How to Find the Perfect Rain Jacket
It does not matter whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or you are looking for a means to stay dry whenever you are out, an effective rain jacket is your best friend. Nowadays, there are many rain jacket brands and styles available on the market. That makes it difficult to know where to begin and what to consider before you start familiarizing yourself with basic terms and product tags. The following are some of the factors you should consider.
Water Resistant or Waterproof
Water-resistant fabrics are sprayed or coated with a durable water repellent finish that can withstand precipitation. However, it may not withstand heavy rainfall. Fabrics that are made water-resistant through this technique, such as polyester and nylon, are not always 100% waterproof. That means that they will get soaked if you stay out in rainfall for an extended period.
On the other hand, waterproof means water cannot get inside. Thus, fabrics can withstand heavy rainfall and are always impervious to water. Various brands use a wide range of membranes to perform well, but may be out of your budget.
Layers and Activities
When purchasing a raincoat, the right place to start is to figure out what you will use your rain jacket for. For instance, will the rain jacket be used for dropping off your children at school? Will you wear them when hiking? You should note that there are various types of rainwear, and they include 3-layer, 2.5-layer, and 2-layer. The three layers have an extra textile or fabric that creates a sandwich.
Technical Features
People have different preferences when it comes to rain jackets. Some like certain jackets because of their durability, color, number of pockets, and technical features. For example, someone may want a decent sized hood that is big enough to accommodate the helmet for biking. Also, a rain jacket that is easy to wear enables you to have an enjoyable adventure.
A hood that requires constant re-adjustment can distract you from focusing on your activity. It does not matter whether you are looking for a raincoat for cycling, skiing, or climbing; you should consider getting a model that features a hood. Also, it should be a helmet compatible and have toggles to have it in place. In this way, you can spend adequate time focusing on the task ahead of you.
Another important feature to look for is pocket placement. That is a vital feature as you will need to put your GPS and mobile phones there.