Regardless of the kind of outdoor activity you enjoy, it is very important to be equipped with all the right clothing and equipment. There are many different items you’ll need to consider taking with you, some mandatory, some optional, however, wearing a comfortable jacket that can provide you with all the comfort and protection against the outdoor conditions is definitely a must. This means you need nothing to settle for nothing less than a quality waterproof jacket. Whatever the activity, the requirements of the waterproof jacket are the same. It needs to keep you dry, it needs to be made of breathable material and be able to keep your comfortable.
There are plenty of waterproof jackets available and most of them are designed with a certain activity in mind. Some are made for activities like cycling and running and they are known for their high level of breathability. Others balance waterproofness, breathability and durability and that makes them a perfect choice for sports like ski-touring and mountaineering. However, most people need a jacket that can provide them with the basic, everyday protection and the good news is that you can choose between the wide range of brands, colours, fits and prices. That being said, let’s take a look at the different types of waterproof jackets available.
Waterproof Jacket
This classic model is appropriate for most types of outdoor activities. As the name suggests, these jackets provide a high level of protection. Depending on their waterproof rating, they can keep you dry even in the toughest of conditions. The materials they are made from may not be the softest ones, but they still offer a comfortable fit. They are breathable but come with different breathability ratings. They are practical and the best choice for hiking or if there’s a chance for spending many hours out in the rain.
Packawaya Jacket
As the name suggests, this jacket can be stowed into its own pocket. It is small and lightweight thus easy for storing. Packaway jackets do not offer the same level of waterproof protection as the regular waterproof jackets since they are made of a thinner material. They are windproof, breathable and incredibly lightweight which means wearing one even for a prolonged period of time can still feel comfortable. If you are not sure whether it’s going to rain or not, all you need to is to pack your packaway jacket and you are ready to go.
3-in-1 Jacket
This jacket gives you three different styles to cover yourself with, thus giving you the right protection for different conditions. They come with a good waterproof rate and the inner fleece provides a dose of warmth and comfort which makes it perfect for colder days. The fleece is removable so you can change it depending on the weather conditions. A 3-in-1 jacket is good for day-to-day activities all year round.
Softshell Jacket
These jackets are made of lightweight material which makes them extremely flexible and super popular among seasoned hikers. They can be designed with a high level of waterproofing and due to their flexibility and lightweight design, they are extremely comfortable jackets to wear. The material of softshell jackets is breathable and they are great for days with a light rainfall. They allow for easy movements and that makes them perfect for a long, active day.
