Oddly enough, the new “Air” iteration of the jacket isn’t lighter than the O.G. Made of recycled ripstop nylon with a DWR finish, the Houdini will keep you warm and dry, but not so steamy that you want to rip it off and face the rain after the first mile or two. The magic of the jacket is not just that it’s so lightweight and well-ventilated, but that it’s compact enough to disappear up its own sleeve-or into a zipper chest pocket-for on-the-go stowing. If you live in a cold, rainy climate you’ll likely want something more water-protective, but for most rainy runs, Patagonia’s Houdini Air is ideal. Twenty minutes in the dryer on low heat or the application of a spray-on waterproofing treatment can restore your jacket’s DWR finish. But that doesn’t mean your jacket has to be relegated to dry days only. Check to see if water droplets roll off the surface if they stick and absorb into the fabric, the coating likely isn’t working anymore. But a jacket’s DWR finish won’t hold up forever-how long it lasts depends on frequency of usage and exposure to water (typically 20 “washes”). Water-Repellent: When a garment’s material is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, water beads up on the surface and can’t easily penetrate. Water-Resistant: A water-resistant shell provides a thin, water-resistant layer between you and the elements, but also allows water to sometimes soak through during extended exposure to the rain. So, what’s the difference between water-resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof? Not all rain jackets are built with the same level of water protection. What to Consider When Shopping for a Rain Jacket Level of Water Protection → Use the Runner’s World generator for help on figuring out What to Wear on your run□♀️□♂️ No one has yet perfected this elusive balance, but features like high-tech membranes, performance fabrics, and zippered slits can go a long way in keeping you cooler and more ventilated once you warm up. Of course, the best waterproof jackets also manage to combine that protection with more than a passing nod to breathability, so you’re not dodging rainfall only to end up soaked from your own sweat. Rain jackets for runners come in a range of options, from lightweight shells to heavy-duty outerwear, and with a variety of features, such as hoods that cinch, pockets to pack into, and reflective trimming.Īll these jackets have taped or sealed seams to give you watertight protection without letting moisture seep in through the cracks. For most, how long you’re willing to train in the rain-and how motivated you are to dart out into a shower-comes down to how well your jacket performs against the elements. The right rain jacket can turn a drizzly long run into a puddle-splashing, stream-hopping adventure and keep you comfortable longer in the nastiest downpour.
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