How to choose a rain jacket?
Rain jacket is an indispensable item of clothing for people who actively spend time outdoors. A good rain jacket will provide high comfort and effective protection from rain, wind and snow. Thanks to it, you will be able to enjoy your trip regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.
This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing a rain jacket, so you can make an informed choice. Among other things, you will learn: what kind of rain jacket to choose, what technical parameters to pay attention to, as well as what a membrane in a rain jacket is and how it works.
A good rain jacket - meaning what kind?
When choosing a good rain jacket, it is worth considering several key features that affect the user's weather protection, freedom of movement and comfort. Listed below are the issues we should pay attention to:
| Jacket weight | It is advisable to choose a lightweight jacket model to avoid extra weight during demanding outdoor activities. |
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| Jacket hood | The hood should fit snugly around the head, but not put pressure on the head or restrict visibility. It can be equipped with a visor to make it more difficult for water to get into the facial area. |
| Seams | It is worth noting whether the seams are taped. Without this, even a jacket equipped with a good membrane can start to get wet. |
| Adjustable cuffs and hem of the jacket | It is useful for the jacket to have adjustable cuffs, hood and lower section so that you can adjust it to your preferences and weather conditions. |
| Jacket length | It is worth paying attention to the length of the jacket, so that it does not turn out too short. When you raise your arms, the jacket should not expose the lower back. |
| Underarm vents | It is best to opt for a rain jacket equipped with vents. Their opening allows the body to cool down, which is especially important when our body is working intensively. |
| Jacket zippers | It is recommended to choose laminated zippers or those covered with an additional protective patch. In addition, it is good for the zipper to be equipped with an inner trim, which not only protects against cutting the fabric, but also provides additional protection against moisture and wind. |
| Jacket cut | The cut of the jacket should be tailored to the type of activity and the wearer's figure, while ensuring freedom of movement. |
| Waterproof membrane | When choosing a jacket, pay attention to whether it is equipped with a high-quality, effective membrane. |
Membrane in a rain jacket - what is it and how does it work?
The membrane in a rain jacket is a thin, vapor-permeable layer. It plays a key role in preventing water from entering the jacket, while allowing moisture produced by the body to pass through. The location of the membrane depends on the laminate from which the jacket is made.
A laminate is the number of bonded layers of material with a membrane. There are three basic types available on the market:
- Laminate 3L - consists of three layers: outer fabric, membrane and lining, which form one integral whole,
- Laminate 2.5L - this design lacks the classic lining. Instead, there is a printed protective layer that protects the membrane from mechanical damage,
- Laminate 2L - consists of an outer fabric and membrane, with a separately sewn lining, often in the form of mesh.
How does a membrane work? Membranes can be divided into two main categories: microporous and nonporous. Both provide effective protection and performance, but differ in the way they work.
Microporous membrane it has a structure of funnel-like channels. This allows it to let the water vapor produced by the body pass from the inside to the outside, while blocking the access of water from the outside. This means it is waterproof and protects against wind. Microporous technology is used by, among others, the famous Gore-Tex membrane.
Non-pore membrane works differently, relying on the principle of absorption and diffusion. It absorbs water vapor and wicks it away, keeping you comfortable and dry.
Which membrane in a rain jacket we choose already depends on our individual preferences. We can recommend such membranes as StormTex, Hydrotex and TorrentStretch, for example.
Membrane parameters - what do they mean?
When choosing a jacket with a membrane, it is worth paying attention to the key parameters:
Waterproof - expressed in mm H2O, or millimeters of water column. This is a value that tells us how effectively the jacket protects against rain. The higher the value, the more waterproof the material is.
Jackets with finishes in the 3,000-5,000 mm H2O range will do well in moderate rain or snow. If you want total reassurance, it's worth reaching for models with a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm H2O and above, which will provide total protection from getting wet.
Breathability coefficient - if you want to know the level of breathability, you should find one of the units shown below in the technical data:
| g/m² | It is a unit that defines the amount of moisture (in grams) that is able to penetrate a material over one square meter in 24 hours. The standard value is at least 5000 g/m². If you are planning mountain activities, it is worth choosing a jacket with a breathability of at least 10000 g/m². For the most intense activities, it is worth considering models with a breathability of as much as 15000 - 20000 g/m². |
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| RET factor | This is a measure of the resistance that the material offers to water vapor. The lower the RET coefficient, the better the breathability of the jacket. For example, for moderately intense activities, jackets with a RET coefficient of less than 13 are suitable. For very intense activities, it is better to choose models with a RET coefficient of 6 or less. |
Durability of rain jacket
The more porous and thinner the material, the better the breathability, which is beneficial for intense physical activities. However, keep in mind that such material is more susceptible to damage. If you want both durability and good breathability, it is worth looking around for jackets made of high-quality three-layer laminates.
Offer of rain jackets at MILITARY.PL
MILITARY.PL offers rain jackets that are a combination of modern technology and lightweight materials that provide protection from the rain in any situation. Thanks to the use of good materials, our jackets are not only waterproof, but also lightweight and easy to pack. This makes them easy to take with you on a hike, mountain trek, in the woods, as well as for everyday outdoor activities.
Rain jackets at MILITARY.PL are equipped with advanced membranes such as: Texar, Pentagon, Columbia, Alpinus, Snugpak or Helikon.
Now that you know what kind of rain jacket to choose, feel free to browse through our range to find the perfect jacket model for your needs.
