Buying Rainwear

The essence of outdoor activities is where your are - in the elements, rain or shine, windy, cold, or steamy. Preparing for your adventure means knowing what might happen and being ready, whether that means the right gear, training, or planning. When it comes to gear, an important choice is how to stay dry - your rainwear.

The first major development in rain gear was rubberized cotton, which kept all water out and all air in. When the wearer exerted themselves and started to sweat, some form of opening or vent system was needed to let the moist air out. The next significant step was when the Burberry company introduced waterproofed gabardine cotton that allowed moisture out, so underlayers stayed drier and more comfortable. Then, in 1969, Robert Gore discovered expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane, which eventually led to Gore-Tex, currently the industry standard for waterproof-breathable performance. Since then, many similar products have been developed, all sharing the same fundamental structure: millions of holes per square inch, each too small for liquid water to pass through, but large enough for water vapor to penetrate.

What this means to you is that when shopping for waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, hats, or footwear, when it says 'waterproof,' you can expect it is also 'breathable,' reducing moisture buildup and improving comfort. But how to choose the best for you?

Waterproof vs. water resistant: When talking about outdoor gear, everything will have some amount of water resistance because the manufacturers know that drier, cleaner gear works better, so they apply Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings that also repel dirt and stains. All raingear has a heavy DWR applied as part of keeping the pore structure open to permit breathability. However, a DWR coating alone will only keep water out for the time it takes you to get from your car to the mall. If you're spending more time than that in the rain, make sure your gear is waterproof.

Construction: No matter what something is made out of, it's the seams that make the difference. A duffel bag stitched together from vinyl fabric will leak through those stitch holes. So, when shopping for raingear, the first thing to look at is the seams. You will be able to see the bonded tape along every stitched seam, from the inside or outside. If you can identify a vertical sealed seam running down to the hem, you can safely assume every external seam has been sealed. In non-breathable vinyl and some rubber raingear and equipment, the material itself is welded at the seams, forming an excellent seal at a low price.

Common features will include: hood adjustments for the face opening and across the ears; tall collar to keep rain and wind out; elastic and hook-and-loop adjustments at the cuff; water resistant zippers or protective flaps, underarm pit zip venting, mesh ventilating hand pockets, and stow pockets with pulls on both sides of the slider.

As you shop, you'll see a wide range of prices, from $50 to $500. As in most outdoor gear, price will be a direct indicator of quality and features, with the higher prices on gear where no compromise has been made for the most technical user. In rainwear, the type of waterproof-breathable system used varies what activities the item will be used for. The main categories are:

2.5 Layer Waterproof: Fabric construction comprised of outer shell material with a waterproof breathable coating and silk-screened pattern to provide abrasion resistance and improved lining texture. This fabric is light and very packable, with a smooth finish that slides easily over fleece and knit midlayers. Most 2.5 Layer jackets and pants will be under $175 and be offered with standard features like pit zips/vents, ventilating mesh pockets, and a wide array of colors. The Marmot Precip line uses 2.5 layer fabric throughout.

2 Layer Waterproof: Fabric construction comprised of outer shell material bonded to a waterproof breathable membrane or coating, with no other layers. Can expose the thin and delicate waterproof element to abrasion, requiring a 'drop' lining of polyester mesh or taffeta fabric, stitched around the edges. Is usually more economical than three layer construction, but bulkier than coated or 2.5 Layer fabrics. Most commonly found in cold-weather, jackets and pants in the $150-$300 range.

3 Layer Waterproof : Fabric construction comprised of outer shell material, waterproof breathable membrane, and woven lining material laminated together. Can vary in weight but is generally the most expensive type of construction. Advantages are superior durability and protection for the waterproof membrane, low bulk, and minimal design. Drawbacks are price ($250 and up), design (tend toward a more technical aesthetic), and small feature set (few pockets, stiffer fabrics). Commonly found in high-end and very technical jackets and pants.

Is Gore-Tex Worth the Price?

Yes. Every outdoor brand has its own 'house brands' of waterproof-breathable systems, but pretty much all of them still use Gore-Tex when they build for their most technical customers or have a product where performance is critical. Gore's commitment to product development and end-customer service is a big part of why they dominate the market. It is The Good Stuff. The related question, 'Do I need Gore-Tex?' is tougher. The Gore tag will add 30 to 50% to the price of an item, and the comparable products with house brand waterproofing will certainly keep you dry, but they won't perform as well and will probably wear out sooner.

Choosing a Jacket

The most important factor in your jacket choice is how you are going to use it. If you want a backup to carry along on many adventures in all weather, check out the lighter, more packable 2.5 layer jackets. If it will be worn most of the time you're outside, the more durable, heavier 2 layer parkas are an excellent choice. If price isn't a factor or you need maximum performance with minimal clutter, make sure '3 layer' is part of the conversation.

You should try on the jacket with your typical outfit, but also add a fleece or sweater to see how the cut allows for freedom of movement. Put the hood up and play with the adjustments and turn your head - does it move with you? Manipulate all the zippers to see how much effort it takes.

Choosing Pants

Rain pants are intended to be worn over everything else, so try them on that way. In the backcountry, you rarely have the chance to find a bench and kick off your boots, so try those pants on standing right by the rack. A significant design feature to look for are full side zippers that allow you to completely open the outside of the legs, making it possible to put on or remove the pants with less effort and hassle. The side zips can also act as vents, a valuable feature when you can feel the sweat but the rain isn't quite over yet.

Care and maintenance

Raingear is mostly nylon, polyester, and plastic pieces, so it won't wear and fray like your jean jacket, but it still needs some maintenance to work well. The waterproof-breathable system can become clogged with dirt and skin oils, so a run through the wash at least once a year is recommended. Use the simplest laundry soap you can find, like Tech Wash from NikWax, and run it through the dryer for about 20 minutes on low heat. This will melt and redistribute the DWR over the outside and your gear will feel more like it did when new. Do not dryclean your raingear.

After enough washings or packing/unpacking cycles, the DWR will wear off and should be restored. A good water repellent pump spray like NikWax's TX Direct can do wonders. It is applied between the washer and dryer steps of cleaning.