Hiking Rain Jackets
Image by Phillip via Flickr
What A Tough Job They Have!
“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.” - Langston Hughes
Hiking rain jackets do have a tough job, in fact, they’re expected to fulfil loads of different jobs. They’ve got to keep the hiker dry (from some potentially monstrous downpours), they’ve got to keep the hiker warm, they’ve got to protect the hiker from the wind, they’ve got to be lightweight, they’ve got to compress really small to fit into the backpack when they’re not in use, they’ve got to be comfortable. Wowee, that’s a lot of jobs for one hiking jacket.
Okay, so let’s assume that you’re looking for a new hiking jacket . . . one that will keep you dry in even the heaviest downpour. What sorts of things do you need to look for and ask yourself whilst you’re choosing your new hiking rain jacket in the local outdoor equipment store.
- Will this rain jacket keep me dry? – After all, that is the main function of a rain jacket, whether it’s for hiking, gardening or walking to work. Rain jackets are often touted as being “waterproof” when they are new, but in order to keep their rain worthiness they do need a little attention from time to time. If a hiking jacket is said to be “water resistant” that is not the same as “waterproof”. Water resistant hiking jackets will only withstand a light shower and not a real drenching. Most hikers do experience a real drenching from time to time (even those who try to be fair-weather hikers can get caught out), so bear that in mind when you’re choosing your next hiking rain jacket.
Okay, I admit, not much action in this video . . . but great sound effects . . . and all for real!
- Will this rain jacket let my skin breathe? – If not you could find that you’re actually wetter on the inside than you are on the outside . . . with sweat. Fabric breath-ability is a big issue in the manufacture of hiking rain jackets and makes a big difference to the comfort of the hiker.
- Is this hiking rain jacket up to the job? – Durability is the name of the game when it comes to all hiking and back packing equipment. If you’re the type of hiker who sticks mostly to the trails then a lightweight hiking rain jacket will be quite durable enough for you . . . if, however, you’re the type of hiker who regularly scrambles, climbs and bushwhacks off-trail, maybe you need something made of tougher stuff.
- How does this look? – Hiking rain jackets are designed mostly for functionality, but many of the jackets these days are much less “geeky” than the rain jackets of old. Hiking rain jackets aim to be low weight, packable and have pockets which aren’t in the wrong place for the straps on your backpack for example.
- What’s the damage to my pocket? – There is a great difference in the price of top end hiking rain jackets, and those at the lower end of the market. It’s really up to you to make the choice according to your own budget and your needs. If your budget allows then you will find that a high end hiking rain jacket will have more in terms of seam-taping and other waterproofing features, using the very best breathable laminate fabrics. Cheaper hiking rain jackets may use less breathable fabrics and not have the same features, but can nevertheless be a valuable addition to your hiking gear . . . they’re generally light, easy to stuff in your backpack and kind to the budget.
Yes, the music is really annoying and got on my nerves too, but there’s some good stuff just the same so turn the sound down! Hey, why didn’t I think of that?
Hiking Rain Jacket Check List
- Seam taping – blocks up the holes made by the machine stitching the garment together. Some hiking rain jackets have factory seam taping on all seams, some only on the seams which are deemed to be at the most risk of water penetration.
- Weight – this is always a major factor in any hiking or backpacking gear, but hiking rain jackets which are tough enough to withstand climbing and scrambling activities will naturally weigh more than those which are not. It’s also worth noting that fewer conveniences (zippers, pockets, adjustments) do add up to less weight.
- Fit – in an effort to cut down on weight, many hiking rain jackets are what can only be described as “slim fit”. This might not feel very comfortable for some hikers . . . there’s also the problem of layering up when it starts to get cold.
- Hood – if you’ve read some of the other pages on this hiking website you’ll know that I’m a big fan of hoods . . . I just like ‘em. Anyway, some hiking rain jackets have really big hoods for climbers, so that you can put your hood up over your climbing helmet, so if you’re not wearing a helmet it might flop down over your face! Some hiking jackets have detachable hoods, or those which stowaway neatly when you’re not using them. Some these days have a stiffened peak which is a great idea for keeping the raindrops away from your face.
- Vents – really do help with breathability (I think we’ve already spoken about that further up).
- Armpit zippers – do add a little weight which is a real no no for many minimalist hikers and backpackers, but they also offer great air circulation around your pits.
- Storm flaps – are one of those extra little features which really help to keep the wind out. It’s just a flap which backs onto the main front zipper, it does add a little extra weight but can help to keep you warm and toasty.
- Noise – this might not be something which you class as important in the hiking store, but you know how some rain jackets make that awful noise every time you move . . . well imagine hearing that all day long, multiplied by however many hikers happen to be in your hiking group . . . when you’re supposed to getting out on the hiking trail for a little peace and quiet . . . . I rest my case!
- Length – jacket-length hiking jackets aim to have the hem line just below the hip line, but there are some rain hiking jackets available which come right down to cover your backside . . . although these are more in demand for other outdoor activities like snowsports.
Hiking is FUN . . . even with the rain!
Especially if you have one of these!
