Which trail jacket should you choose for the weather?
Halfway through your run, the wind picks up on the ridge and your sweat-soaked t-shirt turns cold within minutes. Choose your jacket based on the forecast. In dry, windy conditions, a windproof jacket weighing under 150 g is enough. For prolonged rain, switch to a waterproof membrane jacket. In cold, dry weather, a stretch thermal jacket works as an outer layer.
Each Cimalp product page states the wind speed the jacket can block: 40 to 60 km/h for SKIN windbreakers, and 60 to 90 km/h for the WIND and STORM jackets. Our guide choosing your trail jacket explains how to choose by trail type and season.
Waterproof trail jacket: running in the rain
The windbreakers’ water-repellent treatment sheds the first drops of rain; in a prolonged downpour, water eventually passes through the fabric. The STORM, waterproof to 10,000 Schmerber, adds a close-fitting hood and YKK Aquaguard zips to keep water out. The STORM PRO steps up to a three-layer Ultrashell membrane and 20,000 Schmerber.
On the trail, the STORM PRO + fits over your pack and gives you access to your flasks through two side zips. Ultra-trails such as the UTMB require a waterproof jacket as part of the mandatory kit: our guide to mandatory waterproof clothing for the UTMB sets out the requirements.
Trail and running windbreaker: lightweight and packable
The windbreaker stays in your running vest pocket until the first mountain pass. The SKIN VESTE has a wraparound hood that stays put while you run, a chest pocket for a gel or bar, and packs into its own pocket. The SKIN GILET has no sleeves, so it protects only your torso.
On exposed ridges, the WIND blocks stronger winds. Its stretch fabric moves with your shoulders, and its hood stays in place as you run. These windbreakers have a water-repellent treatment but no membrane: keep a STORM in your pack when rain is forecast.
Trail jacket for winter and night runs
In winter, a jacket needs to keep you warm at the start without leaving your back soaked on the first climb. The BLIZZARD, a breathable stretch thermal jacket, can be worn on its own in cold, dry weather or under a waterproof jacket. Its thumb loops keep the cuffs closed against the cold, while a fastening tab lets you run with the jacket open when you get warm.
For running with a headtorch, on trails or roads, the STORM, WIND, SKIN jackets and BLIZZARD have reflective details. Find the seasonal selection in our winter running jackets.
Women’s and men’s trail jackets: fits and weights
Every model comes in women’s and men’s fits, except the SKIN GILET, which is available in a men’s fit. The limited-edition Team Cimalp versions of the STORM and SKIN retain the technical features of the original models. Find each fit in our women’s trail jackets and our men’s trail jackets.
Product pages give weights for women’s size S and men’s size M: the women’s STORM weighs under 200 g, and the men’s version under 250 g. Like all Cimalp clothing, these jackets benefit from the free repairs for life.