Over the years, manufacturers of trail/running clothing have competed in ingenuity to design increasingly waterproof membrane jackets. However, this overbidding of technical data can sometimes give the impression that waterproofing is the only important characteristic to consider when choosing a jacket for outdoor sports.
Of course, waterproofing is an important feature for a sports jacket, but it should not be considered the only one. A jacket that offers maximum protection against rain can also be very heavy, bulky and not very breathable, which can make your outdoor sports experience very uncomfortable.
Beyond waterproofing, it is important to consider other key features such as breathability, lightness, flexibility and durability of the jacket. Indeed, a jacket that effectively wicks away moisture and sweat can provide optimal comfort even in the rain. Similarly, a lightweight and flexible jacket allows optimal freedom of movement for sports.
Most jackets are so waterproof to cater to the schmerbers that you risk ending up wetter from your sweat and the oven effect rather than from the rain itself. In addition, this excessive waterproofing can lead to rapid dehydration. It is therefore important to choose a jacket that offers a balance between waterproofing and breathability to avoid these inconveniences when practicing trail/running.
It is therefore important to find the right balance between waterproofing and other jacket features to meet the specific needs of each athlete. The escalation of technical data related to the waterproofing of membrane jackets can be impressive, but it is important to keep in mind that other features also play a crucial role in the quality and comfort of your trail running experience.
