THE NORTH FACE – KILOWATT THERMOBALL™ JACKET
There are two things that slow you down in North Eastern winters: slippery streets and bone chilling winds. While a coat won’t keep you from sliding around, it should at least protect you from blistery weather.
Reinforced with their PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ technology, The North Face Kilowatt Jacket laughs in the face of this wind tunnel we call home. From leisurely runs to interval training, the jacket is well equipped to help you go the distance.
The Good:
PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ insulation protects you from the elements.
Sturdy side pockets for all your knick knacks and paddy wacks.
Stiff hood doesn’t flap around, even on the windiest of days.
Cozy interior feels like a hug from your favorite outerwear company.
The Bad:
The waterproof shell doesn’t stand up to wet conditions.
The Verdict:
Whether you’re a first time runner or the experienced athlete, you can’t go wrong with the Northface Kilowatt Thermoball jacket. I would recommend for anyone who is doing mostly low intensity runs, or for getting to and from your workout location. It’s warm, it’s cozy and it’s just so much fun to say.
Rating: 4/5
NIKE HYPERSHIELD FLASH
If you want one running piece that you can wear in every condition, look no further than the Nike Hypershield Flash jacket. Rain, snow, wind, cold weather, this jacket will be your go-to on its own or over your mid-layer thermal pieces.
The Good:
Iridescent reflective shoulders, arms, and hood keep you ultra visible at night.
Wind and waterproof.
Removable hood and armpit zips give you extra breathability.
Stylish as hell.
The Bad:
The price.
The Verdict:
This jacket checks every box, including the ‘very expensive’ box. It might be overkill for the fair-weather runner, but it’s a great investment if you’re looking for something to help you get out the door on those cold, dark days (and nights).
Rating: 4.5/5
BROOKS – DRIFT SHELL JACKET
Feeling safe and warm when running before dawn is often a challenge. Gear that looks good, keeps your visible to newspaper delivery drivers, and warm in the winter months is hard to come by.
The Brooks Drift Shell has completely exceeded my expectations. The webbed retroreflectivity pattern is only visible when you need it most, and is subtle enough in the daylight that you are comfortable wearing the piece around town.
The Good:
Reflective – Very reflective.
Comfortable fit.
Waterproof.
Pockets with zippers.
Phone pouch with headphone lead.
The Bad:
Wet-suit like effect traps sweat in the jacket.
No hood – sometimes you need a little extra protection from the elements.
The Verdict:
Brooks, usually notorious for their “Dad wear” aesthetic, has really impressed me this season with their running gear. The Drift Shell jacket is just another example of Brooks delivering on their “run happy” brand promise – and they’ve managed to make it look good too. A couple minor tweaks to the garment (hood, and solve for sweat trapping) would make this an absolute must have in any runner’s wardrobe.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL – CORBET 120 JACKET
Calculating for double digit temperature changes, personal energy expenditure and varying thresholds for heat and cold, a look inside the closet of a serious runner may reveal as many layers as an onion. If you’re just starting out venturing into winter running, start with the Smartwool Corbet 120.
The Good:
Perfect for layering over a base tee or long sleeve.
Merino wool arms let the moisture escape and keeps the heat inside.
Chest pocket over your heart your phone warm, which keeps it from shutting off mid-run.
The Bad:
You’ll need a shell if you want to stay dry on rainy days or when temperatures drop below -6˚C.
Zero reflectivity is my only pet peeve with this thing.
The Verdict:
Incredibly surprised at how much I loved this piece. It’s so versatile, you’ll be wearing it under your snowsuit when you hit the slopes or on its own for Après Ski.
Rating: 4.5/5
LULULEMON – EINN SHELL
When you love technical garments, the thought of a one-piece, laser cut, taped seamed jacket for running grabs your attention. When that same jacket doesn’t make it out to every run, it’s time to head back to the drawing board.
The Good:
One-piece construction means less wasted fabric and less stitching which add up to less overall weight.
Designed to layer with a vest, the shell extends its lifespan to sub-zero temperatures.
Looks great as a casual piece. At four hundred dollars you’ll want to wear it as often as possible.
The Bad:
Size up. Wearing it to size doesn’t leave room for airflow to keep you dry or layer to keep you warm.
The airflow is designed in a way that you need to have your pockets open to take advantage of. It’s not ideal for safety of the contents in your pocket.
No two-way zipper.
The Verdict:
With a one piece garment you have to make sacrifices. There’s no way to beat the laws of physics so pockets are scarce. More frustrating is the lack of two-way zippers. My rule of thumb is any technical item over $100 should come with two way zippers, full stop. I’d love to see a little more of a fishtail cut on the back, but that’s mostly for aesthetics.
Rating: 3/5
LULULEMON – RUNAWAY JACKET
Love the look, the fun print is very bright and has excellent visibility at night. The reflective lines along the trim are very stylish, and people can see you from every angle.
The jacket fits elegantly to the body creating a slim look. The ventilation slit across the back and zipper vents under the armpits allow for excellent temperature regulation while running. The coat also has a hidden hood in the neck that blocks the wind.
The Good:
Great design.
Temperature regulation through ventilation.
Reflective details.
The larger pockets have snug small pockets on the inside that fit your smartphone.
The Bad:
Length of sleeves could be longer.
The Verdict:
I can’t express how much I LOVE this jacket. It has very well thought out details, reflective in low light, a fun pattern, great ventilation, and a feminine fit.
Rating: 5/5
ADIDAS – CLIMAHEAT JACKET
The adidas Women’s Climaheat™ Jacket is a lightweight running jacket designed to keep in warmth with breathable insulation. This was great for colder weather days, but I had to be careful of the base layer I chose because I had a tendency to overheat during longer runs. However, the jacket is equipped with a back vent to try and offset this hazard.
The Pertex® outer layer keeps the jacket water and abrasion resistant. This is a great feature for running on warmer weather days when there’s a light drizzle or a wet snowfall.
The cut of the jacket includes an extended back flap for extra length over your backside. This is a great feature if you like extra coverage but don’t want to add shorts over your tights in moderately cold weather.
The Good:
Climaheat™ insulation makes it toasty warm in cold weather.
Lightweight and comfortable so it doesn’t weigh you down.
Water resistant exterior makes it versatile in multiple weather conditions.
Extended back flap provides extra coverage without adding bulk.
The Bad:
Lack of reflective features make this black jacket less than ideal during night runs.
Construction doesn’t include a hood, so you’ll likely have to add a neck warmer to your getup.
Sleeves don’t include thumb holes for warmth and stability.
The Verdict:
Overall, this jacket is an excellent cold-weather companion. It’s water resistance and super-warm insulation makes it a perfect choice for the winter running season. Be prepared to add some extra pieces to supplement warmth based on temperature, and add some reflective materials to stay safe in the dark.
Rating: 4/5
OAKLEY – UNCONVENTIONAL JACKET
The Oakley Unconventional Jacket is a cape style over piece made in reflective yarn that is designed to break the wind, keep the runner dry in addition to being visible at night.
The Good:
Looks awesome, especially in black.
Fitted hood that is comfortable to wear throughout runs.
Incredible visibility on evening runs due to the subtle reflective stripes all over the jacket.
Very lightweight.
The jacket helped cut the wind and mostly kept rain out during downpour.
Provides space for layering with no additional bulk.
Can be thrown into bag and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
The Bad:
The mesh back panel did let in some water in on an unusually rainy evening.
Not warm or sufficient as the only outer layer on cold days.
A little shorter in the front and depending on your height, especially if you are tall, some wind may enter through the front bottom of the jacket.
The Verdict:
The Oakley Unconventional Jacket a fun piece to wear due to its versatility. I have a tendency to overheat during workouts, so this provided an extra layer without too much bulk and was quickly zipped open when I got warm. I was quite surprised at how water repellent the material was, and it was a great relieve to wear this piece with the hood during a downpour. Regarding “winter wearability,” I would wear more substantial layers underneath for cold weather runs because it provides very little insulation. Due to its visibility, it is ideal for evening runners.
Rating: 4/5
NIKE – SHIELD RUNNING JACKET
The Nike Shield Women’s Running Jacket is a thin outer layer designed specifically to keep out wind and moisture. The jacket itself is ultra-lightweight. It’s so light that when I removed it and tied it around my waist on a moderate temp day, I almost forgot it was there. Despite its thin design, Nike’s Dri-FIT technology keeps you warm. The back hem is adjustable, which allows you to tighten the string and keep out the wind for even more heat.
