Kit review: Karrimor running gear
I blogged recently about Karrimor walking kit. I have been impressed by the quality for the price. This is a great budget-friendly range. Here is my opinion of a couple of Karrimor running products. They appear in the Karrimor Xlite range.
Karrimor Xlite 15l running rucksack
Rucksacks can be pricey but this one is as cheap as £11, or up to £24.99 if you like the super shiny silver reflective version.
It boasts a 15-litre capacity, which is about right for a long run or a short bike commute. This is a minimalist sports rucksack that is lightweight and without many features. But that is what most runners are looking for.
There’s a front and side zipped main compartment, as well as two zipped accessory pockets in the padded hip belt. The shoulder straps have clip fasteners at the chest for a more secure fit. There’s also an adjustable bungee cord to side.
If you go for the reflective version you’ll find the rucksack is super visible in low light and at night.
This is not a rucksack with lots of padding or structure so sharp or bulky objects will not sit well inside it. The pack is perfect for stuffing in a couple of extra clothing layers, a few snacks and your mobile phone. My advice is to pack them inside a dry bag if it looks like it will rain.
You can adjust the rucksack to fit neatly so that it doesn’t jostle around while running and it is fairly comfortable all round.
The best feature is the super hi-viz finish to the £24.99 rucksack.
See Sports Direct for the Karrimor Xlite rucksack
For other hi-viz silver running kit check out:
Karrimor Xlite reflective women’s running jacket priced £44.99
Karrimor Xlite reflective men’s running jacket priced £44.99
Karrimor XLite Running Jacket Ladies (in blue)
For a running jacket priced at less than £20 that still ticks lots of boxes for great features the Ladies Karrimor XLite Running Jacket is worth a look. It comes in a blue or black, as opposed to the more expensive reflective fabric (see above).
This is a lightweight running jacket with detachable sleeves, so it can be worn on cooler or less chilly days. It also has a breathable mesh back, a full zip front and toggles at the waist for adjusting the fit.
In addition there are four zipped pockets, three at the front and one to the upper chest and one to the back for extra storage, reflective details for enhanced visibility and padded wrist cuffs for comfort.
The jacket is a nice feminine fit and feels fairly light while running. I love the versatility of being able to convert to a gilet. For £18 you are not going to get a highly waterproof fabric but the jacket does keep out the wind and some light rain.
I would wear this on a chilly morning or evening run and in winter on dry-ish days. The gilet is most useful for stuffing in a rucksack on a longer run, for times when you suddenly feel the chill or the wind picks up.
The turquoise colour is fab and the zipped pockets are really useful.
See Sports Direct for the Xlite women’s running jacket.
Other Karrimor Xlite running products:
Karrimor Xlite women’s windproof running tights for £12
Karrimor Xlite women’s capri running tights for £13.99
Karrimor Xlite men’s long-sleeve running top for £10.50