This is where you see third party technologies with silly names (GoreTex, eVent, MemBrain Strata). For these jackets, a special membrane is incorporated into the construction of the jacket, making waterproofing (and breathability) an integral part of the jacket. The flip side is that this type of jacket is not super expensive, with Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and The North Face all offering (pretty much) the same thing for (pretty much) the same price. Unfortunately since the waterproofing is only painted on, it will break down over the course of a few years. They are breathable, which means water vapor (in this case your sweat) can move out, but liquid water (rain) can't move in. These are the cheapest things that actually work. Basically a they take a standard windbreaker and spray paint a magical material on the inside. Some people are attracted to the low prices, you seeing as how you're in BIFL, you obviously want to buy something that works. This is what you will find marked waterproof for $20-$50 dollars. It will keep you dry, until you sweat yourself into your own set of kidney stones. Wearing a sealed plastic jacket will feel like wearing a trash bag. The first, and cheapest, is to be made of plastic. There are three ways to make something waterproof. If it doesn't say, assume it is an untreated style jacket, or at best only water resistant. Waterproofing a jacket is a very expensive undertaking, so if the manufacturer took the time to do it, they will let you know. How do you know which it is? It will tell you. Water resistant means the jacket won't get wet, but you will.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |