lululemon Active Jacket
(Picture: lululemon)With the cold nights drawing in, pounding the streets and pushing yourself through the parks can be challenging even for the most seasoned of runners.
We all want to get back to our regular fitness routines and shed some of those lockdown pounds but having the right kit can be vital as the temperatures plummet.
We’ve tested out a range of running tops, from the cheaper end of the market to the more wallet-busting, to find out which kit will keep you warm, dry and comfortable as you prepare for the ‘Winter is Coming’ battle ahead.
Adidas Ocean Marathon Primeblue Jacket
Adidas are one of the leading manufacturers of running apparel and have a wide range of tops to choose from but the jewel in their crown is the Ocean Marathon Jacket. It’s made with Primeblue, which is a high-performance recycled material made in partnership with Parley Ocean Plastic (which uses plastics reclaimed from the oceans).
It’s padded for warmth, ventilated so you don’t overheat and made with WIND.RDY technology to block out wind and the rain. It also has a handy range of pockets to fit everything from your phone to your keys and even has an adjustable hood to protect your face (and headphones) from getting a soaking during an unexpected downpour.
Buy now £160.00, Adidas
The North Face Ventrix Men’s Jacket
The Ventrix jacket has been designed with trail running athletes in mind and created to adapt to changing weather conditions, which is perfect for the unpredictable British climate.
Weighing only 150g, this incredibly lightweight jacket is also quick-drying and with mesh panels inserted in the back, it manages the moisture to keep you cool on your run. It also has reflective elements to make sure you’re seen and safe in low-light conditions during your runs at dusk.
The North Face jacket doesn’t have a hood but could be worn as a very high-end base layer or in the warmer seasons.
Buy now £200.00, The North Face
Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket
Relatively unknown in the UK running market, Janji a US based company that donates five per cent of every sale to clean water initiatives. They have produced a thing of beauty in their latest running apparel line.
The Rainrunner Pack Jacket claims have three times more waterproof protection - and in fact it seems to repel the rain like water of a duck’s back. Designed with ‘360 degree core ventilation’, the Janji jacket is lightweight with an adjustable hood and a high neck to keep your top half dry as you battle the rain-soaked streets and parks. It comes in teal, orange and a very understated grey.
Buy now £150.00, Janji
Lululemon Active Jacket
If you’re looking for a running jacket that can be worn during a workout and would also look the part on a night out - then this is the top for you. It’s water-repellent (not waterproof), has a stowable hood and zipped pockets with a very handy hidden phone sleeve. It comes in black and is classically cut with no frills. It’s stylish down to the fine details of the close-fitting cuffs and well worth the investment.
Buy now £118.00, Lululemon
Under Armour Empowered Hoodie
At the cheaper end of the market, this Under Amour hoodie comes as close to comfort as you can expect in a running top. Specially designed to run in cold weather and created with a four-way stretch technology, it’s perfect for runs during the plummeting temperatures. With a built-in snood and super-soft fabric, you can feel at ease (and warm) while you focus on achieving your running goals this winter.
Under Armour’s claims of a ‘super comfortable’ sweater-come-jacket, with ‘a plush inside to ensure the right amount of warmth’ certainly feels true.
Buy now £75.00, Under Armour
New Balance Tenacity Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
The cheapest of all tested jackets, the New Balance hoodie is a great fit for all budgets. It’s a fleece rather than a waterproof jacket but it does keep you warm and it boasts ‘NB heat technology’ to keeping you relatively dry during a light downpour. It’s quick-drying and doesn’t weigh you down once wet.
This loose-fitting top ensures comfort on your run but sometimes feels a little too loose. It lacks zipped pockets but instead has a kangaroo pocket for your valuables. New Balance also offers this jacket in grey, black and ‘Captain Blue’ - an attractive cobalt shade.
Buy now £55.00, New Balance
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