{"id":1138,"date":"2010-10-24T12:09:41","date_gmt":"2010-10-24T19:09:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gearguide.info\/?p=1138"},"modified":"2017-01-20T15:13:29","modified_gmt":"2017-01-20T23:13:29","slug":"lightweight-running-jackets-comparison-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gearguide.info\/2010\/10\/24\/lightweight-running-jackets-comparison-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Lightweight Running Jackets \u2013 Comparison Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the weather started to cool in Northern California, I began my search for a lightweight running jacket. There are no shortage of options from companies like Adidas, Brooks, Sugoi and others. Below are a couple of the standouts. You can find these and other options at REI<\/a> and Road Runner Sports.<\/p>\n

Brooks Essential Jacket<\/h2>\n

The Brooks Essential Jacket has all the things you\u2019d want in a lightweight running jacket. The thin nylon fabric provides just the right amount on waterproofness and wind resistance. There are three pockets, two outside hand warmers and another inside to hold your iPod Nano (too small to fit an iPod Touch or iPhone). Although the jacket typically found in darker colors, Brooks placed reflective logos and other accents on the jacket\u2019s exterior. Drawstring waist and high collar round out this nicely-put-together package. I liked just about everything about the Essential except the cut. It\u2019s slim through the shoulders and can be somewhat restrictive. Other than that, the Essentials is a winner for your Fall-Spring runs.<\/p>\n

Rating:
\n[Rating:3.5\/5]<\/h4>\n

Sugoi Zap Jacket<\/h2>\n

Sugoi also delivers a nice package in its Zap jacket. This manufacturer based in Canada uses very lightweight nylon fabric to protect against the elements. It doesn\u2019t claim to be waterproof and I did not have the occasion to test that capability. The Zap comes in a brighter set of color options than the Essential and is decked out with more reflective elements making it a better choice for early morning and evening runs. Sugoi bills the Zap\u2019s cut as \u201crelaxed,\u201d and it\u2019s definitely more so than the Essential, although still a little tight for my build. One last note on this jacket, the zipper is located on the left not right side. I don\u2019t understand why Sugoi made this design decision, and I don\u2019t like it. If you can get over this one little quirk though, the Zap will serve you well.<\/p>\n

Rating:
\n[Rating:4\/5]<\/h4>\n

Brooks Nightlife Jacket<\/h2>\n

The Brooks Nightlife jacket looks to be built one the same platform as the Essential. As the name implies, however, it\u2019s designed specifically for early morning and evening dashes. It uses Brooks\u2019 Aireplex fabric which the company bills as extremely water resistant, thanks to the applied durable water repellent, and wind proof (same as the Essential). The jacket is available in colors that are near-neon yellow or green (I believe you can also find it in black). The application of reflective accents \u2013 in this case 3M\u2122 Scotchlite\u2122 500 candle-power retroreflectivity \u2013 abounds. And although Brooks says the cut is the same as the Essential (they refer to it as \u201csemi fitted\u201d) I found it much more relaxed and comfortable than it\u2019s counterpart. The rest of the features are almost identical to the Essential with the addition of a zippered Napoleon pocket on the chest.<\/p>\n

Rating:
\n[Rating:4.5\/5]<\/h4>\n\n\t\t