Long Sleeve Warmth For All Conditions
Nike Windfly
Price: R699
From: Totalsports
Light rain is kept at bay by a resistant outer, kept from direct contact with the undergarment by a full-inner mesh that is offset from the outer layer.
To help some of the hot air escape, the upper back has a vented panel split on either side, where the mesh is exposed under a covered opening. Inset reflector strips are cleverly placed high on front and back for visibility in gloomy winter conditions.
K-Way Wiley Active Soft Shell
Price: R599
From: Cape Union Mart
A little heavier than most of the other jackets, due to the weather-resistant (not waterproof), two-way stretch fabric.
The versatile stretch and brushed inner make for a comfortable feel, and the welded pockets on front waist and upper arm contribute to the simple, stylish fit.
The North Face Women’s Verto
Price: R599
From: Due South
Although 100% nylon, and looking as waxy and shiny as a plastic bag, the exceptionally finely-woven fabric has a very soft, smooth touch to the skin.
A styled fit on the sides and hips, together with a multi-panelled, shaped hood, makes for the perfect top to take out on a mild to cold day with no chance of rain.
Cape Storm Helium
Price: R370
From: www.capestorm.co.za
Made from VO2MAX, a new-generation breathable fabric, the Helium jacket is as compact as any lightweight, windproof garment we’ve tested. The fit is good for a garment with so few panels, and even in such a simple top there is room for a pocket on the chest.
No warmth or rain protection, but great for taking the bite out of a windy day.
Salomon Contour
Price: R730
From: Salomon stores.
A brushed inner provides a fleece-like feel, and it’s also very warm – good for cold weather conditions, but perhaps too much if the weather warms up while you run.
A welded zip on the chest is unobtrusive, as are the two zipped pockets in front. The wrist closure inlays are cleverly cut, and just tight enough for a firm but soft fit.
Under Armour Coldgear Long Sleeve
Price: R650
From: Cape Union Mart
Best used in temperatures of under 12°C, the Coldgear is designed to keep you warm without weighing you down.
Sweat cools the body when in contact with air; with such a tight fit, though, none of the skin’s surface area is exposed. The Odor-Control system fights odour-causing microbes, to help the top last longer.
adidas adiStar Men’s Long Sleeve
Price: R699
From: adidas Concept Stores
The South African climate can be just mild enough in winter to skip the jacket and run with a long-sleeve over your T-shirt.
The long, honeycombed ventilation panel from underarm to hip helps dissipate the heat; the loose fit enables easy removal and accommodates the T-shirt you’ll be wearing underneath – and it’s light enough to tie around your waist without missing a stride.
NB Lightweight Jacket
Price: R500
From: New Balance, 021 705 6224
Lightweight, wind-resistant and visible. That should cover your needs for most early morning runs.
The very noticeable pink (yellow in the men’s version), along with the reflective spots on front, back and arms, will go a long way towards helping the traffic notice you on the roadside.
The high neck closure is soft enough to keep zipped to the top with no irritation, due to a buffering mesh inner.
First Ascent Magneto
Price: R800
From: Due South
The Magneto is a popular choice for runners and cyclists alike, due to the high visibility of the lumo-green colouring.
However, many users ignore the versatility of a clever system that allows a quick change from long-sleeve to sleeveless.
Zips right around the shoulders and a strip of popper magnets across the back make the arms 100% removable; stash them in the lower back pocket.
Puma Active Windbreaker
Price: R800
From: Totalsports
A full, uninterrupted mesh inner lines the jacket from waist to wrists, and includes the hoodie, too. The mesh hangs free of the thickly-woven but lightweight outer shell, to create a cavity between the elements and your inner layer.
The extra-strength elasticity of the wrist, waist and pocket linings provides a secure feel and keeps cold air out.
2XU Micro Climate
Price: R1 200
From: za@2xu.co.za
We put the incredible fit down to the innovative panelling and variable, double-stretch fabric.
The lateral stretch gives more than the vertical, but just enough for comfort. Panels on the forearm help the natural movement of bent ‘running arms’, and side and front middle panels keep the jacket clinging in all the right places without constricting the torso.
Salomon XR
Price: R799
From: Salomon stores
Attention to running anatomy is amazing in the XR jacket. The outer panels of the arms may be twisted from the outside inwards with a well-positioned thumb hold, to pull the jacket into its best position.
An inserted panel, running from hip to thumb, gives as much freedom of movement as possible, with a fantastically light and stretchy fabric.
A bit wet outside? Try one of these rain jackets to stay dry.
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