When buying a new rain jacket, you are likely to stumble across terms that are difficult to understand at first glance. This article explains what the features mean in detail and what to look out for when buying rainwear.
The function of a rain jacket is very simple: it should protect the body from precipitation. But does it also do that when on the label “waterproof” or “water repellentThe answer is: No. In fact, it only keeps the clothing 100 percent dry underneath if the material is waterproof. The other terms basically only mean that you are wearing for a short time – or at least longer than a normal jacket – are protected from moisture. However, if you get into a heavy shower, you will be wet in just a few minutes. So that not a single drop of water can penetrate through the rainwear, it must be as “waterproof“Be excellent. And that is not the only criterion that you should look out for when buying a new rain jacket.
Hardshell, Gore-Tex & Co .: That’s what the terms mean
Hardshell
The term “hardshell jacket” (for example from ) comes from the outdoor area and stands for a rain jacket that is not only waterproof, but also windproof and breathable at the same time. In other words, moisture cannot penetrate the material from the outside, but it can penetrate from the inside to the outside – namely body sweat in the form of water vapor. This is made possible by a special membrane, which is not included in every rain jacket. You will notice this at the latest when you wear a rubber model in which you quickly start to sweat. Synthetic materials that are more breathable are more suitable here: nylon or PVC, for example.
Gore-Tex
This is a registered trademark that stands for microporous membranes. In plain language this means: If rainwear is equipped with what is known as Gore-Tex technology, it is windproof and waterproof – but also breathable as it lets water vapor through. So an ideal combination for rain jackets, but one that has its price. In return, you get an extremely durable and high-quality product that will keep your body dry for a long time, even in extreme rainfall. The Company offers, for example, fashionable and high-quality, but not very inexpensive rain jackets with Gore-Tex technology for men and women.
Water column
Another criterion that you should not ignore when buying a new rain jacket is water resistance – a criterion that is not only recognized as a water column for clothing. It provides information about how much pressure (for example from strong wind or a backpack) a rain jacket can withstand without moisture being able to penetrate the fabric. The following rule applies here: the higher the value, the better the water resistance. According to DIN standard 343, rainwear should have a water column of at least 1,300 millimeters in order to be waterproof. The rain jacket is suitable from 10,000 millimeters (for example from ) for long hikes. From 20,000 millimeters you will always stay dry even on demanding mountain tours with heavy luggage.
Buying rainwear: the most important criteria
When buying new rainwear, not only price and quality play an important role, but also personal taste. But regardless of whether you choose a classic decide or one choose one prefer or a – The following criteria should be taken into account in your decision:
1. Make sure that the rain jacket has a Hood (like ) owns that you can customize your head. In other words: It should be adjustable so that you stay dry on your head in any wind and weather.
2. If you are looking for a rain jacket for outdoor sports (such as walking, trekking, climbing) and thus sweat faster under your arms, you should choose one Underarm ventilation respect, think highly of.
3. Also a Chin guard (as in ) is quite useful when exposed to wind and rain. It is primarily used to cover the closed end of the zipper so that you are protected from the cold and wet.
4. Depending on whether you need rainwear for everyday use or for outdoor activities, you should consider the number of Bags respect, think highly of. They offer more storage space, but are also – depending on the brand – not always waterproof.
5. Last but not least, the Zippers Attention should be paid. There are water-repellent and waterproof models here – that always depends on the quality and price of the jacket.
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I am a 24-year-old writer and journalist who has been working in the news industry for the past two years. I write primarily about market news, so if you’re looking for insights into what’s going on in the stock market or economic indicators, you’ve come to the right place. I also dabble in writing articles on lifestyle trends and pop culture news.
