Men's trail/running jackets,

How to choose the perfect men's trail jacket? Essential advice:

When trail running, choosing the right men's trail jacket is crucial for your comfort and performance. Here's a detailed guide to help you select the perfect trail jacket based on your specific needs.

Define your needs

Before you begin your search, it is important to define your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is the typical weather for your outings? A waterproof jacket will be necessary for rainy regions, while a windproof jacket may be sufficient in dry and windy conditions.
• How long do your outings last? For long outings, opt for a light and compressible jacket. For short races, a heavier jacket may be acceptable.

Types of trail jackets

There are mainly two types of trail jackets: waterproof jackets and windproof jackets.

• Waterproof Jackets : These jackets are designed to protect you from rain and snow. They are often made with breathable membranes like Gore-Tex, which help you stay dry while wicking away perspiration.
• Windproof jackets : Less heavy and generally more breathable than waterproof jackets, these are ideal for dry but windy conditions.

The essential characteristics

Here are the essential features to consider when purchasing your trail jacket:

• Waterproofing: Measured in mm, it indicates the jacket's ability to resist water pressure. A jacket with a waterproof rating of 10,000mm or more is ideal for rainy conditions.
• Breathability: Indicated in g/m²/24h, it shows how much water vapor can pass through the jacket. A good trail jacket must have breathability of at least 10,000 g/m²/24 hours to prevent the accumulation of perspiration.
• Weight: Lightweight jackets are best for long or intense runs. However, they must also provide adequate protection from the elements.
• Compressibility: A compressible jacket can be easily stored in your backpack when you're not using it.
• Cut and fit: The jacket should be snug to prevent air and water from entering, but loose enough to allow for layering. For personalized advice, do not hesitate to consult a run/trail expert or a specialized seller like Muule .

Additional Features

Some additional features can improve your trail experience:

• Hood: An adjustable, helmet-compatible hood is essential for rainy conditions.
• Ventilation: Ventilation zips under the arms can help regulate temperature.
• Pockets: Zippered pockets are convenient for storing your essentials.
• Reflectivity: Reflective elements can improve your visibility during night runs or in low light.

What are the best trail jacket brands?

When it comes to choosing a trail jacket, three brands stand out for their quality, innovation and performance: Rab, Dynafit and Craft. Each of these brands offers jackets that meet the demands of trail runners, providing protection, comfort and functionality. Here's an overview of the features and benefits of each brand to help you make an informed choice.

• Rab

British brand well known for its technical mountain clothing. Founded in 1981 by Rab Carrington, the brand specializes in performance outerwear designed for extreme conditions. Rab uses cutting-edge materials like Gore-Tex and Pertex, which provide excellent waterproofing and breathability. Rab jackets are designed with practical details, such as adjustable hoods, ventilation zips and strategically placed pockets. Ideal for long runs, Rab jackets are lightweight and easily compressible for easy storage.

• Dynafit

Dynafit is an Austrian brand specializing in equipment for mountain sports, particularly ski touring and trail running. Founded in 1950, Dynafit is renowned for its innovative, high-performance products. Dynafit incorporates cutting-edge technologies like Gore-TexActive and Dynashell, providing protection against the elements while being highly breathable. Dynafit jackets are designed to adapt perfectly to the body, offering great freedom of movement. The materials used by Dynafit are robust and resistant to abrasion, which guarantees a long lifespan.

• Craft

Craft is a Swedish brand founded in 1973, specializing in technical clothing for endurance sports. Craft is recognized for its functional and innovative clothing, designed to optimize athlete performance.

Craft uses materials that effectively wick away perspiration, keeping the body dry. Craft jackets are designed to provide optimal comfort with a slim fit that follows the body's movements. Craft offers jackets suitable for various weather conditions, providing both wind and water protection.

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