10 Best Salomon Jackets Compared &#038; Reviewed

Bonatti Pro

Salomon calls it's Bonatti Pro WP jacket “essential equipment to bring when running in the mountains.” We agree. Offered at a reasonable price with versatile capability, this jacket makes a great choice and proves an excellent match for sketchy weather conditions. With an active fit, the appearance is satisfying, too.

S-Lab Hybrid

With this high performing piece of equipment, harsh weather will never pose an obstacle to winning the race. Its Pertex fabric is designed to move with your motions and protect against wind, rain, and snow. Even with this outstanding material, the jacket is still so light, you won’t even think about wearing it. Now that's the definition of the right running gear. Pack it into its own stretch waist belt for easy access.

S-Lab Light

This jacket is just right for transitional climates. As the seasons change, and we move from sunny afternoons to cooler, often breezier nights, don’t forget to grab the S-Lab Light for your sunset trail run. Likewise, as the chill of winter leaves but it’s not quite a tee-shirt and shorts sort of day, grab the S-Lab Light. In other words, this is a fantastic, lightweight accessory to have on hand especially with shifting temperatures. Ultra light and windproof, it’s an excellent, easy-to-pack jacket to have on board.

Fast Wing

Another impressive product from Salomon that is yet fantastic and high end apparel that works well for runners, which stands above many other similar products being sold.

Pulse

Available in classic, great looking colors, this jacket is the epitome of comfort and capability, combined. Offering two types of technical fabrics to enhance its performance and thereby, Salomon’s Pulse jacket is a great choice for activity and everyday wear, and all at a great price.

Agile

The Salomon Agile Jacket is sleek and lightweight, and offered in both bold and neutral colors. Runners will appreciate wind protection and reflective detail for wear anytime of day or night. This jacket provides optimum, high performance and then transitions to fit everyday life with trend-on style. We love the duality of a jacket that works like a machine and looks like a cool, go-anywhere jacket.

Fast III

The Salomon Fast III is a great running jacket that is as sleek as it looks. The lines and tailoring are classic and athletic. With features like ClimaWIND, Smartskin and excellent reflectivity, you’ll feel as great in this gear as you’ll look.

Bonatti

One of the light running jackets in the market, with tapped seams. It meets the requirements of training with regards to keeping the runner safe from harsh weather. This running jacket has impressive features.

Elevate mid

This running jacket from Salomon is very comfortable that’s perfect for before or after sports in warmer conditions. A soft, snugly hoody perfect for everyday wear; it works as well with jeans as it does on the trails.

Brilliant

The Salomon Brilliant is—like its name suggests—absolutely brilliant! It is stylish, comfortable, and one of the best selections on our list. If you have the budget for this jacket, then you will absolutely love his pick we have here.

By JenU

Mar 25, 2017

Last updated:

Jan 17, 2023

Table of contents

In Depth Review Top 10

Bonatti Pro
S-Lab Hybrid
S-Lab Light
Fast Wing
Pulse
Agile
Fast III
Bonatti
Elevate mid
Brilliant

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Insulation

...it’s important to make sure that your running jacket has insulation.

While getting the right jacket isn’t easy there are some factors that one should consider when looking for a running jacket. Your jacket for running shouldn't be overly bulky as this will restrict your range of movement and slow you down. Look for a wind & water resistant shell coat made in a breathable fabric. As a rule – the more water resistant a jacket gets, the less breathable it will be, so find out what is more important to you.

If you're going to be running at night or in low-light levels, having reflective strips on your jacket is extremely useful and can help keep you safe. Offering the runner maximum protection from winds and showers, ideal running jacket ought to be able to wick sweat away and offer great breathability hence no overheating.

With that in mind, there are a variety of factors that need to be considered before you choose a piece of outerwear to get you through rainy, windy, snowy, or cold runs. Insulation allows you to have your usual run in that very cold weather without the worry of freezing to death. It’s very crucial to know the type of running climate you might experience. Also the timing, be it morning or evening.

Most runners prefer running when the temperature is below 40. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your running jacket has insulation. The inbuilt insulation will be able to give enough warmth in those chilly days, apart from that the insulation will also be able to keep you dry from too much sweat by always acting a wicking moisture layer.

