12 weeks until my half marathon – this light jacket protects me from the wind
25.7.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
The valley is warm and summery. A couple hundred metres higher up, it’s much cooler and windier. That’s why I’ve been on the lookout for a lightweight windbreaker for trail running. Will the Dynafit Alpine Wind Jacket be my new running buddy?
For the last two weeks, I’ve been preparing for a half marathon – my first one after a long break. I’m using the opportunity to try out equipment and training methods, as well as to incorporate trail running into my runs around the lake, all in a bid to be as prepared as possible for the Hallwilersee Half Marathon on 14 October.
So far, it’s mostly been hot on my training runs. But not always. After stormy nights, I’ve been met with a cool morning wind. It’s also got a bit chilly on my trail runs at higher altitudes and during breaks.
That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for a windbreaker. Not to serve as rain protection or to make it into my collection of fall and winter safety gear (I’ll cover that in another article), but as my go-to jacket for spring and summer runs.
Source: Up2Peak
I want a jacket that’s very light, that feels good and protects me well from the wind when warming up at the beginning of a run and during breaks when I’m sweaty. Tipping the scales at under 100 grammes, the Dynafit Alpine Wind Jacket is certainly lightweight. My kitchen scale registers just 94 grammes. I’m pleased with the jacket overall.
The weight is a deciding factor for me; I want to keep my baggage to a minimum. Mind you, speed isn’t my primary concern (I still have a few things to work on in that regard). My primary concern is comfort. And the lighter my gear, the freer running feels.
Source: Siri Schubert
Water repellent and easy to stow away
The Dynafit jacket is lighter than a chocolate bar. Given its weight, I don’t have to think long about if and how the weather will change – I just take it with me. What I especially like is that I can even bring it along even on shorter runs when I’m not wearing a running backpack. I can stick it in the running belt, the Compressport Free Belt Pro.
While the jacket has an integrated hood pocket for stowing it, I find it too small. Stuffing it in there is a hassle, so I prefer to wrap the jacket around my waist or slide it under my running belt.
What I like is the hood itself, which can be rolled up when not in use. It’s snug and protects your head and ears. I was surprised to find that the jacket’s soft, ultra-light fabric is water-repellent.
Just to be clear, the jacket is not waterproof. It’s not suitable as a rain jacket. There’s mesh panelling on the back, which offers great ventilation and comfort when wearing a running backpack, but lets water through. In light showers or drizzles, however, the jacket keeps me relatively dry – and it doesn’t swell up and get heavy.
Source: Siri Schubert
I also like the fit of the jacket. It’s loose enough that I can put it on over a five- to eight-litre trail running backpack without it feeling too tight. It feels pleasant to wear; even when sweating, the fabric doesn’t stick to my skin. In addition, the jacket dries very quickly. After a rainstorm, I shook it out vigorously and it was dry in no time. The jacket is made of polyamide, complemented by elastane on the back.
The lowdown: a lightweight windbreaker that does what it should
Overall, I find the jacket to be a good choice for my summer runs mainly because of its light weight, but also because of the thoughtful details like the roll-up hood and the thumb loops to keep the sleeves from slipping. I don’t know yet if I’ll wear it for the half marathon around Lake Hallwil. After all, I’m sure to get warm while running, I’m not planning on taking breaks. So, I’ll probably skip bringing the jacket altogether.
But for trail running and during my training, it’s become a staple in my running backpack and belt. At 94 grammes, it has a barely-there feeling and offers good protection. That’s what it’s made for – for longer runs, trail running and trail running races.
Header image: Up2Peak
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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