Rain Gear Essentials
This past weekend, Seattle experienced its first brisk, rainy days of the fall, marking the peak season for rain gear. Search trends reveal that states in the Pacific Northwest see a consistent jump in queries for rain jackets and pants every year around late September. It’s worth noting that Washington and Oregon are top contenders when it comes to rain gear searches, though they rank 11th and 21st, respectively, for umbrella searches per capita. Some stereotypes indeed hold true.
If you're eager to know more about pu rain coat, don't hesitate to reach out for an expert consultation!
During my second autumn in Seattle, I embarked on the hunt for a hardshell jacket. It wasn't an exaggeration to claim that the process spanned several months. Logging onto REI revealed pages of options, with prices ranging from $50 to $800, often with only color and branding differences to distinguish them. This experience led me to delve into technical specifications to discern the pricing structure. Each detail prompted further Google searches for clarity, enriching my knowledge significantly. I learned enough to pivot my career into the apparel sector, yet it shouldn't have been such a convoluted process to choose a jacket.
Over the years, I've noticed a recurring theme where individuals purchase similar garments from different brands, often leaving them frustrated by the lack of performance variation. Therefore, today we'll discuss two pivotal lessons in selecting rain gear.
My initial research into rain gear directed me towards the Arc'teryx Beta LT.
Lesson 1: Understanding 'Layers'
Waterproof garments are typically categorized as 2, 2.5, or 3-layer constructions. Many assume that this designates the amount of waterproof material, believing a 3-layer construction is inherently more waterproof than 2-layer. Unfortunately, this logic, while reasonable, is a misconception.
The term 'layers' refers to the lamination process, where materials are bonded together. When Gore-Tex introduced the first waterproof-breathable rain gear, they affixed a waterproof-breathable membrane to the fabric’s inner side. Initially effective, they soon realized the membrane deteriorated when exposed to dirt, oil, and other substances, prompting the need for protection on the inner side of the garment. They have since devised three methods:
- 2-layer: This is the original design where two layers (the outer fabric and the membrane) are laminated. To add necessary inner protection, a separate liner is stitched in, which adds weight and bulk.
- 3-layer: In this case, all three components—the outer fabric, the membrane, and the inner fabric—are laminated together. While it remains effective and durable, this option is typically pricier due to the advanced lamination process.
- 2.5-layer: This construction implies using the outer fabric and membrane, with a thin film added for inner protection instead of a full liner. While cheaper, it tends to be less durable and may peel away over time. These jackets work well for infrequent use or for rain pants that endure less friction.
My original 2-layer rain shell highlights this evolution. Lesson 2: Membrane Quality Varies
The dynamics between waterproofing, breathability, durability, and price often create a trade-off. Few options can genuinely tick every box. Below is a general analysis of the prevalent types of membranes:
- Polyurethane (PU): Commonly used in brand-exclusive membranes like Patagonia H2No, Marmot NanoPro, and Columbia OmniShield. PU can be thick for better waterproofing but sacrifices breathability or vice versa. Nonetheless, it is durable and reasonably priced.
- ePTFE: Known for high waterproofing and breathability, can remain thinner than PU while still offering substantial performance. However, they require careful maintenance to prevent damage from dirt and oil, making them the priciest option.
- Combination: Regular Gore-Tex utilizes a blend of PU and ePTFE, providing good waterproofing and durability at a mid-range price.
- Electrospun PU: Innovations in design have produced membranes resembling spaghetti, enhancing the balance between waterproofing and breathability. Current options such as Polartec NeoShell and Outdoor Research AscentShell fall into this category.
Numerous outdoor brands employ varying combinations of membranes and layers in their products. For instance, different jackets from Patagonia feature different materials and structures.
- Jacket Layers Membrane
- Torrentshell 3 H2No
- Calcite 2.5 GoreTex Performance
- Triolet 3 GoreTex Performance
- Pluma 3 GoreTex Pro
- Pilot 2 GoreTex Performance
While many other factors influence shell design, such as the type of fabric or additional features tailored to specific sports, the two aforementioned variables play the most crucial roles for the everyday outdoor enthusiast and significantly impact pricing.
Share this:
Like
Loading...
Related
Choosing the Best Raincoat for Your Child
Key Features Parents Should Seek in a Rain Jacket
Guidance for Assessing Sizing When Buying a Raincoat for Kids
At Outdoor School Shop, we recommend using EU sizing. By utilizing this system, you focus on your child's height rather than age. Kids grow unevenly; thus, measuring height provides clarity in sizing. Simply convert your child's height from inches to centimeters to find their corresponding size. Alternatively, consider that many Scandinavian and European brands often run large, so select sizes accordingly.
What Kind of Raincoats Serve as Transitional Jackets for Various Seasons?
We suggest the Muddy Puddles jacket, ideal for snowy and cold conditions. It offers a thick fleece lining, making it suitable for year-round use near coastal environments. The PUDDLEFLEX jacket is another excellent option due to its fleece lining. If you prefer shell jackets, the Helly Hansen coat is fantastic for transitioning from winter to spring thanks to its superior waterproofing. In warmer climates, a non-insulated version, such as the SHELTER jacket, offers great breathability.
A quality fleece or technical fleece jacket is essential for the shoulder seasons. Additionally, a pair of rain bibs adds versatility for year-round wear, essential during the transitional months.
If you're embarking on outdoor adventure excursions and feeling overwhelmed by choices, start with three essentials: rain bibs, rain mittens, and boots—creating an ideal outdoor adventure kit. Explore them here: Outdoor Adventure Kit.
Common Questions about Kids' Outerwear
The most frequent question pertains to sizing. Sizing can be tricky, hence it's beneficial to look for numerical indicators like 90, 100, 110, which refer to centimeters. Always base your child’s jacket size on height, converting inches to centimeters for accuracy.
We also address inquiries regarding how to outfit kids for wet weather. We curated our top recommendations in the FAVORITES category for outdoor school adventures. Should you need help, contact us via [protected] or Instagram @outdoorschoolshop.
Additionally, parents often ask about outdoor education programs available nearby. We’ve compiled an accessible directory addressing this question: [ODSS DIRECTORY]. Lastly, we frequently receive questions regarding layering strategies. Treat your jacket as your primary weather barrier; it need not be the warmest if it keeps wind and water out. Follow a layering method: begin with a base layer in Merino wool or technical fabric, add a mid layer of fleece, wool, or other materials for warmth, and top it off with a weather-resistant outer layer.
Explore Rain Jackets & 2-Piece Sets
For additional information about micro jackets suppliers, please connect with us. We are ready to provide expert insights.
Comments
0