Lightweight Running Jacket.: Hello Folks, Seems... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Lightweight Running Jacket.

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate
33 Replies

Hello Folks,

Seems like I need to buy a running jacket. Needs to be windproof, breathable, water-resistant, and ventilated. Don't really want to be spending too much as spring/summer is just around the corner, having said that this is the UK ;).

However I am a firm believer of “Good equipment ain’t cheap, and cheap equipment ain’t good.” Currently running 5K, will up to 10K in the future don't know if this is relevant, but might as well let you know just in case.

Any suggestions?

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saul01 profile image
saul01
Graduate
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33 Replies
Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate

Runswithdogs made a good observation yesterday, recommending checking the pockets have zips. Worth bearing on mind

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Slowstart

Good point re the zips, will add that on to the list of wants.

You can usually pick up fairly cheap Karrimor ones in Sports Direct which are pretty good.

I also got a great one in Aldi when they had the running sale on (but not sure when the next one may be).

Paul46-ipswich profile image
Paul46-ipswichGraduate

i got this one from Sports direct

swimshop.co.uk/karrimor-men...

and I find its comfy, got zips and waist elastic and a few reflective bits. lets face it if its too waterproof you are going to sweat buckets.

Paul46-ipswich profile image
Paul46-ipswichGraduate in reply to Paul46-ipswich

oh and its got a hidden ventilated panel along the shoulders

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Paul46-ipswich

Don't know why, but I'm not convinced with the Karrimor gear. I know pretty much they are all the same, it's just Karrimor just doesn't do it for me. Gone are the days of the "real" Karrimor stuff, which I would have bet my life on.

Paul46-ipswich profile image
Paul46-ipswichGraduate in reply to saul01

I completely agree with you, I used to love and rely on karimoor but now I buy it because it's cheap not for any life saving adventures. For that I always go Berghaus or paramo.

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Paul46-ipswich

I'd love a Berghaus, but can't justify the price tag for a 30 min run :)

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

No, but I want one too... I haven't really looked yet apart from trying one on in mountain warehouse that was in the sale but didn't fit properly. Don't really want to spend more than £35.

I know what you mean about spring coming but keep seeing runners out in long sleeved jackets and feel jealous...

How is it going Saul post graduation?

Still got your mojo? :)

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Hi Jan,

Hope all is well. Didn't know mountain warehouse do running gear, will pop over there in a bit. I've seen one on the Decathlon website that I like the looks of and only costs a tenner!

Life post graduation is good, definately still got the mojo :) , I'm still running 3 times a week and am sticking to 5K runs. New routes, new times, and with the added bonus of not a fox in sight ;) .

Managed to set a new pb yesterday, think that was more due to it being so cold and wanting to get back in. I have a 5K run on the 5th March ,all going well, after that will look at increasing distance. Ideally would like to be capable of running 7-7.5km by mid May-June.

How's your running getting on ?

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply to saul01

Good thank you. Back to running three times a week again (slipped to 2 times in January) and enjoying the buzz. I can run in the daytime so get to feel that lukewarm sun on my face (when the wind drops).

Just sticking to a couple of routes but did 37 minutes of running yesterday... yeah.

Glad you still feel motivated. Signing up for that 5k parkrun in March has worked out well. It can feel a bit flat after graduating and having to run solo (no Laura) :( but I find coming on here and reading everyones breakthroughs an inspiration.

Good luck finding a jacket, treat yourself before your parkrun debut. :) :)

Rignold profile image
Rignold

Well the good news is while a lot of quality kit might be very pricey, I think the windproof jacket may just be the exception to the rule. The one I have was from Aldi or Lidl at the end of one of their regular running gear promotions, was orginally £10 but I am pretty sure I got it marked down for £3 or 4.

For the job it does - ie just keeping the wind off my sweaty torso during normal runs- it doesn't get a lot of wear and tear. It's not getting rubbed, worn against thngs, stretched, scraped or any of the othe rindignities that shorts, tights, shoes etc are subjected to. It doesnt get worn in rougher activities etc. Soit is now on its third year of service and still good as new.

I wouldn't go for water resistant tbh. If you are running in rain you are going to get wet. Your body is going to be wet from sweating anyway, and doubly so in a wterproof coat, so I see no advantage to be had. The one I have is a lurid fluoro yellow with reflective strips. It has breathable under arm section and a breathable back flap thingy. It is super lightweight and reall is just a windbreak, which is all you need.

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Rignold

That's pretty much what I am looking for. The water resistant is a gimmick really as I know I will get wet, and the waterproof ones are quite bulky anyhow.

I've read on a few websites about the Aldi stuff, but don't know when they will starting their promotion. Anyone on here work for Aldi by any chance? :)

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

I have a water resistant Karrimor one from Sports Direct (I bought a mans one as I am 5'10") and it does the job well. I was rained on (heavily!) for the whole of my 10k run at the weekend and although the water did get through eventually, I found that I didn't overheat.

