OS Test The Best: Lightweight Running Jacket

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OS TEST THE BEST

OS Test The Best: Lightweight Running Jacket

Published on July 19, 2024 8 min read

Mac In A Sac Venture Ultralite Running Jacket Review

Our OS Champions have been putting the new Mac In A Sac Venture Running Jacket through its paces. Each of our expert reviewers have shared their honest feedback on the quality and suitability of this new stylish and waterproof lightweight running jacket. It’s also perfect for packing in your backpack on your next hiking adventure too. (Spoiler alert… they absolutely love it! We’ve included their full reviews at the end of this post)

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OS Shop

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OS TEST THE BEST

Our new OS Test the Best series isn’t just about ticking boxes or skimming through spec sheets. It’s not just about reviewing gear; it’s about putting it through its paces and ensuring that what we recommend and stock in our OS Shop truly lives up to the “best” standard. We’ll be sharing more reviews soon but let us know if there’s something you’d like us to put to the test and stock in the OS Shop. Email us with your ideas or requests to review a product for us!  – getoutside@os.uk

What is a running jacket

Before we get started on the Mac In A Sac Venture Running Jacket review, lets take a look at a few reasons why you might want to buy a jacket specifically designed for running or hiking.

A lightweight running jacket is a specialist jacket that is designed to be comfortable when running in colder or wet weather. Most running jackets have been designed to wick away sweat which also makes them perfect for hiking. The weight and ‘packability’ of your new jacket is important for ensuring you’re not adding too much bulk when out hiking or walking. A running jacket is not designed to keep you warm while you are stationery, it’s for protecting you against wind and rain and keeping you dry while you are moving.

How should a running jacket fit?

A running jacket should be a fairly snug fit. It should allow you to move freely and not feel tight. Ideally you want to be able to add a layer under the jacket if you’re planning on using it in winter. The most important thing about the fit of a running jacket is comfort, this will ensure you get the most use out of it and nothing stops you getting out on your run, whatever the weather.

Venture Ultralite Running Jacket – The Key Features

Gabriella Wieland wearing a White Venture Ultralight Running Jacket

Packable

Highly Waterproof (8,000 mm)

Highly Breathable (16,000 mm)

Fully Taped Seams

Stretch Fabric

Windproof

Adjustable hood with wire peak

Comes in size 6 – 16 women’s and XS to XXL in men’s

Lots of colours available to suit your style

Venture Ultralite Running Jacket: Your Perfect Companion for All-Weather Runs

The Venture Ultralite Running Jacket is a game-changer for dedicated runners and hikers. Crafted with precision, this lightweight jacket seamlessly combines comfort, performance, and practicality.

Jon Starky: “it dealt with rain and sea spray as well as a jacket twice the price and was breathable enough to keep me cool.”

Weatherproof and Breathable: The Venture Ultralite strikes the perfect balance between waterproofing and breathability. Whether you’re facing rain, wind, or unexpected weather shifts, this jacket has you covered.

Finty Royle: “The Mac in a Sac jacket ticks all the boxes for me. Compact, breathable, and dynamic—it’s perfect for stuffing in a bum bag. The elasticated cuffs keep water and wind out”

Warmth Without Overheating: The windproof fabric ensures you stay cozy during chilly runs, while its exceptional breathability prevents overheating. No more compromising on comfort—this jacket adapts to your body’s needs.

Isaac Kenyon: “Ultralightweight and bright Neon Orange—perfect for emergencies. Impressive breathability and a handy adjustable hood. Packs into its own pocket for easy storage during runs.”

Packability Redefined: Need to shed layers mid-run? No problem. The Venture Ultralite folds down effortlessly into its own pocket. It’s ready whenever you need it without the bulk.

Emily Thomson: “The Venture Jacket is robust and avoids riding up under a rucksack. Elasticated sleeves allow quick temperature adjustments. Perfect for trail running.”

Built for Motion: The 2.5-layer construction, complete with fully taped seams and stretch fabric, guarantees durability and freedom of movement. Whether you’re sprinting through city streets or hiking up in the hills and mountains, this jacket is ideal.

Samantha Taylor: “Impressive lightweight waterproof jacket with excellent breathability. Slim fit and elasticated cuffs—no rain finding another way in.”

Mac In A Sac Venture Ultralite – Read the full reviews from our OS Champions & Staff

Finty Royle

Why we chose Finty to review the MIAS Venture Running Jacket: Finty is a medical student and a keen runner, she sees running as a form of medicine.

Finty is wearing a White Venture Ultralite Running Jacket

“When looking for a waterproof jacket, I want something that is compact, breathable and doesn’t restrict my running. The Mac in a Sac jacket ticks all these boxes. This compact and lightweight jacket is perfect for stuffing in a bum bag. Despite its snug fit, it is both stretchy and dynamic, offering excellent flexibility during runs. The elasticated cuffs are a standout feature for me, effectively keeping water and wind out. Additionally, the white color adds a stylish touch and is easily wipeable if it gets muddy.”
Find Finty on Instagram: @fintyroyle

Isaac Kenyon

Why we chose Isaac to review the MIAS Venture Running Jacket: Isaac is an all round outdoor adventurer who would put any running gear firmly to the test.

