UKH

Hi all,

Has anyone got any recommendations for good running waterproofs? To be carried for emergencies and also to be worn sometimes...

I've got a pair of alpkit parallax which were great initially - lightweight, comfortable, breathable, good cut, stretchy. Unfortunately they're not at all waterproof anymore - I still wear them as a windproof layer now and again but I need a replacement really.

I bought some Montane minimus and didn't get on with them at all - they somehow managed to be too flappy and too restrictive at the same time and were nowhere near as breathable as the alpkit ones. I gave them away.

So, what do you recommend?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-trail-running-waterproof-rain-trousers-...

I use these. No issue with quality, meets FRA requirements of taped seams etc. Seem to be popular amongst fell/trail runners.

Pros: cheap, waterproof, decent cut (not baggy), seem robust

Cons: not the smallest to pack away, there are probably slightly more breathable ones

The price is right.

I bought some Montane Podium super light weight ones for “emergencies”, they cost £69 in 2022, they pack up to smaller than your fist and weigh nothing. They are literally transparent almost.  Ended up wearing them on the first outing and sat on a rock and ripped a hole in the bum cheek 😂. So hyper advanced and specialist you can only run in them, not sit down. I did patch the hole with tenacious tape but still was miffed. They are nice to run in and good movement etc. but I very very rarely wear them because so fragile. 

I recently bought the Harrier Dartmoor waterproof trousers for similar purposes and have been super happy with them:

https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/products/dartmoor-waterproof-trousers

I also have some of the Montane podiums which are fantastic for races and situations where you really are only carrying them for emergency use, but they'd not stand up to much abuse. The Harrier waterproofs on the other hand seem to be a good combination of durable, comfortable and not too heavy.