CreatripTeam

Korea Consumer Agency tested running jackets from eight major brands (Nike, New Balance, Descente, Adidas, Andar, Under Armour, Xexymix, Fila) for water repellency, breathability, warmth, durability, and safety. While all products scored highest water-repellency (grade 5) before washing, after five washes New Balance, Descente, Adidas, and Under Armour dropped to grade 3 and could partially wet; Nike, Andar, Xexymix, and Fila retained grade 5. Warmth (heat retention) was relatively good for Nike, Descente, Andar, and Under Armour; New Balance, Adidas, Xexymix, and Fila were average. Breathability was best in New Balance, Adidas, and Xexymix, highlighting a trade-off between insulation and ventilation. All jackets met durability, colorfastness, shrinkage, and chemical-safety standards; no per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFOA·PFOS) were detected. Weights ranged from 173g (Adidas) to 243g (Under Armour). Nike’s 115,000 KRW Repel Mylar packable jacket was judged the best value (“gaseongbi” — price-performance), balancing water repellency, warmth, and breathability. The agency advised buyers to choose based on needed functions and compare design, durability, and price.