The Best 2-in-1 Running Jacket?

When winter weather varies, as it has for the past month or so, getting dressed for a run can be a tricky task. I love to layer up for a winter run, but when the temperatures are in the 50s one day and the 30s the next, layering decisions are far from straightforward. Since the beginning of December, I’ve gone for runs in and around Boise, Los Angeles, and my hometown of Chico, California. Each time I went out the door, the temperature was different. I’d love to spend the winter just throwing a lightweight fleece over my favorite merino tee (like this one from Portal), but that doesn’t always work. Lucky for me—and for you—I’ve found the perfect layer for fluctuating temperatures: the Satisfy Rippy Modular Windbreaker.

Satisfy Rippy Modular Windbreaker

 

The windbreaker is a 2-in-1 layering piece with a clever design that is much easier to use than other vest/jacket combos I’ve worn in the past. Instead of individual detachable sleeves held onto the vest with zippers or buttons, the Rippy Modular Windbreaker’s sleeves are combined into one piece that cinches in the front with a bungee cord. When temperatures rise, the sleeves can be detached in one fluid motion with a single hand. If you get cold again, the sleeves pull back on with ease. At $420, the windbreaker is undeniably pricey, but the modular features aren’t merely a gimmick—they actually work. Combine that with a lightweight ripstop material and a few thoughtful features, and you’ve got a layering quiver-killer.

Modularity That Makes Sense

As I said earlier, the modularity Satisfy promises is actually very effective. The arms are linked in one piece, meaning there’s less thing to shed when you warm up, and the design allows for their removal with just one hand, even while on the go. I unclasped and removed the arms at speed with no issues and then was able to stuff them into the vest’s side-zip pocket without missing a step. This is a minor detail—you probably aren’t going to actually need to shed the sleeves at a quick pace very often, but it’s nice to know it’s possible. The clasp design is intuitive and simple to cinch up; however, pulling the sleeves back and clasping the plastic hook may require two hands unless you’re particularly dexterous (I’m not that talented). Either way, the one-piece arm design keeps things simple, rather than forcing you to deal with zippers or buttons on each individual arm.

Material That Does Just Enough

One of Satisfy’s calling cards is its meticulous attention to materials. The brand puts its proprietary Rippy material to use in a bunch of silhouettes across its entire lineup, and the Modular Windbreaker is one of its most effective applications yet. At 93 grams for a medium, the jacket weighs less than the popular Hoka Skyflow Jacket and Patagonia Houdini jacket, and is surprisingly hard-wearing given its light weight. It keeps wind at bay, and while it’s in no way waterproof, a light mist or drizzle won’t be enough to deter you from getting outside on a run. The material also lives up to its name—the ripstop design will prevent snags and abrasions on challenging trail runs while still being light and airy enough for strenuous road running efforts. It’s not too warm, dries quickly, and won’t suffocate you when the wind eventually dies down.

Who Is the Rippy Modular Windbreaker For?

This windbreaker is for any runner who values versatility, style, and high-quality craftsmanship. Satisfy gets a lot of flack for its prices, but this running jacket justifies the price tag thanks to its effective modularity and (extremely) lightweight design. It’s literally two layers in one—a promise that most versatile layering options cannot keep. Buy this one windbreaker and you have a four-season workhorse that fits over a midweight fleece with ease, works just fine over a running t-shirt, and won’t give you a headache each time you want to convert it to a vest. Even if you don’t need the arms very often, the vest is an excellent layer on its own. The fit is true to size, its care instructions are clear, and you’ll undoubtedly get compliments at your post-run espresso stop.

Satisfy Rippy Modular Windbreaker