APPAREL REVIEW: Sugoi Versa Jacket

by Rebecca Tadema-Wielandt, Marathon Sports Yarmouth store manager

DSC_0382It’s jacket season!…or maybe it’s vest season…actually, it’s both! We live in New England, where one minute it’s 50* and sunny – the perfect running weather! You throw on some shorts, a light long sleeve shirt and a vest and head out the door. Then, just as you approach the trail head it starts snowing (true story).

Fortunately, you aren’t just wearing a vest. You are wearing the Versa Jacket by Sugoi and you, being the smarty that you are, packed the sleeves in the roomy back pocket!

DSC_0341The Versa is a simply designed running jacket that morphs into a vest in two seconds flat. The sleeves are easily popped on and off, held onto the jacket body by a row of magnets. No zippers, snaps, or velcro to mess with – you can literally pull the sleeves out or put them back on while running.

Other key features include 360* reflectivity, a no-stick zipper, two vents in the back of the vest, two side pockets, and an ample rear pocket in the center of the back. The rear pocket is multi-use as well; keep your phone stashed in there and thread the headphones through the vent and then through a small elastic loop on the interior. Your phone won’t bounce (I didn’t feel it once), and there is no tugging on your earbuds. The pocket is also where you can stow the sleeves once you’ve warmed up and the entire jacket packs up neatly into the pocket, taking up little room in your pack.

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We carry the Versa in the High Rise/Coal Blue colorway for men

The Versa is semi-fitted and I am able to wear two layers comfortably underneath. It’s light and breathable with adjustable velcro cuffs to keep chilly temps out, and a soft, brushed poly on the interior of the neck for a cozy feel. It uses Sugoi’s FINOpro performance wicking material to keep you warm and dry. This is a jacket that, when used in conjunction with other layering pieces, can take you right through a New England winter. Plus, with sleeves removed, the runner jacket look is toned down enough to wear it with jeans and a flannel.

The Versa Jacket is available in women’s XS-L and men’s S-XL in all Marathon Sports locations.