Running in winter can be an unpredictable affair, and kit choice can mean the difference between getting the most out of your sessions. We have a number of different running shells that fulfil a range of different roles, and have asked our pro athlete roster to tell us why they like their favourites:

MONTANE MINIMUS STRETCH ULTRA WATERPROOF JACKET

The ultimate all-round use running shell. Using Pertex Shield 2.5 layer waterproof membrane under a 20D face fabric, this close-fitting, stretchy jacket is the perfect blend between durability, dependability, and packability. It has just enough features to be useable in almost all running scenarios, but not enough to make it heavy, cumbersome or complicated.

“The Minimus Stretch Ultra is my go-to shell. It’s lightweight and it stands up to the wear and tear of bushwhacking and rock scrapes (body dragging). The stretch comfort is the added bonus that puts this piece into my kit for almost anything."

- Kevin Hadfield

MONTANE FLEET WATERPROOF JACKET

The Fleet is a serious heavy-duty ultra-endurance waterproof. Designed for use in high-output mountainous activities, it is equally at home in the greater ranges as it is trudging through horizontal rain on the Spine Race. Constructed from two Gore-Tex fabrics to ensure maximum performance for durability, it is the most bombproof lightweight winter waterproof we’d want to run in.

“The Fleet is ideal for PROPER winter running. It’s fit, intuitive feature set, and composite construction makes it durable yet dextrous - idal for long winter scrambles or pounding the miles out through hours of sleet.”

- Howard Dracup

MONTANE UNISEX PODIUM WATERPROOF PULL-ON JACKET

Intended to be an immensely specialised race-day emergency shell, this ultra-light, simple, and super-packable running waterproof was designed to get you through kit check and sit unnoticed at the bottom of your pack until you needed it. However, it also works perfectly as a training shell for shorter jaunts, or as a back-up on longer days when you aren’t sure if you’ll need one at all.

“The Podium Pull-On is designed to sit forgotten about at the bottom of your pack and only come out in emergencies. As such it works best as a training backup (ideal for winter days that ‘look ok’ but can never fully trust) or as a summer race shell. They key is using it correctly.”

- Marcus Scotney