Kit review: Odlo Primaloft Loftone running jacket
Sometimes it’s too cold for a basic baselayer for running yet not so wet that you need a super-duper and pricey windproof/waterproof jacket.
So what do you wear? An OdloPrimaloft® Loftone insulated jacket.
I confess I have never thought about wearing an insulated jacket for running but Odlo’s “windproof and heat isolating” Primaloft jacket actually does a very good job
Made from Primaloft® eco (it’s made with 50% recycled materials and 50% Primaloft® primary fibre) the Loftone jacket is very lightweight, so you hardly feel like you are wearing an insulated layer.
It is also water repellent and has “zones” of insulation, such as the jacket front, the front of the arms and the upper back. The other areas are made of a stretchy fleecy fabric that allows for good moisture management and freedom of movement when running.
The aim is to have a neat fit so the jacket doesn’t flap around. I am normally a UK10 and the Odlo small fits perfectly. If you have a reasonable sized chest I recommend you go up a size.
The jacket has a full zip and a single zipped pocket on the outside for keeping small valuables safe. There’s no hood.
A strange design concept is the over-laid shoulders that look a little like a Star Trek jacket. I am not sure why they are designed like this but I think it’s so that it looks like you’re wearing a gilet over a long-sleeved top. There’s nothing wrong with this although it’s not very useful!
Another handy extra is the thumb loops. For some, a sports watch compatible opening on the left sleeve will be a bonus. I wear my watch on the other arm so that isn’t as useful as it might be!
The Odlo Loftone also boasts reflective details so you can be seen in the dark when lights (eg car lights) shine on you.
The synthetic insulation works well when damp and is machine washable.
The jacket offers lots of versatility because it could also be worn on cold days for cycling and also as a mid-layer when hill walking. At a price of around £150 you would need to get a lot of use from this super lightweight jacket.
Where to buy
The Loftone comes in a brilliant cerise/orange colour for women. See So Active, priced £150.
A men’s black and bright green Odlo Loftone jacket is priced at £148.48 at Bike Discount. And £150 at Zalando
There are black and orange versions of the Odlo Loftone priced at £135 at Zalando
Also see Odlo.