If you’re looking for the perfect windproof & waterproof jackets – running gear – for racing or training, I’ve got some seriously lightweight options for you.
Almost every time I run long races or skyraces, the races require mandatory gear like… a windproof jacket, a weather resistant shell, and/or a waterproof jacket.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. 😉
The Perfect Windproof & Waterproof Jackets – Running Gear
Here are two of the best windproof, waterproof or water resistant, and extremely lightweight jackets for running and racing.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The Patagonia Women’s Houdini Jacket is windproof and water repellent (DWR). It is extremely lightweight and durable against the wind and water resistant.
The Pros
The pros of this jacket from personal experience are that it is a very breathable jacket. It is windproof and extremely lightweight. I usually bring this jacket on every training run because of how lightweight it is. It is also water repellent which is good for training runs in case it rains.
The Cons
The only con of this jacket is that the seams are not sealed, making it not 100% waterproof. It is water repellent. If a race says mandatory gear must include a rain jacket with sealed seams, this jacket is not going to work.
At the 2019 Youth Skyrunning World Championships this is the rain jacket that the whole US Skyrunning Team wore.
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium II is an awesome jacket that is 100% waterproof and windproof, and it is also super lightweight.
The Pros:
This jacket from personal experience is a protective layer I can quickly just shove into my bag and head out the door. It compacts very tightly into itself. I use this jacket for racing when it is required to have a rain jacket because of the fully coated seams which makes it completely sealed and waterproof.
The Cons:
The only downside to this jacket is the weight. The Patagonia jacket is actually a little bit lighter than the Outdoor Research jacket. So, if you want to go even lighter, the Patagonia jacket is probably going to work better for you, but if you need a jacket that is 100% waterproof the Outdoor Research is probably an all around better jacket.
EXPLORE MORE: Buy the Outdoor Research Women’s Helium II Jacket now!
I hope you enjoyed reading about The Perfect Windproof & Waterproof Jackets – Running Gear. Is there an even lighter jacket out there? Do you have both jackets? Which one do you recommend? Let me know your thoughts!
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