Over the years, manufacturers of trail and running apparel have competed with their ideas to develop increasingly waterproof membrane jackets. However, this race for technical specifications can sometimes give the impression that waterproofing is the only important feature to consider when choosing a jacket for outdoor sports.
Of course, waterproofing is an important feature for a sports jacket, but it shouldn't be the only one. A jacket that offers maximum protection from the rain can also be very heavy, bulky, and not very breathable—which can make your outdoor sports experience very uncomfortable.
In addition to waterproofing, you should consider other important features such as the jacket’s breathability, lightness, flexibility, and durability. A jacket that effectively wicks away moisture and sweat provides optimal comfort even in the rain. Likewise, a lightweight and flexible jacket allows for optimal freedom of movement during sports activities.
Most jackets are so waterproof that they live up to the “waterproof” hype—you run the risk of getting wetter from your sweat and the greenhouse effect than from the rain itself. Furthermore, this excessive waterproofing can lead to rapid dehydration. It is therefore important to choose a jacket that strikes a balance between waterproofing and breathability to avoid these discomforts during trail running or other running activities.
It is therefore important to find the right balance between waterproofing and the jacket’s other features to meet the specific needs of each athlete. The race to outdo each other on technical specifications related to the waterproofness of membrane jackets may be impressive, but it’s important to keep in mind that other features also play a crucial role in the quality and comfort of your trail running experience.