What running jacket?

[Stealthrunner]

Although Mother Nature has smiled on my C25K attempt so far, I could really do with a windproof, breathable, water-resistant, well-ventilated and quiet jacket. Looking for something affordable, since I don't feel that 30-40 minutes outdoors at low altitude in spring/summer justifies something from one of the more extreme and therefore more expensive brands. I'm reluctant to spend too much money until I know that running is something I can do long-term. Any suggestions?

[Lunebucket Graduate]

I wear a Ron Hill Ladies Pursuit jacket. It's very light and I don't get hot in it. I haven't been out in very strong wind yet (triggers my asthma) but it is advertised as a wind resistant jacket. It is ventilated through a hidden mesh flap in the back. I love it. I got it for £22 new from a running shop (Simply Run I think) on eBay but I think mine might be a slightly older model as it didn't come with roll away hood. Not too bothered about that because price was good and I probably wouldn't run with hood on anyway.

ronhill.com/proDetails.php?...

[Frazzles Graduate]

I got a soft shell Regatta jacket on sale in Go Outdoors which I'm loving - it's really lightweight and I find I don't overheat when I'm wearing the same way I did when I was running in a heavier jacket.

Annoyingly though the hood is a tad too small to stay up properly so if there's any rain I have to just put up with my hair getting wet, which you might say defeats the point of wearing a jacket... it does keep the rest of me dry well though! I think it was about £30 or so.

[Stealthrunner]

Thanks, Lunebucket and Frazzles, that's just what I'm after. I don't feel that C25K justifies the price of some of the more high-spec running jackets, so these two sound ideal. I'm not bothered about the lack of a hood, I can always wear my waterproof Sealskinz beanie. I doubt I'll go out running if it's absolutely bucketing down, so really only need something that's windproof (having been plagued by icy north-easterly winds for the past week), reasonably shower-proof and well-ventilated.

[Mirella Graduate]

Karrimor one from sports direct for me (people will think I work for them if I keep on like this but their stuff is soooooo cheap)

[Burstcouch Graduate]

I bought cycling jacket - brand was Muddyfox reduced to £13 from £60, its great and I don't get hot in it at all. Its was from Lillywhites ( think is part of sports direct group too), but they have their own website.

[CaroleC Graduate]

I got a Karrimor light windproof/waterproof one (neon pink because they didn't have a 12 in the neon yellow) for only £11.99 in the sale!! It's perfectly fine and has pockets for the usual running rubbish!!

CaroleC

[ribena-berry Graduate]

On the 'running clothes' post I wrote that I recently bought a black Karrimor jacket for £22 from Sports direct (prob the same as mirella).

It's fab to run in, has loads of pockets and, as I've just found out, you can zip off the sleeves to make a gilet. Bargin!

[Stealthrunner]

Thanks for the description, ribena-berry. I've just ordered a Karrimor jacket that sounds similar to yours. Fingers crossed it fits.

[sfb350 Graduate]

Sounds like the one I've got, I'm really pleased with it.

[PatButcher Graduate]

Sports direct do a range, cheap and cheerful, mine was 11 quid. No hood but i wouldn't use one anyway. pink black and green I think. Hope it helps

[Stealthrunner]

My Karrimor X-lite ladies running jacket arrived today! Looks like a great buy at £22 and I think the zip-off sleeves may be a very useful feature. Thanks for your help, everyone!

[fluffywelshsheep Graduate]

lidls and aldi have great running gear just need to keep an eye on them for when they 'come in'

[Stealthrunner in reply to fluffywelshsheep]

My husband picked up some great cycling gear from Aldi last year, but that was just by coincidence since we don't have either shop nearby. But yes, it was quality stuff!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

When your on the hunt for running tops check out Sports Direct running and cycling gear too. The cycling gear is stay dry, longer in the back and often has an extra zipped pocket too. Muddy Fox do a few different tops that are brilliant.