The front and hood are coated to be durable and water repellant where you need it most. The jacket does a good job on delivering here; it held up to some very windy days and made my run much more bearable.
The Shield has a removable hood, which is a great feature. When pulled up, it stays in place despite being elastic-free. The one caveat is that the zipper it attaches with tends to come partially undone when you pull it up or remove it.
The Good:
Lightweight construction doesn’t weigh you down.
Reflective features help keep you visible.
Makes good on its promise to cut wind and rain.
Optional hood makes it more versatile across weather conditions.
The Bad:
Zipper connecting hood can come undone when pulling on or removing.
The cut of the jacket is a bit wide so wind and cold can get in underneath if you don’t have the hem tightened.
The Verdict:
This jacket is a great option for moderate weather. It stands up to the wind and the rain making your run experience more enjoyable. It’s incredibly light so that you won’t feel weighed down by thick fabric. You’ll need to have a heavier outer layer on hand for colder winter weather, as this shell won’t hold up on its own as the temperature drops below zero.
Rating: 4/5
LOLË – KIM JACKET
Made from a combination of duvet and Primaloft the Lole Kim Jacket is lightweight and designed to keep you warm while also dry and can be easily packed into any bag. It has slim fitting sleeves with thumb holes, which I was unable to take advantage of due to the long length of my arms but otherwise I found the fit was very flattering. The feature I liked the most way the jacket’s level of water resistance – I never felt cold or clammy caused by moisture.
The Good:
Super lightweight and easy to layer.
Soft, warm pockets.
Hood can be converted into a collar.
Thumb holes for added hand warmth.
Water repellent.
Very breathable; keeps you feeling dry.
The Bad:
Awkward hood design; you have to unzip the top of your jacket to pull on the hood.
A little short in the torso.
For anyone with long, lanky arms, the thumb-holes are unusable.
The Verdict:
Overall, I was very impressed by the performance of this piece. It was very lightweight weight and when properly layered, it provided sufficient warmth for extremely cold runs and workouts. I think this is an ideal piece to have during the winter but I do wish they redesign the hood so I don’t choke myself trying to pull it on if the zipper is done up.
Rating: 4/5
THE NORTH FACE – PSEUDIO JACKET
The North Face Women’s Pseudio Jacket is a lightly insulated outer layer designed for running and training activities. I put it to the test overtop a lightweight sport t-shirt to see how it stood up to wind and cold on a long winter run.
The cut of the jacket is unique for a training garment. It has a slim fit and is tapered through the middle so it contours to your body. It’s cut long in the back and front which is a feature I rarely see. Often jackets sport an extended back flap, but leave the front of your thighs exposed to the cold. It was nice to see an outer layer that took this into consideration.
The material is ultra soft, so you can comfortably wear a t-shirt underneath without chafing, as I did. It also sports a cozy hood that has a one-button front closure to keep it in place. The only unpleasant thing about the hood is that when left unbuttoned, it flaps in your face with each stride.
Perhaps the biggest downside to this strategically insulated jacket is that it’s not very breathable, so moisture and excessive heat get trapped inside. This doesn’t bode well on sunny and moderately cold days. On days above freezing, I had to take it off and tie it around my waist, or just leave it at home.
The Good:
Slim fit.
Cut long in front and back for increased coverage.
Ultra-soft fabric.
The Bad:
Not breathable – keeps moisture and heat in.
Too warm for days above 0˚C.
Hood closure flapped in your face when unbuttoned and pulled down.
The Verdict:
The North Face Pseudio Jacket is a great middle of the line option for winter runners. It’s sparsely insulated so it maintains a slim fit, lightweight, and keeps the heat in, which makes it a great option for those days in between windbreaker and storm layer weather. However, the material isn’t the most breathable on the market, so take care when selecting your base layers; you can easily dress yourself out of a run in temperatures of above 0˚C. Or save this bad boy for your commuter coat between home and the yoga studio.
Rating: 4/5
LOLË – GLEE JACKET
The Lolë running jacket is a thin, lightweight puffer jacket that looks and feels amazing. I was excited to test this one out since it’s made by a Montreal brand so I was hoping they would actually make a product that could withstand our particularly cold temperatures. It is incredibly soft, thin, light and comfortable.
