Hiking jacket is perhaps the main part of our equipment. The torso occupies a large area of human body, thus we lose a lot of warmth when we do not protect it from the cold. As we know, hiking clothing differs from our casual clothes, as it is used in extreme conditions and must meet high requirements. Those requirements sometimes might be contradictory, such as durability and lightness, water resistance and breathability. All this became possible thanks to the use of the latest technologies and materials. In this article, we have tried to give a detailed information about the types and significance of hiking jackets.
Clothing in the mountains has two main functions – protection from wind and water, and providing warmth.
Hiking jackets are divided into different types. To make a right choice, you should know the significance of every type, as well as the weather forecast for hiking area. We should note that all modern hiking jackets have a membrane layer.
Types of Hiking Jackets
“Hardshell” jackets are made from durable polyester or similar synthetic material. They protect from wind and water, provide ventilation to the body and help to eliminate the sweat thanks to a membrane layer. These jackets do not have thermal insulation layer, so you cannot wear them directly on the body. These jackets are the third protective layer of three-layered clothing system against wind, rain, snow, blizzards. Underneath the hardshell jacket, there should be an insulating layer of clothing – a fleece jacket or similar warm clothing.
Hiking jacket
“Softshell” jackets are something between fleece and hardshell jackets. They are made of thicker and multi-layered fabric, have thermal insulation layer or filler, membrane, and the outer layer is processed with waterproof substances. Either way these jackets do not offer as much wind and water protection as the hardshell. They are very suitable for one-day hikes, as well as for wearing in the city, especially for those who lead an active life. Softshell jackets are often used as a second thermal layer instead of fleece, or as an additional forth layer in extreme cold conditions. However, remember that these jackets are not that lightweight.
“Downshell” jackets may have different names depending on the patent brand name: “down shell”, “insulate”, “downshell” and so on. These jackets are designed for more extreme conditions, mainly mountaineering. Just like the hardshell, these jackets have a durable outer layer that protects from the wind and water. They usually have strengthened membrane layer and a thermal insulating filler made of goose feathers. The most important function of these jackets is protection from wind. As in high mountains, the wind speed may exceed 60 km/h.
How to Choose a Membrane Jacket
Nowadays the most popular membrane jacket is Gore-Tex. However, different companies use their personal processed membranes. For example, “Redfox” has membranes called “windstopper”, which they use in the production of “Downshell” jackets. These are mountaineering jackets and their main function is wind protection.
Hiking jacket
Membranes also differ in the degree of water resistance. Since the membrane is a compromise between water resistance and breathability, its types can be different, depending on preferences. Gore-Tex has three types of membranes.
- Gore-Tex active is the option that has maximal breathing and minimal water resistance functions. It is designed for active sports in foggy or cold weather, when the body sweats a lot and it has to take out the sweat quickly.
- Gore-Tex is a universal option that will be suitable for almost any weather condition.
- Gore-Tex pro provides maximum durability and protection from wind and water. However, the breathing function is weak. Therefore, this membrane is suitable for cold weather, mainly during mountaineering ascents.
Water resistance of hiking jackets is measured in mmHg. This applies to any waterproof fabric. To make the right choice, use the following scale:
- Less than 1.000 mmHg – only protects against mild wind
- 1.000-2.000 mmHg – protects in foggy weather and during drizzling rain
- 2.000-4.000 mmHg – protects during moderate rainfall for up to 3-4 hours
- 4.000-7.000 mmHg – protects during long rain and intermittent showers
- More than 7.000 mmHg – long and heavy rain, strong wind and hail.
When choosing hiking jacket, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and thoroughly examine the weather conditions in your hiking trail. After that, you will surely make a right choice.
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