You should purchase two forms of rain jackets for climbing and backpacking: waterproof/breathable rain jackets and waterproof however non-breathable ones. Whereas waterproof/breathable rain jackets will repel rain, you’re nonetheless more likely to get moist inside from perspiration buildup as a result of the breathable membrane can’t transport water vapor quick sufficient to maintain up. The water vapor transmission charge is additional impeded by the truth that your backpack, backpack straps, and hip belt cowl half the floor space of the jacket. Needless to say waterproof/breathable jackets solely transmit water vapor. As soon as your perspiration condenses into sweat and liquid type, it may well’t be vented by a breathable membrane.
When you settle for that you simply’ll get moist from perspiration anyway, you would possibly as nicely purchase a rain jacket that’s completely waterproof (doesn’t require DWR reproofing) and never breathable. If it has pit zips, you possibly can no less than open them as much as vent extra warmth and average the quantity you sweat.
Listed here are the most well-liked non-breathable rain jackets for climbing and backpacking that we advocate.
Lightheart Gear makes 20D ripstop polyester Rain Jackets for women and men which might be completely waterproof with a silicone coating on the skin and a polyurethane coating on the within. The entire rain jacket seams are taped to forestall leaking. The jackets have extra-long pit-zips with waterproof zippers and adjustable hoods with a small versatile brim to maintain the rain off your face. In addition they make ripstop polyester rain pants and rain skirts.
Frogg Toggs makes a large assortment of light-weight rain gear. The Frogg Toggs XtremeLite Rain Jacket is standard with hikers as a result of it’s extremely sturdy, totally seam-taped, and has a totally adjustable hood with brim, zippered facet pockets, Velcro wrist closures, and a cord-adjustable waist.
AntiGravity Gear makes a unisex 70D siliconized nylon Rain Jacket that’s not manufacturing facility seam-taped or seam-sealed. It has lengthy pit zips, an adjustable hood with a brim, a two-way zipper, adjustable wrist closures, and a cord-adjustable waist. In addition they make siliconized rain pants and a rain kilt.
The Warbonnet Outside makes The Stash Jacket,a unisex rain jacket made with 30D siliconized polyester. It’s not seam-sealed however has an adjustable hood and really lengthy 22” pit zips that present air flow and entry to your pants pockets.
Sea-to-Summit makes the Extremely-Sil Nano Poncho. It’s a 15D silnylon poncho with seam-tabled seams and an prolonged entrance invoice to maintain rain out of your face. In addition they promote an Extremely-Sil Nano Poncho Tarp, which may double as an ultralight tarp shelter.
Six Moon Designs (SMD) makes a poncho known as The Gatewood Cape, which will also be used as an ultralight tarp. It’s made with siliconized nylon and is massive sufficient to cowl your backpack when worn.
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