In case you feel the need for more layering be carefully you don't trap moisture in between and hence get soaked. Though it is very important to that: running is aerobic and your body will generate enough heat once you start your running work out.

Breathability

That’s why it’s very crucial for any running jacket to have some sort of ventilation feature that allows breathability...

Running comes with plenty of sweating, and nobody wants to have that gross smell of sweat. Though sweating is a little annoying it’s able to help the body ease pain and soreness, clear the pores on the skin and also get rid of toxins in the body. Apart from all these sweating improves your mood and regulates body temperature.

That’s why it’s very crucial for any running jacket to have some sort of ventilation feature that allows breathability of the jacket. This feature allows air to move freely through the jacket and around the body hence the sweat from the body can evaporate. Ventilation on running jackets can be provided through mesh panels and permeable fabrics, just to name a couple.

Breathability is a feature that not only keeps you cool but can also affect your health. Overheating during a workout can cause dizziness, skin rashes, or even unconsciousness, so breathability is a very important feature when choosing a running jacket.

Materials

Look for materials that are reflective.

Be it summer or winter the weather can be a bit unpredictable and this doesn’t mean you cannot go for your daily run, that’s why it’s important to have a good quality running jacket. The only way to fight bad weather is to have a good running jacket that will be able to protect from these elements.

Your ideal running jacket must not only be stylish and comfortable but then it should also provide you with the maximum protection form all kinds of climatic conditions during your running workout. Your running jacket should always work to protect against any weather condition that’s why it is important to take the weather into consideration when buying your running jacket at all times.

Running jackets are designed to provide plenty of additional features that not only protect you from the harsh weather but they also make your running experience be awesome. Look for materials that are reflective. This feature is very important as it will keep you safe from possible accidents if you plan to run on a road that has frequent motorists or cyclists. It’s the best feature for playing safe and should be considered by all runners.

Weather Resistance

The most commonly encountered elements are precipitation in the form of rain and snow, and wind.

A waterproof running jackets means that there is no chance of you getting wet from the pouring rain. Waterproofing has different types depending on the fabric used.

Types of waterproofing options

Coated fabric that offers waterproofing features have polyurethane inside of the fabric, and are best used during moderate activity but may suffer from limited breathability. Examples of coated fabrics in the market are AquaDry, IsoTex, and Precip.

Waterproof membranes are made from millions of tiny pores that enable liquid evaporation from the inside out but doesn’t let water in from the inside.

Páramo has a unique feature it imitates the ability of animal fur to get rid of moisture. This doesn’t mean extra weight, it’s able to keep you warm at all times and uses the breathable and permeable pump action liner to keep you dry.

Waterproof VS Water Resistant

Waterproofing isn’t the same as water resistance. Though many confuse the two and most assume they mean the same thing. While a waterproof jacket will always keep rain and other wetness out of your jacket, a water-resistant jacket is only able to stand up to light moisture for a short amount of time. They are more breathable than waterproof jackets, but can’t stand up to heavy precipitation.

In most instances, if a running jacket is waterproof then it’s also windproof. This is because the same barriers that are designed in the jacket to keep off the water are also able to keep out the wind. Though it’s important to know that however, some water resistant jackets, like those made with a laminate coating, are considered windproof.

Wind resistant jackets are also similar to water-resistant jackets. The two are able to offer protection up to a certain level. A wind resistant running jacket is able to shield you from a windy day but not from very strong winds like in a serious storm. Then you won’t have much protection. One benefit of wind resistant running jackets is that they are usually very thin and lightweight, which makes them packable and convenient for travel.

Weight

...the lighter the better...

It's no secret that lighter running gear leads to faster workout sessions, this applies also to jackets. It does not matter whether it's a marathon race or a short job in the park, the weight will definitely be a very important factor. When it comes to running jackets, the lighter the better, a pack-able light layer will be effective if you are doing long runs.

A piece that is not able to pack down will mean that you will have to wear it throughout the entire running session, that means another burden. It’s quite interesting that if the jacket is lighter then you will not even notice you are wearing it but then you will be protected from the harsh weather.

The ability to compress the layer of the jacket makes it possible to carry it during long runs and you totally can't tell how the weather will be. But then if you don’t mind a little extra weight then you can consider a running jacket that has more features like awesome pockets and hoodies. However, the benefits associated with a hood can be worth it, if you focus more on wind & water resistant.

