Suggest a good, inexpensive rain jacket for running
September 30, 2010 12:08 PM Subscribe
I need a good, lightweight rain coat for running.
Just started on the Couch to 5K program. Got fitted for a good pair of shoes. I have some decent shorts. I figure I'll get some non-cotton shirts, if I keep this up.
But, because I'm starting this in the Fall, in New Jersey, I definitely need to get a decent raincoat for running. I'm a bit overwhelmed at the options. Right now I'm leaning towards a Brooks Podium Jacket, but don't know if they're any good.
Would love to keep this at $50 or less, since I don't want to shell out a lot of money for something that may not stick. (Although I'm loving it so far.)
Thanks for any help.
Just started on the Couch to 5K program. Got fitted for a good pair of shoes. I have some decent shorts. I figure I'll get some non-cotton shirts, if I keep this up.
But, because I'm starting this in the Fall, in New Jersey, I definitely need to get a decent raincoat for running. I'm a bit overwhelmed at the options. Right now I'm leaning towards a Brooks Podium Jacket, but don't know if they're any good.
Would love to keep this at $50 or less, since I don't want to shell out a lot of money for something that may not stick. (Although I'm loving it so far.)
Thanks for any help.
i've been a runner in rainy portland, OR for eight years. after trying a couple of raincoats early on and finding that they provide no benefit (staying dry while running even when it's not raining is somewhat of an impossibility), i focused instead on staying warm. Smartwool is a wonderful fabric for your feet, head, hands and upper body.
posted by hollisimo at 12:16 PM on September 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by hollisimo at 12:16 PM on September 30, 2010 [3 favorites]
I have gone through a lot of rain jackets for running, yet I keep going back to the same one. It's about eight years old from EMS, but I'll describe why I like it so much and you can see if this is what you are looking for.
1) Pit zips. You will get warm while running so this will be super helpful.
2) Breathable material. Generally, this means getting a water resistant material over a waterproof material. I can't run in my waterproof jacket because it gets so humid feeling in my upper body, and there are no pit zips to help ventilate. My favorite jacket has two layers, which helps to keep the wet on the outside as much as possible.
3) Wind resistant material is helpful since wind and rain often go together (like today). In the winter, you can layer up underneath and you're good go go.
Basically, you will get wet running no matter what (your feet will kick up water, and you can't avoid all puddles). Just try to get something that will allow you to maintain your comfort level temperature wise.
posted by smalls at 12:21 PM on September 30, 2010
1) Pit zips. You will get warm while running so this will be super helpful.
2) Breathable material. Generally, this means getting a water resistant material over a waterproof material. I can't run in my waterproof jacket because it gets so humid feeling in my upper body, and there are no pit zips to help ventilate. My favorite jacket has two layers, which helps to keep the wet on the outside as much as possible.
3) Wind resistant material is helpful since wind and rain often go together (like today). In the winter, you can layer up underneath and you're good go go.
Basically, you will get wet running no matter what (your feet will kick up water, and you can't avoid all puddles). Just try to get something that will allow you to maintain your comfort level temperature wise.
posted by smalls at 12:21 PM on September 30, 2010
Honestly, I wouldn't buy anything right now (though you might want tights and/or loose running pants when it gets a bit cooler). I ran seriously for years, and I never had anything like that. When it rained...I got wet. And I was so warm from running that I didn't care.
Sure, you'll want something with sleeves for the cool weather, but why not go out in a t-shirt and an old sweatshirt till you have a better idea of what you need?
I also find zip-up things annoying for long runs because when they're open, they flap around. So it's either zip all the way or tie it around your waist, no in-between. Only advantage is that it's easier to take off.
posted by the_blizz at 12:26 PM on September 30, 2010
Sure, you'll want something with sleeves for the cool weather, but why not go out in a t-shirt and an old sweatshirt till you have a better idea of what you need?
I also find zip-up things annoying for long runs because when they're open, they flap around. So it's either zip all the way or tie it around your waist, no in-between. Only advantage is that it's easier to take off.
posted by the_blizz at 12:26 PM on September 30, 2010
Nthing the suggestion of wearing a smartwool long sleeve mid-weight top if it's cold, or short sleeve light weight if it's hot. A rain jacket that is actually waterproof won't breathe and will be really uncomfortable. Whereas the smartwool will keep you warm or cool as needed and dry very quickly and won't smell. But, if you want a really lightweight rain jacket - you'll likely have to shell out a bit more than $50 if you want waterproof - but the plus side of investing in one is that you'll have one for wearing when you aren't running, and a rain jacket is so much better than an umbrella.
