running apparel

January 21st’s forecast:: near 50 F at 8 a.m. and 80% chance of rain. We were supposed to run on the trails near Kennesaw Mountain that day; however, by 6 a.m. we had to switch venues due to slick and washed out trails. We had several first-time trail runners attending that day, and we had to take their safety into consideration. So we switched venues to Cochran Shoals, a gravel/dirt trail next to the Chattahoochee River.

Showers greeted me as I left the house that morning. This was the first time I would wear my Essential Run jacket in more than just drizzly weather, and I wondered how it would hold up. I remember opening the package for the first time, taking out the jacket, and being surprised at just how light it really was, like a feather. I appreciate this because the one thing I can’t stand during a run is being weighed down by bulky gear that constricts my movements. When I arrived at the trail, it was still raining, though it had slowed a bit. I suppose you could call it medium rain, rofl. Now for the real test!

I started the run fairly dry. The high neck kept the rain from rolling down inside, and the two “pulls” at the waist allowed me to tighten the bottom of the jacket for a custom fit. Not only does this keep the jacket from moving around, but it also serves to keep your core dry by preventing splash-ups from puddles. The wrists are elastic and fit snugly. 1 mile into the run, and I was still dry, but the tighter areas of my jacket were beginning to feel a bit damp. 1.5 miles into the run, and I could feel moisture across my shoulders and on my upper arms. This is about the time the rain picked up as well. 

The Essential Run jacket is fairly water-resistant when it comes to light rain and “sprinkles;” however for heavy bouts of rain/downpours, I would choose a different model. Then again….can you honestly stay dry in a downpour? I mean really? The good thing about this jacket is it dries VERY quickly, so if you need to use it again soon, it’s there for ya! The jacket also fairs well in cooler weather, down to the mid-30′s.

It’s also does an EXCELLENT job at keeping the wind at bay too! The neck area has a very soft almost fleece-like lining that I loved, nothing scratchy or rough here!!! I wore this jacket when I raced in the Sleighbells on the Square 5k. It was VERY windy that morning, and while the cold froze the air in my lungs, the jacket kept the bitter wind out! When dealing with colder weather, this jacket serves as a fantastic insulating outer layer. I usually throw on a long-sleeved techie as a base-layer, some gloves, and I’m golden. Now mind you, I live in Georgia, so our winters are fairly mild compared to states north of us. The flap on the upper back with the mesh storm guard is a nice touch as well, as helps to keep things circulating, so you don’t overheat. You would be surprised as to how much warmth this jacket holds in!

And what would a jacket be without pockets?! You have a zippered pocket on each side of the waist that can store an IPhone, GU, car keys, Sports Beans, you name it. You can load a lot into these pockets! There is also an internal media pocket with a Velcro clasp, which I have only used to keep my Garmin or my keys dry when there’s light rain. Near the neck area, you’ll find a little loop to string your media cord through so it doesn’t slide about. I don’t think the interior panels behind the zippered pockets are supposed to count as pockets, but I use them as additional pockets to store various items on a longer run or when out and about like all those race fliers that magically appear as you cross the finish line. I mean, where am I suppose to put those things?!? I certainly can’t stuff them in sports bra. I mean a few dollars (don’t go there…:P ) or a key might fit there, but that’s about it.

  Notes: If you are a bit broader in the shoulders than most gals, you will be thankful to order a size up. I am usually a small in everything; however, my shoulders are a bit broader. I ordered a small, and it is almost a perfect fit everywhere, except for in the shoulder and upper arm/armpit area, where it is too snug for my liking. This doesn’t affect my running when wearing the jacket; however, if I want to cross my arms or wave them in the arm, etc., that type of stuff…that’s when it’s too snug. This is definitely a more form-fitting jacket, so keep that in mind when you order.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the jacket. Not only does it have a great shape that gals will LOVE, it has cute little reflective flowers on the upper arm. What girl doesn’t like to receive flowers!!! Definitely a good jacket choose for running in cooler weather, windy weather, or light rain.

Reflective flowers on one sleeve

And with that folks,

Cheers and Happy Running!