Gore Tex Rain Jackets and Suits

Posted by Camp Trainer on Feb 17, 2009 in Clothing • No comments • 307 views

What To Look For In Rain Gear?

A Gore-Tex rain suit (jacket and pants) can set you back anywhere from $200 to more than $500. If you’re going to drop some money on rain gear, you want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Here’s what to look for:

What makes it waterproof and breathable? Sometimes, so-called waterproof / breathable products are nothing more than a coated nylon jacket made breathable by adding such elements such as back vents. Don’t be fooled. This is not the same as Gore-Tex, which is a waterproof / breathable membrance that is bonded to the fabric. In addition to Gore-Tex, there are proprietary waterproof/breathable laminates produced by individual manufacturers.

Take into consideration the reputation of the company if you’re trying to evaluate a new product you haven’t heard of before.

Simplicity of design: High tech rain gear for some reason has become trendy fashion apparel on inner city streets giving a whole new meaning to city slickers. And it has led to some startling colors and designs. As with other backpacking gear, too many gizmos and seams most often lead to problems (tears and leakage). It’s better for the backpacker to choose an unfashionably bland jacket made out of as few pieces of fabric as possible than to succumb to the allure of a Joseph’s dreamcoat made of many different colors stitched together.

3-ply fabric: Gore Tex isn’t really a fabric; its a membrane bonded to a fabric. 2-ply Gore Tex consists of 2 layers: the outer fabric and the inner membrane. This construction requires a layer of something to go between the inner laminate and your skin, usually a lightweight liner that in my experience acts as a condensation trap - you start feeling wet the minute you work up a sweat. 3-ply fabric is a Gore Tex sandwich: the laminate is safely ensconced between 2 layers, and there’s no need for that extra liner.

Adequate length: The bottom of the jacket should cover your derriere. Extra long sleeves allow you to pull the sleeves over your hands when your fingers turn to ice in a heavy cold rain. If the sleeves are long, be sure they don’t have a cuff closure so they don’t drive you crazy the rest of the time.

No extra insulation. Remember the law of layering. Never use one item where 2 will do. An insulated rain jacket is only useful in the most frigid temperatures, and even then, it’s not as versatile as the combination of a non0insulated jacket and a pile jacket or wool sweater.

A comfortable loose fit: You want to be able to fit the jacket over a couple of layers of clothing. A loose fit also helps with ventilation.

Where the pockets are: High pockets mean that you’ll be able to unzip them and get at your snacks and gloves without undoing your pack’s hip belt.

How comfortable is the hood with a pack on? This is a picky little issue, but a good fit means comfort.

Ventilation: When you’re working hard, you might work up more sweat than can pass through the laminate. Design features like “pit-zips” under your arms help you stay more comfortable.

Zipper length on pants: You need to be able to take your rain pants on and off with a minimum of fuss. Calf-high zippers will go over hiking boots (barely) but not over crampons. If you’re heading to ice country, get full-length zips.

Storm flaps: These protect zippers and other openings from wind, rain and snow.

Frogg Toggs Elite Highway Rain Suit - Breathable (For Men) - $109.95 (Save 38%)

Frogg Toggs’ Elite Highway series rain suit is made of three layers of polyester, plus a DriPore® membrane for completely waterproof breathable performance. Patented seam sealing process eliminates needle holes and other possible leaks.

Palisades Jacket - Women’s

Get almost militant protection from the weather with GORE-TEX Performance Shell when you slip into the Palisades Jacket from Marmot. Heavy rain and sleet prove an unworthy enemy for the tough, durable shell’s laminate and seam taping while the smooth, paneled mesh interior and Zippin compatibility make it easy to add in additional layers for extra warmth.