTR of more than 12,500 to ensure the fabric is breathable during your effort.