Salomon Bonatti Rain Jacket Review

 
 

Salomon’s Bonatti waterproof jacket is a lightweight jacket designed primarily for trail running, but is also appropriate for cycling, day walks and minimalist multi-day hikes.

Pros: lightweight, waterproof, seam sealed zip, durable.

Cons: could be more breathable.

Features:

  • 10,000mm hydrostatic head
  • 10,000g/m²/24h breathability
  • Seam-sealed zip
  • Fitted hood with elastic
  • Reflective detailing
  • Active fit
  • 210g

If you’ve ever entered a trail running event, it’s likely you were required to carry a rain jacket with you. As any multi-day hiker will tell you, rain jackets are essential safety items (hence why they appear on just about every mandatory gear list for trail running events).

When you have to carry a rain jacket “just in case” while running, you want to find that balance between functional and lightweight. While the Salomon Bonatti jacket doesn’t boast the highest waterproof or breathability ratings, and isn't the lightest option, it finds a nice balance between price, weight and functionality.

I’ve owned my Bonatti jacket for several years. I’ve used it on day walks, on my bike, multi-day hikes and, of course, while trail running. More importantly, I’ve used it in variable weather, from light drizzle to torrential downpours. As far as waterproofing goes, no complaints from me. It keeps you dry.

It’s when the weather is borderline and you’re trying to decide whether or not you should just run and get wet, or don the rain jacket and risk overheating, that I wish the Salomon Bonatti was more breathable. Unless the temperature demands a rain jacket, I typically opt for the “get wet” option, rather than feel hot and sweaty in a rain jacket. While all lightweight rain jackets suffer a similar ailment, with a breathability rating of 10,000g/m²/24h, the Bonatti is at the lower end of the spectrum. In comparison, the model up in Salomon’s range, the Bonatti Pro, has a breathability rating of 20,000g/m²/24h.

What the Bonatti jacket lacks in breathability however, it makes up for in durability. Sure, Salomon’s S-Lab Motionfit 360 GTX jacket is considerably lighter. But I’d be saving the S-Lab Motionfit 360 GTX for running-specific activities, while I’m comfortable using my Bonatti jacket in variable situations, from running to lightweight hiking.

Salomon’s Bonatti jacket has been my primary lightweight jacket for several years. And while it would be nice if it were more breathable, it’s relatively light, packs down small, has proven to be plenty waterproof (although it wouldn’t be appropriate paired with a heavy hiking pack). The jacket is light and has a great athletic fit, so it’s comfortable to run in. It satisfies mandatory gear requirements for trail running events, and is durable enough to have an application beyond running-specific activities.


Sam McAuliffe,
Bogong Equipment



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