10 Best Salomon Jackets

1. Bonatti Pro

Where to buy

Insulation

Best described as a minimalist selection, the Bonatti Pro WP keeps it simple. It has one pocket (that dual as the jacket’s storage), large enough for the basics only (phone or wallet). A nice element is a port inside the jacket to run headphones.

Breathability

This Salomon jacket is pretty breathable and super lightweight and comfortable. It will keep you warm and well-ventilated at the same time.

Materials

Elastic at the waist, cuffs and around the hood keep everything in place while minimizing any additional bulk. The reflective front and back logo is a great feature. Salomon prioritizes safety, comfort and fits even when it’s simplified. Colors range from powder blue to a deep red with yellow zipper, ensuring there's a color option for everyone. A durable nylon shell looks great while providing additional protection.

Weather Resistance

Perfect for the cool weather and can handle a lot of different surprises the weather may throw your way. No matter how technical your ride or trail, this jacket has the technical capability to match it.

Weight

Weighing in at 6 oz, Salomon assures that this jacket matches moisture protection found in more traditional ski jackets. With 2.5 layers of their trademark ClimaPro membrane, they aren’t wrong - this jacket blocks wetness while remaining breathable. The Skinfit hood stays put during runs or hikes and when it’s time to take it off, pack it down easily and stash in its own pocket.

2. S-Lab Hybrid

Where to buy

Insulation

The six-inch waistband (which supplements a draw-cinch waist) allows for total rain and snow protection and looks great doing it. The “Skin Fit” hood wraps in a form-fitting way around the head, offering maximum protection and warmth.

Breathability

The added sweatproof band wicks away sweat and other moisture that might interfere with performance or comfort.

Materials

A material comprised of Elastic, Polypropylene and Polyamide creates a wind resistant and a super lightweight jacket. Pack it into its own waist belt but don’t be fooled by its easability - this jacket is literally a machine. Add glued seams, motion fit, stay down and wind resistant zipper, and advanced drying.

Weather Resistance

This well constructed and well-designed jacket surpasses expectations when it comes to a laundry list of high-performance capabilities while maintaining a favorite aesthetic.

Weight

The Lab Hybrid jacket is beautiful, pure and simple. The classic lines, sleek black color with slight reflective embellishments and minimal red piping create a powerful aesthetic. The form is tailored, with a fitted look under the arm, through the chest and the neck while providing excellent mobility and range in all the right places.

3. S-Lab Light

Where to buy

In other words, this is a fantastic, lightweight accessory to have on hand especially with shifting temperatures. Ultra light and windproof, it’s an excellent, easy-to-pack jacket to have on board.

Insulation

Salomon has incorporated its Advancedskin Shield fabric and MotionFit technologies into the Lab Light jacket. The result is a close fitting jacket with the added benefit of bonded/glued seams which assist not only with the fit but also more freedom during your ride.

Breathability

Laser holes strategically positioned under the armpits, down the upper back, around the tummy and lower back and in the forearm area keep wearers fully ventilated.

Materials

What we really love about this jacket is its comfort-to-performance ratio. Packed into 10 oz of material is a windproof but breathable fabric that’ll completely protect from harsh winds.

Weather Resistance

This jacket does not have a hood, so your head won't be protected. It is the perfect running jacket for cooler weather and will definitely keep you pretty warm when you wear it.

Weight

A favorite, newer element is the three tiny magnets positioned within the collar making for a quick and simple close/opening. No matter how you like to keep your jacket zipped (all the way, medium or just a little), the magnets keep the jacket put. Add MotionFit technology for a secure fit that keeps the bellowing wind at bay and you’ve got your perfect, lightweight jacket.

4. Fast Wing

Where to buy

Another impressive product from Salomon that is yet fantastic and high end apparel that works well for runners, which stands above many other similar products being sold.

Insulation

When it comes to insulation, this is one of the lightest jacket options on our list so it doesn't have a ton of additional insulation. However, this jacket will certainly keep you warm and is a good one to bring along with you wherever you go.

Breathability

This jacket is really breathable and very well-ventilated. It is perfect for those of you who want to make sure you don't overheat when you are out in this jacket.

Materials

The cuffs and the waistband have limited elasticity hence the design will be durable and minimal due to the limited stretch. An extra elastic line on the hood's forehead makes sure that it covers the runners head always no matter how windy the weather is.

