UK runners - opinions on running coats

emmaxbon

Specifically aimed at UKers for our weather. Do you wear one? If so why? If not why not? Any recommendations on brand or where to buy?

I've only been running since March so haven't needed one before now but since our "summer" appears to be over I was thinking about getting one. Just not 100% convinced I will like wearing it or even if its a necessity as I don't really mind running in the rain and getting wet. Plus funds are a bit tight at the moment, would one of the Karrimor ones from Sports Direct be worth it?

Opinions please.

jtm4210

In the winter I ran with a long-sleeved sports top from the Tu range at Sainsburys. It's snug-fitting so didn't blow around in the wind and pretty good at temperature regulating (ie keeps you warm at the start of the run when you're cold, but doesn't overheat you once you warm up).

Having said that, in the "random stuff" aisles at Aldi and Lidl recently I've noticed quite a lot of lightweight sports gear including cycling jackets etc so I might get one of them as they're all around the £10 mark.

Shropshire1959

For the cold .. just a long sleeve sweatshirt.

In the rain/snow I wear my Altura (NightVision) cycle jacket - it moves well, is breathable and reflective.


P.S I also ski in it.... so although at first glance it's expensive .. it does me for most winter sports..... #bargin

SarahxApple

Sports Direct do some nice ones, ideally you should get a fairly bright one so you are visible in the rain and dark - which is approaching fast - I really need to get around to buying one myself. Also Decathlon have a good range the only thing is they don't have online ordering (at least I've never found it).

Shropshire1959

Also Decathlon have a good range the only thing is they don't have online ordering (at least I've never found it).

They seem to have a shopping basket on their site ... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/

MeanderingMammal

I probably wear mine as a wind-shell rather than waterproof, and use a Ron Hill, can't remember the model but it's a single skin.

At the lower end of the market, they'll tend to be non-breathable, so you end up soakied from the inside anyway. the main effect is that you don't get wind chill.

In practice I generally wear a long sleeve compression top, and as it starts to cool down I'll stick a fleece over the top.

The Karrimor stuff isn't too bad, most of my tech tees and shorts are from there. Their tights are a bit thin, and the stitching isn't as robust but that's the only criticism. For £10 I'm not complaining, they're reasonable in autumn and spring, although not for runs where I'm going through town as it'll offend sensibilities.

ETA: Agree with the point about Decathlon, their Kelanji range seems to be pretty reasonable. I have an Altura high viz gilet and a Kelanji one. The Kelanjis zips snag a little when I'm trying to do them up on the move, but the colour is wearing well despite freuent washes.

litsy3

Specifically aimed at UKers for our weather. Do you wear one? If so why? If not why not? Any recommendations on brand or where to buy?

No because I don't get that cold. If it's cold I wear an extra vest and a pair of gloves. If it's colder than that, I wear a t-shirt over a vest to keep my shoulders warm. If it's REALLY cold I wear a long-sleeved hi-viz top (because if it's going to be that cold it's probably night-time too) or a hi-viz windproof gilet over a tech t-shirt. And maybe EVEN tights instead of shorts.

Seriously, though, it took me a few years of running to work out what kit works for me. If you're fairly new to it and don't have a lot of spare cash, as you say, I'd wait till you actually feel cold enough to need a running jacket before you bother getting one. A couple of layers and a pair of gloves might be all you need.

BerryH

I swear by Karrimor running gear, about the cheapest tech range you can get. Unless you spend a lot, don't expect anything to be 100% waterproof in really heavy rain, though.

For cold, layering is your friend. I use a microfleece over a t-shirt.

helenld1

As several have said above, the Karrimor range is pretty good (for the price). I also have a breathable waterproof from Ronhill which was about £60. I wear it for rain proof abilities rather than the cold and its pretty good so far. I only bought it in April but so far, so good. Like others, I just stick some layers together for if its just cold/windy.

SwindonJogger

i prefer gillets as they allow heat to leave the body but keep your core warm. I do like Gore running gear but its expensive.