Nnormal Trail Rain Review

In a category of lightweight and minimalist competitors, the Nnormal Trail Rain is the most featured running jacket we have ever tested. Taking inspiration from their running shoe lineup, the Nnormal team managed to find a material that injects this technical piece of apparel with waterproof and breathable qualities. A bunch of small yet thoughtful details make it stand out among the crowd.

Breathability

With a breathability rating of 20,000g, this jacket will keep you dry from the inside during those hot runs or interval sessions. The Nnormal Trail Rain is also one of the few jackets that includes additional venting features to help offload some of that body heat.

We took this jacket up and down 14,000ft peaks all summer long and found that it was comfortable and protective in a variety of conditions and elements. The Normal Trail Rain works with whatever environment you put it in, allowing you to focus on the trails ahead.

Weather Resistance

Marketed as a trail running rain jacket, we expected the Nnormal Trail Rain to hold up to pretty much any weather we might encounter during alpine runs in the Colorado Rockies. We were not disappointed. It features an Advanced Pretex fabric with an impressive 20,000mm water column threshold, which is enough to ensure you stay dry in all but the most torrential downpours, coming just short of performing like a true rain jacket. We usually opt for this jacket over the rest when we know we are heading into some gnarly weather for our runs.

We counted on this piece to keep us dry during stormy runs, and were also happy to find that it adds a layer of protection from brutal high alpine winds. It adds a significant layer of protection and warmth when conditions start to take a turn for the worse on top of the hill.

Comfort and Mobility

We could tell that the Nnormal Trail Rain we designed by runners, for runners. From the slim fit, tapered back and arms, the jacket simply feels right when you have it on. It cuts down on fabric where it's not needed, but leaves ample room in the shoulders and chest to allow for swinging arm movements. The interior of the jacket has a nice skin feel, but also has the ability to protect you from a full-blown storm.

That type of gear success doesn't happen overnight, and the dedication of Nnormal's athlete and design team is paying off. We are getting top-tier products that function really well.

We tested this jacket in a variety of conditions and run styles on both road runs and trails, to fully gather the data on how this jacket works and runs in the real world. But as a trail jacket, we were most interested in off-road performance. We tested this jacket flying downhill on the trails á la Kilian Jornet. This jacket checks out. We were pleased to have fluid motions and unrestricted running.

Portability

Coming in at 6.8oz, the Normal Trail Rain was slightly heavier than average among the models we tested. The extra weight comes from the waterproof and fully taped shell, a full hood, and adjustable cuffs. For us, the tradeoff feels worth it 90% of the time.

The Nnormal Trail Rain packs up super clean and neat, albeit in a slightly larger package. Other jackets pack down to the size of a lemon, while the Nnormal is a bit longer than a fully extended hand. Instead of a stuff pocket, the jacket features an envelope-style pouch on the back of the hood. This is what produces the long and slim roll rather than a more traditional boxy pocket style packup. Although it is a bit larger, this design is actually more practical when stowing the vest horizontally in a running belt or vest.

Features and Visibility

Out of all of the running jackets we tested, the Nnormal Trail Rain has some of the more thoughtful and unique features we encountered. If you have gone for a run in the rain, you know that water most easily enters through wrist and neck cuffs. Nnormal solves this issue with adjustable elastic cuffs, which allow you to get a precise and tailored fit. Same with the hood, there is an elastic draw cord allowing you to get a super dialed fit.

Pit vents and reflective branding top off the list of features here, though the jacket doesn't have as many visibility features as some others. It really is made for the trail, not the city.

Should You Buy the Nnormal Trail Rain?

If you are looking to run with style and function, particularly in the mountains, the Nnormal Trail Rain is a premium running jacket built with purpose. Fully waterproof yet still impressively breathable, this jacket is perfect for all types of run intensities. Although it is expensive, you are paying for great quality and features, and for those who frequent alpine ridges and stormy peaks, we think the cost is justified.

What Other Running Jackets Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a cheaper waterproof option, try the Inov8 Raceshell HZ, which is nearly as good in the rain. The Baleaf Waterproof is a much more affordable waterproof jacket, but it falls short in other metrics comparatively. If you prefer a lighter jacket (even if it means sacrificing some weather resistance), it's worth taking a look at the On Zero.