ashmei Running Lite Jacket Review

Damn! ashmei has done it again.

You may not be familiar with ashmei sportswear here in the USA, yet. This year they are making an aggressive push into the US market bringing along their meticulously crafted gear. I have a jacket that we reviewed back in 2011 that is still in perfect condition. ashmei gear is top quality.

ashmei Running Lite Jacket

The ashmei Running Lite Jacket is seriously light, 5.10 oz. It feels like a summer weight long sleeve shirt. The touch of the fabric is silky and soft. At first glance, you would think the jacket is simple with a minimalistic aesthetic. However, there are lots of details woven into the jacket, or maybe I should say, perforated into the jacket.

With the jacket being so thin and light, I wasn’t sure how it would perform in cold temps. My first few runs in the jacket were in blustery 40º F days. The jacket’s windproof exterior did a phenomenal job over a tech short sleeve and long sleeve base layer. I was in awe that it was working so well. The front panels blocked the wind while the perforated heat zones let my torso breath.

After the Lite Jacket’s performance in the 40s, I had the confidence to try it as the mercury dropped and the wind picked up. I was comfortable on a 10 mile run in “feels” like 28º F along the Baltimore waterfront with the wind gusting to 15-20 mph with only a Tracksmith merino wool Brighton Base Layer under the Lite Jacket. I stayed as comfortable as you can be without feeling weighed down by heavy layers of winter gear.

I love the fit of this jacket, I am 5’11” and weigh 165 lbs. The size medium fits slim without being tight. The jacket looks so good and is so comfortable that I have worn it to the office. Don’t try that with your neon windbreaker.

The ashmei products are not cheap in price or quality. The ashmei Running Lite Jacket retails for $180. If it holds up as well as my other ashmei gear, the jacket is a good investment.