GORE-TEX Pro Men's Jackets

Standard or inflatable personal flotation device (PFD)? 

• Standard: Low-maintenance, always buoyant, great for various sports, often with pockets. Can feel bulky, restrictive and hot while paddling. 
• Inflatable: Slimmer profile, comfortable, but must be inflated to work and requires more maintenance.
• Hybrid: Balances features of both, but heftier price. 

What conditions will you encounter? 

• Level 50: For competent swimmers and high-mobility activities (kayaking, paddle boarding), where quick rescue is expected.  
• Level 70: For calm, inland waters where fast rescue is likely. 
• Level 100: For rough or remote waters or offshore where rescue may lag.  

Finding the right fit 

• Try on PFDs over paddling clothes for the best fit.  
• Mimic paddling motions. 
• Test with your seat to see if it's comfortable. Kayakers may prefer a shorter PFD.  
• If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water; it shouldn't ride up while floating. 

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price