Looking for a running windbreaker to help you put in the miles?
You know...to take the chill off and keep you from getting soaked when you go for a run this fall and winter.
Not all running windbreakers are created equal. The truth: Some do the job better than others.
Runner Brynn Cunningham put some running windbreakers to the test for some fall-weather running.
In this post, you're going to learn:
👉How to pick a running windbreaker and what to look for,
You'll also get Brynn's review + list of pros and cons for the following running windbreakers:
🏃♀️ The Oiselle Wallace
🏃♀️The Patagonia Houdini
🏃♀️The Salomon Agile Wind
🏃♀️The Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid
It’s autumn in the northeastern United States and many parts of the world.
With the changes that autumn brings comes a change in the way we dress for running.
This time of year (and in the springtime) calls for my favorite trail running uniform:
If you're looking for a running windbreaker, these 👆👆 are the things you need to look for.
The first type of running specific outerwear I owned was a stretchy, hooded Under Armour zip up, given to me in my early 20s.
It was more like a shirt than a jacket, and it’s what I wore for all chilly runs. At that time, I didn’t run much more than half marathon distances and never ran for more than an hour in the winter.
Mileage and duration of runs began increasing in my late 20s.
Around that same time, I was given a red Mountain Hardwear rain jacket, model unknown.
It lasted five years before the insides began peeling away. I used it for running, biking, hiking, rock climbing, commuting and everyday.
What I Do Not Love About the Oiselle Wallace:
Despite its cons, I have made the most of the jacket. Here’s how:
Perhaps these days Oiselle makes a better fitted, elements-ready jacket with more attention to detail. Or perhaps I was looking in the wrong place for what I wanted.
Either way, I was not prepared to find out, so I sought long-standing, outdoor-specific brands more in tune with trail running for my next windbreaker investments.
Wear tester’s measurements:
Height: 5’ 3 ¾”
Weight: 120-125 pounds
Waist: 27.75 inches
Chest/bust: 34 inches
Hips: 34 inches
Typical shirt size: XS
Typical pant size: 2, sometimes 0 if the brand runs large
When the Wallace was not meeting my needs season after season, I finally bought the Patagonia Houdini and highly recommend it to anyone who asks.
Height: 5’ 3 ¾”
Weight: 120-125 pounds
Waist: 27.75 inches
Chest/bust: 34 inches
Hips: 34 inches
Typical shirt size: XS
Typical pant size: 2, sometimes 0 if the brand runs large
Note: I wear size extra small in all Patagonia tops but went with small for the Houdini, which is slim-fitted and fits thermal-weight shirts underneath without becoming too tight.
The Houdini was getting a lot of wear, and even though I only wash it after every four to five uses, when it is washing and hanging up to dry, I find myself scrambling for something to wear.
Then the Agile Wind went on clearance. I bought it and am happy I did.
Height: 5’ 3 ¾”
Weight: 120-125 pounds
Waist: 27.75 inches
Chest/bust: 34 inches
Hips: 34 inches
Typical shirt size: XS
Typical pant size: 2, sometimes 0 if the brand runs large
Note: I wear size small in most Salomon but an extra small in some shorts and hoodie dresses
The reasons I added yet a third running jacket to my collection:
Even though the Helium Hybrid is not as waterproof as I wanted, Outdoor Research really got it right with the details, and I highly recommend it.
Purchase Details:
Height: 5’ 3 ¾”
Weight: 120-125 pounds
Waist: 27.75 inches
Chest/bust: 34 inches
Hips: 34 inches
Typical shirt size: XS
Typical pant size: 2, sometimes 0 if the brand runs large
I hope this helps you find your favorite running windbreaker or windbreaker collection to keep you outside year round.
Happy all-season running!
Do you have a favorite running windbreaker? Let us know in the comments! Or create a WeeView about it.
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