Product test

Lightweight and waterproof: running in the rain just got fun with this jacket

29.8.2023

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

I’ve been waiting for a proper rainy day for a long time. Why? Because I love running in the rain and jumping in puddles. But mainly because I’ve been dying to put the Odlo Zeroweight Waterproof jacket to the test. Keep reading to find out why this item will definitely be part of my running outfit this autumn.

Rain jackets to go jogging in can be a bit of a challenge. They’re either waterproof but not breathable, or they’ll leave you all clammy even in moderate rain. Either way, the result’s the same. You’ll be wet – from the rain or your own sweat.

Sportswear manufacturer Odlo has added the attribute «waterproof» to the name of its lightweight jacket. The manufacturer also claims that it’s breathable. This definitely grabbed my attention. That’s quite a claim, after all. So I slip into the jacket and head out into the rain.

Sports jackets

Odlo Zeroweight

The fabric feels nice and soft and doesn’t have that plastic feel you usually get from rain jackets. Weighing in at just 190 grammes in size S, the jacket’s light enough for me to bring along, even if the chances of rain are slim.

The first raindrops that hit me rolled off the jacket. But they left dark spots and it looked as if they were soaking through the fabric. On the inside, however, everything stayed dry. This is because of the jacket’s multiple layers that act as moisture barriers. Neither the seams nor the zip let any damp in either.

The water drops stayed on the outside, even if the jacket does look like the softshell kind.
Source: Siri Schubert

Breathable and comfortable

Given that «waterproof» is quite the statement, I held my sleeve under a fountain for fun. Indeed, the jacket stayed dry, even put to this brief but extreme test. The jacket, like almost all high-quality rain jackets these days, has a water column value of 10,000 millimetres. What’s unusual, though, is that this model’s so light, soft and flexible. Jackets in a weight class of under 200 grammes are usually just water-repellent and can withstand short showers, but aren’t waterproof. This is where the Odlo jacket really sets itself apart.

The jacket also passed the fountain test.
Source: Siri Schubert

The adjustable hood with its short visor is a good fit. The soft material is also comfortable and doesn’t make much noise. In terms of breathability, the jacket surprised me. After 45 minutes of light jogging, it was still dry on the inside. I experienced the same thing in the afternoon, when I did another small lap in heavier rain. The jacket was only damp on the inside of the cuffs. That’s because water had run in due to the fact that the jacket isn’t super-tight on me. The bottom hem, on the other hand, has an adjustable elastic band you can tighten to prevent rain from getting in. However, as I find this uncomfortable I’d rather my T-shirt gets a bit wet around the bottom when I’m out in heavy rain.

The jacket’s fit is on the tight side, which makes it suitable for running. I’ll also be wearing it on hikes. After my run in the rain, the jacket quickly dries and is ready to be used again. What I’m missing is a pocket to pop my keys or phone in when I’m out on a quick run without my rucksack or running belt. Although having no pockets at all is in line with the overall design of the garment, I find it impractical.

Verdict: a lightweight jacket for rainy days

This soft, lightweight jacket really does protect you from the rain.
Source: Siri Schubert

The Odlo Zeroweight Waterproof provides reliable protection against the rain and is so light, I can put it in my running backpack just in case it might rain. As it also works as a windbreaker and the cooler season’s here, it’ll replace the Dynafit Alpine Wind Jacket I already tested and had with me on my runs in the summer. Although the Dynafit jacket is water-repellent, it’s not waterproof. On the other hand, it’s almost 100 grammes lighter. However, since it’s more likely to rain in autumn, the Odlo waterproof jacket will provide me with better protection. In turn, I’m happy to put up with the 100 grammes of extra weight. Besides, 190 grammes is still very light for a rain jacket. The jacket’s definitely the way to go for runs or walks in the rain or cool wind.

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Header image: Siri Schubert

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Siri Schubert

Senior Editor

Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research 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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