One of the key pieces of clothing you need to take with you on your travels is a rain jacket. This will help keep you protected from the elements, offering some peace of mind when travelling. You’ll find there are a range of options on the market these days, from compact jackets to heavy-duty raincoats, so it can be tricky to choose the best one for your needs.
Choosing the right rain jacket to your budget
Choosing the right jacket for your budget is important. The material you choose will also have a huge impact on the longevity of the jacket. These are a few of the factors to take into account when selecting the best waterproof jacket for travellers. Check out the Fabric There are many different types of rain jackets, including merino wool and Gore-Tex. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to get to know what these are and how they work. Whichever jacket you choose to invest in, you want one that will be able to keep you dry on your travels, as well as be warm enough for the temperatures you may encounter in your destination.
Durability & water resistance
Waterproof jacket manufacturers will generally advertise the level of water resistance a product offers. You’ll find that they generally indicate a rating between five (not waterproof at all) to 10 (fully waterproof) in their marketing materials. It’s worth noting that these figures refer to the coat’s breathability level, rather than how waterproof it actually is. Naturally, different jackets will offer a different amount of breathability, with a lightweight jacket likely to offer more breathability than a weightier jacket. Generally speaking, lighter jackets will offer the most breathability, but again, this isn’t always the case. With a heavier jacket, you’ll want to go for the jacket that offers the highest breathability rating to give you the best chance of staying dry.
Comfort
One of the biggest factors to take into account is comfort. This is a huge concern for many holidaymakers, as they want to look and feel great while travelling, and not have to worry about being uncomfortable when they travel. When it comes to the comfort of a rain jacket, you should try and find one with a little extra warmth. A rain jacket with a really warm fleece material will keep you nice and cosy and offers better insulation. You may also find it a lot more lightweight than a jacket with a very thick fleece fabric. A stylish rain jacket will often have a great zip-up hood, with all the controls for opening and closing. This is particularly useful, as you’ll likely want to zip yourself into the jacket quickly when it comes to fighting the rain.
Packability
If you’re planning to go anywhere off the beaten track, you’ll want something that’s as easy to carry as possible. After all, you don’t want to be carrying a bulky jacket in your hand luggage – that’s just asking for a pile of wet clothes at the other end. Your best bet is a rain jacket that’s compact, so you can wear it as an outer layer when you’re in the car or at the front of the motorhome. If you’re in a tent, you’ll probably be able to get away with a light rain jacket that doesn’t take up too much room in the pack. Water resistance Another good thing about a rain jacket is that it should be water resistant. A waterproof jacket offers up extra peace of mind when you’re away from civilisation.
Picking the best material for your needs
There are lots of materials that are suitable for a rain jacket, however you need to consider the level of protection you want and the weather you’ll be in. Some fabrics are naturally waterproof or breathable, but you may not want to rely on them completely. If you’re planning a sunny holiday then perhaps a breathable fabric will be more suitable, but for those looking to do some trekking or visiting some other more challenging weather conditions, a rain jacket with a higher water repellent (waterskin or wetskin) rating may be your best option. There are several options on the market, and it may be worth investing in a rain jacket with a higher grade of protection to ensure you stay dry and protected throughout your travels. You’ll also need to take into consideration the price.
Synthetic Fabric Jackets
There are a range of reasons why you might want to opt for a synthetic-based rain jacket, and you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a wide range of options for you to consider. Although synthetic fabrics are considered to be more durable than cotton, and are also less harmful to the environment, they tend to offer little in the way of warmth and are less resistant to raindrops. If you need something to keep you dry and warm, and that’s not affected by rain, then a cotton jacket is the best choice. Waterproof Jackets If you need something that will keep you dry and warm, without adding any bulk to your jacket, then a waterproof jacket is the way to go.
Cotton Jacket
Traditional-style jackets, like the one pictured above, have been in high demand since at least the 1970s, when they became available in lots of different colors and styles. They are the classic choice for a rain jacket, as they offer the easiest way to keep warm during the colder weather. They’re also the most breathable, and more likely to be used for multiple seasons. 1. Heddels Ami Rain Jacket Heddels makes the Ami rain jacket, which is designed to keep you warm even when you’re walking. Its three layers help trap heat against your body, so you can enjoy a warm, dry jacket without getting too hot. The material is also weatherproof and waterproof, so you can rely on it keeping you warm even during showers.
Down Jackets
When it comes to down jackets, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are downsides too. While a super warm jacket will keep you nice and warm during a downpour, the insulation of a down jacket will be the most effective when temperatures are below freezing. So if you’re planning to head to the snow next winter, it’s likely that you’ll need a jacket with a few more features, to ensure you’re comfortable in the cold weather. There are also downsides to the rain-repellant properties of down. Down jackets will help stop water from soaking into your clothes and soaking through to the rest of your kit. But there’s also an element of chemical reaction that takes place with water, which makes it difficult to rinse off in some cases. Down jackets with GORE-TEX® technology are a good option.
Rubber Coated Jackets
The best rubber-coated jackets are those that are resistant to water. This is one of the main features of a rubber coated jacket. All of the material used is specifically made for water-resistance. This means the rain jacket is suitable for use in all weather conditions. It is especially good at keeping the rain out and allowing for a cooling effect. Rubber coated jackets are perfect for those in temperate countries, but you may find that they’re too hot for tropical regions. Lightweight Rain Coats You’ll also find that some rubber-coated rain jackets are designed to be lightweight, as the metal parts can make them a little heavy to carry. These are designed to be used by walking, running or cycling. They tend to be made from polyester, and are constructed to be warm and comfortable.
Outerwear Jackets
When it comes to outerwear, the waterproof shell and full-length zips are most popular with travellers. These jackets are commonly made of a fabric that can handle a large amount of water and won’t easily rot. Outerwear jackets also come in handy for trekking, which makes them ideal for outdoor travellers. As you may be able to layer outerwear jackets, you can use it to dry out in the sun too. Lightweight Jackets Lightweight rain jackets are ideal for anyone who likes to walk or cycle during their travels. These jackets have a soft padding and lots of tiny zips to allow easy access to your gear. This reduces bulk, making them much more comfortable to wear.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
