Last updated: 16-Aug-18
Summer running is here with its focus on cool, sweat-wicking kit and enough thin layers to keep you warm when the temperature drops. I tried out a trio by CRAFT: a vest top, shorts and lightweight jacket. This kit came in at a very reasonable price and so I was interested to see if it still delivered.
Habit Top
Features
- 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
- Sweat wicking
- Soft-feel fabric
- RRP: £20
The stand-out feature of this top is that it really is soft to the touch. It felt lovely when I put it on. The design is a simple vest top with racer back. It is not super-tight but doesn’t flap about. It did wick away the sweat to some extent but was damp by the end of the run, as I would have expected. Excellent value.
PROS: comfortable to wear; simple; very soft.
CONS: it is a very plain top if you are looking for extra features.
| Score | |
| Design | 7/10 |
| Features | 7/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 10/10 |
| Total | 8/10 |
Breakaway Jacket
Features
- Water repellent
- Wind repellent
- Ergonomic fit
- Fabric 1: 100% Polyester
- Fabric 2: 100% Polyester
- Fabric 3: 90% Polyester 10% Elastane
- RRP: £55
The Breakaway jacket is a lightweight jacket that has some degree of water and wind resistance. I found it to be comfortable and soft to wear. It is very much a light, summer jacket and would not withstand any long exposure to heavy rain or driving winds. This is one to wear when you go on an early run and just want a bit of extra protection. I liked it to keep the sun off as well.
The design had been well thought through with jersey fabric under the sleeves and mesh panels at the sides and the yoke to let the breeze in and enhance ventilation. It had a drawstring at the bottom, thumb loops and a vent in the back. It fitted really well (I have boobs) and I liked the size of the chest pocket which was ample for my phone and could also have taken a snack bar and keys if necessary. It is a great price.
On the con side, it is not a highly-technical jacket and does not provide really good protection from fierce wind and rain that is more than a drizzle.
PROS: Great value; light and soft; protects to a degree.
CONS: Doesn’t provide protection in harder conditions.
| Score | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 7/10 |
| Performance | 7/10 |
| Value | 9/10 |
| Total | 7.75/10 |
Essential Shorts 5”
Features
- Stretch fabric
- Elastic inner tights
- Zippered back pocket
- Fabric 1: 95% Polyester 5% Elastane
- Fabric 2: 100% Polyester
- RRP: £25
These are no-nonsense, functional shorts. They have light silky outer shorts and a tight, stretch “knicker” inside. They feel very smooth on and don’t rub or chafe. The fit is not overly large so don’t tell yourself you are a small if you are a medium. They have mesh panels down the side for enhanced ventilation. One feature I really liked was the wide waistband with a flat drawstring, it meant they were a good fit and didn’t start to ride down. The zip pocket is small but I could pop my keys in. I couldn’t get a phone or a bar in there.
These are comfortable, everyday summer shorts at a good price.
PROS: Good value; light and silky; comfortable inner knicker.
CONS: Light so I am not sure how they will last long term; smallish pocket.
| Score | |
| Design | 7/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 9/10 |
| Total | 8/10 |
Have you used this CRAFT running gear? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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All images Alice Morrison.
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