I also got into the habit of layering it under winter coats on a daily basis since I tend to generally be freezing and this was so thin that it fit under all my jackets. It held up nicely to snow and temperatures of around -5℃ (5℉) during my 10k mountain runs. The whole jacket was dry within minutes after my run.
The Good:
This jacket looks and feels great
Incredibly lightweight and breathable
It kept me surprisingly warm on colder days
The Bad:
It could have used a few more reflective details as there were only small strips on the front pockets and one on the upper back.
It was a little short and left my butt in the cold although if it was longer, I don’t think I would be into the look as much so they get a pass here
Verdict:
The Glee Jacket has found a happy home with me. I’ve been using it daily whether I’m going to-and-from or hitting the trails of Mount Royal for sub-temperature runs. The lightweight Thermaglow™ Lite insulation packs major warmth without adding any bulk or weight to the jacket.
Rating: 4/5
BJÖRN BORG – PANTHEA JACKET
This polka dot jacket provides the lightweight, weather resistance that you want from a shell. Running in the winter means running in layers to keep you warm, but not too warm, while also dry and visible in low light due to the shorter days. Having a good shell piece is a great addition to your winter line up.
The Panthea Jacket from Björn Borg is perfectly weighted, made with a thin ripstop polyester fabric, tight jersey at the wrist with thumb holes and an adjustable snug hood.
The Good:
Looser fit, roomy and comfy.
Fitted jersey wristbands with thumb holes.
Reflective tape on sleeves.
Perforated back panel allows for good breathability.
The Bad:
Not adjustable at the waist, allowing wind and cold to sneak in.
Large pockets means everything, read keys and phone just fly around.
The Verdict:
The best part about a shell jacket is that it becomes a 4-season addition to your workout gear, making it a great investment. The Björn Borg Panthea Jacket is amazingly comfortable but the loose fit allows for some drafts of wind to be let in but when paired with a longer base or mid layer it makes for an excellent wind repellent.
Rating: 4/5
BROOKS – LSD THERMAL RUNNING JACKET
Thin Polyfill insulation and merino blend fabric make the LSD Thermal Running Jacket perfect for those milder winter runs. The lightweight hood fits snuggly even without adjustment straps, the chin guard and draft flap keep the cold from escaping in.
Although the jacket is quite warm and the shell made of ripstop nylon that creates an excellent wind barrier, the jacket doesn’t protect you from precipitation making it a bit harder of a sell for a northeastern winter climate. Living in a country that guarantees frequent cold rain and snow, it would require being paired with a shell to protect you from the elements.
The Good:
Slim-fitting insulation
The jacket folds up into itself which is great for when you’re on the go or packing for a trip.
The chin guard and snug hood create excellent wind blocker and heat insulator
Thin silhouette means it can easily be layered
The Bad:
Low reflectivity
Not waterproof
Verdict:
Even though I loved this jacket, it’s shortcomings make it unsuitable as a top recommendation for our cold and rainy Canadian winter climate. I would however highly recommend the LSD Thermal Running Jacket if you happen to live in warmer and drier winter climate, it will keep you running through until the end of spring.
Rating: 3/5
THE NORTH FACE – AMPERE LITHO PANTS
When you wake up for a run on a winter morning, there are two possible situations. Ok, maybe three but the third one is staying in bed, and we’re not here to promote that. You can decide that it’s not that cold, and want to dress in a wintery version of summer clothes – read: tights with shorts on top; or you can acknowledge that it’s brutally cold and you want to leave your house warm, and stay that way. These pants fit that need.
The one watch-out would be adverse weather. They are not water repellent, resistant, and there is no tech-goodness woven in. These should be pants that you grab when it’s cold, but not during a wet conditions.
The Good:
Will keep you warm in the cold.
Comfortable feeling while you run.
No shame in just staying in them hours after your run.
Tapered fit to keep them snug.
The Bad:
No water-resistance for rainy conditions.
From a quality/price standpoint, you would expect a bit more weather-proofing for the cost.
The Verdict:
Sometimes you wake up motivated to go for a run, but get demotivated when you can barely see any mercury in the thermometer outside of your window. These pants will cure that, giving you the comfort that you won’t feel the freeze, and can hang in them inside for hours after your run.
