In trail running, a waterproof jacket is essential gear. It protects against wind, rain, and the rapid weather changes often encountered in the mountains. In some races, it is even mandatory equipment. Choosing the right trail jacket lets you run more confidently, whether training or competing.
At Raidlight, all waterproof jackets are designed to meet trail running demands: lightness, protection, and breathability. Each model is based on an MP+® membrane and stands out by its level of waterproofing, breathability, weight, or design.
So the question isn’t whether a model works for trail running: they are all designed for this activity. The difference lies more in the technology used, the protection offered, and the sensations sought during the run.
In this guide, we explain how to choose a trail jacket and the specific features of current Raidlight jackets.
👉 Summary: which Raidlight trail jacket should you choose?
All Raidlight jackets are designed for trail running and can be used in races. The difference between models mainly lies in their membrane, weight, and design.
- ULTRALIGHT 3.0 MP+®: 25K / 50K membrane and weight of 175 g.
- TOP EXTREME ULTRA MP+®: 20K / 20K membrane with a gusset up to 18L.
- TOP EXTREME MP+®: 20K / 20K membrane without a sack gusset.
- CAPE DE PLUIE MP+®: 15K / 15K membrane.
The comparison chart further down in the article makes it easy to see these technical differences.
Why a trail jacket is essential
In trail running, the environment changes quickly. A run can start under clear skies and turn into rain or strong wind a few kilometers later. A suitable jacket keeps you protected while allowing you to keep running comfortably.
Protection against the elements
A trail waterproof jacket primarily protects against rain, wind, and cooling caused by moisture. Even on a short outing, a shower, an exposed ridge, or a drop in temperature can greatly affect how you feel. A waterproof and breathable jacket helps reduce wind chill, prevents water from passing through the fabric too quickly, and maintains better running conditions.
Often mandatory equipment
In many races, especially in the mountains, a waterproof jacket is mandatory equipment. Regulations usually require a minimum level of protection, often around 20K / 20K. Checking your jacket’s specifications before a race is therefore essential.
A balance between protection and breathability
In trail running, it’s not enough to be protected from rain. The jacket must also support your effort. A breathable membrane helps evacuate water vapor produced during the run and reduces the feeling of dampness inside. This is what makes the difference between a simply protective jacket and one truly suited for trail running.
Gear designed to stay carried
A trail jacket should also be easy to pack away when conditions improve. Weight, packed volume, and pack compatibility are therefore important criteria. A waterproof jacket that you can easily carry is more likely to be part of your gear on every outing.
Criteria for choosing a trail jacket
To compare two trail jackets, you need to look beyond just the feel. Differences come down to specific technical criteria: waterproofness level, breathability, weight, packed volume, and overall design. These elements help understand what each model actually delivers on the trail.
Waterproofness is measured in Schmerber. The higher the value, the more the membrane resists water pressure. This is a key reference to ensure a jacket meets the desired level of protection, especially during running.
Breathability indicates the fabric’s ability to evacuate water vapor produced during effort. A high value helps better manage internal moisture as intensity increases.
Weight directly affects how the jacket feels while running and how much space it takes up in your pack. A lightweight jacket is easier to forget, whether worn or packed away.
A trail jacket should be easy to carry without taking up too much space. Its compressibility matters as much as its weight, especially when you run with an already loaded pack.
Some models include a gusset to also cover a trail pack. This is a useful feature to check depending on your usual gear and the volume you carry.
Raidlight trail jackets
All Raidlight jackets rely on MP+® technology, developed to offer a balance between waterproofing and breathability during effort. Each model has its own technical features.
| Waterproofing | 25K | 20K | 20K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathability | 50K | 20K | 20K |
| Weight | 175 g | 225 g | 200 g |
| Gusset | Up to 12L | Up to 18L | No |
| Price | 279,90 € | 219,90 € | 179,90 € |
| Key takeaways | The lightest and most breathable To prioritize compactness, lightness, and a very high level of waterproofing and breathability. | 20K/20K protection with large capacity gusset Useful if you run with a pack up to 18L. | More direct 20K/20K protection Same membrane level as the Ultra version, without a pack gusset. |
Which Raidlight jacket to choose based on your activity
All the waterproof jackets presented here are designed for trail running and can be used in races. The choice is therefore less about the type of activity and more about the level of protection sought, technical features, and product design.
If you first look at the membrane level
The models do not offer the same level of waterproofing or breathability. The ULTRALIGHT 3.0 MP+® features 25K/50K, while the TOP EXTREME ULTRA MP+® and TOP EXTREME MP+® are rated 20K/20K. The CAPE DE PLUIE MP+® is rated 15K/15K. These differences allow you to compare jackets on a clear technical basis.
If you first look at the weight
Weight can be a decisive factor depending on what you’re looking for in a race or training. According to the data collected, the ULTRALIGHT 3.0 MP+® is the lightest model among the trail jackets compared here with only 175 grams in size M, ahead of the TOP EXTREME MP+®, then the TOP EXTREME ULTRA MP+®. For the rain cape, refer to its product sheet if the exact weight needs to be included in the article.
If you run with a pack and want to check compatibility
Not all models feature the same design around carrying a pack. In the available data, the ULTRALIGHT 3.0 MP+® has a gusset up to 12L, the TOP EXTREME ULTRA MP+® up to 18L, while the TOP EXTREME MP+® does not have one. This is a concrete criterion to consider before purchase if you regularly run with a defined carrying volume.
Conclusion
All Raidlight trail jackets are designed to protect the runner during effort thanks to the MP+® membrane. The differences between models mainly lie in their level of waterproofing, breathability, design, and weight.
The choice therefore depends primarily on how you will use it and the conditions in which you most often run.
To more easily compare the models and their technical features, consult the Raidlight jacket comparison table below.
