Trail jackets and windbreakers for men
Our selection of men's trail jackets brings together protection against rain and wind: waterproof Karpos Lavaredo Rain jacket with breathable membrane, La Sportiva ultralight Blizzard, Lhotse Aldo, and a foldable sleeveless jacket Newline for mid-season. Compressible jackets designed for running in the mountains, on trails, or in the city when the weather changes.
Protect yourself from wind and rain without weighing yourself down.
Why a jacket is part of a trail runner's gear
In trail running, the jacket is the last layer, the one that stops the rain and cuts the wind. In the mountains, the weather changes quickly: a shower on a windy ridge can drop the perceived temperature by several degrees, and a wet runner who slows down cools off very fast. That’s why mountain races require a waterproof jacket to be part of the mandatory gear.
However, the trail jacket must remain discreet: lightweight, compressible to fit into a pocket or its own pouch, and breathable to allow sweat to escape during climbs. Its close-fitting cut prevents it from flapping in the wind and keeps the arms free for swinging and using trekking poles.
The rest of the men's textile
The men's trail clothing range also includes:
- T-shirts and tops.
- Shorts and tights.
- Trousers and leggings.
- Sweatshirts.
- Technical underwear.
- Socks and ankle socks.
All men's textiles are gathered on the men's textile page.
Membrane, seams and hood: what makes a jacket waterproof
A waterproof jacket combines a water-repellent outer fabric, a membrane that blocks water while allowing vapour to escape, and sealed seams with heat-bonded tapes. Trail jackets often use a two and a half layer construction, lighter than a three-layer mountain jacket. The Karpos Lavaredo Rain Evo is a good example: recycled nylon, twenty thousand millimetres water column, twenty-five thousand grams per square metre per day breathability.
The pre-shaped hood with a drawcord, waterproof zippers and elastic edges at the wrists and waist complete the protection. Once rolled up, the Karpos fits into its mesh compression bag.
Ultralight windbreaker or sleeveless jacket: mid-season protection
When rain isn’t expected, an ultralight jacket like the La Sportiva Blizzard is sufficient: it cuts the wind on ridges and during descents, withstands a passing shower thanks to its water-repellent treatment, and folds up neatly. It does not replace a membrane jacket under sustained rain, but is much lighter. The Lhotse Aldo adds to the offer for wet outings in mid-mountain conditions.
The foldable sleeveless jacket Newline protects the torso from the wind while keeping the arms free and cool: ideal in the early autumn mornings or in spring, when temperatures rise quickly after warming up. It rolls up and fits into a short or top pocket.
Good deals
Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The year’s highlights follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year celebrations, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school season.
Frequently asked questions
Which jacket is accepted in the mandatory gear for the UTMB?
The regulations require a waterproof and breathable membrane jacket, with at least ten thousand Schmerber, with an integrated hood and taped seams. Organisers often recommend more for long races: always check the regulations for your event.
What does the Schmerber index of a jacket mean?
It measures the height of the water column, in millimetres, that a fabric can withstand before allowing water to enter. Ten thousand millimetres protects against a heavy rain; twenty thousand, like on the Karpos Lavaredo Rain, withstands strong and sustained rain, bag on your back.
Why am I wet under my waterproof jacket?
During exertion, the body produces more vapour than the membrane can release, and moisture condenses inside. Open the zip during climbs, wear a quick-drying technical top underneath and avoid cotton, which retains water.
How to maintain a waterproof trail jacket?
Wash it at thirty degrees with a liquid detergent without softener, which would clog the membrane, then rinse well. A gentle drying reactivates the water-repellent finish; when water no longer beads on the surface, apply a re-waterproofing product.
What size to choose for a trail jacket?
Take the size that allows for a long-sleeved top underneath without restricting arm movement. Ensure that the sleeves cover the wrists while running and that the lower back remains covered when bending over.
