Waterproofing doesn't stop with the membrane though, potential weak points where water could make its way through the inside of your waterproof jacket are zips and seams. 20,000mm H2O is a good figure to look for if you demand a lot from your gear but anything from about 5,000mm is considered to be waterproof. This info should be on the garment’s swing tag and will be written as ‘mm H2O’. The higher the jacket’s ‘hydrostatic head’ the more waterproof it will be. They tend to be lightweight and very packable and offer the best mix of performance and value. They consist of a membrane, face fabric, and printed finish on the inside which offers some protection from body oils as well as a little additional next-to-skin comfort. These tend to be the quietest in use and are also often the best value but are heavy and don't perform as well.Ģ.5 layer waterproof jackets are perfect for most walking, cycling and travel duties as they mix the benefits of both 2 and 3-layer waterproof jackets. These also tend to be the most expensive waterproof jackets though, and for many uses they may be overkill.Ī 2-layer waterproof jacket mixes a membrane and face fabric with a loose mesh and taffeta liner. This protects the vital membrane from scuffs and scrapes, body oils which can block the pores and general dirt and damage. These are known as the most reliable waterproof jackets thanks to their sandwich construction of membrane with face and inner fabric bonded either side. The very best waterproof jackets are 3-layer. If the face fabric of the waterproof jacket becomes saturated, or 'wets out' any moisture that has been able to pass through the breathable membrane from the inside will get trapped by the outer fabric, and consequently you may get wet from the inside! 2-layer, 2.5 layer and 3 layer The coating is applied to the face fabric of the jacket and encourages water to bead up and roll straight off, rather than soak into it. Contrary to popular belief this is not the waterproof element of the jacket, it simply helps the jacket breathe properly from the inside. Often you will see a waterproof jacket with a DWR, or Durable Water Repellent coating. How does this membrane work? It's designed with microscopic holes in it, just big enough to let heat and moisture vapour from the inside pass, but small enough that rain drops can't get through from the outside. The membrane is usually bonded to the inside of the face fabric and does most of the work, the face fabric just protects that membrane from damage, and offers a more aesthetically pleasing finish. Waterproof jackets usually consist of a waterproof breathable membrane like Gore-Tex or eVent, a face fabric, and sometimes an additional layer of fabric inside too. How to buy a waterproof jacket How does a waterproof jacket work? The jackets reviewed here have been put through their paces across a wide range of activities and in a number of different climates to whittle our choices down to what we consider to be the best waterproof jackets available today. Luckily manufacturers - especially those using Gore-Tex - highlight the best use case with their material choices, so a Gore-Tex Paclite model is often a good, lightweight option, as is the more breathable but lightweight Gore-Tex Active. Lightweight waterproof jackets can compromise on features to bring weight down, so decide whether you need lightweight packability over and above pockets, adjusters and a highly durable materials. For cycling an easily packable waterproof jacket that you can throw on in a downpour can make the difference between a miserable ride and a great one.Ī decent waterproof jacket should have the versatility to be worn for travel, and daily wear but durability can suffer when materials are optimised for weight, so wearing one too often could risk prematurely wearing out your expensive investment. The best waterproof jackets offer shelter in all conditions, and can be especially useful in blustery conditions, where wind chill can have a big impact on your day.Īdd an overnight wild camp into the mix and your choice of waterproof jacket becomes that much more important, both in terms of protection from the elements and the dent it puts in your overall pack weight. It's always worth chucking a lightweight waterproof jacket in your pack when you're heading out on a walk or ride, even if you’re not expecting rain. Salewa Sella Powertex Responsive Jacket.
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