What should you look for when buying a waterproof?
Much has been written about waterproof jackets and trousers over the years. In this article we hope to cut through much of this instead of adding to the confusion. Here are some harsh truths about the technical limitations of fabrics and a few waterproof myths debunked.
What am I going to be using the jacket for?
Dog walking or Routes in the Alps? This is important. If you are only going to be doing light walking there is no point in paying for a jacket with a million features you wont need.
What do you get when you pay more?
When you pay more you primarily get more features, better design, better fabrics that will last longer and to a lesser extent, better breath-ability.
What does 'better breath-ability' really amount to?
Not as much as the marketing executives would have you believe. Pay more and you will get a more 'breathable' jacket. There is a difference between Gore-Tex Performance, Gore-Tex Pro Shell, eVent, etc. All are very good fabrics and there is definitely a difference in their performances in relation to how much you pay for them.
However you should consider that other factors make just as much of a difference. Whether you remember to open your pit zips when walking uphill, whether the wind is blowing water down your neck, or whether you've chosen an appropriate layering system to wear underneath your jacket are all as important. At Outside we only sell reputable, proven fabrics and they are all very reliable in the breath-ability stakes.
If 'breath-ability' is not the only thing to consider when buying a jacket, what does this mean for me?
It means if you want to remain comfortable then you need to think about what activity you are going to be engaging in and what layering system you are going to be using under your shell. This is going to be as important if not more important than buying the most expensive breathable shell you can afford.
Thinking about how you put on layers in relation to your activity will be key here. Artificial fabrics only, no cottons, they trap moisture. Think about how much you are going to sweat. Sweat is inevitable when you exert yourself. Layer appropriately. If you start out a little bit colder then once you get going you will probably not overheat. Thinking about things like this will have as much impact on your comfort as your ability to purchase the most expensive jacket available.
If there is less to choose between all the fabrics than I previously thought, when I pay more, what am I paying for?
You are paying for design (how the waterproof looks and fits), features, more rugged outer fabrics and you are also paying for less weight. Recently waterproof garments have improved massively. Seams are now welded and face fabrics are far tougher than ever before. Hoods are improved, pockets are better, as are zips, cord pulls and other components.
Durable Water Resistance (DWR) of jackets outer fabric (the bit that protects the membrane) has changed greatly. This means better beading and jackets which are less prone to water-logging and the consequent slowing of breath-ability. New DWR fabrics waterproof qualities are also easier to regenerate in tumble driers in conjunction with Grangers or Nikwax Products.
Does fit matter?
Think about what you are going to be using the jacket for. How many layers are you really going to have wear under the jacket? It should not be skin tight but neither should it be so baggy you can fit two of you in it. If you are going to be climbing and not walking then you should think about range of movement in the legs or whether when you reach above your head a jacket does not ride up above where your harness would be.