How to Choose Rainwear
 our outer shell does more than keep off rain. Rainwear also protects you from wind, snow and cold. Different garment styles, fabrics and construction are available to suit a wide variety of needs.
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- Your choice of rainwear depends on expected weather and climate, your planned activities and your budget.
- The main fabric choices for rainwear are waterproof/breathable, water-resistant/breathable, and waterproof/non-breathable.
- Waterproof/breathable fabrics, available in different weights, are the most versatile fabrics.
- Features such as vents, zippers and linings can add to your comfort.
- Other considerations include a garment's style and cut, plus how well it packs.
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Choose rainwear appropriate for your outdoor plans. How and where will you be using it? Anticipate the most extreme conditions you might encounter and plan accordingly. Will you be in a canoe, waiting for the fish to bite? Hiking or running a trail? Visiting a rainforest? Skiing or climbing in a snowstorm? Walking around town?
Begin your search for the right rainwear by considering all of the following:
- Temperatures you expect to encounter most often
- Amount and type of precipitation you anticipate
- Types of activities where you'll use your rainwear
- Budget
Fabric affects the performance and comfort of your outer layer. Rainwear fabric falls into three basic categories:
- Waterproof/Breathable
- Water-Resistant/Breathable
- Waterproof/Non-Breathable
Waterproof/Breathable
Because water vapor is able to pass through the fabric, waterproof/breathable shells are appropriate for the widest range of activities and weather conditions. Such fabrics are not 100 percent waterproof or perfectly breathable, but they do an impressive job of repelling water while allowing water vapor to escape as you work up a sweat.
Typical Uses—Waterproof/breathable fabric can be found in a variety of garments—technical parkas for skiing and mountaineering, more casual rainwear for hiking or around-town use.
Positives—Waterproof/breathable layers are an excellent choice for a wide range of weather conditions and activities. Their combination of breathability and moisture protection means that you can buy a single layer for everything from summer backpacking to backcountry skiing.
Negatives—Even waterproof/breathable fabrics have their limits. Exact performance depends on the specific type of waterproof/breathable fabric used, the outside temperature, your activity level and other factors. Waterproof/breathable fabrics are more expensive than other types of outerwear.
Examples—There are two types of waterproof/breathable fabrics: laminates and coated fabrics. Both are very effective. A membrane such as Gore-Tex®, REI Elements® or Marmot MemBrain™ is laminated to a base nylon or polyester fabric. Or a waterproof/breathable coating is applied. Coated, waterproof/breathable fabrics include Hydroseal®, Columbia Sportswear Omni Tech Ceramic™ and Lowe Triple Point® Ceramic. All of these fabrics also have a durable water-replellent finish (or DWR) on the outside that causes water to bead up and roll off.
Water Resistant/Breathable
These shells serve as breathable outer layers for mild weather, light precipitation and high activity level. They're made of tightly woven fabrics (such as mini ripstop nylon) that block the wind, and they're also treated with a durable, water-resistant (DWR) outer finish to make water bead and roll off.
Typical Uses—Water-resistant/breathable fabrics are perfect for anyone who needs weather protection during strenuous outdoor activities such as running, cycling or Nordic skiing. They're also appropriate in warm conditions where breathability is important and the chance of heavy precipitation is low.
Positives—Water-resistant/breathable layers repel wind and light precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you cool when your body heats up. They tend to be lighter, less bulky and less expensive than other outer layers.
Negatives—They are not adequately weatherproof to protect you in harsh conditions or during extended periods of rain.
Examples—This rainwear is typically made of lightweight polyester or nylon, which is tightly woven to keep out wind and light drizzle while allowing water vapor to escape. The fabrics have a durable water repellent (or DWR) finish that causes water to bead up and roll off before it can be absorbed.
Waterproof/Non-Breathable
Typically made of a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon or PVC, these economical shells are water- and windproof, making them ideal for light activity in heavy precipitation.
Typical Uses—Waterproof/non-breathable layers are most commonly used during low-energy activities and when the chance of heavy precipitation is high. Because they're so affordable, waterproof/non-breathable fabrics are also used occasionally in moderate conditions. Examples include ponchos and vented rain suits.
Positives—Waterproof/non-breathable layers offer the ultimate protection from rain and wind. They are more durable and less expensive than most other outer layer options.
Negatives—Non-breathable layers can get extremely uncomfortable with even moderate exercise and outdoor temperatures. The moisture and heat that your body produces cannot pass through the fabric itself so these layers must be cut extremely loose (ponchos, for instance) or they must have generous vents to allow body heat and sweat to escape. This type of rainwear is generally heavier and bulkier than other styles.
Examples—PVC and polyurethane-coated nylon jackets, pants and ponchos typically make up this type of rainwear.
