Brooks LSD Jacket Review

May 14, 2016
Brooks LSD Jacket
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
78
Weatherproofness
10
Breathability
3
Function
4
Fit/Comfort
4
Packability
7

The Good

  • Windproof and water resistant
  • Creative design with good range of motion
  • Ultralight and packable

The Bad

  • Armband carry system impractical
  • Sleeves ride up in high wind
  • Tries too hard to look “feminine”
THE VERDICT

The stylish Brooks LSD women’s running jacket offered the best weather resistance of any jacket we tested. At just over three ounces, it was one of the lightest, most packable options. Its major downside is that, lacking any of the kind of venting that other jackets we tested had, its breathability suffers some.

FULL REVIEW

Weatherproofness
This jacket performed amazingly in high wind, and even more impressively in a light rain. Like any of the non-waterproof jackets in this test, it will wet out sooner or later in rain, but for a quick spring shower, gentle drizzle or dry snow flurries, it excelled. 

Breathability
All that bomber weather protection comes at a price, which is that the LSD doesn’t offer much in the way of breathability or venting. On more humid days, sweat pools up inside a bit more readily.

Function
The LSD jacket’s sturdy nylon resists snagging well. A rear zip pocket is roomy enough for a phone, wallet or a few energy gels. Though the jacket gets its primary functions accomplished—wind and water resistance—with flying colors, it doesn’t offer many other bells and whistles. We found ourselves wishing it had thumbholes to help keep the sleeves in place in high wind; the “petal hem” slits along the sides, likewise, tended to flap around a bit in the wind. 

Fit/Comfort
Of all the jackets we tested, this one went furthest out of its way to offer a distinctly “feminine” design—ruching at the back, side “petal hem” slits and an hour-glass profile. Though some women may appreciate this, we thought it a bit too focused on style over function for our taste. However, its true-to-size fit and open sides allow for a comfortable range of motion.

Packability
At just 3.1 ounces, this jacket easily packs down small into its own back zip pocket. The pocket is outfitted with an elastic band that theoretically allows you to strap the jacket to your arm when you’re not using it—but we found the armband was tight enough to hold in place it felt constricting and the bulk of the jacket an awkward, bouncy addition to your arm. The band might be helpful if you strap the packed jacket to your hand. Otherwise, it’s easier to stow it in a pack or use the old standby: tie it around your waist.

 


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