Waterproof Jackets

On Running Weather Jacket | Review

When the world's fastest-growing running brand release a weatherproof jacket, you know it's going to be good

On are a Swiss running brand that are growing very, very quickly. In fact, last time we checked they were deemed to be the fastest-growing running brand in the world.

What they’re best known for is their footwear for trail and road running. In case you haven’t already seen them, On have developed innovative outsoles that are lined with what they call ‘clouds’ – essentially U-shaped rubber shock absorbers. Go to any parkrun in the UK these days and you’re guaranteed to see plenty of people wearing them.

But while footwear makes up the core of the brand, they also have a modest collection of runwear with some very decent stuff, particularly this item, the On Weather Jacket.

They describe it as the “perfect companion for when your run gets wild”. It’s that jacket that you can wear continuously in the wind or light rain through winter; or in summer, the one you tuck in a pocket or in your pack to pull out when the conditions close in on you.

The main fabric, a ripstop polyamide, is stretchy and very thin, but it’s able to keep out moisture, mainly thanks to what must be a hefty coating of durable water repellent. On the upper torso, this fabric is layered in flaps like armour plating over a stretch mesh, with the bottom side open to create huge vents that let hot air out, but no wind and rain in.

“Huge vents let hot air out, but no wind and rain in”

There’s more ventilation on the inside of the forearms in the form of a stretch mesh, and while this might be a slightly less exposed area, it does leave that area vulnerable to moisture.

This is the kind of jacket that you can continuously wear throughout your run. Photo: Chris Johnson.

Best known for their innovative running shoes, On also create a range of running clothing. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The fabric has been layered to create amble breathing space within this jacket. Photo: Chris Johnson.

On that note, while the jacket will take quite a soaking, it’s worth highlighting the fact that this isn’t a waterproof jacket. On their website the brand label it as ‘weatherproof’, a term that’s usually chosen when ‘waterproof’ can’t technically be claimed. After all, as well as the unprotected mesh on the inside of the arms, there aren’t any taped seams – a requirement for most organised mountain races or ultras.

“It’s that jacket that you can wear continuously in the wind”

All too often you see hoods on running jackets that are so simple that they let down the item’s overall performance. But the good news here is that On have clearly put some thought into this one’s design. To make sure it fits closely and won’t catch in the wind, there’s a toggled cinch at the back that’s easy to use while on-the-go, plus there’s a slightly stiffened peak to keep drizzle off your face. There’s also adjustment around the hem should you need it.

Throw in a protective chest pocket for small items that also doubles as a stuff sack, and you’ve got a very decent trail running jacket that might not be cheap, but that’s certainly not short on quality or features.

Tester’s Verdict

“I’ve had running jackets before that only last about 10 minutes into a run before they’re taken off and wrapped around my waist. This hasn’t been the case with this option from On. It’s lightweight and extremely well ventilated enough to wear for short runs down at low level and also for big days in wild mountain weather. It’s got an athletic trim that looks great, but it’s probably too fitted to wear over an insulating midlayer.” – OM Editor, Will Renwick.