When buying rain gear, you can get confused. This article explains which terms are important and what waterproof really means.
The function of a rain jacket is very simple: it is intended to protect the body from precipitation. But does it do that if the label says “waterproof” or “water-repellent”? The answer is: no. In fact, it only keeps the clothing underneath 100 percent dry if the material is waterproof. The other terms basically just mean that in light rain you are protected from moisture for a short time – or at least longer than with a normal jacket. However, if you get caught in a heavy shower, you will get wet after just a few minutes. So that not a single drop of water can penetrate the rainwear, it must be labeled as “waterproof”. And that’s not the only criterion you should pay attention to when buying a new rain jacket.
Hardshell, Gore-Tex & Co.: This is what the terms mean
Hardshell
The term “hardshell jacket” (for example from ) comes from the outdoor sector and stands for a rain jacket that is not only waterproof, but also windproof and breathable. In other words, moisture cannot penetrate the material from the outside, but can penetrate from the inside to the outside – i.e. 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 model made of rubber and you quickly start to sweat. Synthetic materials that are more breathable are better suited here: such as nylon or PVC.
Gore-Tex
This is a registered trademark that stands for microporous membranes. In plain language this means: If rainwear is equipped with the so-called Gore-Tex technology, it is windproof and waterproof – but also breathable by allowing water vapor to pass through. So an ideal combination for rain jackets, but it comes at a price. In return, you get an extremely durable and high-quality product that keeps your body dry for a long time, even in extreme rainfall. The Company For example, offers fashionable and high-quality, although not entirely 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 waterproofness – 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 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 to be waterproof. The rain jacket is suitable from 10,000 millimeters (for example from ) for long hikes. From 20,000 millimeters onwards, you will always stay dry, even on demanding mountain tours with heavy luggage.
Buying rain gear: The most important criteria
When buying new rain gear, not only price and quality play an important role, but also personal taste. But regardless of whether you choose a classic one decide or one choose one prefer or one – the following criteria should be taken into account in your decision:
1. Make sure that the rain jacket has one Hood (like from ) has that you can adjust to your head. In other words: It should be adjustable so that you stay dry on your head in all wind and weather.
2. If you are looking for a rain jacket for outdoor sporting activities (such as walking, trekking, climbing) and therefore sweat more quickly under your arms, you should choose a suitable one Underarm ventilation regard.
3. Also one Chin guard is quite useful when exposed to wind and rain. Its primary purpose is to cover the closed end of the zipper to protect you from cold and wet conditions.
4. Depending on whether you need the rainwear in everyday life or for outdoor activities, you should consider the number Bags regard. They offer more storage space, but – depending on the brand – are not always waterproof.
5. Last but not least, the zippers attention should be paid. There are water-repellent and waterproof models – this always depends on the quality and price of the jacket.
More information about this can be found here.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
