Whatever trail race you’re planning, you’ll almost certainly need a jacket. Even if you’re not sure you’ll wear it during the race, it can keep you warm while you warm up and should be close at hand if the weather turns. A trail jacket is therefore an essential choice: it needs to protect you without restricting your natural running stride.
Trail jacket: the different types of jackets to choose
There are virtually as many trail jackets as there are weather conditions. While that may sound exaggerated, it is close to reality. Depending on the daily forecast and where you are heading (region, season, and altitude), it is up to you to decide which trail jacket to pack. In short, you need a versatile range of jackets to cover whatever weather the mountains throw at you.
If you’re a keen trail runner who races in every season and climate, you’ll need a full range of jackets. Tailor your selection to where and how you run. For example, if you only run trail races at low altitude in mild climates, you may not need a very warm jacket. A windproof jacket and a waterproof jacket, however, are hard to do without.
Trail jacket: the windproof jacket
This is certainly the one you will pack in your rucksack just in case. Even if the forecast looks good, you are never safe from a chilly gust of wind on the ridges or even a light shower. Against a quick squall, a windproof jacket can protect you. It is also very useful for warming up or after your trail run to keep from getting too cold.
Choose an ultra-lightweight and packable jacket: these two features are essential for keeping it handy and stashing it easily into your rucksack. You can also opt for reflective detailing for added safety in low light. For weather resistance, a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment is required to keep moisture out for at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on rain intensity.
Trail jacket: the waterproof jacket
Take a waterproof jacket when rain is forecast. It is important to have a good waterproof jacket. Running for hours with rain soaking through to your skin is not only unpleasant: it can also increase the risk of injury, leave you cold and make your muscles less effective. Choose a jacket with a 10,000 mm Schmerber rating for effective protection in heavy, prolonged rain.
The ideal setup is a jacket that combines waterproofing, breathability, and unrestricted freedom of movement. The fabric should feature a membrane combining lightness and stretch with a fine-pore structure that maximises airflow while offering greater durability.
Trail jacket: the warm insulated jacket
For colder conditions or races at high altitude, pack a jacket to protect you from the cold. Choose carefully: it needs to provide effective protection without hampering your effort or progress. Look for a jacket that allows you to move freely and doesn’t feel restrictive.
The second key factor to check is breathability. This is crucial because even in cold weather, running generates sweat and heat. If your jacket prevents body heat and moisture from escaping, you will quickly find yourself trapped in a very uncomfortable sauna effect.
It is essential to choose a jacket that combines these performance features with stretch in the fabric. Do not overlook durability either. Trail running often takes you into the heart of the wild, and your jacket must withstand rocks, branches, and rough vegetation.
Keep your selection of jackets ready in your car before your trail run, then pick the right one based on the actual conditions. Never make the mistake of heading out without a jacket; it is always a costly oversight. Most modern lightweight jackets weigh next to nothing, allowing you to carry them on any terrain!
