Buyers Guide - How to choose a WaterproofFunctional waterproof clothing is not fashion clothing. Its price is dictated by the massive amount of science involved in keeping you dry in the pouring rain. It really is clothing as equipment and as with all specialist equipment you need to know a bit about how it works to get the best out of it.
Choosing the right waterproof for you involves asking some key questions included below. To help you understand why they are important simply click through to our full buyers guide to read about the incredible technologies, science, testing and the design involved in keeping the rain out....
- Jargon busting- What’s the difference between Hard and Soft Shell?- So just what is breathability?- What do you mean the outside of my jacket/trousers is not the waterproof part?- Hydrostatic Head tells you how waterproof a garment is, right?- What features should I look for?- But I’ve spent all this money on a garment and I still feel wet inside. Why?- What about the environment?
Top tips to make the right choice….No matter what your budget; when it comes to waterproofs any breathability is better than none. Walking in the rain while wearing a carrier bag with arms and a hood is definitely not a happy experience.
If you are planning on trying to keep dry in a hot and humid environment then an umbrella can be a worthy investment – it is the ultimate breathable waterproof!
For our changeable climate though, the best garment for you is the one that fits. It can have a gazillion pockets, the most articulated knee design or the very latest in technical features but if you are out on the hill and it is so big it flaps in the wind and drives you to distraction then it was not a good purchase. These days garments are tailored to fit. We are all different shapes and sizes and garment manufacturers go to a LOT of effort to allow for this. Some will even offer a description to guide you in the right direction. For example; if you are looking for a general walking jacket and you wish to wear an insulated jacket underneath from time to time you probably won’t want an “active fit” garment designed for racing snake alpinists who move through the mountains faster than the speed of sound.
Try your garment on with layers, try the zips while wearing gloves, try it on with a pack but above all chat to us about what you should wear underneath.