words Al Woods
You can never have enough jackets in your wardrobe. They are the ultimate garment for versatility, and you should never settle for less than the best men’s rain jacket. With so many options, however, it can be tough to choose just one. This guide will help you do just that.
Material
The most common materials in rain jackets are nylon, polyester, or cotton. Nylon is very durable but tends to be more expensive. Polyester is also pretty durable and usually cheaper than nylon. Cotton is less expensive than both options but will not last as long as the other materials.
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Cotton
Waterproof rating
So, how do you tell if a rain jacket is waterproof? The waterproof rating printed on any item’s tag will indicate its ability to protect you from rain and snow. The higher the rating, the more waterproof it will be. But don’t just look at this number. When testing their jackets, manufacturers use different methods to measure how long it takes for water to pass through them—so even if two jackets have the same stated rating, they may not perform equally in your hands.
Breathability
Breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow moisture vapor to pass through. The more breathable the material, the more comfortable you will be when active in it. This can be especially important if you’re working up a sweat or are in an environment with lots of moisture.
Waterproof but not breathable materials will trap sweat inside and make you feel clammy quickly. If your jacket doesn’t allow air inside, it keeps your body from releasing heat and, therefore, won’t let you cool down as easily as if there were airflow inside.
Features
The first thing to consider when purchasing a rain jacket is the features you need. Think about what will be useful for your particular needs:
- Pockets – Are there pockets to put tools or snacks in? What are they like?
- Hood – Does it come with a hood, or will you need to purchase one separately?
- Pit zips – Are they adjustable to expand or contract as needed? Do they work properly? Can they be opened with one hand while wearing gloves, if necessary?
- Sleeves – Is there an option for adjustable sleeve length on this jacket (like Velcro tabs)? Do these sleeves accommodate gloves comfortably, if necessary?
- Waist cinch/adjusters – Can these be adjusted as small as possible around the waist so that extra material does not get caught in equipment such as climbing harnesses and rappelling ropes?
Design
Design is definitely one of the most important aspects of a good rain jacket. If a jacket doesn’t fit properly, it won’t do you much good in any other way. You also don’t want to look like an idiot wearing your new rain jacket. That’s why it’s important to find something stylish that can still be worn in most situations. Finally, you need to make sure that the design is also functional. For example, if the hood isn’t waterproof or can easily be pushed down by gusts of wind, then what’s the point?
It may take some time, but eventually, you’ll find a jacket that fits all these criteria and more!
Fit
When it comes to rain jackets, fit is everything. If your jacket doesn’t fit properly, you could become uncomfortable and lose some of its functionality. Many factors can affect how well it fits when shopping for a rain jacket. So, before you buy one, make sure that you measure your body and select the best-fitting size for your needs.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to purchasing the best rain jacket for men. If you remember the key points, we outlined, finding your next favorite waterproof outerwear should be easier. The most important thing is that you have fun with it.
