A good waterproof running jacket is one of those pieces of kit that can make or break a run in bad weather. The best ones keep you dry without turning into a personal sauna, cut out the wind without feeling like a plastic bag, and fit well enough that they don’t flap around or ride up.
But finding that perfect balance of waterproofing, breathability, and comfort is no easy feat. Some jackets let rain sneak in, others leave you drenched in sweat, and many cost a small fortune.
Over the winter, I put the Under Armour Stormproof Cloudstrike to the test in some classic British conditions, including a storm or two, which feels very appropriate. It promises full waterproofing without sacrificing breathability, and while it delivers impressively on the first claim, the second is a little more debatable.
I’ve run everything from muddy parkruns to cross-country events in it, testing its windproofing, packability, and all-round performance. So, does it strike the right balance for runners who don’t want to get soaked but also don’t want to overheat? Let’s find out.
Holly Giles / LFTOwww.underarmour.co.uk
Pros
- Great waterproofing
- Windproof materials
- Packable into one pocket
- Very light
Cons
- Limited breathability
- Not suited to sprint work or interval training
| RRP: | £105 / $120 |
| Weight: | 265g / 9.34oz |
| Women's sizes: | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Men's sizes: | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL |
| Waterproofing rating | 10,000 HH |
| Materials | Nylon (90% recycled) |
Design and features
The trade-off between waterproofing and breathability is always the challenge for a running jacket. UnderArmour Storm Technology claims to give the Cloudstrike Jacket 100% waterproofing without sacrificing breathability. I would agree with the first part of this sentence: this jacket will keep you dry.
However, the breathability is partially compromised and I finished my run feeling slightly damp with sweat despite technically being dry. It has been classified as 10k /10k (the balance between waterproofing and breathability) but I think waterproofing has definitely won.
Whilst it may not be the most breathable, with regards to windproofing this jacket has done very well. The “windproof materials” (a new term to me too!) kept the worst of the weather out and stopped me feeling too battered when running in Storm Darragh. This is aided by the elasticated cuffs which prevent the sleeves becoming a wind tunnel,
The adjustable hood and bottom hem are great for runners that are between sizes. I also appreciated that all the pockets (2 side pockets and a left-hand chest pocket) have full zips, meaning my phone and keys were also safe from the weather.
I learnt afterwards that the coat is also fully packable into one of these pockets which is a lovely touch for use on long-distance runs as would fit well in your hydration pack.
Performance and comfort
The lightness of the Cloudstrike is immediately noticeable. For a jacket with a 10k/10k rating, it is incredibly light both to pick up and to wear. You don’t really feel like you’re wearing a jacket!
I think this lightness means that it doesn’t double up as an all-purpose hiking waterproof, as the light material and open-neck design give little protection from the cold. It wasn’t a problem as soon as I got running but would quickly become a problem when walking.
The combination of the lightness and breathability meant this jacket worked really well for me on gentle runs, where my running could keep me warm but I wasn’t overheating with any sprint work. For those wanting to do interval or hill training, you might need a more breathable option.
Fit
I am a UK size 12 and the medium jacket fitted me well, with lots of room underneath for layers when running in the winter. The fit is on the looser side, and doesn't seem especially tapered like other women's running jackets, but this goes hand-in-hand with its more low-intensity approach. You're not chasing speed in this thing.
UnderArmour provide a good range of sizes for this product (XS-XL), meaning it is more inclusive than many other running kit providers.
Sustainability
A big positive for this jacket is that it is made from at least 90% recycled nylon. In addition, the water repellent treatment is fluorine-free, meaning it is better for the environment.
Price and competition
With an RRP of £105, the Stormproof comes in lower than most of the jackets in this category. If you’re someone who has struggled to find a jacket that offers waterproofing, and doesn’t overheat too much (!), then this is a great option.
If you are doing sprint work or sweat a lot, then you need to look to the higher priced jackets like the hideously pricey but excellent North Face Futurelight jacket, where breathability is more prioritised.
Verdict
The Stormproof is an affordable, waterproof and windproof jacket for low intensity gentle runs. But if you sweat excessively, it ain’t going anywhere!
How we tested
This jacket was tested and reviewed by Holly Giles. Holly is a scientific researcher, who is always running as a way to escape the lab. She is a freelance gear tester, parkrun tourist, and half-marathon lover.
Holly has put this jacket to the test for the last three months, including muddy parkruns, cross-country events, and runs through her local woods in Surrey. This included running in Storm Darragh, so it’s definitely seen it’s fair share of bad weather!