Salomon S-Lab Bonatti Gore-Tex ShakeDry waterproof jacket review: high-tech fabric and innovative features

Salomon S-Lab Bonatti Gore-Tex ShakeDry waterproof jacket: first impressions

Three unique features stand out with the Salomon S-Lab Bonatti that help make it one of the best lightweight running jackets around. Firstly, the extra fabric on the back of the jacket means you can wear it over a small running or hydration pack, which is super useful and means you don’t have to keep taking your pack on and off on days when the weather can’t make up its mind. 

The second neat feature is the elasticated waistband, which means you can unzip the jacket, take it off and then roll it into this stretchy section (which is secured by three poppers/press studs) to stow it around your waist quickly and easily mid-run. 

Finally, there’s the innovative elastic inside the hood, designed to fit snugly on your head. Salomon calls this 'skin fit', but we’re leaning towards 'hood bra', as it sort of makes sure your head is cupped securely by the overhead fabric. 

We must also mention that the new Gore-Tex ShakeDry fabric is one of the lightest waterproof materials on the market right now – with the membrane on the outside, water just beads up and runs off this jacket. A popper/press stud at the chest for anti-flap, main-zip venting and a good fit with the half-elasticated cuffs round off a highly innovative waterproof jacket for those who have the cash. The jacket meets all FRA and ultra distance race requirements.

Salomon S-Lab Bonatti Gore-Tex ShakeDry waterproof jacket: on the trails

This running jacket was in its element in the Lancashire hills. It was fantastic; you really feel like it’s bombproof against the elements as it’s more robust than some of the lighter jackets we tested. 

Style-wise… a few of our less kind fellow runners did tell is that we looked like we were running in bin bags but what do they know about the latest innovations from the mother of waterproof fabrics, Gore-Tex? This is their flagship new waterproof fabric for running wear, and we found it to be fantastic for wet, windy and wild trails all over the country and into the high mountains. 

Having said that, the hood fit could be more compatible with ponytails: it was very tight if you have hair under there. And speaking of sizing, if you choose a figure-hugging size it’s hard to fit anything but a tiny running pack underneath the concertina back baffles, so it’s possible you will have to go a size up to fit a larger running pack on underneath. 

We recommend ordering a couple of sizes, then wearing both over your fully packed running vest to check the fit before you decide which one to send back.