I'm having difficulty finding my ideal jacket for high-output activities like trail running/cross country skiiing/summer jogging in the rain. I'm hoping a jacket exists overseas which satisfies my requirements:
1) I'd like one of the more breathable fabrics like Event/EntrantXT. The jacket can be 2.5 or 3 layer, but I'd rather not have a hanging liner.
2) Vents! A waterproof with good venting is even better at breathing than the best windshirts, so I'm looking for pit zips mostly, but side/pocket venting may be all I can find.
3) Electronics pocket/port: this is usually the tough part. I need an inside pocket that has an electronics port where the headphones can come through, like for an Ipod.
4) Lightweight, or light - medium (ideally around 10oz, but up to a pound I'd look at)
Ive never seen a waterproof that I believe would be breathable enough to run in without some moisture building up. Are you absolutely ruling out a soft shell of some sort?
The folk in my local (proper) running shop are enthusiastic about the new Gore jackets - not absolutely waterproof, as the seams aren't taped, but seemingly very breathable, soft, windproof and light. Some are vented, some have pockets. Haglofs are using the same new Gore windstopper fabric in their Zephyr jacket, which I would have been tempted to buy if the sleeves had been long enough. Like Ben I can't see any true waterproof being breathable enough for serious running. But, I wonder if you sealed the seams of the windstopper jackets - particularly the shoulder seams - would they not be as close to what you want as you could get?
Ben I agree: no matter what I wear, running will inevitably cause some moisture buildup. I'm trying to limit that buildup.
I know many walkers/hikers/climbers swear by windshirts, but I think they're overrated and overpriced. Both lab tests and experience have shown me that venting is the #1 priority with fabric a very distant 2nd. A trash bag with good venting will breathe better than a pertex windshirt that has the zip down a few inches. If you want to know more or cause a big stir, start another thread and I'll chime in; I'd like to keep this one on track.
So far I've found two jackets that come close:
Outdoor Research Revel Jacket (Pertex Shield 2.5 Layer, 8,000 g/m2/day, side zips, MP3 pocket, 13oz, $150)
Hopefully there are some other options. Does anyone know how the Outdoor Research side zips/flaps compare to pit zips in terms of 1) protection in a storm and 2) venting?
2) Vents! A waterproof with good venting is even better at breathing than the best windshirts, so I'm looking for pit zips mostly, but side/pocket venting may be all I can find.
Vents only work really well near the vents. Pit zips are especially limited, because hot air rises, and pit zips point down. The only place where a pit zip really scores is not letting any rain in, which is significant at times but if you're running or XC skiing then you want more vent power since you'll be soaking in more sweat than a non-pit vent would let in rain. With a good fabric the whole thing is a vent with a windtop, not so with a waterproof. Where did you see lab tests that suggested a vented hard shell was better?
Though you may believe a vented waterproof is better than a windshirt, a vented windshirt is going to be better still, and they're easy enough to find. The Buffalo windshirt has full side vents for example. Outside of continuous rain on along hack I'm pretty sure a windshirt will be a happier place to be, and it's lighter and less bulky to carry if the rain stops.
Personally, I'm a windshirt only user for running and Pete C's suggestion of a vented windshirt makes sense (though mine are fine without - I use a Helly Hansen Motive Jacket or a Montane Featherlite Smock depending on my whim).
Likewise, I fear that your desire for an electronics port might be hard to match without customisation. If a jacket is to be marketed as 'waterproof' it generally has to have taped seams, storm flaps etc... and a gaping hole for a headphone cable isn't often going to be a strong selling point in our damp climate! For this kind of requirement, you'll have the best chance with a big multinational running brand (Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Asics, Pearl Izumi, Mizuno, Adidas etc.) rather than a UK outdoors specialist.
But you've made your feelings clear on this matter, so if you are looking for kit from the UK (designed here at least) that might serve your purposes, I suggest you look at some of these:
I run in in windshirts from Brooks and Sprayway.They are both excellent and combined with a Lifa top are great in all weathers.I don't care about waterproof when running as i get wet from the inside out anyway and am only looking for garments that will dry/wick well (as the above do) and keep me just warm enough to be comfortable.I hate being cold.
pete2s, i wouldn't go for the golite, only wore one of my old samples once in town to a shop when caught out having forgot my jacket and the hevens opened, i run hot and it was not a nice experience, really hot and clammy after a very short period.