Rating: 5/5
THE NORTH FACE - KILOWATT THERMOBALL™ JACKET
There are two things that slow you down in North Eastern winters: slippery streets and bone chilling winds. While a coat won’t keep you from sliding around, it should at least protect you from blistery weather.
Reinforced with their PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ technology, The North Face Kilowatt Jacket laughs in the face of this wind tunnel we call home. From leisurely runs to interval training, the jacket is well equipped to help you go the distance.
The Good:
PrimaLoft® ThermoBall™ insulation protects you from the elements.
Sturdy side pockets for all your knick knacks and paddy wacks.
Stiff hood doesn’t flap around, even on the windiest of days.
Cozy interior feels like a hug from your favorite outerwear company.
The Bad:
The waterproof shell doesn’t stand up to wet conditions.
The Verdict:
Whether you’re a first time runner or the experienced athlete, you can’t go wrong with the Northface Kilowatt Thermoball jacket. I would recommend for anyone who is doing mostly low intensity runs, or for getting to and from your workout location. It’s warm, it’s cozy and it’s just so much fun to say.
Rating: 4/5
NIKE HYPERSHIELD FLASH
If you want one running piece that you can wear in every condition, look no further than the Nike Hypershield Flash jacket. Rain, snow, wind, cold weather, this jacket will be your go-to on its own or over your mid-layer thermal pieces.
The Good:
Iridescent reflective shoulders, arms, and hood keep you ultra visible at night.
Wind and waterproof.
Removable hood and armpit zips give you extra breathability.
Stylish as hell.
The Bad:
The price.
The Verdict:
This jacket checks every box, including the ‘very expensive’ box. It might be overkill for the fair-weather runner, but it’s a great investment if you’re looking for something to help you get out the door on those cold, dark days (and nights).
Rating: 4.5/5
BROOKS - DRIFT SHELL JACKET
Feeling safe and warm when running before dawn is often a challenge. Gear that looks good, keeps your visible to newspaper delivery drivers, and warm in the winter months is hard to come by.
The Brooks Drift Shell has completely exceeded my expectations. The webbed retroreflectivity pattern is only visible when you need it most, and is subtle enough in the daylight that you are comfortable wearing the piece around town.
The Good:
Reflective - Very reflective.
Comfortable fit.
Waterproof.
Pockets with zippers.
Phone pouch with headphone lead.
The Bad:
Wet-suit like effect traps sweat in the jacket.
No hood - sometimes you need a little extra protection from the elements.
The Verdict:
Brooks, usually notorious for their “Dad wear” aesthetic, has really impressed me this season with their running gear. The Drift Shell jacket is just another example of Brooks delivering on their “run happy” brand promise - and they've managed to make it look good too. A couple minor tweaks to the garment (hood, and solve for sweat trapping) would make this an absolute must have in any runner's wardrobe.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL - CORBET 120 JACKET
Calculating for double digit temperature changes, personal energy expenditure and varying thresholds for heat and cold, a look inside the closet of a serious runner may reveal as many layers as an onion. If you’re just starting out venturing into winter running, start with the Smartwool Corbet 120.
The Good:
Perfect for layering over a base tee or long sleeve.
Merino wool arms let the moisture escape and keeps the heat inside.
Chest pocket over your heart your phone warm, which keeps it from shutting off mid-run.
The Bad:
You’ll need a shell if you want to stay dry on rainy days or when temperatures drop below -6˚C.
Zero reflectivity is my only pet peeve with this thing.
The Verdict:
Incredibly surprised at how much I loved this piece. It’s so versatile, you’ll be wearing it under your snowsuit when you hit the slopes or on its own for Après Ski.
Rating: 4.5/5
LULULEMON - EINN SHELL
When you love technical garments, the thought of a one-piece, laser cut, taped seamed jacket for running grabs your attention. When that same jacket doesn’t make it out to every run, it’s time to head back to the drawing board.
The Good:
One-piece construction means less wasted fabric and less stitching which add up to less overall weight.
Designed to layer with a vest, the shell extends its lifespan to sub-zero temperatures.
Looks great as a casual piece. At four hundred dollars you’ll want to wear it as often as possible.
The Bad:
Size up. Wearing it to size doesn’t leave room for airflow to keep you dry or layer to keep you warm.
