The Craft Adv Subz running jacket is a versatile running jacket designed for wearing over a tee, or layering with additional layers when running or hiking in cold weather.
Craft is a running brand from Sweden that specializes in running shoes and gear for endurance athletes. Although lesser-known in the US, Craft is a brand all endurance runners should know about, and it’s starting to make waves in the US running scene.
Being a Swedish brand, they know a thing or two about dressing for running in cold weather, and so I was curious to get hold of this lightweight women’s running jacket to see how it performs.
In this Craft Adv Subz running jacket review I share my experience with the women’s version of the Adv Subz jacket (not the catchiest of names, is it, but bear with me!). It’s also worth noting that it’s available in a men’s version too.
The key specifications of the Craft Adv Subz Jacket
- Price: $150 from craftsports.com (there’s also a men’s version)
- Sizing and fit: Slim fit, Craft suggests sizing up if you’re between sizes (but read on for my thoughts on that)
- Materials: Fabric: Front body: 100% polyester. Back body: 88% polyester-recycled 12% elastane
- Best for: layering on cold weather runs, although it’s a pretty versatile piece of activewear to do anything in.
Craft Adv Subz Running Jacket: Performance Review
In case you’re wondering about the name, I’m assuming it’s short for ‘Advanced Sub-Zero’), or similar. Let’s just go with that, it makes sense given this is a winter running layer 🙂
The first thing you notice about this jacket when you see it in person is that the material is very thin, there’s really no bulk to it at all, despite the quilted-style appearance.
Being a thin, lightweight layer makes it great for comfortably running in. It’s also worth noting that the material doesn’t make that annoying ‘rustling’ noise other jackets with windproof features can be guilty of.
Because it’s not a thick jacket, it makes it simple to layer with your favorite tee or Merino wool baselayer (or both) to dial in your insulation depending on the conditions you’re running in.
The jacket body is wind-resistant, however you could also wear a hooded waterproof layer over the top of it and it will act as a mid-layer for insulation and warmth.
It’s made with a 3-layer design that provides very light padding and lightweight insulation on the body.
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Given this jacket is from a Nordic brand, it’s warm, as expected, and has other thoughtful features including thumb holes and grips at the end of the sleeves, and reflective print details on the sleeves.
When it first arrived, I was half-expecting the embossed patterns on the body (pictured above) to be reflective, but that’s not the case. It still looks cool, though, in daylight!
When it comes to sizing and fit, Craft’s website size guides state that their apparel is European sizing and they can fit long-and-lean, so if you’re between sizes, size up. The sizing chart indicated I would wear a Large, rather than my usual Medium.
However, I probably should have stuck with my regular size, as the Large jacket fits looser than I’d like (and probably looser than the designers intended), so if you’re looking at what size to get, your regular size would probably be the right one to choose.
Although designed for running, this jacket is versatile and very easy to wear as an everyday warm, light midlayer, as well as a good option for layering when venturing out on cold winter walks and hikes, especially because (unlike some running jackets that have no pockets) it has internal stuff pockets and external zippered pockets for small everyday essentials to be securely stashed in.
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Where to buy this Craft running jacket
At $155, the Craft Adv Subz running jacket costs around the same as other similar high-end insulated running jackets. It’s available to buy in men’s and women’s sizes and colorways at CraftSports.us:
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