Now the temperature’s started to drop I’m on the lookout for new long sleeve trail running top / mid layer.
I tend to run a little warm, but am thinking that something with some wind-proofing or shower resistance would be good, but not essential. I quite like the look of the OMM core kit but am a little concerned with its longevity.
if the weather gets too windy or wet I’m usually carrying a waterproof in a running vest.
Does any of you beautiful people have any suggestions, probably top out around £85.
TIA
I run really hot but absolutely love my Patagonia Houdini air, it’s wind proof and slightly shower proof (although I don’t think it’s advertised as such) really breathable. I love it and would definitely buy again.
I tend to use a long sleeved technical top bought for the hills. I have a nice OMM top, but the body length is rubbish and reveals my midriff (I am not considered overweight) so is not ideal. I won't buy another one. If you are long in the body Salomon tops are a good shape, but their prices seems to be even worse recently than before
I’m usually a fan of Salomon, but as you say the prices are getting silly.
I use a UA cold gear long sleeve under a Montane Allez When less than 3°c, feels fairly good against most cold weather and fairly wind resistant.
feathlite trail vest works well over the top as required too
I have a Patagonia Airshed Pro and I rate it highly. I was exceptionally sceptical of it (wife bought it for me) but it has become one of my go to pieces of kit. Single top under it, and I can happily run down to very cold temps in it. The Capaline arms and hood work wonders when it's cold. But, it offers little to no use when stopped as the core area is made of just Houdini material.
I also have a Rab Vapour Rise running jacket (few seasons old now) that I swear by for really cold running. It's honestly wonderful.
I have a mountain equipment ignis long sleeve zip top that I love, if it’s cold I use my trusty Rab Borealis jacket, but I swear by it for any high intensity stuff when it’s cold / windy.
Personally I've been using a thermal top with a Kraft running fluoro gilet for the last few years, add a thin fleece or go to a rain jacket instead if it's very cold.
I tend to go for a thermal top with a T-shirt for a bit of wind protection. Jacket over the top (gauge dependent on prevailing conditions) if extra protection is needed. I'm not really sold on mid-layers, they seem a bit all-or-nothing and not as adaptable as a couple of thinner bottom layers and a shell layers. but then I do do run hot. And am a cheapskate.
Alpkit Laika and you can get 2 for your budget.
Zipped collar to dump heat, and thumb loops which make everything warmer!
> Alpkit Laika and you can get 2 for your budget.
> Zipped collar to dump heat, and thumb loops which make everything warmer!
Tends to get sodden with rain/sweat in my experience. Great for walking, but not as good for running (in my case anyway).
> Tends to get sodden with rain/sweat in my experience. Great for walking, but not as good for running (in my case anyway).
I was going to reply to say that I have 2 weights of top, Autmun / Spring weight tops (e.g. Inov8 ATC Mid weight) and something thicker / heavier for the Winter, for which I find the Laika ideal. It does get sweaty if its not cold enough agreed (is this because its too warm or is the material not very breathable?), and it also has a strange anti-bacterial smell the first few times its used, but for sheer warmth its great value for money, and covering the wrists does make a big difference for staying warm, which the Inov8 has too. The
Ahh, I like mine for the colder mornings (December - Feb) and being a sweaty git everything gets damp eventually anyway. Though I find it holds its warmth damp too.
If its really cold with no chance of rain then I run in my Montane Allez Hoodie, awesome bit of kit. Perfect blend of breathability and warmth (not windproof though so stopping on top of a mountain in the wind isn't recommended for long).
Use it with a feather lite type of shell and you've got a pretty good combo.
very thin long sleeved baselayer over a brynje style rapha top - manages sweat well and the airgap means less windchill.
If you’re interested in the Patagonia Houdini Air a few have mentioned… I’d also recommend it, it’s a great top for all seasons, showerproof, good wind resistance, breathable.
I have a spare one - turned out the Large was too large for me; it’s had about a week of use and is in excellent condition. Would be a bargain ££ compared to new. In Chartreuse Yellow. Happy to share photos if you PM me.
Arcteryx Incendo has been my favourite wind shell for the task.
I typically wouldn’t bother taking it for shorter runs or races, but it’s been my companion for a 8hr mountain ultra and Ramsay Round with some snow showers at 1200m+.