A breathable and stylish lightweight waterproof jacket for running and fast hiking in changeable conditions.
Looking for a mens lightweight rain jacket? The Thrudark Skirmish Jacket provides three durable layers of waterproof fabric to combat the elements. With a sleek design this jacket is ideal for those looking to stay dry and comfortable when undertaking exercise such as running, cycling or other fast-paced adventures.
Thrudark Skirmish Jacket: The stats
| Best for: | Running and fast hiking in changeable conditions |
| Weight: | 445g |
| Waterproof: | Yes – E-Vent |
| Eco-conscious: | / |
| Overall rating: |
Features of the Thrudark Skirmish Jacket
Fabric
The jacket is constructed with a 3-layer E-vent ripstop nylon fabric that is fully waterproof. It allows water to bounce off the jacket effortlessly, allowing no moisture to be absorbed into the lining. The fabric also features direct venting technology which, unlike other waterproofs, does not need to be wet to activate. This is perfect for those looking for breathability in all conditions, wet and dry, and in a range of temperatures.Vents
As well as the direct venting system, the Skirmish has side and back vents. The downward facing ventilation on the back minimizes air leakage and provides great protection against wind chill. The vents under the arms are not zippered but have only 4 small holes, which do not provide a great deal of ventilation. However, the rear back vent provides good ventilation with an open long vent with a mesh interior. I’ve yet to find any leakage into the jacket whatsoever. Plus, even when exercising with a rucksack covering the rear vent, I still find the breathability of the E-vent fabric keeps me cool.
Hood
The stiffened peak storm hood provides a tight fit around my head keeping it comfortably warm and the drawcords feel smooth and easy to tighten and fix well into place with the cord locks. The stiffened peak allows rain to run off easily but could do with being a bit stiffer. Having a comfortable raised neckline is a great bonus, as well as providing good wind protection.
The sizing of the hood doesn’t allow a helmet to be worn underneath.
Pockets
There are two chest pockets on the jacket which feature the same waterproof zips as the main jacket zip, which is excellent. As well as these pockets there is an internal pocket allowing extra snack storage for those long runs. This pocket doesn’t have headphone holes so be sure to bring your Bluetooth headphones.
The minimal design means the jacket has no side pockets to keep your hands warm. It is definitely designed as a lightweight jacket to be on the move with. Thrudark offers similar jackets with side pockets if you don’t want the sleek design of this jacket.
Hem
There is extra length at the back for protection against the elements. The hem also features rapid release elasticated drawcords to cinch in the jacket along the bottom which helps to keep out the draft and excess moisture.
Thrudark Skirmish Jacket review
Running into a headwind or cycling over a blustery bridge, the wind resistance this jacket provides is of a high quality.
I am currently training for a marathon and have certainly put this jacket through its paces. Training 4 times a week over the winter and spring means I have experienced all kinds of weather and temperatures. I have trained through heavy and light downpours, the windy coasts of Cornwall and done long hikes across Dartmoor.
I can safely say you will stay dry and comfortable. And combined with its reflectics on the emblem it becomes the ideal exercise jacket come day or night.
Performance
First and foremost, the Skirmish is an excellent waterproof jacket. I am really impressed with how well it deals with long periods of exposure to heavy rain without the fabric becoming saturated. After 3 months of use I have felt extremely dry with every use. Water rolls off the fabric well and there has been no trace of internal moisture build up.
In addition to its impressive waterproofness, the Skirmish offers high levels of wind resistance without compromising on breathability. On cooler days and slower paced activities this jacket is perfect at keeping my temperature regulated. It really performs well in colder temperatures and is designed to provide thermal protection and comfort down to 0°C.
“When your operation requires mobility and speed, the Skirmish falls like an arrow in flight”
In terms of breathability, the E-vent fabric, together with the back and side vents, allows heat and perspiration to be vented easily when I’m really pushing for that extra mile.
That said, through intense exercise or warmer temperatures I do find this jacket keeps me running a little hotter than other jackets I’ve worn. I run with a t-shirt beneath the jacket, and on warmer days I feel like removing the jacket after a few miles. The snug fitting hood may be responsible as it keeps the heat in but also allows you to exercise more dynamically.
The routes I run – woodlands and coastal paths – present their fair share of bushes and shrubbery. The toughness of the jacket has held up well in these terrains, indicating a tough material. This quality matches well as it has a lightweight, flexible feel to it, but not something that is going to tear easily.
Additionally, running in the jacket doesn’t cause any rubbing or uncomfortable areas. And the lightweight feel creates a brilliant jacket for those who don’t want to bear the rain head on!
Fit and sizing
The jacket I have is a size large. The fit guide states an athletic fit, and is great when worn with a single layer underneath. As someone who usually fits a large I would probably prefer a size up as I prefer a looser feel.
That said, and as a taller guy, it has a good sleeve length compared to other jackets I’ve worn. And the hem with extra length at the back is more than long enough to keep me covered and protected from the elements. It fits over my running top well and tightens with its elasticated drawcord keeping my backside nice and dry.
What I love the most about the Thrudark Skirmish Jacket
I love the breathability of this jacket and I would definitely recommend it to someone who needs a jacket with good sweat management. I am also really impressed with its wind-proofing. It keeps the chill out when I’m out running on the cliffs of Cornwall during the colder months of the year. I can confirm it is best suited to exercise during these colder periods.
Additionally, I really like the obsidian black colour and minimal design whilst providing a high level of comfort.
What I don’t love so much about the Thrudark Skirmish Jacket
There isn’t much to fault on this jacket, which you can expect with a £345 price tag. I would have preferred a larger size to accommodate a fleece or underlayer which would add to the versatility of the jacket. Plus, the lack of side pockets feels quite apparent and is something to consider if this is an important feature for you.
Verdict
As someone who exercises regularly in challenging and changeable conditions, the Thrudark Skirmish Jacket is ideal for me. It’s designed not to be versatile but to serve specific capabilities of a high performance, lightweight and waterproof exercise jacket. I find the good qualities of this jacket to be a long list and I would certainly recommend it.
It’s great for heavy rain, with reliable waterproofing, and the excellent breathability and venting makes it ideal for dynamic exercise.
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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
