How to choose the best rain jacket for mountains
When practicing outdoor sports, clothing becomes a fundamental tool and a wardrobe that supports your adventures is a priority, being outdoors it’s necessary to protect yourself from inclement weather.
For hot seasons and locations, where it also rain a lot, you can look for rain jackets or windbreakers. Thanks to their fabric membranes, they provide the waterproofing and breathability you need, they take up minimal space and they are very light. If the weather gets worse on your itinerary or it suddenly starts to rain, wind or hail, this clothing will become your best friend.
You can differentiate between two families:
- Water-resistant / breathable clothing
Designed to keep you dry, during low humidity conditions like light rain. They are more breathable and generally less expensive. They are a good alternative for intense activities where perspiration is high such as trail running, urban cycling, MTB, summer hiking or a walk around the city.
- Waterproof / breathable clothing
They repel precipitation and, at the same time, they let evaporation of sweat vapor, so they usually provide a perfect balance between waterproofing and breathability. In addition, they are resistant to abrasion. Ideal for a wide range of uses, from activities such as multi-day hiking, climbing, mountaineering, cycling, MTB, adventure travel, kayak…
They are some details you should consider before taking final decision:
Fit: Choose the model according to the activity to be carried with the possibility of customizing the jacket to the needs and morphology of the user. Adjustable waist, cuffs and hood provide comfort and a variety of movements.
Thermo-sealed seams: They will prevent water coming in.
Cap: More spacious to accommodate a helmet, or smaller for urban use, they should have an adjustment system with our head when we turn around, or a rigid front visor to better protect the face.
Pockets: Few and higher front pockets that make the use of the harness or backpack belt compatible, without interfering the access to them.
Closures: Double slider, which facilitate the use of a harness and, waterproof, which does not require an outer flap to guarantee waterproofing without adding weight.