The airflow is designed in a way that you need to have your pockets open to take advantage of. It’s not ideal for safety of the contents in your pocket.
No two-way zipper.
The Verdict:
With a one piece garment you have to make sacrifices. There’s no way to beat the laws of physics so pockets are scarce. More frustrating is the lack of two-way zippers. My rule of thumb is any technical item over $100 should come with two way zippers, full stop. I’d love to see a little more of a fishtail cut on the back, but that’s mostly for aesthetics.
Rating: 3/5
LULULEMON - RUNAWAY JACKET
Love the look, the fun print is very bright and has excellent visibility at night. The reflective lines along the trim are very stylish, and people can see you from every angle.
The jacket fits elegantly to the body creating a slim look. The ventilation slit across the back and zipper vents under the armpits allow for excellent temperature regulation while running. The coat also has a hidden hood in the neck that blocks the wind.
The Good:
Great design.
Temperature regulation through ventilation.
Reflective details.
The larger pockets have snug small pockets on the inside that fit your smartphone.
The Bad:
Length of sleeves could be longer.
The Verdict:
I can’t express how much I LOVE this jacket. It has very well thought out details, reflective in low light, a fun pattern, great ventilation, and a feminine fit.
Rating: 5/5
ADIDAS - CLIMAHEAT JACKET
The adidas Women’s Climaheat™ Jacket is a lightweight running jacket designed to keep in warmth with breathable insulation. This was great for colder weather days, but I had to be careful of the base layer I chose because I had a tendency to overheat during longer runs. However, the jacket is equipped with a back vent to try and offset this hazard.
The Pertex® outer layer keeps the jacket water and abrasion resistant. This is a great feature for running on warmer weather days when there’s a light drizzle or a wet snowfall.
The cut of the jacket includes an extended back flap for extra length over your backside. This is a great feature if you like extra coverage but don’t want to add shorts over your tights in moderately cold weather.
The Good:
Climaheat™ insulation makes it toasty warm in cold weather.
Lightweight and comfortable so it doesn’t weigh you down.
Water resistant exterior makes it versatile in multiple weather conditions.
Extended back flap provides extra coverage without adding bulk.
The Bad:
Lack of reflective features make this black jacket less than ideal during night runs.
Construction doesn’t include a hood, so you’ll likely have to add a neck warmer to your getup.
Sleeves don’t include thumb holes for warmth and stability.
The Verdict:
Overall, this jacket is an excellent cold-weather companion. It’s water resistance and super-warm insulation makes it a perfect choice for the winter running season. Be prepared to add some extra pieces to supplement warmth based on temperature, and add some reflective materials to stay safe in the dark.
Rating: 4/5
OAKLEY - UNCONVENTIONAL JACKET
The Oakley Unconventional Jacket is a cape style over piece made in reflective yarn that is designed to break the wind, keep the runner dry in addition to being visible at night.
The Good:
Looks awesome, especially in black.
Fitted hood that is comfortable to wear throughout runs.
Incredible visibility on evening runs due to the subtle reflective stripes all over the jacket.
Very lightweight.
The jacket helped cut the wind and mostly kept rain out during downpour.
Provides space for layering with no additional bulk.
Can be thrown into bag and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
The Bad:
The mesh back panel did let in some water in on an unusually rainy evening.
Not warm or sufficient as the only outer layer on cold days.
A little shorter in the front and depending on your height, especially if you are tall, some wind may enter through the front bottom of the jacket.
The Verdict:
The Oakley Unconventional Jacket a fun piece to wear due to its versatility. I have a tendency to overheat during workouts, so this provided an extra layer without too much bulk and was quickly zipped open when I got warm. I was quite surprised at how water repellent the material was, and it was a great relieve to wear this piece with the hood during a downpour. Regarding “winter wearability,” I would wear more substantial layers underneath for cold weather runs because it provides very little insulation. Due to its visibility, it is ideal for evening runners.
Rating: 4/5
NIKE - SHIELD RUNNING JACKET
The Nike Shield Women’s Running Jacket is a thin outer layer designed specifically to keep out wind and moisture. The jacket itself is ultra-lightweight. It’s so light that when I removed it and tied it around my waist on a moderate temp day, I almost forgot it was there. Despite its thin design, Nike’s Dri-FIT technology keeps you warm. The back hem is adjustable, which allows you to tighten the string and keep out the wind for even more heat.
