Waterproof Mountain Jacket. Is It Essential?

Now that the rainy season is approaching, it seems essential to always carry a waterproof jacket in any activity we do in the mountains, but this means that we have to carry more weight in the backpack or simply go out with a jacket that does not let water through.

Next, we will teach you what a mountain coat or jacket should have to be waterproof, what materials they are made with and what the advantages and disadvantages are, so that you can decide if it is necessary to wear a waterproof jacket.

What is a waterproof mountain jacket?

A waterproof mountain jacket ‘s main function is to prevent water from passing through , this is because these jackets are made with a special fabric, with a minimum thickness of 2500 mm . Some waterproof mountain coats are up to 10,000 mm thick , to be able to withstand any downpour.

Types of waterproof jackets for the mountains

Depending on the storm or the activity you are going to do in the mountains, we must choose between one type of waterproof jacket or another.

• Windbreaker : The windbreaker is a water-resistant garment, but it is not waterproof.
• Raincoat : The raincoat is a very light and waterproof garment that allows you to do any activity in the mountains at a high pace. Perfect for when you don’t know if it’s going to rain and you need to put something in your backpack that doesn’t take up much space, just in case.
• Anorak : An anorak is a completely waterproof jacket , but much heavier than a raincoat. The anorak will protect you from minimum temperatures and heavy rain while you go on an excursion. This jacket is ideal for winter walks, but not for running.

Before buying a waterproof jacket, look at this

To know how to identify if a jacket is waterproof or not, we must take into account a series of values, such as the material, the seams or the thickness of the layers.

The importance of seams in a waterproof jacket

It is very important to make sure, when you are going to buy a waterproof jacket, that the seams are well sealed or heat-sealed , since if they are not, it can cause water to get inside and in the end we get wet. This can happen when the rain is quite intense.

Water-resistant is not the same as waterproof

It is one of the first issues you should understand, being waterproof is not the same as being waterproof. If we go out on a day when it rains a lot, with a waterproof jacket, we will surely get wet. That is why it is always ideal to look at the label and see the type of material, to see if it is a waterproof jacket or not.

How thick a waterproof jacket should be depending on the type of rain

• 2500 mm – 5000 mm thickness: If a waterproof jacket has this thickness, do not expect it to protect you from a downpour, this thickness does not have very high resistance, only for light rain .
• 6,000 mm – 9,000 mm thickness: This thickness is not enough either, but you can withstand moderate rain .
• 10,000 mm -15,000 mm thick: With this you can already consider a 100% waterproof jacket, capable of withstanding any type of rain .
• 15000 mm – 19000 mm thickness: At this level of thickness, the jacket is able to withstand heavy rain storms and even snow , but you will lose breathability.
• 20,000 mm thick: Extreme protection in any weather situation , but don’t expect the jacket to be breathable and light.

Advantages and disadvantages of a waterproof jacket

Advantages

• It prevents water from passing through and keeps you dry.
• Greater resistance.
• Avoid possible diseases, such as colds, flu, etc.

Disadvantages

• Less breathability.
• It is less light, both to carry it on you and if you want to carry it in your backpack.
• Waterproof materials are usually more delicate when washing.

It is very important to know how to maintain your waterproof jacket and what steps you should follow to make it last as long as possible.