This summer I was given the opportunity to trial Mac in a Sac’s new Venture jacket and have put it through the wonderful British summer weather to test it out.
Billed as a jacket designed specifically for runners and offering waterproofing and breathability, I was interested in whether it would live up to this.
To start with I was a bit concerned that this jacket felt thicker than some of the other running jackets I have and I wondered if it would be something that would be sweaty to wear, particularly when I started to get warm running.
I gave the jacket a thorough test on a run up Clough Head and along the Helvellyn ridge in the Lake District, on a typically wet and windy June weekend.
Firstly the jacket packs down into its own pocket, making it very small and easy to stow in a bag.
Once on I was really pleased that the jacket was long in the body, this meant it didn’t ride up underneath my jacket as I moved, keeping my back warm and dry as I moved.
I also really loved the elasticated sleeves which allow for quick adjustment to temperature – I’m someone who likes to shove up my sleeves when I start to get warm and manage my temperature on the move. The sleeves didn’t slide down.
It was pretty cold and windy across the summits and I was really pleased that the hood stayed up and the fabric was thick enough to keep off the wind and rain.
Despite this, and my fears it would stick to me when I got hot, it didn’t and I remained warm from the elements but not too hot and sticky. So definitely breathable.
Crucially, I stayed dry. The hydrostatic head of this jacket is 8000mm and it proved to keep my dry whilst on the move. As you can see the dog was pretty soaked!
I was really pleased to get to review this jacket and I think its perfect for a reasonably priced trail running jacket and I love the colour – making me visible in the clag!