The Adidas Terrex Xperior 2.5L Light Jacket is designed to keep you prepared for the ever-changing demands of outdoor adventures. Engineered for trail running and hiking, it boasts a featherweight design that prioritises freedom of movement without compromising on protection.
The key to its appeal is the RAIN.RDY technology, paired with a fully seam-sealed construction to block out wind and light rain, helping you stay comfortable and focused on the trail.
Promising breathable waterproofing and versatility, it’s a solution for unpredictable conditions, ensuring you can keep exploring regardless of the weather. Adidas claims their landmark waterproof running jacket delivers a balanced combination of protection, functionality, and portability.
But how does it perform when you’re stuck on a hillside in the middle of nowhere, with black rain clouds heading your way. Ultra runner Lily Canter put it to the test.
LFTOwww.adidas.co.uk
Pros
- Elasticated hem and hood to keep out elements
- Extremely packable
- Sleek, slim fit
Cons
- Leaky seams in heavy rain
- Limited breathability when fully zipped
| RRP: | £160 / $195.42 |
| Women's sizes: | XS–XL |
| Men's sizes: | XS–2XL |
Design and features
Packed with thoughtful design features, this stowable jacket is incredibly practical. Its attractive slim fit ensures a sleek profile, while the two-way zip is a standout detail, allowing ventilation from both the top and bottom - ideal for regulating airflow during runs.
A bonus is its packability; the jacket conveniently folds into its inside pocket, making it easy to stash away when not in use. Although the hem and hood aren’t adjustable, the elasticated design works effectively to keep water out, complementing the tapered cuffs, which are slightly longer on top for added protection.
For storage, the two generously sized pockets are well-placed and practical for carrying small essentials. Reflective details on the black version of the jacket are subtle but useful for low-light visibility.
Performance
The jacket provides solid windproofing and performs well in light rain, making it a good option for spring and summer running. From the moment I put it on, I felt a sheltered, protected sensation, with the fabric effectively blocking out chilly winds.
However, the jacket falls short in moisture management. During harder sessions or when layered with winter clothing, sweat built up quickly on the inside, leaving me feeling damp. When it comes to waterproofing, the Xperior excels in light rain, keeping my upper body dry without issue.
Unfortunately, in heavy downpours, water seeped through the seams, particularly at the hood, shoulders, and sleeves. This limits its suitability for wet, wintry conditions, but it remains a lightweight choice for mild weather runs. As the name suggests, it is ready for light rain only.
Fit and comfort
Striking a balance between a fitted design and comfort, the elastic material moves with you as you run, although it’s not as stretchy as the Compressport Hurricane. While the hood is meant to fit snugly around your face, I found it looser than expected, allowing rain to seep in at the front.
Similarly, a longer drop at the back would have been helpful for reducing backsplash during wet muddy runs. However, a standout feature is the two-way zip, which allows you to release heat from the bottom without the top flapping into your face — a welcome touch for added comfort.
Sustainability and price
Adidas positions itself as making great strides in sustainability with this jacket made from 100% recycled nylon serving as an example of its efforts. And while it has made some improvements in reducing its environmental footprint its overall sustainability rating is still deemed “Not Good Enough” by independent organisations like Good On You.
That said, Adidas ranks among the top 10 per cent of large brands for its environmental initiatives, showing progress compared to many competitors. Still, it has a considerable journey ahead to achieve true responsibility in both sustainability and ethical practices.
When it comes to pricing Adidas sits comfortably alongside similar brands with this £160 rain jacket priced in the moderate range. This is arguably on the higher side given that the waterproofing is not as robust as jackets like the Janji Rainrunner which costs just £120.
Verdict
The Adidas Terrex Xperior 2.5L Light Rain.Rdy Jacket is a lightweight, stowable option for trail running and hiking in mild, unpredictable weather. It offers solid windproofing and keeps you dry in light rain, making it ideal for spring or summer use.
Its two-way zip allows for added ventilation, and the slim, stylish fit ensures freedom of movement. The jacket folds into its inside pocket for easy storage, enhancing its practicality. However, it struggles in heavy downpours and with sweat buildup during harder sessions, making it best suited for lighter, less demanding conditions.
About the author
Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews. She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.