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November 18, 2008
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Which shell will keep me dry and warm, without overheating, for winter running?
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Supernova Jacket (courtesy, Adidas)
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I've just started running again after a long lay off, and I don't want to
lose momentum over the winter. What's the best shell I can get to keep me
dry and warm without blowing the thermostat?
— KT
London, England
Do you have a question of your own?
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 What you want is something light, breathable, and water-resistant without
being waterproof (I assume you are prudent enough not to run in a downpour).
Pearl Izumi’s
Infinity Jacket ($79) fits that description perfectly. It’s made of Pearl
Izumi’s Zephrr fabric that is mostly polyester, a material that is naturally
water-resistant and also breathes well. It’s just about windproof, is very
light, and has stretch fabric through the shoulders for more comfort. I wear
the biking equivalent on a regular basis, and it’s great.
Another excellent piece is the Adidas Supernova ($99), which uses Gore Windstopper.
Windstopper is a highly breathable material that has perhaps a touch more
water-resistance than the Pearl Izumi jacket. It’s a little heavier, too,
but still a great piece of running apparel. It’s trimly cut and has a pocket
for an iPod.
Layer either over a lightweight base, such as Icebreaker’s Atlas Half Zip ($65), and you’ve got a
great set of cool-weather gear.
I don’t like shells over my legs; I always prefer some sort of tight or
legging. If it’s damp out, your legs don’t mind as much as your torso,
anyway. Nike’s Pro Winter
Tight ($50) is a top-notch mid-weight tight that will keep you comfortable.
Have a great winter of running!
The 2008-09 Winter Outside Buyer’s Guide is on newsstands
now. Look for it online soon so you can get prepped for gift-giving
season—even if everything you pick is for yourself!
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