Weather Resistance

The apparel has some extra designs and features that make it totally to stand out. However, during heavier rain, some sections of the jacket got wet very quickly. The jacket offers a close fit and has very few inner layers hence its lightweight nature.

Weight

With a lightweight of 2.55 ounces, Fast Wing offers an athlete with exceptionally light combined with packable weather-resistant protection.

5. Pulse

Where to buy

Insulation

It keeps it simple with a single chest pocket for small storage and 2 hand pockets for warmth. The Advancedskin Sheild keeps wearers warm and dry with fabric technology you need, where you need it. All of this within a fleece, cozy, active fit jacket you’ll love to wear all year.

Breathability

Reflective branding in both front or back and an air vent system allow for comfortable running, anytime, day or night.

Materials

First, the color selection for the Pulse jacket is really great. We love the sky blue with contrasting white zipper and logo, the two-tone purple and black, two-toned blue on blue, and black on grey - each with great zipper hue contrast. The aesthetic is a look so cool and casual, it’s hard to remember the technical aspects comprised within that’ll up your athletic game.

Weather Resistance

This all-season softshell provides flexibility and movement while simultaneously offering weather-resistance and protection. Cuff tabs and hem adjustments mean a no-slip run and no debris seeping in. The softshell Melange Effect means added protection and resistance.

Weight

This versatile Salomon jacket is really lightweight--which makes it easily portable so you can take it with you wherever our go.

6. Agile

Where to buy

Insulation

The Salomon Agile has 2 zipped, hand warmer pockets, Pro performance reflective detailing at a lightweight, and full zip. Articulated sleeves allow arm motion and flexibility while the jacket stays put, not riding up or moving around uncomfortably with necessary arm movement.

Breathability

A lightweight Taffeta fabric blocks wind and sheds light moisture helping to provide an excellent air vent system.

Materials

The S Agile is offered in a variety of colors. Choose from neutrals or bold (Lava Orange is especially awesome) and enjoy a late night run with no worries with the 360 reflective detail.

Weather Resistance

We love that this jacket not only makes the perfect companion for running but transitions to all daily activity. Go from the trail or the basketball court to dinner and a movie and look great. Simple, sleek lines and classic detailing make this a perfect go-to, multi-purpose and everyday jacket.

Weight

The Salomon Agile jacket is perfect for runners - or anyone looking for a stylish jacket geared toward athletic activity. The body and the lining are made of 100% PES. Weighing a mere 180g, the jacket never hinders activity while providing pro-level performance and excellent wind protection.

7. Fast III

Where to buy

Insulation

A sternum snap prevents unwanted movement, thumb loops keep hands warm and fabric technology keeps wind and rain at bay, even in the harshest conditions.

Breathability

Underarm stretch panels let sweat out without compromising the inner jacket microclimate.

Materials

Six reflective features keep runners safe day or night. All of this, in a simply packed-down jacket with its own stuffing pocket. An active, slim fit with enough room for a tee or long sleeve beneath, the Salomon Fast III makes a great looking addition to your running gear toolkit. It’s both durable and light provides arm articulation and excellent design features.

Weather Resistance

A fun, unique feature we love is the cool watch-window which lets you check the time without pushing up your sleeve. The stuff pouch has a wide, comfortable band which fits over your wrist. Among the color, the selection is a fun purple hue or deep, classic navy.

Weight

Packability, weightlessness (4 oz), flexibility, resistance, and ventilation are each packed within the great looking Fast III jacket.

8. Bonatti

Where to buy

Insulation

If you want a ton of additional insulation then this jacket is not it. However, it will keep you warm in the environment that it is meant to be warm.

Breathability

Its breathability is enhanced by the AdvancedSkin Dry fabric.

Materials

With taped seams, this Bonatti jacket from Salomon boasts of both an active and motion fit. Additional features are a hood that is skin fit, reflective features, stow pockets, waterproof zip, sleeves that are well articulated and wrists that are elastic in nature.

Weather Resistance

The jacket has great wind and water ( even snow) resistant, so it is definitely a great option for those of you looking for something that will provide you with excellent protection.

Weight

This jacket is ultra-lightweight--it only weighs on 130g. This is a really packable and portable option to consider!