The EMS Thunderhead SYNC is a good bargain, is lightweight and packs into a pouch. I use the Marmot Aegis and love it - it's got a coating on the inside that reduces that sticky feeling that rain coats have in the lining. You can get this stuff at Campmor, REI, wherever, I just use EMS cause they have a student discount.
posted by jardinier at 12:29 PM on September 30, 2010
The EMS Thunderhead SYNC is a good bargain, is lightweight and packs into a pouch. I use the Marmot Aegis and love it - it's got a coating on the inside that reduces that sticky feeling that rain coats have in the lining. You can get this stuff at Campmor, REI, wherever, I just use EMS cause they have a student discount.
posted by jardinier at 12:29 PM on September 30, 2010
When it's raining, I like a baseball cap and a non-cotton t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt as is appropriate for the weather, with perhaps as much as a long-sleeved running hoody. But it's the brim on the ball cap that keeps me happy.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:29 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by bluedaisy at 12:29 PM on September 30, 2010
Response by poster: This is great. Those of you who don't use a jacket, do you wear a hat to keep the water out of your eyes?
posted by papercake at 12:45 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by papercake at 12:45 PM on September 30, 2010
I've been running for years and it's pretty rare that I put on my running jacket (even though I really like it). If you're doing the couch to 5k program, I'm guessing you're not outside for very long, right? Unless it's raining really hard and you're not moving, you probably won't get *that* wet. I actually don't mind running in the rain too much, it helps me stay cool.
posted by kat518 at 12:49 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by kat518 at 12:49 PM on September 30, 2010
In my experience light rain (misting or drizzling) isn't a problem because it's not much more moisture than you're producing as sweat. In heavier rain my shoes and socks getting soaked becomes a limiting factor much more than my upper body. There's nothing I hate worse than running in wet socks.
If you want to keep running in the colder months (which I wholeheartedly endorse; I prefer it to the summer), then I recommend Body Glide or similar to prevent chafing, which I find to be worse in cold, damp weather.
posted by jedicus at 12:49 PM on September 30, 2010
If you want to keep running in the colder months (which I wholeheartedly endorse; I prefer it to the summer), then I recommend Body Glide or similar to prevent chafing, which I find to be worse in cold, damp weather.
posted by jedicus at 12:49 PM on September 30, 2010
You can get a hat if you want but I rarely wear hats (when running or not so YMMV). I vote for getting some non-cotton shirts for rainy runs. You can pick them up at places like Target for cheap (I actually love Target for workout stuff because it's cheap and I haven't had problems with it).
posted by kat518 at 12:54 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by kat518 at 12:54 PM on September 30, 2010
Nthing everyone who says to stay warm over staying dry. Wool is great. Running in the rain is fun and getting wet is part of it. I can't imagine running in the kind of jacket that I'd use to bike or even hike in the rain - even quality waterproof-breathable rain gear with pits zips gets swampy inside when you are running.
If you really want a jacket, you want something waterproof-breathable, but not a rain jacket. If you are willing to spend the money, you want something called a soft shell jacket, which is made of a waterproof-breathable fabric that tends more to the breathable side of the spectrum. The fabric is also flexible, stretchy, and, of course, soft in a way that normal waterproof breathable fabrics are not. $100 is a reasonable budget for this type of jacket.
The jacket you link to does not appear to be waterproof at all. It won't offer you much benefit in the rain. If you are going to wear a layer that will get wet, you want it to be relatively tight, so that it keeps you warm like a wetsuit (again, wool is great for this), not loose, like a jacket, which will hang heavily off your shoulders in an annoying way.
posted by ssg at 12:58 PM on September 30, 2010
If you really want a jacket, you want something waterproof-breathable, but not a rain jacket. If you are willing to spend the money, you want something called a soft shell jacket, which is made of a waterproof-breathable fabric that tends more to the breathable side of the spectrum. The fabric is also flexible, stretchy, and, of course, soft in a way that normal waterproof breathable fabrics are not. $100 is a reasonable budget for this type of jacket.
