Wow, this place really dies after 4:00 MST. Tells me that all the fun people: a) live in the east, b) F around on ST all day at work, c) leave work at 5:00 SHARP. I’d make a good detective, no?
Ouch, tough crowd.
Anyway, don’t yell at me for asking this (Yes, I searched the hallowed ST archives and found some good information but I need more) but, the old lady bought me some Salomon trail running shoes for X-mas. I have more jackets than an eskimo but I swear to G I don’t have one that is light and breathable enough to winter running. I’ve narrowed my search for a running jacket down to the following:
There are all probably very comparable so, in the end, it probably doesn’t matter which one I choose. My criteria for selecting these three is, lightweight, very breathable, multi-functional (want for XC skiing and light backcountry touring), roughly cost $100, and not running specific. So I guess I would ask which one I should pick or please provide other suggestion if it meets my criteria.
My bigger question is about cold weather running pants or tights. I have never owned any and don’t want to spend over $75 (I don’t care how well they compress or whatever those fancy CW-X things do). Also, I don’t want anything loose fitting or a noisy fabric that will drive me crazy on long runs. Wind and water resistant. Oh, and the tights can’t look totally gay if I need to run into K-Mart to grab some water. Is tights and not gay looking an oxymoron? Is K-mart still in business?
I agree with you that running tights are overpriced. My solution: Don’t buy them. In winter I wear tri shorts, or similar, and then I layer a pair of pants over them. If the weather isn’t too cold, the pants I wear are Asics Legatos. (Note these come in pants OR tights - I have the pants.) If it’s cold, I use some fleece numbers, not sure of the brand. Neither of them makes ‘noise’ or looks bad in public. Since I’m wearing shorts under them, I can wear them each several times before washing.
Now for jackets. I have a Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket that is very similar to the ones you listed. It weighs almost nothing, is breathable and waterproof. If I were to do it over, I’d buy it in YELLOW for visibility, and use it for both running and biking. However, right at the moment I’m enjoying running in layers of wool. The top layer can get completely soaked if it’s raining, but it’s wool so you will still be very warm. By comparison, any jacket will feel like it rustles a bit much.
Cool, very helpful. I was actually looking at a pair of Mountain Hardware featherweight pants but was told by a sales guy they would be too warm for aerobic stuff. My snow pants are MH and I love how well they are made.
And I don’t mind a loose fitting jacket, I meant for pants only. I have some wool but couldn’t imagine wearing it, I hate the feeling of wet wool. Good idea that I never considered though.
I was also looking at dark color only. I never thought of the bright color factor. I can be very dense.
Is the Marmot insulated? I thought they were that paper thin really soft material.
Why no hood? The Patagonia jacket I use now (which does not breath at all) has a hood which hasn’t been a problem. Of course the hood folds down and is secured to the jacket.
The more options I’d exposed to the more confused I get. I’m not sure if i want more of a tight or one of these loose fitting type pants. And I don’t want garment that makes me look I just returned from a XC skiing trip to Vermont in my Volvo station wagon with my perfect yuppy family and cocker spaniel.
The Driclime has a light fleece like lining, way too hot for me for running, I use it when it gets close to zero or colder as a mid layer while ice climbing…
As for a hood it is probably a personal preference, but I find them again too hot to wear running (if real cold I wear a headband to save my ears) and just extra fabric bouncing around behind you catching rain and snow etc.
The golite pants are great running pants, swix is good too although designed for xc skiing.
On the jacket, i have to throw in my vote for the 2XU.
i may be a bit biased as i work for the company, but first and foremost I am an athlete, and love my gear. the 2XU jacket is good for running and biking (has a longer tail in back) the sides have good stretch to them, so it moves well with the body, and is amazingly comfortable.
On the jacket, i have to throw in my vote for the 2XU.
i may be a bit biased as i work for the company, but first and foremost I am an athlete, and love my gear. the 2XU jacket is good for running and biking (has a longer tail in back) the sides have good stretch to them, so it moves well with the body, and is amazingly comfortable.
Actually, I think I am going to go with the 2XU. I own several of your products and rate them in style and performance right up there with the Assos items I own. Unlike Assos, however, 2XU products are not overpriced… yet.
I would like to know more info on the jacket though. Specifically, info about weather conditions it was designed to handle, pockets for gadgets (MP3, GPS, etc.). Also, please provide recommendations on where to purchase online. So far I’ve only found the jacket at one retailer and they don’t have much of a selection. I really want a 2XU burgandy running cap but nobody seems to have one.
The golite pants are great running pants, swix is good too although designed for xc skiing.
I could only find the Swix in XL so I think I’m going with the Golite. I’ve heard good things about the brand. Thanks for all your input. Very valuable. It’s also nice to know I’m not the only one on here who gets outdoors for more than just SBR.
Sporthill (http://www.sporthill.com/) has a variety of pants that will work down to about zero. They also have a variety of tops. The web site divides the clothing into three different "zones of use. REI (www.rei.com) often has a variety of Sporthill products in their outlet section. I have also had good luck with EMS tops- they have a variety of half or quarter zip ones. In my experience if the trails are in the woods a shell is too much for temps down to about 15 degrees, but if it is going to be a long run I will often throw a cheap shell vest or jacket in a fanny pack.
great to hear.
the jacket does have a pocket on the left chest which does have a hole on the inside to run an mp3 wire through.
the pocket is not too big, so most mp3s will fit, but not bounce around too much.
the temp is a tough one. the 2XU winter range is built around maintaining your own microclimate. this means it works to release the heat before you overheat. as far as a rating for colder weather, it is of course about layering at that point. i find our thermal top to be amazing. http://2xu.com/uc1092a.html perfect for any outdoor activity.
the jacket is wind and water resistant as well.
as far as shops, i would recommend www.onetri.com or www.sbrshop.com others do have them in stock like Nytro, but not up on the site yet.
it just keeps getting better-the 2XU jacket has reflective strips all over. 2 on each of the cuffs, 4 on the front of the jacket, and 4 on the back.
they really beam up when light hits them.
I recently got a Patagonia Figure 4 jacket. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524442619561&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302704213&bmUID=1167374456166
I saw a guy version in the store too
Very comfy and nicely made. I’m amazed how well this thing breathes and also how it keeps the rain out. I was running in a downpour the other night for about an hour. My legs were soaked, my shoes were soaked, totally dry underneath the jacket. I’ve also been enjoying wearing it on the bike. For that, I wish it was just a touch longer in the back but, hey, you can’t have everything.
Almost no insulation, just a wind/rain layer which works well for me here in the northwest. In a colder climate, you might want something a bit more substantial or you could wear layers.
The other perfect piece of winter running gear that I’ve found is these gloves:
the compression tights retail for $90. www.triathletesports.com has them in stock, but not sure about website.
SBR and Nytro also have them in stock. PM me if you need help with sizing. i am 6’2" 170 and wear medium.
