I didn’t know I needed a bright red windbreaker until I started training for a trail half-marathon in the Altra Women’s Trail Wind Jacket this year. I live in a place where people joke there are only two seasons, June and Winter, so it’s safe to say that I rely on high-quality layers whenever I hit the trails (or just leave the house).
I know all too well how good kit can be expensive, especially from reputable outdoor brands. Hunting down worthwhile deals has become something of a part-time hobby for me. It’s also part of my job to flag the best savings on the gear I trust, and this Altra offer is no exception. Ahead of Black Friday, Altra has taken 50% off the Women’s Trail Wind Jacket, reducing it from $200 to $100.
As I hinted earlier, I became an unexpected superfan of the orange-red colorway. I was convinced it would look a bit dorky, yet it somehow goes with a lot. Maybe it’s because I’ve been pairing it with other Altra gear, like the Altra Boa Timp 5, but either way, it stands out on the trails. Visibility is a top priority for me, and the reflective details scattered throughout the jacket only enhance your chances of being seen.
It’s also a full zip design rather than a pullover, which I appreciated more than I thought I would. When you get too warm halfway up a hill, it’s easy to unzip or remove entirely, and it packs down small enough to fit into a running vest pocket without any struggle.
The hood really proved its worth at a very wet and very windy race start line last month. The start time kept getting pushed back, and the lake beside us was firing wet wind straight into the crowd. This hood was my only save and grace against the gale-force gusts. There’s even a small cinch at the back, allowing you to tighten it snugly around your head.
Since it’s a windbreaker, it won’t replace a proper waterproof shell. It’s not designed to keep you dry in heavy or sustained rain. What it is perfect for is everything in between: blustery days, light showers, exposed ridgelines and long trail runs where you want protection without the bulk.
If you want a recommendation for a waterproof jacket for hiking, check out my verdict on the Rab Firewall Mountain Waterproof Jacket.
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