Whatever trail you're planning to run, you'll almost certainly need a jacket. Even if you're not sure you'll put it on during the race, it can come in handy during your warm-up and should be within easy reach in case of bad weather. The trail jacket is therefore an essential choice to make: both for being perfectly protected and for being able to run naturally.
It's probably the one you'll tuck into your rucksack just in case. Even when conditions look good, you're never fully sheltered from a cold gust on the heights — or even a light shower. Against a sudden squall, the windproof jacket can protect you. It's also a handy jacket for your warm-up or after the trail to avoid getting too cold.
Choose something very lightweight and packable: these are two essential qualities for always having it to hand and slipping it easily into your rucksack. You can also opt for reflective detailing for added visibility in low light. On the waterproofing side, a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment is essential to ensure water resistance for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the intensity of the rain you encounter.
It's important to choose a jacket that combines all these characteristics but also has stretch in the fabric. Don't overlook its durability either. Trail often takes you into the heart of nature, and your jacket needs to be able to withstand rocks and scrapes from branches or any other vegetation.
So plan your jackets from this selection and slip them into your car before the trail, then choose which one to take based on the conditions. Never make the mistake of heading out without a jacket — it's always a decision you'll regret. Most lightweight jackets weigh next to nothing these days and can be taken on any terrain!
Trail jacket: the different types of jacket to choose from
There are as many jackets for trail as there are weather conditions, really. That's a slight exaggeration, but it's not far from the truth. It's up to you to decide, based on the forecast for the day and the area where you'll be running (which region, what time of year and what altitude), which trail jacket to slip into your bag. In fact, you need to build up a selection of jackets to cover the various weather conditions you might encounter. Clearly, if you're a trail addict who runs in all seasons and all climates, you need the full kit. Adjust this selection to suit your own practice. For example, if you only run trail at low altitude and in mild-climate areas, you can do without a very warm jacket. That said, it's hard to skip the windproof jacket and the waterproof jacket.Trail jacket: the windproof jacket
It's probably the one you'll tuck into your rucksack just in case. Even when conditions look good, you're never fully sheltered from a cold gust on the heights — or even a light shower. Against a sudden squall, the windproof jacket can protect you. It's also a handy jacket for your warm-up or after the trail to avoid getting too cold.
Choose something very lightweight and packable: these are two essential qualities for always having it to hand and slipping it easily into your rucksack. You can also opt for reflective detailing for added visibility in low light. On the waterproofing side, a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment is essential to ensure water resistance for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the intensity of the rain you encounter.
Trail jacket: the waterproof jacket
The waterproof jacket should be packed when rain is forecast. It will be important to have a good waterproof jacket. Running for many hours with rain soaking through to the skin is not only unpleasant — it's also a factor in injury and a sure way to get cold and lose muscle efficiency. Choose a jacket with 10,000 mm Schmerber protection, which will give you effective protection in heavy and sustained rain. The ideal is to have a jacket that combines waterproofing and breathability while giving you good freedom of movement. The fabric should feature a membrane that combines lightness and stretch, with a fine-pore structure that allows better airflow while remaining more resistant.
Trail jacket: the warm jacket
For colder spells or races taking place at higher altitude, you'll need to plan for a jacket to fight the cold. It must be chosen carefully, as it needs to both protect you effectively and not impede your effort or movement. It's important to choose a jacket that gives you good freedom of movement and doesn't leave you feeling restricted. Second point to check: breathability. This is essential because even in cold conditions, running will make you sweat and feel warm. If your jacket traps that body heat and perspiration with no way out, you'll feel like you're stuck in a very uncomfortable steam room.
It's important to choose a jacket that combines all these characteristics but also has stretch in the fabric. Don't overlook its durability either. Trail often takes you into the heart of nature, and your jacket needs to be able to withstand rocks and scrapes from branches or any other vegetation.
So plan your jackets from this selection and slip them into your car before the trail, then choose which one to take based on the conditions. Never make the mistake of heading out without a jacket — it's always a decision you'll regret. Most lightweight jackets weigh next to nothing these days and can be taken on any terrain!
