Last updated: 05-Sep-18
The On jacket is described as an “ultralight running jacket protecting you in all weather”. The brand also claims: “It feels like you’re wearing nothing: Lightweight Japanese fabrics offer 360° ventilation in an ultralight package.”
I have tested the jacket on cool, wet evenings at the end of a Scottish summer and on warmer, wet afternoons.
Features
- 100% polyamide protective and tear-proof upper fabric across the chest and shoulders
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Soft touch fabric
- Highly breathable
- Fabric coated with advanced DWR (durable water repellent).
- Engineered hood that can be adjusted for a “perfect fit and field of vision“
- Chest pocket for stashing small items and folding up the jacket
- Some taped seams (“where needed”)
- Adjustable elasticated hem.
- £190
Photo credit: On-running.com.
Pros: What’s good about the On Weather Jacket
The jacket really is very lightweight and easy to wear. It’s comfortable against the skin, even when wearing a short-sleeved top underneath. The fabric is light and floaty, rather like parachute fabric.
The fit is flattering. I am a UK10 and the size medium fits well with room for a couple of thin layers underneath. The medium size fits my shoulders and I imagine the small size would be too neat.
I have long arms yet the sleeves easily cover my wrists. I like that the outer part of the sleeve is a little longer and the underside is shorter, to neatly fit over the wrist where you bend it.
The stretch fabric allows great freedom of movement, which is important when you are running.
The hood is also brilliant. It can be adjusted to give a great fit and even when running in wind it stays up. The stiffened peak keeps the rain off the face.
Photo credit: Fiona Outdoors.
Because the fabric is so light I worried that it would not be as waterproof as claimed but the DWR is effective at keeping the wet out. Light to moderate rain simply rolls off the outside of the jacket. (See notes below, too.)
The jacket is windproof yet still very breathable. It is so easy to wear in both warm and wet and cold and wet conditions. The ventilation is superb.
During the past few weeks of wet and warm weather I have taken to wearing a t-shirt with this jacket over the top. It is an effective way to maintain a good temperature.
The jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket to make a small pack size if you are not wearing the jacket. This is easy to do and the resulting zipped bundle has a wide strap that allows you to easily carry the pack in your hand.
The full length zips works well and there is a fabric overlay at the top to prevent it rubbing on skin when fully zipped.
Photo credit: Fiona Outdoors.
Cons: What’s not so good about the On Weather Jacket
I am fairly tall and most of this height is in my legs so I wouldn’t say I have a long torso. The On Weather jacket is only just about long enough. If you are tall you might find it is a little short. Remember, too, that I have the size medium.
In heavy and sustained rain the DWR is not adequate to stop the jacket wetting out but the fabric still offers a great balance of water repellency and breathability.
While the DWR treatment is good, in my experience it does wear out with use. To maintain the waterproofing you will need to re-waterproof using a DWR treatment at home. These are fine but never as effective as the treatments created during processing.
Also, when it rains the water rolls off the bottom of the jacket to soak shorts, or whatever you are wearing.
On states that seams are bonded where needed. This is practical but if you are planning to use the jacket for races that call for a jacket with all seams sealed it may not be adequate. It also means that if the rain is driving rain or there is a wind while it rains, the other seams may well leak.
There are a couple of colourways but it would be good to see some brighter colours in the collection.
The price of £190 is a lot for a jacket.
Conclusion
The On Weather Jacket is very easy to wear and feels extremely lightweight. Waterproofing and breathability is surprisingly good although heavy and sustained rain proves too much for the DWR treatment.
The jacket is pricey.
| Score | |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 9/10 |
| Value | 7/10 |
| Total | 8.25/10 |
Other jackets you may want to try:
Ronhill Infinity Torrent jacket
Montane Minimum Stretch Pull On Jacket
Salomon Bonatti jacket
Have you tried the ON Weather jacket? 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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