What’s the best waterproof jacket?
As you’ve probably guessed, there’s no definitive answer to this. If you buy your jacket from a specialised outdoor retailer, you’re obviously going to be getting the best of the best. These coats are usually designed for harsh weather conditions, and while they may be more expensive in some cases, they’re designed to be pretty much impenetrable, breathable and warm at the same time.
Why are rain jackets so expensive?
Tying in with what has been noted above, rain jackets are so expensive because they’re technical. Everything has been thought of from the durability rating of the material and the highest denier that material can offer to the specialised anti-leak zips and tapered seams.
Can you wash a waterproof jacket?
Waterproof jackets should never be washed using ordinary detergent or fabric softener. The chemicals in detergent can break down the fibres’ composition with each wash and strip the fabric of its waterproof coating. A cleaner specifically designed for technical outerwear is recommended.
What’s the difference between a running/cycling waterproof jacket and a hiking jacket?
When you’re looking for a jacket to exercise outdoors in, a reflective/ hi-vis material should be prioritised. While many hiking jackets are kitted out with weather-resistant and even sweat-resistant features, they can often be made in quite earthy, neutral colours. Hence, it’s much safer to get a cycling/running jacket that has been designed to be reflective all over.
Not only this, but a lot of hiking jackets are padded with downs feather, which is a layer of fine feathers found on birds under the tougher exterior feathers. Down works extremely well as a fine thermal insulator and so if you were to cycle or run in this, it would be similar to running with a duvet around you.
The best cycling jackets keep you warm and dry while letting you breathe. So when choosing a waterproof cycling jacket, look out for:
- Warm insulating layer as well as the waterproof reflective layer
- Tapered seams
- Waterproof rating of 10,000+