Category: Clothing

RRS Gortex Running Pants Review

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Road Runner Sports offering in the area of Gortex pants is not too shabby. The RRS Gortex Running Pants offer a fairly affordable option for Gortex running pants, to at least in comparison to other Gortex options, all of which will always carry a bit of a high price.

Gortex is a good option for running in a combination of cold, wet, and wind. As a waterproof, yet breathable fabric, it keeps the wet and wind out, yet allows some dissipation of moisture from sweat. However, Gortex does not breathe to the level of fabrics that are no waterproof and it is easy to get warm when wearing it. therefore, I reserve use of my Gortex pants to days under 25-30 degrees when it is also rather windy and/or wet, especially if the wet is very cold rain. Otherwise I wear a more breathable pant and often stick with thicker tights even when it is a bit windy or lightly  snowing.

The RRs pants (I have the Pro Velocity version) are lightweight and quite comfortable in general. All seams are sealed and waterproof,  and I find that the pants cut wind very well. to help with removing moisture from the skin, the pants have a  breathable mesh lining.  There is a back zip pocket and leg zippers to help with fit. I am short and often roll up the cuff, which tends to stay put just fine. Overall, I find them to be a good choice for winter running.

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The North Face Stormy Trail Jacket Review

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I put a lot of thought and research into my winter running jacket purchase this year and came up with The North Face Stormy Trails Jacket (Women’s and Men’s). I couldn’t be happier with my choice, although the  unusually mild Chicago winter this year means that I have not used it very much! Heck, I am about to go out now and run in 60 degree February weather!

North Face Stormy Trail North Face Stormy Trail Jacket

The Stormy Trail jacket features and interesting mix of waterproof, breathable fabric, layers of breathable fabric for venting in specific areas, and additional waterproofing over areas. When it is put all together, the jacket is indeed waterproof and wind proof, yet breathes pretty well. The jacket features a full zip closure and roll out removable hood.

I like this jacket for days below about 30 degrees when it is also windy, or for days just over freezing when it is also wet. The jacket does get a bit warm for anything above that, which is to be expected with anything that is waterproof and wind proof, no matter how well it breathes.  I would happily wear this as my shell down to some pretty darn cold temperatures as well, but I haven’t had the chance to test it below 28 degrees this winter. Running with it at around 30-35, I was comfortable and found that it cut the wind nicely, and when I got a bit warm, I simply unzipped it.

The jacket is quite light and comfortable. I only have one real complaint, and that is with the hood-it tends to not stay up and there is venting at the back of it that allows in some air. That isn’t a problem of me as I rarely want to use a hood, but if you use your hood a lot, you may want to test out the jacket in the store if possible, or order from a place that allows fee returns (I linked to Zappos, which does so).