Pigivi profile image
Pigivi

I have a cheap one from Decathlon and quite happy with it - the only thing is that (in the good old days when I ran - still on IC for now...) I always wished for was a way to store it - after a while even in windy, damp and cool Irish weather one gets hot, and I always ended up taking it off and awkwardly tying it around my waist - so I would look for something that can be stored in its pockets (remember the first K-Way?)

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Pigivi

Just found this, which looks promising and also packs away. Thanks for the heads up.

decathlon.co.uk/kiprun-wind...

folkieboater profile image
folkieboaterGraduate in reply to saul01

I have a Decathlon Kalenji own brand and it's great. Detachable hood (though I detached it on day one and it hasn't gone on since as I'm not a head covering sort of person), zipped pockets and vented back - and grey rather than flouro. Had it just coming up to 2 years since I started this malarkey and it's still in decent condition. Will probably look there again soon for a replacement...

John_W profile image
John_WAmbassador

Have you got a DW Fitness/Sport store near you? They do a great range of branded gear - I got a lovely zip Asics top and a very lightweight Ascis jacket from there in their Xmas sales recently.

I wouldn't discount Trespass stuff either.

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to John_W

Just had a quick look on the net, seems like all of their stores are up North. Will have a look at the Trespass stuff when I get home.

ridingstar profile image
ridingstarGraduate

I have the Aldi one and have to say it's one of my best buys so lightweight ties beautifully round my waist when I am too warm for it ! I wouldn't wear it at all when the weather warms up. Bet Aldi will have another running promo soon !

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to ridingstar

When I used to cycle, I bought quite a bit from Aldi and was really impressed with their stuff.

I think it's going to be sod's law, I'll purchase the jacket and then the promo runs...wonder if I call them they can tell me.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Wearing a jacket would just get me wet from inside out instead of outside in. A compression base layer, long sleeve top and long leggings are what I wore this morning at sun up and ended up too warm by the time I finished my run. Nearly all my gear is from Aldi and although the details change from time to time, the general quality and value is unbeatable. If you look on the Aldi website they say when promotions are coming up. I think there is an app and you can go on a mailing list too.

Hello, TKMAXX have got some bargain buys in, I got a light ronhill running jacket for £15 at the weekend. Its bright pink so not to everyone's taste, but good quality, good price. They'll have men's stuff in too.

folkieboater profile image
folkieboaterGraduate in reply to

Ooh. I feel a visit coming on 😉

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to

I don't normally have much luck with TKMAXX :( . I either find nothing at all, or something that will take me approx 10 years to fit into.

ElsieW profile image
ElsieWGraduate

Hi Saul!

I got a mountain wear one and it's ace! Hope you might have found one by now!

E xxx

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to ElsieW

Helloooo Run Bud!

How you been? long time since we last spoke. Hope all is well. How is the running coming on?

I think I have found the one I like (Decathlon) , am going to the Ashford Outlet this Thursday hope to find something there, if not will settle for the Decathlon.

ElsieW profile image
ElsieWGraduate in reply to saul01

Hey up!

I'm full of germs and horrid things at the moment! The little buggers at work spread the love and shared with me!!!! Haha! Not run since Saturday and going to rest until Monday now. Haven't even felt well enough to have my gait analysis!

I hope you enjoy your shopping for your jacket, you need to put a pic up when you have it!!!!!

How's you?

E xxx

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate

Sorry to hear that, hope you get well soon. Any idea where you gonna get your Gait Analysis done from? From what I have seen, sweatshop offer the best service in that department.

I'm good thank you, ticking over as usual.

I suppose I should with the amount of fuss I'm causing :) . I think we should have a "Post pics of your recent Purchases" thread.

ElsieW profile image
ElsieWGraduate in reply to saul01

We have a fab running shop in our town. They are independant but really top for advice and very helpful.

You're not making a fuss, it's great to discuss stuff like this because all the equipment we buy is an investment and it's important to get it right! I think I love buying running stuff, but have to stop myself!!!!! Haha!

:-) x

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate

Just had a look at that on the net, reminds me of the Nike shell suit I used wear in my teens.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

My aldi run jacket looks great! It looks really expensive 😊 I am chuffed with it. My first ever one is still going strong and has been faultless, and that's a karrimor

Nike ones look good but are still quite reasonable at either SD or Start fitness

totalbeginner profile image
totalbeginnerGraduate

Hi mine is a time to run one. I bought it off amazon a coupoke of years ago. It still looks like new as I've not worn it much. It keeps some of the wind off and I'd describe as shower proof not waterproof. It cost £15-20 I would recommend it. Its dayglow yellow with reflective accents. Very fetching!

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