The Versa Running Jacket from Sugoi is an attractive jacket for active individuals from a brand name we admire. The jacket includes several innovative features for runners, and is one of the more all-purpose jackets on the market. When users are asked to describe the jacket, most say it is “versatile” and “worth the price”. As with any Sugoi gear, it is not priced at a discount, but quality is generally very good. We are big fans of the Sugoi brand, as we think they have kept the focus on providing high quality garments for athletes that will pay for themselves over time by way of durability and comfort.
Features: The Sugoi Versa jacket is a great runner’s jacket, which features Sugoi’s innovative magnetic sleeve attachment so runners can easily remove sleeves when temps begin to climb. Essentially, this jacket can be used as both a running vest and a cold weather jacket. The jacket also has plenty of ventilation options, varying pockets, and several colors to choose from. The jacket is best for temps from about 20 up to 50, or colder if used as an outer layer over a fleece. On thing that many runners grow to love are the pockets, which just to happen to be the right size to stuff the sleeves in if needed. This can come in very handy on a longer distance run, where the outside conditions and your body temp could easily change over the course of the workout. No more tying your jacket around your waist because the sun decided to come out!
Functionality: In testing, this jacket works great on the trail. It blocks moderate wind with its Argon exterior material and the choices of ventilation are great for those on longer runs who may find themselves warming up after a few miles. The magnetic sleeves work well, and sizing appears to be true for most body types. Some testers reported that sizing ran large, so when in doubt, order the smaller size. The large pocket in the back is a nice bonus for those who may pack accessories on their workouts. We also find that this jacket can be a great cycling jacket, as it is built to shield its wearer from wind. Note that the colors on the jacket are bright but perhaps not loud enough to wear on a bike in high traffic – depending on what color you purchase, you may perhaps want to layer a flash of neon green over it to be visible to drivers.
Design: As with all Sugoi products, design is attractive. The Versa comes in many colors, including black, gray, white, blue, navy, and red (of course, Sugoi renames these colors with exotic names like “gunmetal”.) Color design is subtle but includes a couple variations on the tone. Testers appreciated that the jacket provides some visibility when running in low-light or darker conditions, and safety should always be a consideration. Others report that the white has been known to stain over time, so you may want to opt for one of the deeper color options.
Value: At up to $120, this is not inexpensive, but the Versa is a good quality purchase. It will fit the niche between the heavy, middle-of-winter outer layer and the long-sleeved thermal that you may use on a crisp day when the wind is low. For most runners in typical American climates, this jacket will be used many times throughout the year. When factoring the price-to-usage ratio, the jacket can provide a good value for the money. It will quickly become a go-to piece for your running stable, and as mentioned above you may also find it to be a great option for some of your cooler bike ride, especially if you tend to stick to trails.
Overall: We are big fans of most of Sugoi’s products, and the Versa is no exception. Sugoi has recently been cranking out some of the better gear on the market, and we commend them for thier focus on quality. For those looking for a lightweight, wind-breaking jacket for fall and warmer winter days, it should definately be a strong consideration. An alternate choice might be the CW-X Elementx jacket, but we don’t think a runner will go wrong with the Versa. Find the Sugoi Versa here now!
