No matter you are an outdoor adventurer or not, whenever it rains, the first thing you look for is a raincoat or rain jacket that can keep you dry. Isn’t it? Now, discussing from the   perspective of a traveller or hiker, a rain jacket is one of the most important equipment for them as it provides safety and comfort during their journey, thus, has to be a quality product. With an overflow of brands and options present on the market, choosing the right one might become an overwhelming task. But if you know the basic specifications to be considered during the buying process, you can grab the best rain jacket in no time.

Check out the factors you need to keep in mind before you start scratching your head seeing all those amazing options lying in the store.

For those who want a quick sneak-peak into what are the main pointers of the selection process, take a cursory look here.

  • Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Decide whether you want a rain jacket for occasional light precipitation or heavy rainfall?
  • Type of Rain Jacket Layer: See, what kind of rain jacket layer is the best one for you, is it 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer?
  • Additional Features: Check what extra features you want in your jackets such as hoods, pockets, or any other according to your outdoor activity.

Waterproof v/s Water-Resistant

Water-Resistant: A water-resistant rain jacket is available with coating of the durable water repellent (DWR) finish that can protect you from occasional light rain. Made from materials like polyester and nylon, the jackets have been treated with the water-resistant treatment and are not completely waterproof, thus are not effective under heavy downpours.

Waterproof: Having a waterproof jacket means water cannot enter inside and it can easily withstand continuous and heavy rainfall and keep you dry. GORE-TEX, DryQ, and Hyvent are some of the common waterproof membranes used for waterproof jackets.

All in all, no matter if it is a water-resistant or waterproof jacket, DWR finish is usually used as a spray on both the types. It is used as a coating on the outer layer rather than permeating, doing this will let water roll off the jacket.

The Kind of Layer

The next thing you need to consider is - for what purpose you need a rain jacket and then accordingly decide the layer you want. There are 3 different types of layers available, check out the individual features of these layers.

2- Layer Rain Jacket: A rain jacket with 2-layers, which is considered when you want to roam around the town and in case of light precipitation. These jackets usually don’t come with armpit ventilation, thus are not considered for the high-intensity activities.

2.5-Layer Rain Jacket: If you want to leave for the high-intensity outdoor activities, a rain jacket with 2.5 layers is a great option to be considered. These jackets are available with arm-pit zips for proper ventilation. The jacket is quite lightweight and easy to pack as compared to the 3-layer jacket. If you’re a travel enthusiast, a rain jacket with a 2.5 layer is the best option to start with.

3-Layer Rain Jacket: Next on the list is a rain jacket with 3-layers, which is quite technical and you need to pay a higher amount as compared to the jackets mentioned above. These jackets are heavy, tough, and can withstand any type of weather condition. GORE-TEX membrane is majorly used on these jackets. If you’re going on a trek, hike, or travelling otherwise that includes spending time in nature, a 3-layer rain jacket is an ideal option.

Additional Features

Apart from these prime features, there are a few additional qualities you can look for in your rain jacket, which includes:

Perfect Hood Size: You don’t want to constantly adjust the hood of your rain jacket while travelling, so find the jacket with a hood that fits perfectly like a helmet and secure your head from rain.

Pockets: If you’re planning for backpacking, a rain jacket with pockets would be a great choice. A chest pocket is ideal for keeping small items handy like your map. If you want a jacket to wear within the city, an option with fewer pockets could be a nice pick.

You see how easy it was to get into the selection process. Remember that the rain jacket is more than its look. Technical features and other functions should be kept in mind carefully for ease of wearing and comfort. You’re investing in an essential, thus, ensure you’re doing it the right way.