GORE-TEX Pro Men's Jackets

Standard or inflatable personal flotation device (PFD)? 

• Standard: Low-maintenance, always buoyant, great for various water sports, often with pockets. Can feel bulky, restrictive and hot while paddling. 
• Inflatable: Slimmer profile and comfortable, but must be inflated to work so not great for high-impact activities, kids under 16, nonswimmers or situations where you might end up injured or unconscious before you can inflate. Requires regular maintenance and replacement of carbon dioxide cartridge. 
• Hybrid: Balances features of both, with a heftier price tag. 

What conditions will you encounter? 

• Level 50: For competent swimmers and activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, where mobility is needed but 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 take a while.  

Finding the right fit 

• Try on PFDs with your paddling clothes to get the best fit.  
• Mimic paddling motions to ensure there’s no chafing. 
• Make sure it works with your seat without riding up or feeling uncomfortable. Shorter PFD work well for kayakers.  
• If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water; it should not ride up or slip over your chin while floating. 

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• A waterproof jacket keeps out hard, driving rain
• A water-resistant jacket can handle light rain for a brief time and is more breathable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Any waterproof jacket is also windproof to shield you in stormy weather
• A wind-resistant jacket will offer much lighter protection

Hard shell vs. soft shell

Like a waterproof and windproof rain jacket, a hard shell will offer the most protection, but less breathability than a soft shell.

Do you need insulation?
For very cold rainy weather, consider an insulated shell, which will have down or synthetic fill for warmth while being waterproof and windproof.

Proper care is key to performance

Every rain jacket or rain pant needs regular maintenance to keep on keeping you dry, so follow care instructions to keep yours lasting.