Rain wear?

[Runawaytrainer]

Jacket is soaked. Sorry to be stupid, but does "breathable" fabric keep the rain out? Need a new jacket! Feet and leggings were soaked but I didn't feel cold. Is that what "breathable" means? Thanks to person who gave tip about wearing a baseball cap to keep rain off glasses; I could see in the rain, and it made all the difference to my feelings about the run.

[misswobble Graduate10]

It's ok to be wet, but cold and wet is a bad idea. While we are running it's ok but once we stop we can get the chills. So, don't venture too far from home and then have a long walk back. Out and back runs in bad weather are a good plan

Most run jackets are not waterproof. If you want waterproof you have to go up in price. I think the cheapest Ive seen is at Decathlon. Looks good though! Look for the description "taped seams" Many runners don't like them however as they get too hot. Necessary for long runs on the fells etc where getting wet and cold could mean big trouble.

Run jackets and tights are dri-fit, breathable material which wick sweat away. They will get wet when it's raining of course. you get used to running in the rain I have a hooded lightweight cheapo run jacket, and the hood fits over my run cap and keeps it in place. Your underneath layers are dri-fit too as is your running underwear. If your run is short, and you stay near home, you'll be ok Hot bath or shower afterwards and you'll be fine.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Just had similar wet run, underwear included. I knew my jacket wasn’t waterproof so was expecting this, if I hadn’t had phone on arm I’d have taken jacket off as too hot. Technology such as gortex is breathable and waterproof- I use it for walking and skiing but would personally be too hot to run in it. As misswobble says, you go way up in price. My walking jacket was £250 I am a walk leader and walk a lot, it will last years. Make sure you don’t get chilled immediately after your walk. I had to strip right down as soon as arriving home. Take care

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Wonder if this is of any use to you. It has the taped seems misswobble has mentioned 🤗

decathlon.co.uk/run-rain-wo...

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Running jackets are usually designed to wick sweat out, so they won’t be waterproof. They will resist it for a bit, but that’s all. A technical waterproof jacket, such as those designed for walkers, would probably be too hot and sweaty to run in. If you do get wet, it’s usually ok whilst you are running but you will soon go cold when you stop.

[Bike_and_Run Graduate10]

I haven't looked at running jackets myself, I'm happy with a long sleeved base layer and a t-shirt even when in heavy rain. However, when cycling across the Moors keeping dry is more of a priority so I spend a pretty penny looking on ensuring it is both a waterproof and breathable jacket. I assume if you look around at the labels of running jackets you might just find the same details.

There is usually a number associated with waterproof and breathable ratings. The higher the number, the better the performance.

Here's the science bit...

Waterproof ratings are normally measured in millimetres. The number is generated during testing when a 1’ by 1’ tube is placed over the fabric and filled with water. Once the material starts leaking water the height is measured and used to calculate how waterproof it is. So, if the number was 5K/5,000mm, then it would mean the water would have to 5 meters high before it started leaking through!

The most common measure of breathability ratings describe the grams of water that can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. If we use the 5K/5,000g example that would be 5,000 grams of water that can pass through over 24 hours. Again, the higher the number the more breathable a fabric is.

Hope this helps.

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

I have a light cycling jacket that is both waterproof & breathable & does a great job of keeping my body dry enough. Maybe the clue is in the word “cycling” - because Bike_and_Run is right, you certainly need it on a bike on a wet day! Cycling jackets also have extra long sleeves, so when running I don’t need gloves- “handies up sleevies”!!

Also they are cut longer at the back - so warm bum!! 😄

[damienair Administrator]

Yep as above I use a high viz cycling jacket which I purchased in mountain warehouse. It is light and 100% wind and waterproof. Great for running in the rain. Also great as an extra layer on very cold and windy days.

Damien

[Astra5 Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Yep, me too - I have a high viz running jacket that I bought from MW for cycling. Works great in the rain and not too hot.

[Runawaytrainer]

Sounds like a cycling jacket is worth investigating. I don't get that hot when I run anyway. Many thanks for sharing all your tips.

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Just wondering if it might be worth spraying an old jacket (in case if gets damaged) with Scotchguard or the like? I'm looking at an aerosol can of "out & about" "waterproof spray" which I bought for a few quid from Aldi. (Though I haven't tried it).

I am a hiker and not an experienced runner, and there may be a good reason why this kind of thing is not suitable for running that I'm not aware of.

I don't know about running, but as regards hiking I have lots of GoreTex and the like and I only ever buy it in sales, when there have often been deep discounts. As with many things, I would say don't rush out and buy, but rather decide on the kind of thing you would like and then keep an eye out for a bargain.