Today I have the pleasure of talking to you about what for me is a trail running must-have. In recent weeks I have been able to test the Cimalp Storm Pro 3 jacket, an ultralight and breathable waterproof jacket ready to withstand any inclement weather, from the heaviest rain to the most violent gusts of wind. But as experience is a degree, here are my impressions of this all-rounder.
What did we like most about the Cimalp Storm Pro 3?
In my humble opinion, this Cimalp Storm Pro 3 is one of the most sought after waterproof and breathable jackets in the trail world. The French keep improving and renewing a line whose main feature is that triple layer of Ultrashell technology, one of the most efficient in the market.
What does this technology mean and what does it provide? Quite simply, thanks to it, this jacket achieves a breathability of 80,000 MVP (moisture vapor permeability) and a water resistance, i.e. waterproofness, of 20,000 mm. This last feature is generally an indispensable and mandatory requirement in any trail running competition. And, of course, the structure of the jacket has thermosealed seams that will allow you to be more than ready to face any inclement weather.
Another of the most important points is its weight. Weighing just 260 grams for a size M, the Cimalp Storm Pro 3 is an ultra-light and compact jacket, perfect for carrying in your hydration vest without weighing you down when you don't need to use it. As if that were not enough, speaking of its use, we can say that it is not only a raincoat oriented to protect us from the rain, but also acts as a great windbreaker that will withstand gusts of more than 100 km / h.
If we go into details of clothing we find very interesting aspects. On the one hand, we have an ergonomic hood with what, for me, is a great strength, the fastening magnet, which manages to fix and prevent the hood from dancing during the race. It is a particularity that I had not had the opportunity to enjoy and that I personally think helps a lot to avoid those uncomfortable movements of the hood that bother when running due to the wind or the exercise itself.
Another great detail is the large front pocket with flap on the chest part, with a special passage for headphones. In addition, in the same area of the chest but below the main zipper we have a fastening pin, which allows us to wear the jacket ajar for those days or situations of greater heat. On the other hand, we find cuffs with thumb loop and rubber, for a better fit. Elastic bands are also found in the waist and hood area. In addition, as can be logical, all zippers are completely waterproof and, as if that were not enough, the different reflective elements with which it is designed will allow us to be visible at all times, something very important in long distance races in which the nights are long.
With what kind of jackets can we compare this Cimalp Storm Pro 3?
An easy question to answer if you are a trail running enthusiast and love this type of equipment. Why? Because not many offer such a lot of technical details and the competition is limited but very tough. With these characteristics of lightness, waterproofness and breathability we find, mainly, these 2 jackets:
- Salomon Bonatti Trail
- Ternua Neutrino Jacket
With slight differences between them, we would be talking about three models that have much in common, and therefore are 3 of the most sought after products in the trail running market. Which one to choose? That's up to you, the only thing I can say is that, in any case, this Cimalp Storm Pro 3 has amazed me. For its lightness, waterproofness and wind resistance, which, together with its ergonomic design, is an indispensable complement for my light mountain outings.
What opportunities for improvement does this Cimalp Storm Pro 3 have?
While I think it is a more than complete jacket, personally, I would warn that it is a product that is characterized by its ergonomics and fits very well to the body, and therefore, it is advisable to take one size more than we usually wear, to avoid the feeling of constriction, something that for long trail running runs would be a big handicap.
In addition, as an individual preference, I would add a single element that does not have, the two front pockets usual in trekking jackets, as it is a raincoat that could be perfectly valid for running, hiking or other mountain activities in which these pockets are more important.
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