The front and hood are coated to be durable and water repellant where you need it most. The jacket does a good job on delivering here; it held up to some very windy days and made my run much more bearable.
The Shield has a removable hood, which is a great feature. When pulled up, it stays in place despite being elastic-free. The one caveat is that the zipper it attaches with tends to come partially undone when you pull it up or remove it.
The Good:
Lightweight construction doesn’t weigh you down.
Reflective features help keep you visible.
Makes good on its promise to cut wind and rain.
Optional hood makes it more versatile across weather conditions.
The Bad:
Zipper connecting hood can come undone when pulling on or removing.
The cut of the jacket is a bit wide so wind and cold can get in underneath if you don’t have the hem tightened.
The Verdict:
This jacket is a great option for moderate weather. It stands up to the wind and the rain making your run experience more enjoyable. It’s incredibly light so that you won’t feel weighed down by thick fabric. You’ll need to have a heavier outer layer on hand for colder winter weather, as this shell won’t hold up on its own as the temperature drops below zero.
Rating: 4/5
LOLË - KIM JACKET
Made from a combination of duvet and Primaloft the Lole Kim Jacket is lightweight and designed to keep you warm while also dry and can be easily packed into any bag. It has slim fitting sleeves with thumb holes, which I was unable to take advantage of due to the long length of my arms but otherwise I found the fit was very flattering. The feature I liked the most way the jacket’s level of water resistance - I never felt cold or clammy caused by moisture.
The Good:
Super lightweight and easy to layer.
Soft, warm pockets.
Hood can be converted into a collar.
Thumb holes for added hand warmth.
Water repellent.
Very breathable; keeps you feeling dry.
The Bad:
Awkward hood design; you have to unzip the top of your jacket to pull on the hood.
A little short in the torso.
For anyone with long, lanky arms, the thumb-holes are unusable.
The Verdict:
Overall, I was very impressed by the performance of this piece. It was very lightweight weight and when properly layered, it provided sufficient warmth for extremely cold runs and workouts. I think this is an ideal piece to have during the winter but I do wish they redesign the hood so I don’t choke myself trying to pull it on if the zipper is done up.
Rating: 4/5
THE NORTH FACE - PSEUDIO JACKET
The North Face Women’s Pseudio Jacket is a lightly insulated outer layer designed for running and training activities. I put it to the test overtop a lightweight sport t-shirt to see how it stood up to wind and cold on a long winter run.
The cut of the jacket is unique for a training garment. It has a slim fit and is tapered through the middle so it contours to your body. It’s cut long in the back and front which is a feature I rarely see. Often jackets sport an extended back flap, but leave the front of your thighs exposed to the cold. It was nice to see an outer layer that took this into consideration.
The material is ultra soft, so you can comfortably wear a t-shirt underneath without chafing, as I did. It also sports a cozy hood that has a one-button front closure to keep it in place. The only unpleasant thing about the hood is that when left unbuttoned, it flaps in your face with each stride.
Perhaps the biggest downside to this strategically insulated jacket is that it’s not very breathable, so moisture and excessive heat get trapped inside. This doesn’t bode well on sunny and moderately cold days. On days above freezing, I had to take it off and tie it around my waist, or just leave it at home.
The Good:
Slim fit.
Cut long in front and back for increased coverage.
Ultra-soft fabric.
The Bad:
Not breathable – keeps moisture and heat in.
Too warm for days above 0˚C.
Hood closure flapped in your face when unbuttoned and pulled down.
The Verdict:
The North Face Pseudio Jacket is a great middle of the line option for winter runners. It’s sparsely insulated so it maintains a slim fit, lightweight, and keeps the heat in, which makes it a great option for those days in between windbreaker and storm layer weather. However, the material isn’t the most breathable on the market, so take care when selecting your base layers; you can easily dress yourself out of a run in temperatures of above 0˚C. Or save this bad boy for your commuter coat between home and the yoga studio.
Rating: 4/5
LOLË - GLEE JACKET
The Lolë running jacket is a thin, lightweight puffer jacket that looks and feels amazing. I was excited to test this one out since it’s made by a Montreal brand so I was hoping they would actually make a product that could withstand our particularly cold temperatures. It is incredibly soft, thin, light and comfortable.
