Moving on from summer and its super lightweight offerings, our autumn is always a bit about mixing slightly cooler days with the still warm weather. Weight and breathability are key here, but you’ll also be thinking about reflectivity, waterproofing and how far the jacket will take you into into winter.
The best autumn trail running jackets will cover all of those factors and with layering probably would even take you right through to the spring.
What to look for in an autumn jacket
Breathability: The breathability refers to how much water vapour can pass out through the fabric. Breathable jackets don’t necessarily stop you sweating but should move moisture away from the body to keep you mostly dry and comfortable. However, performance depends greatly on other external factors like temperature and humidity.
Fit: They tend to be cut shorter and trimmer, which saves weight. We tend to wear fewer layers with these, so a more tailored fit can work well. But make sure the jacket doesn’t feel tight across your shoulders or chest, and that sleeves cover your wrists fully.
Hood: They tend to have simpler hoods than full-on mountain shells. Some are elastic-bound, while others have a single drawcord to offer some adjustment. Either way, make sure the hood still offers decent protection without obstructing your visibility.
Pockets: They tend to have fewer and smaller pockets, though a zipped chest pocket is still a useful feature.
Ventilation: Some jackets feature pit zips or mesh-lined pockets, which can be opened to increase airflow. Wide cuffs that can be pushed up the forearm can also aid cooling.
Waterproofing: The membrane or laminate provides waterproofing. 2 or 2.5-layer jackets use a face fabric bonded to a membrane or laminate, with a thin film coating or sometimes a raised pattern (a ‘half layer’) to protect it. More advanced jackets use a 3-layer construction, which sandwiches the membrane between a durable face fabric and a soft tricot backer.
Weight and packed size: Since an autumn jacket will often sit in your pack for most of the day look for a light and packable shell.
Zips: Most brands use laminated and/ or reverse coil zips (with the teeth on the inside) to improve water resistance, as well as internal or external stormflaps. Zips often have a ‘zipper garage’ at the top to guard against leakage. A chinguard at the top of the main zip will protect your face from irritation.
The best autumn jackets for trail running
Trail best in test
www.wiggle.co.uk
Description
Designed with the top of the mountain in mind, Montane jackets always deliver. Made from a 20
Pros
- Great breathability; superb soft feel
Cons
- You’ll probably need a heavier model for the worst of the winter. It’s strictly an autumn offering
www.sportsshoes.com
Description
Pertex Shield 2.5 20k/20k technology provides extreme weather protection on the outside, while on
Pros
- Definitely light and definitely made with performance in mind
Cons
- Quite a pricey jacket
www.sportsshoes.com
Description
One of only two jackets in this test to come in under 100g, the Ultrashell is also brilliantly
Pros
- Weight and waterproofing is really good
Cons
- Too light for really bad weather
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
It’s difficult to argue with the price on this one, which given the tech and fit is very
Pros
- Price, technology, fit
Cons
- You will need a heavier model for deep winter
arcteryx.com
Description
This light jacket is packed with technical features including Gore-Tex which means, despite its
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable, waterproof
Cons
- Very expensive
www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Description
It's difficult to ignore this jacket, in that it appears to weigh nothing and be constructed of
Pros
- Unbelievably light
Cons
- You'll need something heavier for winter