How To Buy A Good Rain Jacket
“There’s no such thing as bad weather — only inadequate gear and negative attitudes.” Rainy and windy conditions? No issue. Just ensure you have a waterproof and windproof rain jacket with you. Here’s a guide on how to purchase a high-quality rain jacket that’s guaranteed to keep you dry and warm in any downpour.
GETTING TO KNOW RAIN JACKETS
When experts discuss rain jackets, they generally classify them as either hard shells or soft shells.
Hard shells are typically what come to mind when people talk about outdoor rain jackets. These are lightweight hooded jackets designed to block wind and rain. Traditional rain slickers also fall into the hard-shell category, but our focus is on rain jackets that offer breathability. This means they can wick sweat away from your body. Wearing non-breathable materials can lead to sweating and result in your insulation becoming wet, as the moisture has no way to escape.
Soft shells are woven jackets that offer resistance to wind and water while remaining highly breathable. Many soft shells incorporate a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the jacket’s surface to ensure rain rolls off it.
WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE FABRICS
These are terms often used to describe rain jackets. Typically, these jackets consist of two to three layers of material, including a specialized membrane layer that prevents weather from getting in while allowing your sweat to escape.
A common misconception when people search for a rain jacket is that they believe it must be labeled as “100 percent waterproof.” Depending on your activity, you might require a certain level of waterproofing, but it’s not necessary to be fixated on this aspect.
Moreover, there exists a wide variety of waterproof and breathable materials available on the market. Some receive more extensive advertising than others, but frequently, the generic or “house brand” waterproof and breathable fabrics provided by manufacturers work just as effectively. For instance, Gore-Tex is a reputable product, but it’s only one among numerous waterproof and breathable fabric options.
ENSURE YOUR JACKET FITS WELL
It’s important for a rain jacket to have a reasonably trim fit. You don’t want it to be bulky and obstruct your movement. To confirm the fit is appropriate, raise your arms above your head and ensure the bottom of the jacket doesn’t rise above your waist.
When it comes to hard shells, ensure there’s enough room for layering during cold weather. Softshells should be more closely fitted. If you’ll be wearing a backpack waist belt or a climbing harness, take into consideration how the jacket might interact with them.
THE HOOD
A thoughtfully designed hood that provides excellent visibility might not be something everyone considers, but it’s actually crucial. Poorly designed hoods can severely limit your field of vision, especially when you turn your head.
Opt for a hood with ample coverage that can accommodate a climbing helmet if needed. It should also be adjustable to fit snugly around your face without obstructing your view.
TAPED SEAMS
Always prioritize rain jackets with seam-sealing. However, remember that regardless of the price, even the most expensive rain jackets can eventually become saturated in heavy rain.
PIT ZIPS
Despite claims of breathability, the reality is that any rain jacket can become a bit humid. Therefore, seek out a jacket equipped with pit zips (zippers that open the sides of the jacket under your arms) as they enhance breathability, especially during physical activity.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
You’ll come across jackets in stores with features like MP3 pockets, hydration bladders, and more. However, it’s best to opt for simplicity. An ideal jacket is lightweight, featuring a well-designed hood, two chest pockets, and fully sealed seams.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
While you can discover quality rain jackets online, it’s advisable to purchase them in person so you can try them on.
COST
As a general rule, the more you invest in a jacket, the more additional features you’ll acquire. Furthermore, higher-end waterproof rain jackets tend to offer better breathability.
If you happen to fit into kids’ sizes rather than adult jackets, you can save a substantial amount on a rain jacket while still enjoying the same level of waterproof and windproof performance.
You can find another article here about choosing a rainwear.
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