Fall/Winter Running Jackets

It's still balls-hot here in NJ, as we are expecting temps in the upper 80s temps today and tomorrow.  However, I thought that maybe I had a glimpse of fall last week so I started thinking of fall running.  It's been getting into the 60s and maybe even the upper 50s at night, so it's time to start planning my fall running gear. 

I have a Columbia rain jacket from about 7 years ago that I realized this summer is no longer very good at repelling water.  I ran in that a little last fall on rainy days, and it was doing its job at the time.  Not such a good option any more, so I am in the market for a new water-repellent jacket for running, rainy dog walking, and maybe even some camping if we get our act together before it gets too cold.

Here are some jackets I am considering:

Brooks Infiniti Jacket 
$90-100
I kinda like it in this shade, Winter Plum.
Check it out [here].

Picture from RoadRunner Sports

What I like:
-Wind and water proof w/DWR
-360 reflectivity
-Cozy cuff w/thumbhole
-Internal Moisture proof media pocket (good for mp3 player or small camera)
-side pockets

Hesitations:

-No hood (does it matter?)

Columbia Pave the Way Jacket
$140
I'm leaning towards black.
You can find it [here].

 

  Picture from Columbia.com                                 

What I like about the Pave the Way jacket:
-waterproof-breathable (so it shouldn't matter that there is no venting, I think)
-fully seam-sealed
-zip-closed security pocket on lower back (click on link above to see back view)
-reflective detailing
-waterproof pockets
-drawcord adjustable bottom hem
-high stand-up collar
-side pockets

Hesitations:

-Only color options are black and lemongrass.  Lemongrass, while highly visible, might be bright for my tastes and less versatile?

-No thumbholes. I don't know that they're necessary though.

-No hood, not sure if I care yet though

Columbia Turn n' Go Softshell
$68
check it out [here]
Columbia has it available in Corange, Mud (below), and Black; Altrec has it in Black, Mud, and Greenscape (dark ivy green).  I must say, I do like earthtones!

Picture of Turn n' Go Softshell in Mud, from altrec.com

What I like:

-internal media pocket with way to thread headphones through inside of jacket

-"reflective details" (though I'm not sure where besides on back pocket, maybe arm logo)

-zip-closed security pocket on back right (I like this!)

-chest pocket and side pockets

-pocket security tab for keys

-thumbholes

-"advanced repellency technology" to protect you from water and dirt

-Wind resistant

Hesitations:

-no hood

-is it reflective enough? (Does it matter since I have a clip-on light?)

Columbia Trail Twist Jacket
$68
[here]
Available in several colors: Corange/Grill, Tidewater/Deep Teal and below in Black Cherry/Grill and Black.

Photos of Trail Twist Jacket from Altrec.com

What I like:

-front and sleeve panels are wind-and water resistant

-back is "advanced evaporation technology"
-front pockets w/key tab inside
-stand up collar

Hesitations:

-no reflective detail?

-no hood, thumbholes

-not entirely waterproof 

Lululemon Inspire Jacket
$158
[here]
Available in black, senorita pink, and lolo purple.  Leaning toward black for versatility.  This is the only real-life picture in black that I've come across so far.

L: Picture from Lulu website; R: Picture from Lululemon Dallas Galleria Facebook page

What I like:

-Protection from light wind and rain

-Perforation at underarm and collar for air flow

-Stowable hood

-Thumbholes & cuffins for warmth (no need to run with gloves)

-My FAVORITE feature: a watch window, so I can see my GPS watch without pushing my sleeve up, and without needing to wear my watch on TOP of the jacket sleeve

-side pockets, zip pocket at back left

-internal music pocket, and place for headphones wire

-360 reflectivity

Hesitations:

- Price.  Is it really worth $158 when there are other jackets out there?

Final Thoughts.

Important features to me:

•  Reflectivity is great since daylight hours are rapidly disappearing. I do have a clip-on blinking light though.
• Water/wind-resistance because fall can be wet and cold.  And it's not going to stop me from running.
• A Pocket somewhere on the jacket.  Preferably the zipping kind so things don't fall out. 

Nice features:

• Stand up collars are great for keeping your neck warm, plus you have the ability to unzip as you warm up.
• Comfort cuffs are nice; snugger fabric around the jacket's arm opening keeps the wind from getting up there. 
• Fitted. I don't like lots of baggy clothing for running.  All of the above options seem to have a somewhat shaped or active fit. 

Not sure if I need them:

• Thumbholes/Cuffins are great for running without gloves, but I own thin SmartWool running gloves.
• Internal media pocket is nice to have, but in a downpour, I will not likely be running with music.
• Hood is nice, but depends on my visibility with the hood up.  Do I have any peripheral vision left?  Does the fabric make a loud noise whenever I turn my head?  I have moisture wicking baseball caps and a Lululemon Brisk headback to keep my ears warm.
• Any additional warmth/thickness.  I am planning to use the jacket as a layering piece, so I can adjust what I wear underneath according to the weather.  Anything from the Lululemon Swiftly Tech L/S to something a little warmer like the Lululemon Run:Energy Pullover or Brisk Pullover (running luon) or my heavier Marmot Powerstretch half-zip fleece (All of these items have thumbholes, actually...)

 - - -

I think the Trail Twist is at the bottom of my list of the jackets I summarized in this post because it doesn't seem as well-equipped for a soggy run.  I really like the Brooks Infiniti Jacket and the Columbia Pave the Way Jacket.  The Columbia Turn n' Go Softshell isn't bad.  I like many features on the Lululemon Inspire Jacket.  But $158 is a lot!! 
 
 

The Brooks Infiniti Jacket I can get through RoadRunner Sports (I'm a VIP) for $100 $90 + an additional 10% through Friday evening (special promotion due to a website glitch the other day?)  That brings it down to $81.  I can also get 5% cashback if I launch my order through Ebates (that's $4.05 back to me in about a month or so).

The Columbia Pave the Way would be $140 + free shipping at Columbia (Free Greater Rewards program gets you free shipping), + $7 cashback through Ebates.  Which is actually not that much less than the Lulu Inspire Jacket.  The Turn n' Go would be $68 with $3.40 cash back.  Lululemon gives you nothing.  That jacket will be $158. period.  

To get free shipping and 10% off all orders at Road Runner Sports-- online and in-store-- for one year (at a cost of $1.99), click here.

To join Ebates, for occasional coupons + cash back, click here.
Currently you can get:
-5% cash back on orders from RoadRunnerSports.com, columbia.com, onlineshoes.com
-4% at backcountry.com
-3% at REI.com

When shopping, I always make sure to check and see what kind of cashback percentage is available through Bank of America's Add It Up program.  If I use my BOA debit or credit card that is linked to this program, there are a number of stores that give you cash back.  You can look at discounts by store, or search for a specific item.  I.e. If I search for the Brooks Infiniti Jacket, I see it is available for $100 through bagsbuy.com +13% cash back, or through onlineshoes.com +10% cashback and free shipping.

Ahh! 

Not sure what I want to do.

What do you like to wear for cool/wet fall and winter running?  Any experience with these jackets, or are there other great jackets out there I'm overlooking (I'm sure there are!)