How to select a waterproof jacket: purchase advice
How to select a waterproof jacket: purchase advice
Our detailed guide to choose a waterproof jacket will help you find the equipment that best suits your needs
A waterproof jacket is an indispensable part of the outdoor equipment and should not be missing in any backpack, whether hiking, climbing or cycling.
Knowing how to choose a waterproof jacket can feel a bit like alchemy. With so many different fabrics, constructions and properties used in outdoor clothing, the selection of the right jacket has become a real test.
The top clothing department of most outdoor shops can feel like a polyester and nylon wilderness. Countless options are available; The correct selection guarantees comfort and reliability day by day.
Against this background, we have put together a comprehensive guide to choose a waterproof jacket.
How to select a waterproof jacket
We have divided our guidelines into the following sub -sections.
- What do you need your jacket for?
- Waterproof reviews
- Types of sealing
- Important features you should look for
What do you need your jacket for?
The first question you should ask yourself is: "What do I need my rain jacket for?"
I have three different rain jackets in my outdoor arsenal: a water-repellent softshell jacket for climbing and hiking; A hardshell jacket for mountaineering and trekking; And a more durable and stiffer technical jacket from Haglöfs for sailing and wider wilderness clothing.
Alt = "How to choose a waterproof jacket Haglöfs"Atlas & BootsMy Hagöfs Grym Evo Jacket
Many waterproof jackets are designed for a certain activity. Some jackets are designed for activities with high intensity such as running or cycling. These should be more breathable to keep the carrier comfortably by can escape additional heat quickly.
Others are for mountaineers and contain more hard -wearing substances. Although these are stiff on the body, they can withstand the requirements of mountain climbing such as overcoming rough rocks or wearing a heavy backpack. They can also be equipped with characteristics such as helmet compatible hoods, forearm ventilation or higher pockets for access when wearing a climbing belt.
Activity -specific jackets have to find a balance between durability, waterproofness and breathability, whereby often one - at least partially - is exchanged for the other.
Alt = "How to choose a waterproof jacket Elbrus Summit"Atlas & BootsMy hardshell has higher bags for access when I wear a climbing belt
Most people are looking for a jacket that offers protection in everyday life and is comfortable between extreme. You probably don't have the goal of climbing an eight -thousand meter this weekend or driving a stage of the Tour de France. Jackets in this category usually have a larger selection of brands, prices, fit, weights and colors.
Before you buy a waterproof jacket, consider exactly what you will use for.
Waterproof reviews
All waterproof jackets should be provided with a waterproof rating. The evaluation is determined by a water sowing test, which is also used to assess the waterproofness of a tent.
Alt = "The hydrostatic head test determines a waterproof evaluation"Taiga/ShutterstockA water sowing test determines a waterproof assessment
In the case of a hydrostatic pressure test, the fabric is tightened under a 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide, closed water hose. It is observed for 24 hours to judge how many millimeters of water the tissue repels before it seeps off. The height at which the water seeps through the fabric is measured in millimeters, which means that a 5,000 mm waterproof jacket can withstand 5,000 mm water within 24 hours.
In the UK, a substance must withstand at least 1,500 mm to be declared as waterproof. The following table is a useful guide to decide which assessment meets your requirements.
| Waterproofness | Water resistance | Conditions |
| <5.000 mm | No / some resistance | Light rain, dry snow, no pressure |
| 6,000-10,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof at light pressure | Light rain, average snow, light pressure |
| 11,000–15,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure | Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure |
| 16,000–20,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure | Heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure |
| 20,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof at very high pressure | Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure |
Types of sealing
Various construction processes are used for waterproof jackets. It varies depending on the manufacturer, but in general a waterproof jacket consists of two or three layers: one outer fabric, a membrane and possibly a back. The upper gives the jacket durability, while the membrane acts as a waterproof barrier.
Gore-Tex® has long been the first choice for performance skill. Products made of Gore-Tex® fabric are usually durable, waterproof, windproof and highly breathable.
Event® works well with high humidity, where it is difficult to let off steam. Event® fabric lets steam through freely without the garment sweating too hot and on the inside.
The North Face developed Dryvent ™ fabrics to be completely waterproof, windproof and breathable. The outside of the textile is treated with water -repellent equipment that helps to form drops and use water from the surface.
Pertex® Shield uses a fusion of technically advanced fabrics with breathable, microporous, waterproof coating. Pertex Shield® combines wind and water protection with breathing activity with a focus on stress.
Important features you should look for
Zippers: Apart from the fabric, the zippers are probably the most important part of a waterproof jacket. They are used repeatedly and are an obvious kink in defending a waterproof jacket.
To keep water away, use jackets either a hydro -sealed zipper or a storm flap. A Hydro-Seal zipper is a rubber mechanism that is closed when closed. A storm flap is a piece of fabric that is folded over the zipper. A hydro -sealed zipper is lighter and less bulky, but a storm flap tends to be more durable.
Alt = "a hydro-sea zip"Horia Bogdan/ShutterstockA Hydro-Seal zipper closes when closing
Hood: The function of the hood is to protect the head and face from the elements. Some have a wire screen with which you can adapt the fit and shape of the hood to your needs. Others have larger hoods to take a helmet for climbing or cycling.
If you choose a waterproof jacket, be sure to test how it feels with a hooded hood. The hood should lay firmly around your head without hindering your view and at the same time forming a protective shield for your eyes. It should also be easy to turn your head and not to limit your movements when pulling up.
Train lines / Velcro fasteners: Rain jackets usually have several tensile cords and Velcro fasteners to adapt the fit and seal openings. It is important that they are of good quality on the head and wrists to effectively keep water away. Velcro fasteners should be easily accessible and elastic tensile cords should be placed intuitively.
Bags: The number and positioning of your bags depends on the intended use of your jacket. Bags for the hands are usually standard, but when climbing it is important that the bags sit over the belt. Large breast or indoor pockets for storing cards and compass when hiking can be a really useful feature.
Sewing: Tapped seams are essential on a waterproof jacket. These are hot sealed seams that prevent water from penetrating through the seams. Without tapested seams, a rain jacket is never 100 % waterproof.
Ventilation openings: Most jackets are now equipped with ventilation zippers under the arms (sometimes also called forearm zippers) to make the jacket more breathable. Some jackets even have network inserts in the upper body bags, which also serve as additional ventilation openings.
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