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.”
This is my go-to running jacket for cool weather and when it is windy or wet. The price is steep but it has worn – and washed – well. I like that it is very lightweight.
Features of On Weather Jacket
- 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
- Buy On Weather jacket.
What’s good about On Weather Jacket
The jacket 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.
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 for good freedom of movement, which is important when you are running.
The hood is also excellent. 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.
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. It keeps out light to moderate rain. The rain rolls off the fabric because of the DWR (Durable Water Repellency). But also see my notes below.
The jacket is windproof yet still very breathable. I choose this jacket for all kinds of weather apart form when it might be raining hard all day.
The full length zips works well and there is a fabric overlay at the top to prevent it rubbing on skin when fully zipped.
The jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket to make a small pack size. There is a strap that allows you to easily carry the pack in your hand.
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.
Also, when it rains the water rolls off the bottom of the jacket to soak my shorts, or whatever you are wearing.
On says that the 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 high for a jacket. However, I have used this jacket many, many times and so it does end up representing good value for money.