The jacket you link to does not appear to be waterproof at all. It won't offer you much benefit in the rain. If you are going to wear a layer that will get wet, you want it to be relatively tight, so that it keeps you warm like a wetsuit (again, wool is great for this), not loose, like a jacket, which will hang heavily off your shoulders in an annoying way.
posted by ssg at 12:58 PM on September 30, 2010
Just remembered that I do have a jacket I wear sometimes when I run! If it's chilly and windy, I pull on a very lightweight cycling jacket (the kind with the pocket in the back, though that's not why I got it--I got it for road cycling, actually). But it has to be really cold for me to pull that out, because I'd rather layer with non-cotton ts and hoodies.
So, the good news is just start running. The more you run, the more you'll figure out what you want. Good luck! Have fun! Stretch afterwards!
posted by bluedaisy at 1:03 PM on September 30, 2010
So, the good news is just start running. The more you run, the more you'll figure out what you want. Good luck! Have fun! Stretch afterwards!
posted by bluedaisy at 1:03 PM on September 30, 2010
When I'm running in the rain, I focus not just on staying warm but also staying visible. Cars usually aren't looking for you, and especially not in the rain. It's no substitute for common sense (i.e. not running on the right-hand shoulder of a curvy road on a rainy pre-dawn morning), but a reflective outer layer definitely helps to set the mind at ease.
Some people go for reflective vests, but I really hate running in them. Instead, I got this jacket: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRA-BWUNJ.html# (they have a men's version too). I waited until the end of marathon season and got it for $30 on clearance last year. It's perfect for me for fall and spring runs, but when the temperature drops below 30, I put extra layers under it until I look like the Pillsbury Doughboy. The jacket I linked to is not waterproof, but I don't care (I have tried running in a waterproof jacket -- it's disgusting). It's fun to be all wet and muddy!
posted by kataclysm at 1:12 PM on September 30, 2010
Some people go for reflective vests, but I really hate running in them. Instead, I got this jacket: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRA-BWUNJ.html# (they have a men's version too). I waited until the end of marathon season and got it for $30 on clearance last year. It's perfect for me for fall and spring runs, but when the temperature drops below 30, I put extra layers under it until I look like the Pillsbury Doughboy. The jacket I linked to is not waterproof, but I don't care (I have tried running in a waterproof jacket -- it's disgusting). It's fun to be all wet and muddy!
posted by kataclysm at 1:12 PM on September 30, 2010
Ha, I linked to the wrong jacket. I apparently run in the Nightlife (reflective) version of the Brooks Podium. It's a really nice jacket to run in, but it isn't waterproof at all.
posted by kataclysm at 1:16 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by kataclysm at 1:16 PM on September 30, 2010
Everyday runner here. Layering are key. I like to run in:
- short-sleeve running top
- running vest (I use a Nike Convertible jacket with zip-off sleeves. 90% of the time I don't wear the sleeves.)
- arm warmers
- gloves
- shorts, tights (only if really cold)
- hat
That way you can drop layers as needed. I find that even taking off the gloves and arm warmers when it gets hot makes all the difference, and they're small enough to stash in a pocket or in your waistband. The linked products are my favorites that I've worn for years after trying lots of brands/models.
posted by letitrain at 1:26 PM on September 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
- short-sleeve running top
- running vest (I use a Nike Convertible jacket with zip-off sleeves. 90% of the time I don't wear the sleeves.)
- arm warmers
- gloves
- shorts, tights (only if really cold)
- hat
That way you can drop layers as needed. I find that even taking off the gloves and arm warmers when it gets hot makes all the difference, and they're small enough to stash in a pocket or in your waistband. The linked products are my favorites that I've worn for years after trying lots of brands/models.
posted by letitrain at 1:26 PM on September 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, to follow up with an actual answer to your question: waterproofing is useless when running. You will get wet from sweat or from rain. The important thing is to be comfortable with the temperature.
That's why I really like the vest + arm warmer combo - you don't get that hot sweaty underarm feeling, but your arms aren't freezing. When it gets really nasty, I zip the sleeves on, at least until I'm warmed up.
Congrats on becoming a runner!!
posted by letitrain at 1:40 PM on September 30, 2010
That's why I really like the vest + arm warmer combo - you don't get that hot sweaty underarm feeling, but your arms aren't freezing. When it gets really nasty, I zip the sleeves on, at least until I'm warmed up.
