Keeping yourself warm and dry in the winter requires more than just a down or synthetic layer. Every season, you must wear a waterproof layer to stay dry when navigating an overgrown trail with wet vegetation or when hiking in the rain, sleet, or snow. A poncho or an umbrella can keep you dry, but a rain jacket is by far the most popular piece of waterproof gear. In the summer, a waterproof coat can be worn alone, while in the fall and winter, it can be layered with an insulated jacket.
What are the Best Rain Jackets?
Because there are thousands of options, determining the best rain jackets for a specific type of hiking can be difficult. A good jacket for paddling can be completely different than one for rock climbing. The best waterproof jackets for hiking and the type of outdoor activities you do may differ. Here are my top three rain jackets, all for the winter hiking season. Great Value: Patagonia Micro Puff The Patagonia Micro Puff is my favorite rain jacket. A super lightweight, designed for cold conditions, which helps keep the rain out, it is also a puffy jacket that is lightweight and packs away small, and is super light, which allows you to layer it over a base layer and another jacket.
Choose the right material
You want to find a good quality rain jacket, whether it is for winter or summer. Some waterproof products are completely waterproof, but that can add a lot of bulk. When selecting a waterproof jacket, the two most popular materials to choose from are Gore-Tex and the more affordable Imprest. Both waterproofs, however, are the same from brand to brand. Gore-Tex is a more technical, water-repellent material that has formed into a one-piece shell that fits over your body like a second skin. It is very durable, which is why it is a popular option for manufacturers. As a result, you can take a lot more punishment from the elements before having to throw the jacket aside.
Choose the right size
We all know we need the right clothing size for the season, but what about when it comes to waterproof outerwear? There is a variety of available sizes that vary according to the fabric, insulation, pattern, and, of course, material. This is important to understand because size doesn’t necessarily correlate to comfort or performance. Sizes come in just one form, so let’s start by determining what weight each one is. Cold-climate types often avoid large sizes because of their bulk. Once you get up to 30 percent of your body weight in insulation, you can try 30 percent of the garment. A 200-pound person should buy a size 16.
Choose the right color
When picking a rain jacket for optimal protection, consider the color of the garment to best fit the style and vibe you are going for. According to Jeanine Grasselli, Outdoor Nutritionist and founder of The Complete Gear Guy, “If your desired rain jacket is navy, you’re likely looking for a dark shade of blue to brighten things up. If you’re trying to keep things simple, go with black or olive.” She also recommends green for summer when it’s bright, and a darker, navy for the cooler months. If it’s an all-black option, she recommends making it pop with color accents. Except for the Samer, some of my favorite all-black coats are by Joe Rains, the Samer umbrella line, and Umbrella Man. That’s a berry-colored one.
Conclusion
The weather in autumn is unpredictable, so an overabundance of rain gear isn’t exactly desirable. However, understanding how to apply the best layering system and the best waterproof rain jacket will help you through this time of year. Protecting your face from the elements will not only keep you from catching a cold, but it will also keep you from becoming an environmental villain as you walk among the foliage. The products we recommend in this post have all been thoroughly tested by us and may have been sent to us by the manufacturer for review.
