Clothes Review: Men's Lightweight Windbreaker

Runners are advised to wear layers during cold weather. This is important, because the layers of clothing have layers of air between the clothing, and this air provides additional insulation. In addition, if the runner overheats, he or she can remove layers until he or she feels comfortable. The outside layer should be a thin layer of a material that prevents wind, rain, or snow from reaching the body. This layer is frequently called a "windbreaker". In this post, I'm reviewing the Men's Lightweight Windbreaker by Free Country.
As of the date this post (September 2013), the temperature is too warm for the use of layers, so I will review the physical attributes of the jacket, and later, when I've used the jacket, I'll add information to this review.

The following description is from the Free Country web site.

This lightweight windbreaker is made with our multi-ripstop premier fabric on the outside, with a textured weave. It is both stylish and functional as it is lightweight and water and rain resistant, making it great for traveling. Features two zippered hip pockets and one chest pocket. Attached hood with adjustable drawstrings for when the wind really whips. Interior has a breathable mesh lining with two velcro pockets. Also includes an adjustable drawstring at waist and velcro adjustable wrist cuffs. This jacket has it all!

The pockets will be used to carry my car keys and my cell telephone. The chest pocket is an inside pocket and will be used for the phone. I requested a XL size, larger than I would normally wear, so I will have room for layers of clothing under the jacket. After a year or two, the water-repellency of the jacket will decrease, and I'm wondering if Silicone spray can be used with this jacket. I use that spray once a year on my nylon jacket. Unfortunately, the jacket only comes in green. I would prefer red, orange, or yellow to increase my visibility. Several places of reflective material on the jacket would be useful for use during the night, However, strips of reflective material can be purchased and placed on the jacket, especially on the arms since they have more movement than other parts of the jacket. This windbreaker is nice looking, and I'm looking forward to using it during the winter.

09/14/2013: When I left to go running, the sky was cloudy, and it looked like it would rain while I was gone. I decided this was a good time to try my new windbreaker. The rain only lasted for about 10 minutes, but the jacket did keep me dry. After the rain stopped, I took the jacket off and tied it around my waist. The jacket stayed tight for the remainder of my 3 mile run. Because I'm wearing  a XL jacket, the sleeves are too long, but that is actually a plus. In cold weather I usually don't wear gloves. Instead, I tuck my hands inside the sleeves of my jacket, and that will be easier with this new jacket because of the long sleeves. The temperature during my run was in the high 60s (F), and I didn't need the jacket for warmth. My main motivation for taking the jacket was to test if it stayed tight around my waist.

09/28/2013: The temperature was 41 (F) when I left home, and there was a brisk 5 mph south wind blowing. I had two layers, the windbreaker being the second layer. I had no problems keeping warm during my jog/walks. I paid particular attention to how well the jacket stopped the wind, and I couldn't feel any cold on my body from the wind removing heat. One thing I really like about the jacket is the zippers. Other jackets I've used have a flap that covers the jacket, and I've had problems with the flap getting caught in the zipper. This jacket has no flap, and there is about 1/4 inch on each side of the zipper that is free of the material of the jacket. I also like the thick strings and knots that are tied to each zipper. They will make it easier to grab the zipper when one is wearing gloves or mittens.

05/23/2016: There is some confusion about my use of layers. So, let me explain. We all have our own opinion about this, but I think the layer providing protection from the wind should be a separate garment from the layers that provide warmth. There are times when the runner needs protection from the wind but does not need protection from the cold. A light weight wind breaker can be used in these conditions, with only a thin T-shirt under the wind breaker. There are times when the runner needs both protection from the wind and protection from the cold. For these conditions, the runner can add thin layers to be worn under the wind breaker, and these layers should be one or more layers that provide warmth. I use old dress shirts. Other runners use commercial layers. The important thing is that the layers that provide warmth should be separate from the wind breaker layer, and these layers should be light weight. By doing something like this, the runner can obtain protection from the wind and cold and not increase the weight of the clothes very much. Persons who do actual running need less protection than people who do a lot of walking, because running creates more body heat than walking.

My post on running in bad weather gives additional details about layers.

http://freecountry.com/