Advice please

[Carrotcake12]

Hi all,

I think I am going to need a light waterproof or showerproof jacket to run in. I don't want the rain to be my excuse!!

The one I have is too heavy. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Determined55 Graduate]

I spent ages trying to find a lightweight jacket, with pockets and with reflective bits. In the end I settled for a this karrimor one from sports direct. Not ideal but it was cheap and will see me through until I know if I’m going to keep at this! (I can’t tell if you’re male or female so I’ll assume you’ll just take this as an example and won’t be offended if pink isn’t your colour 🤦‍♀️)

Karrimor pink

[Carrotcake12 in reply to Determined55]

Thank you. I will have a look at that. I really don't want to spend too much either.

[Pinkpig20 Graduate in reply to Determined55]

I have a pink Karrimor jacket too. It is a nice light weight jacket.

[Determined55 Graduate in reply to Pinkpig20]

It has open flaps at the back to get some air flowing too! I’m pretty sure it’s not really very waterproof, I just need it for the pockets and to hide my wobbly bits 🤣🤦‍♀️

[Carrotcake12 in reply to Determined55]

🤣 same!

[Determined55 Graduate in reply to Carrotcake12]

Goodness what I will do when it really gets warm 😳🤦‍♀️😩

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Why not wait until you really do need one before splashing out.The problem with waterproof running jackets, even breathable ones, is that they keep the rain out but keep the sweat in.

You get wet from nice refreshing rain (skin is waterproof) or you get wet from your own bodily secretions.........your choice.

[nowster Graduate]

The trick is to dress so that you're comfortable when damp, whether from sweat or from rain. I sweat a lot when running, so a waterproof coat would actually make me wetter.

Layers of synthetic "technical fabric" help a lot. They absorb the sweat off the skin but don't feel cold when damp. If wind chill is a factor, the outer layer needs to be close knit so it can deflect the wind.

It's like wearing a wet suit. It purposely doesn't exclude water, but the water that's trapped inside warms to your body heat.

You will feel the chill, though, when you stop running, so it might be useful to have something you can put over the top if the walk or drive back home is going to be long.

And some people find they actually like running in the rain!

[Carrotcake12 in reply to nowster]

Thank you for the advice nowster 👍

[Rennur Graduate]

Light drizzle or even light rain is fine to run in. I got a jacket two months ago and haven't used it as I have managed to avoid downpours. I find a baseball cap very useful to keep drizzle off my face. If you wear spectacles a cap can help but only a little. And NEVER wear a baseball hat back to front (unless it is used as a neck protector from the sun and then only sparingly, unless you are a rap artist.)

[Carrotcake12 in reply to Rennur]

🤣. Thank you

[Jell6 Graduate]

I've managed without one, when you're wet you don't really get any wetter. I did try a jacket once , the water run off onto my legs was worse than getting wet equally 🙄