Congrats on becoming a runner!!
posted by letitrain at 1:40 PM on September 30, 2010
yup, i wear a hat year round. most of the year it's a running cap with a good, stiff bill to protect my eyes and face from rain/sun. in the coldest temps, i wear a wool beanie to keep my head warm.
in terms of rainy runs, though, you just gotta accept that you're gonna get wet and gross. it makes the shower and cup of hot coffee at the end all that much more delicious!
posted by hollisimo at 2:20 PM on September 30, 2010
in terms of rainy runs, though, you just gotta accept that you're gonna get wet and gross. it makes the shower and cup of hot coffee at the end all that much more delicious!
posted by hollisimo at 2:20 PM on September 30, 2010
Chiming in on the "don't bother with a jacket"... I am a former C25Ker, now casual (few times a week most weeks) jogger. I prefer not to wear the jacket when I run until it gets very cold indeed, and even then it's usually just a long-sleeve (non-cotton) tee and a light shell. I am definitely pro-hat, though. My hair gets gross but I wear glasses and I like to keep them as dry as possible.
posted by mskyle at 2:24 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by mskyle at 2:24 PM on September 30, 2010
I dont really run but iam active and this jacket rocks
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?sitesrc=uslp#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-282882/pgid-358437
Was discontinued for a while . Plus you buy it and money goes to cancer research. I have yet to find a jacket that doesnt make you sweat and is light .
posted by majortom1981 at 2:25 PM on September 30, 2010
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?sitesrc=uslp#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-282882/pgid-358437
Was discontinued for a while . Plus you buy it and money goes to cancer research. I have yet to find a jacket that doesnt make you sweat and is light .
posted by majortom1981 at 2:25 PM on September 30, 2010
You will definitely be wet if not from rain then from sweat. Any jacket will just hold sweat in, even a wicking running jacket if it is layered over a cotton tshirt. So don't wait to get some non-cotton shirts but at least get thee to Target and get a couple of cheap wicking shirts rather than investing in a running jacket.
They make a huge difference in being comfortable while running, period, let alone running in rain because tech fabric doesn't hold moisture like cotton. You can layer shirts (sleeve lengths) to stay warm.
posted by kitkatcathy at 2:40 PM on September 30, 2010
They make a huge difference in being comfortable while running, period, let alone running in rain because tech fabric doesn't hold moisture like cotton. You can layer shirts (sleeve lengths) to stay warm.
posted by kitkatcathy at 2:40 PM on September 30, 2010
My hair gets gross but I wear glasses and I like to keep them as dry as possible.
I solve this with a dorky tennis visor, a sweatband, and earmuffs. That way, no face full of rain and no head full of sweat. Admittedly it makes me look kind of like a crazed hobo but I am pretty okay with that.
posted by elizardbits at 3:43 PM on September 30, 2010
I solve this with a dorky tennis visor, a sweatband, and earmuffs. That way, no face full of rain and no head full of sweat. Admittedly it makes me look kind of like a crazed hobo but I am pretty okay with that.
posted by elizardbits at 3:43 PM on September 30, 2010
Moisture will accelerate chafing with cotton by a factor of at least ten. Please do get something technical/non-cotton before you try this! Also: Vaseline and/or Bodyglide if it ends up being an issue.
posted by kcm at 5:52 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by kcm at 5:52 PM on September 30, 2010
I'm another stay dry-er. My mantra is 'get wet but don't get cold' and besides rain gear makes me too sweaty and then I'm wet on the inside and the outside. I do have a lightweight pearl izumi sleeveless jacket with a mesh back that works well (it's been a few years, but I think it's this one). I always wear a hat, too.
posted by poissonrouge at 6:24 PM on September 30, 2010
posted by poissonrouge at 6:24 PM on September 30, 2010
Response by poster: Ran with the one tech shirt I have in a spitting rain and was fine with it. Thanks for all the great feedback. I'm heading over to Target tomorrow to get a couple of cheap tech shirts. Will look for longer sleeved versions and a hat as well.
I'm hoping that this running thing sticks and I'll be able to use this thread when I'm looking to invest some more money down the road.
Thanks again, everyone.
posted by papercake at 12:54 PM on October 1, 2010
I'm hoping that this running thing sticks and I'll be able to use this thread when I'm looking to invest some more money down the road.
Thanks again, everyone.
posted by papercake at 12:54 PM on October 1, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by advicepig at 12:16 PM on September 30, 2010