I also got into the habit of layering it under winter coats on a daily basis since I tend to generally be freezing and this was so thin that it fit under all my jackets. It held up nicely to snow and temperatures of around -5℃ (5℉) during my 10k mountain runs. The whole jacket was dry within minutes after my run.
The Good:
This jacket looks and feels great
Incredibly lightweight and breathable
It kept me surprisingly warm on colder days
The Bad:
It could have used a few more reflective details as there were only small strips on the front pockets and one on the upper back.
It was a little short and left my butt in the cold although if it was longer, I don’t think I would be into the look as much so they get a pass here
Verdict:
The Glee Jacket has found a happy home with me. I’ve been using it daily whether I’m going to-and-from or hitting the trails of Mount Royal for sub-temperature runs. The lightweight Thermaglow™ Lite insulation packs major warmth without adding any bulk or weight to the jacket.
Rating: 4/5
BJÖRN BORG - PANTHEA JACKET
This polka dot jacket provides the lightweight, weather resistance that you want from a shell. Running in the winter means running in layers to keep you warm, but not too warm, while also dry and visible in low light due to the shorter days. Having a good shell piece is a great addition to your winter line up.
The Panthea Jacket from Björn Borg is perfectly weighted, made with a thin ripstop polyester fabric, tight jersey at the wrist with thumb holes and an adjustable snug hood.
The Good:
Looser fit, roomy and comfy.
Fitted jersey wristbands with thumb holes.
Reflective tape on sleeves.
Perforated back panel allows for good breathability.
The Bad:
Not adjustable at the waist, allowing wind and cold to sneak in.
Large pockets means everything, read keys and phone just fly around.
The Verdict:
The best part about a shell jacket is that it becomes a 4-season addition to your workout gear, making it a great investment. The Björn Borg Panthea Jacket is amazingly comfortable but the loose fit allows for some drafts of wind to be let in but when paired with a longer base or mid layer it makes for an excellent wind repellent.
Rating: 4/5
BROOKS - LSD THERMAL RUNNING JACKET
Thin Polyfill insulation and merino blend fabric make the LSD Thermal Running Jacket perfect for those milder winter runs. The lightweight hood fits snuggly even without adjustment straps, the chin guard and draft flap keep the cold from escaping in.
Although the jacket is quite warm and the shell made of ripstop nylon that creates an excellent wind barrier, the jacket doesn’t protect you from precipitation making it a bit harder of a sell for a northeastern winter climate. Living in a country that guarantees frequent cold rain and snow, it would require being paired with a shell to protect you from the elements.
The Good:
Slim-fitting insulation
The jacket folds up into itself which is great for when you’re on the go or packing for a trip.
The chin guard and snug hood create excellent wind blocker and heat insulator
Thin silhouette means it can easily be layered
The Bad:
Low reflectivity
Not waterproof
Verdict:
Even though I loved this jacket, it’s shortcomings make it unsuitable as a top recommendation for our cold and rainy Canadian winter climate. I would however highly recommend the LSD Thermal Running Jacket if you happen to live in warmer and drier winter climate, it will keep you running through until the end of spring.
Rating: 3/5
THE NORTH FACE – AMPERE LITHO PANTS
When you wake up for a run on a winter morning, there are two possible situations. Ok, maybe three but the third one is staying in bed, and we’re not here to promote that. You can decide that it’s not that cold, and want to dress in a wintery version of summer clothes – read: tights with shorts on top; or you can acknowledge that it’s brutally cold and you want to leave your house warm, and stay that way. These pants fit that need.
The one watch-out would be adverse weather. They are not water repellent, resistant, and there is no tech-goodness woven in. These should be pants that you grab when it’s cold, but not during a wet conditions.
The Good:
Will keep you warm in the cold.
Comfortable feeling while you run.
No shame in just staying in them hours after your run.
Tapered fit to keep them snug.
The Bad:
No water-resistance for rainy conditions.
From a quality/price standpoint, you would expect a bit more weather-proofing for the cost.
The Verdict:
Sometimes you wake up motivated to go for a run, but get demotivated when you can barely see any mercury in the thermometer outside of your window. These pants will cure that, giving you the comfort that you won’t feel the freeze, and can hang in them inside for hours after your run.
Rating: 5/5