Isaac is wearing a Neon Orange Venture Ultralight Running Jacket

“Ultralightweight, bright Neon Orange so you can be easily seen in case of an emergency out in the outdoors. Impressive 16,000gsm breathability and lightweight feel. It’s windproof, with a handy adjustable hood, and packs into its own pocket for easy storage whilst running with a lightweight running vest. Offers durability, weatherproofing, and full range of motion.”
Find Isaac on Instagram: @isaac_kenyon

Emily Thomson

Why we chose Emily to review this lightweight running jacket: Emily is a mountaineer and a trail runner who is lucky enough to live just a few hundreed feet from lots of beautiful moorland – so she knows a thing or two about running in the rain!

“Lightweight, however the Venture Jacket also manages to be robust to keep off the British weather. The length was perfect to avoid it riding up underneath a rucksack and I love the elasticated sleeves which allow for quick adjustment of temperature and allowing me to continue moving. The hood stayed up and the fabric was thick enough to keep off the wind and rain but not too thick for it to be sweaty to wear or stick to my skin. A perfect jacket for trail running and love the colour to make me visible in the clag!”
Find Emily on Instagram: @tinkadventures

Samantha Taylor

Why we chose Sam to review this lightweight running jacket: Sam is a GRB Triathlete – if she thinks this is a great jacket then you know you’re getting amazing quality.

“Very impressive lightweight waterproof jacket, that also delivers on its promise of being breathable! Alongside its ability to pack away into its own pocket, makes it the perfect jacket for the fast-changing British weather. The slim fit is great as it doesn’t compromise on movement and the elasticated cuffs stops the rain from finding another way in.”
Find Sam on Instagram: @plantbasedsamt

Deon Barret

Why we chose Deon to review this lightweight running jacket: Deon is a champion of outdoor education, he knows how important it is to have the right kit to enjoy yourself in the outdoors.

“After wearing the MIAS Venture jacket for a few weeks throughout arduous physical training, running, hiking, and general daily activities. Overall, this lightweight waterproof jacket is one I would direct others to add to their kit, as it is a well rounded jacket that keeps heat in and the wet out.” Find Deon on Instagram: @true_northproject_

Gabriella Wieland

Why we chose Gabriella to review this lightweight running jacket: Gabriella is the founder of GetLostMCR a popular website that spotlights hidden gems for great hikes and walks.

“The perfect companion to my trail runs! Running in the UK, even in summer, means bracing all conditions and the Venture Jacket was light weight enough to keep in my running vest until the elements hit. The rain bounces straight off and the hood protects you from all angles.” Find Gabriella on Instagram: @getlostmcr

Sam Meekin

Why we chose Sam to review the MIAS Venture Running Jacket: Sam is a hiker, runner, biker, wild swimmer and happy camper, perfect for testing out this all weather jacket.

“I have tested out the Women’s Venture Ultralite Navy Running Jacket and I absolutely love this jacket. Im a size 14 and the jacket is true to size and the stretch fabric makes this jacket a really nice fit. The jacket packs down small into its own pocket and it’s very lightweight. It’s fully waterproof and breathable, the elasticated cuffs stop the rain entering the jacket through the sleeves. It also has an adjustable hood with a wired peak which I loved. Whether you are running on the hills or around your local streets this jacket will keep you well protected.” Find Sam on Instagram: @happycampersam

Sal Thornton

Why we chose Sal to review the MIAS Venture Running Jacket: Sal is a long distance hiker and lover of human powered adventures!

“This running jacket has fast become my go to on my longer training runs. The fit is slim and with plenty of movement, it felt comfortable under a hydration vest as well as on its own. It has been highly waterproof in the rain we’ve had this year and has fully taped seams. I found it to be very breathable and wearing in summer showers hasn’t got me too hot. It packs away into its own pocket (A5ish size and squashes pretty flat) and it fits nicely inside my pack. It’s very lightweight, has an adjustable wire peaked hood and keeps the wind chill at bay.” Find Deon on Instagram: @sal_outside

Jon Sharkey – OS Staff Member

Why we chose Jon to review the MIAS Venture Running Jacket: Jon is a former England International ultra distance runner once ranked 4th in the Uk for 100k. He’s won several multi-day races and has a marathon personal best of 2hrs 31 minutes.

“This is my go-to jacket for spring and summer. Tested on a warm wet day in June, it dealt with rain and sea spray as well as a jacket twice the price and was breathable enough to keep me cool.”

EXPLORE THE

OS Shop

We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking kit so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shop

Go to the shop

We hope you have found all of these reviews useful, this lightweight running jacket is fast becoming one of our best sellers on the OS shop and it’s clear to see why. Head to the shop now and grab one for your next adventure.

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