A rainproof jacket, also called a rain jacket or waterproof shell, is made to keep rain out but still let your sweat escape.
Levels of water resistance:
* **Water-Resistant:** Okay protection against light rain. Good for short trips in light rain.
* **Water-Repellent:** Better than water-resistant. Works for a short time in moderate rain. Good for hiking.
* **Waterproof:** Blocks all rain. Has waterproof zippers. Good for heavy rain.
Construction & Design:
* **Outer Fabric:** Usually nylon or polyester. It protects the inside part.
* **Membrane or Coating:** This is what makes it waterproof.
* PU (Polyurethane): Cheap and okay at waterproofing.
* ePTFE: Pricey, has tiny holes.
* TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): bendable.
* **Lining:** Protects the membrane and makes it comfy.
* 2-layer: outer layer + membrane.
* 2.5-layer: outer layer + sprayed inside protection.
* 3-layer: outer + membrane + inner layer which are all stuck together - strong, for hiking.
Waterproof Ratings:
* 5,000 mm: Light rain. Good for the city.
* 10,000 mm: Moderate rain. Good for hiking.
* 15,000–20,000 mm: Heavy rain. Good for mountains, long hikes.
* 20,000+ mm: crazy rain
Breathability Ratings:
* MVTR: Higher = better. >10,000 g/m²/24h = good
* RET: Lower = better. RET <6 = great
Key Things to Look For:
* Sealed Seams: Prevents leaks.
* Waterproof Zippers: Keeps water out.
* Adjustable Hood: Fits over a helmet.
* Cuffs & Hem: Keeps wind and water out.
* Air flow: Zips under the arms
* Pockets: To keep your hands warm.
* Portable: Some can fold.
* Fit: How it fits when wearing layers.
Types by Use:
* Lightweight Shell: travel
* Performance Shell: For climbing, hiking
* Insulated Rain Jacket: Warm and waterproof
* City Raincoat: stylish
* Poncho: quick coverage
Care:
* Washing: Use special soap to wash. Don't use fabric softener.
* Waterproof again: helps after many washes.
* Drying: Air dry
* Storage: Store dry to keep the jacket working well.
Technologies:
* Tiny holes: Keeps water out but lets vapor out.
* No holes: lets air out
Eco-Friendly Things:
* PFC-free: no bad chemicals.
* Recycled Fabrics: made from recycled material
* Repairable: Can be fixed.
* Safe materials.
How to Pick:
* City: Water-resistant or light waterproof.
* Outdoors: 2.5 or 3-layer waterproof, adjustable.
* Mountains: 3-layer, high waterproof
* Hot: Lightweight
* Cold: Insulated.
Levels of water resistance:
* **Water-Resistant:** Okay protection against light rain. Good for short trips in light rain.
* **Water-Repellent:** Better than water-resistant. Works for a short time in moderate rain. Good for hiking.
* **Waterproof:** Blocks all rain. Has waterproof zippers. Good for heavy rain.
Construction & Design:
* **Outer Fabric:** Usually nylon or polyester. It protects the inside part.
* **Membrane or Coating:** This is what makes it waterproof.
* PU (Polyurethane): Cheap and okay at waterproofing.
* ePTFE: Pricey, has tiny holes.
* TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): bendable.
* **Lining:** Protects the membrane and makes it comfy.
* 2-layer: outer layer + membrane.
* 2.5-layer: outer layer + sprayed inside protection.
* 3-layer: outer + membrane + inner layer which are all stuck together - strong, for hiking.
Waterproof Ratings:
* 5,000 mm: Light rain. Good for the city.
* 10,000 mm: Moderate rain. Good for hiking.
* 15,000–20,000 mm: Heavy rain. Good for mountains, long hikes.
* 20,000+ mm: crazy rain
Breathability Ratings:
* MVTR: Higher = better. >10,000 g/m²/24h = good
* RET: Lower = better. RET <6 = great
Key Things to Look For:
* Sealed Seams: Prevents leaks.
* Waterproof Zippers: Keeps water out.
* Adjustable Hood: Fits over a helmet.
* Cuffs & Hem: Keeps wind and water out.
* Air flow: Zips under the arms
* Pockets: To keep your hands warm.
* Portable: Some can fold.
* Fit: How it fits when wearing layers.
Types by Use:
* Lightweight Shell: travel
* Performance Shell: For climbing, hiking
* Insulated Rain Jacket: Warm and waterproof
* City Raincoat: stylish
* Poncho: quick coverage
Care:
* Washing: Use special soap to wash. Don't use fabric softener.
* Waterproof again: helps after many washes.
* Drying: Air dry
* Storage: Store dry to keep the jacket working well.
Technologies:
* Tiny holes: Keeps water out but lets vapor out.
* No holes: lets air out
Eco-Friendly Things:
* PFC-free: no bad chemicals.
* Recycled Fabrics: made from recycled material
* Repairable: Can be fixed.
* Safe materials.
How to Pick:
* City: Water-resistant or light waterproof.
* Outdoors: 2.5 or 3-layer waterproof, adjustable.
* Mountains: 3-layer, high waterproof
* Hot: Lightweight
* Cold: Insulated.