HOKA has made a huge name for themselves in the running community, and now that they’ve conquered the shoe game, they are really showing their teeth in the gear department too.
The Cold Snap Jacket would be a great Fall wardrobe pick, (or for Winter if you tend to run a bit hot.) This jacket is relatively thin but it’s actually nice and cozy!
Read all our reviews on HOKA here!
Looks:
I received the Cold Snap Jacket in the “Dazzling Blue” color and it’s very bright and cheery. From the first time I wore it, I received compliments. It looks like a puffer coat on first glance, but it’s actually much thinner and has a streamlined look to it.
Function:
The Hoka website instructs us that this jacket is best for your everyday runs as well as for trail running, and it’s easy to see why. There are four zippered pockets that can carry all your essentials and the feel of this jacket is comfy enough to wear every day, whether running errands or out in Forest Park for a run or hike. It should accommodate journeys that will take you through some cold days as well as some rain. The jacket is water repellent but unlike some jackets, it’s also breathable, with knit zones under the arms and in the back of the body yolk.
Construction:
What I really love about this jacket is that it’s quiet. By that, I mean that it’s not that swishy material that many athletic jackets are made from.
The jacket features “zoned warmth” so it’s got you covered in all of the spots where you’re likely to feel the weather most. I was super surprised to find hidden hand mitts inside, which is different than the usual thumbholes. These will keep your hands completely encased inside the sleeves where it’s warmest.
If you’re like me, you always appreciate good REAL-sized pockets, and this jacket has two on the chest that could each accommodate even a big, bulky phone like mine. The pockets would also be ideal for stuffing your nutrition or some soft flasks inside. In addition to those, there are two hand pockets, and all four of them have zipper closures. I don’t know about you, but I’m always paranoid about something falling out of my pockets when I run, and the zippers bring a lot of peace of mind. There is even a bungee loop that can help with your water bottle.
The jacket is made from 100% recycled woven ripstop and it has been treated for water repellency. There is no hood, which might be a benefit if you feel like one could weigh you down in the back. Overall, this jacket feels incredibly lightweight and would easily fit in any drybag.
Fit:
The first time I touched the Cold Snap Jacket, I was surprised to find out that it was incredibly soft and silky. Again, this is not what I’d typically expect from a jacket made for cold weather.
I got this jacket in a women’s medium, and it fits very well. Though the jacket has a slim-fit shape to it, it’s also fairly stretchy, which gives a flattering (ie not boxy) look. There’s plenty of stretch across the hips which is where I personally appreciate some give. The knit material under the arms and across the back feels nice and pliable too.
Overall/For Consideration:
If you’re looking for a light-weight jacket that will also keep your warm and dry, the Cold Snap jacket will do it all. The quality of this piece is really evident and it should hold up for many years. It’s airy but substantial at the same time, which I wouldn’t have thought possible if I hadn’t take this out for a few spins around the neighborhood.
