Running Jackets: Aren't they all the same?

So you thought running jackets were all the same? Basically they are, they keep you warm, protect you from light rain and have some pockets to hold a few items you want to carry. They are lightweight, may have a hood and can be reflective for running at night. So begs the question, what's the difference? Throughout my years of running I have accumulated my fair share of running jackets, in pursuit of finding "the one" … I think I finally may have found it.

Instead of boring you reviewing all of the ones I own and the positives and negatives of each, let me first start by listing them all;

Nike - full zip lightweight with a hoodie

New Balance - full zip lightweight with a hoodie

Zoot pullover - ¼ zip with a hoodie

Adidas Supenova -full zip, lightweight, no hood

Asics - thicker warmer jacket

Nike - tech pack running jacket

So a few pointers I have learned with them all:

- find one that can work at night (or early morning) to be visible to cars

- light enough and pack-able so you can stash in a pack or your hand during your run if you get too hot

- make sure all zippers work and won’t get caught when using the zipper during a run (one of my jackets zipper get caught whenever I try to use the zipper other than perfectly flat on a hanger - crazy I know)

- make sure it can keep you warm and cool a the same time (sounds crazy but true)

Finally I found that one is not enough, so I have three as my “go to”.

Adidas Supernova

I use this jacket for temperatures around 3 degrees celsius. This is meant to provide a bit more warmth and is my go to night time running jacket when things get a bit cool. It is my most reflective jacket which makes me visible by far. I use this jacket when it’s cool and wet as it has a very water repellent coating. It has no hood which I do like as I find most hooded jackets start flopping around the back when not over your head (no matter how light the hood is).

Drawback

- zero pockets - while just one small one to hold a key, or gel, but thats it

- can be folded or packed up (into a bag or camelback, but not to carry in your hand (a bit thicker)

- no ventilation holes or zippers if things get a bit warm during a run

Asics Storm Shelter

This is my thicker winter running jacket as I use it for anything colder around 0 degrees celsius or below. Reflective for when running at night (cooler nights) and has many pockets. It does have a hood, and also has zippers for under armpits when things get warm.

Drawbacks

- can get warm (so I use it only on my colder days)

- a bit bulky so you can never take it off or pack it

Nike Aero Shield

While I’m not sure you can actually classify this as a jacket, because it comes in two separate pieces. It ticks most of the boxes off my list as it’s super light weight, pack-able, and keeps you warm. I use this jacket for anything above 5 degrees celsius. After a warm up and when things seem to get a bit over heated the top piece (hood and sleeve) can be unzipped and removed as it folds up easily into a back pocket on what now reveals itself as a vest. It also has reflective strips throughout so it is visible at night. The vest has three spacious pockets which I can easily stash my running gloves, gels, music player, and it also has a side quarter zip and a lower right zipper that moves up from the hips about six inches to help cool you down if things continue to get warm.

Drawbacks

- haven’t tested it in the rain yet so not sure how water resistance it is

- not as reflective as the Adidas Supernova

- not the warmest jacket for the colder of days

So if you think all running jackets were all created equal, you were mistaken. Each of them has a specific need and I have yet to find the ultimate do it all jacket. Until then, these three running jacket is all I need, for now…

Tips for your future purchase:

- My Nike and Adidas jacket has a shot to be "the one" do it all jacket if your not super picky and find the right mix of warm and breathable jacket

- look for a reflective jacket

- look for a jacket that can keep you warm and cool (with zipper or open panels)

- look for a jacket that can be pack-able

- water resistant

- optional hoodie: if you want one or if you if don’t mind running with one down if you don’t need it