There's more to choosing rainwear than simply deciding on the right type of fabric. The cut of the garment and features such as vents and zippers also contribute to its overall function. Consider the following when making your rainwear choice:
Parka, Jacket, Anorak or Poncho—Full-zip jackets or parkas are easier to put on and take off than anoraks (pullover jackets). However, more zippers mean a higher risk of leaks. Parkas cover the hips for better overall protection, but shorter-cut jackets typically pack down smaller and provide ample coverage when paired with rain pants. Ponchos are inexpensive, waterproof and allow plenty of ventilation.
Full-Zip or Pull-On Pants—While more expensive than pull-on types, rain pants with full side zippers allow quick changes on the trail, opening wide for boots or shoes. Pull-on rain pants can provide better protection in continued heavy rain. Again, fewer zippers mean fewer chances for leaks. Some feature ankle zips to allow easier changes.
Hoods—Integral (permanently attached) hoods offer the best resistance against leaks. Hoods that can be rolled up or folded away when not in use are less bulky.
Elastic cords with toggles that can adjust the hood around your face can greatly increase comfort and visibility. Some rainwear styles have hoods with stiffened visors, and some even have brims that can be shaped to fit better. Look for adjustment tabs on the back of the hood to allow for better fit and visibility.
Chin Guards—Chin guards are fleece or knit synthetic fabric linings on the inside of the collar that protect your face from zipper abrasion and the cold, wet and frost that can build up from freezing breath.
Pockets—The more pockets an outer layer has, the easier it will be for you to store essential gear items. But keep in mind that pockets increase the weight of the layer and can result in more leaks. Pockets should be easy to reach, easy to open and close, and well protected against leaks. Some jackets feature a Napoleon pocket, a vertically zipped pocket that allows you to assume the posture of Napoleon who often posed with his hand inside his jacket. We're not sure about Napoleon's rationale. Today, the pocket is designed to secure small items where they can be easily accessed.
Linings—Free-hanging nylon or polyester linings are often used to protect waterproof/breathable fabrics from wear and tear. Mesh linings weigh less and breathe better than solid linings but don't offer as much protection. Some outer layers (like 3-ply Gore-Tex®) have lining materials that are attached right to the inside face of the outer layer fabric, eliminating the need for a separate, free-hanging liner. More technical jackets feature moisture-wicking linings for comfort during high-energy activities.
Sealed Seams—Sealed seams are a must for any waterproof outer layer, since they keep water from seeping through sewing holes. Sealed seams are not necessary for water-resistant layers. Some manufacturers, including those making Gore-Tex® garments, seal their seams at the factory. Others recommend that you apply seam sealer at home, although this is not as common as factory sealing.
Vents—Vents enhance a garment's ability to breathe, no matter what type of fabric is used in its construction. The larger the vent, the better the airflow, but the greater the risk of leaks. Typical vents include under-arm zips, mesh-lined chest pockets that double as vents, and mesh shoulder yokes with draft flaps across the upper back.
Storm Flaps—Storm flaps cover zippers, pockets and other openings to protect against leaks. They are commonly found on front zippers, underarm zips, full-zip pants and external pockets.
Technical Design Features
Some rainwear is specifically designed for alpine sports or cold, wet conditions. Look for the following if your planned activities include climbing, mountaineering, skiing or snowshoeing:
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Fabric Reinforcements—prevent wear and tear at the seat, knees, elbows or shoulders from pack straps or contact with rocks or snow.
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Articulated Elbows and Knees—allow excellent range of motion.
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Scuff Guards—protect fabric on the inside edges of pant legs from skis or crampons.
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Longer Sleeves—keep arms covered while reaching with climbing tools.
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Shorter Hems—allow easy access to the climbing harness.
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Drawcord Hem or Powder Skirt—seals out wind, snow and rain.
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Plastic boots offer warmth and dryness that you can't get from leather boots. Plastic boots have molded notches in the toes and heels to allow attachment of step-in crampons, as well. Their rigid structures make them well suited to vertical ice as they provide the support your feet need for front-pointing. For cold, steep, technical climbs, they are usually the preferred way to go.
Mountaineering boots with molded plastic midsoles and grooves in toes and heels for step-in crampons are ideal for moderate ice climbs in milder weather. They can also be paired with overboots for cold weather climbing.
Gaiters are a must for keeping your feet dry in snow and ice. Those with rugged materials such as Cordura® nylon are designed to withstand the abrasion of ice and rock. Gore-Tex® gaiters offer waterproof protection for all-day exposure to wet conditions. Snow gaiters have neoprene straps underfoot that adjust to fit your boots and provide a tight seal.
Finding gloves that will keep your hands dry (or at least warm) and allow you dexterity for placing or removing ice screws is essential. Without them, getting an ice screw off your harness and into the ice can be an exercise in frustration! Ideal gloves for ice climbing have gauntlets to keep the snow out of your sleeves and textured palms and fingers for traction on ice tools. They also have "keeper cords" that secure around your wrists to prevent losing them mid-climb if you remove them. Many have padded backings that protect your hands from bashing against the ice, and rugged fabrics that can withstand the abrasion dished out by an alpine wall.
