It’s obviously mid-summer here in the UK, but the most useful piece of running kit for me over the last month or so has been a lightweight jacket – this is a great indication of British summer conditions, but also a testament to the quality of the Montane Featherlite Nano Windproof , the perfect packable layer for runners.
This is mainly due to how small this jacket packs up. It tucks into a small pocket in your collar, fits nicely in the palm of your hand when folded, and fits into a small pocket in your shorts or running belt. It’s also so light, weighing 1.8 ounces (size medium), that you’ll likely forget it’s there when you fold it up. I’ve shoved the jacket in my shorts pocket and it’s never a problem, even over long distances at high speeds.
(Image courtesy of Future)
That means I can have a jacket on hand when the weather changes. The weather has been changeable around me lately. I start my run in bright sunshine, but within a mile, rain and a strong wind start to hit. Being able to whip out a jacket for added warmth and weather protection is invaluable. The Montane Featherlite Nano is with me whenever the skies look a little shaky.
For such a lightweight jacket, it offers a lot of protection. It’s windproof and water repellent. It won’t keep you dry in a downpour, but it will keep you warm and will handle light rain. It’s a great layering piece for running, as well as cycling and hiking, especially when going up or down hills or mountains where it can get cold as you gain elevation.
While it won’t be warm enough for extreme cold conditions, it’s best suited for high intensity activities in warmer climates, and a lightweight layer like this will encourage you to get out and start running even when it’s a little chilly, because if you start to get hot after a few miles, you can just tuck it in your pocket.
Despite the jacket’s thinness, I was also impressed with its durability — the ripstop nylon material held up well despite getting caught on thorns multiple times while running, it dried quickly if you get caught in the rain, and the jacket packs away quickly and easily while on a run.
The jacket isn’t cheap at $130 / £100, but I’ve seen it selling for £80 in the UK. It only appears to be available in a men’s version at the moment. It comes in two colours, yellow and stone blue, and is quite form-fitting, making it suitable for running or cycling, but not ideal for everyday wear as the material is quite see-through.
