Reviewed: Craft Lumen Sub Z Running Jacket
The Swedes sure do know keeping warm (and dry) in harsh weather. This running jacket from Craft has winter-running details for days.
Review Rating
Basics
A highly visible jacket for nighttime winter running and windy-but-not-extreme conditions
Pros
Night-running visibility, zoned construction
Cons
Wouldn’t cut it in nasty weather, especially the perforated fabric in the shoulder area
$180
Craft, available at backcountry.com
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Though Craft is known most for its Nordic skiing clothing, the Swedish brand has been making a name for itself in the world of other non-ski endurance sports over the last few years. Combining their years of experience in one of the most exhausting and sweat-inducing endurance sports there is with an attention to detail and serious Northern Europe style, jackets like the Lumen Sub Z have an unsurprisingly long feature list.
Related: Triathlete’s 2020 Winter Running Gear Guide
The body of this aesthetically-appealing jacket is made of a heat-bonded material that has suggestions of quilting but little in the way of insulation, as its real utility is blocking wind. The chest and shoulders are covered by a perforated black fabric that lights up like Las Vegas when hit by light for superlative night running safety. It’s tough to describe how bright and noticeable this jacket is, but there’s a reason it’s called the “Lumen.” Short of actually producing light with some sort of LED/battery setup, this is about as visible as you can get. The jersey back and brushed jersey sleeves and back provide moisture control and comfort.
Aside from the big visibility feature, this jacket had a list of little details that add up to make a big difference: thumb loops, zippered pockets, and a soft hood to round out a very tech-y jacket. However, you may want to reach for something beefier if conditions really head south. The soft fleece inner was a favorite quality of the Lumen Sub Z, as was the sporty cut and elasticity of the arm and back fabric. The fit is long and trim so keep that in mind when ordering.