How to choose a waterproof jacket
Within a layered clothing system, which is recommended for mountain activities, waterproof garments are used as the third or last layer, fulfilling the function of protecting ourselves and keeping us isolated from external agents such as wind, rain or snow. . This is why a good waterproof jacket must meet certain requirements, where waterproofness and breathability of the material are one of the main characteristics to consider.
The waterproof clothing, like most of the equipment for mountain sports, has been innovating in every way during the last decades. Today there are more and more alternatives with different characteristics, materials, specifications, functions, making choosing the ideal garment for our activity in particular can be very difficult and confusing.
To begin, we must say that despite all the innovations and improvements that have been developed in waterproof garments, has not yet invented the ideal or final fabric, understanding as ideal that meets and offers absolute solution to all our needs as users However, there is no doubt that progress is being made in this field, where innovations have been much greater at the level of technical design and / or solutions for practical use, which helps us to classify the different models more clearly depending on the type of user to whom it is intended.
TYPES OF WATERPROOF GARMENTS
In the market we can find many alternatives within the category "waterproof" but can be classified into 3 large groups: waterproof / breathable (water-resistant / breathable), waterproof / breathable (waterproof / breathable) and tested of water (waterproof), what category is right for you? It depends on how much time you are going to spend in the rain, the intensity and type of activity.
Water-resistant / breathable garments (water-resistant / breathable)
They are garments designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, "water resistant" means that it resists to a point, it is not "waterproof" like others. Water-resistant garments are more breathable and generally less expensive, and are a good alternative for more intense activities where perspiration is high. Within this category we find windbreaker jackets and soft shells.
Waterproof / breathable garments (waterproof / breathable)
The waterproof and breathable garments embrace a wide range of uses and are preferred by active people, as this category of garments seeks to provide a balance between waterproofing and breathability, making users comfortable in most of the weather.
Waterproof / breathable fabrics repel precipitation while allowing sweat vapor to be evacuated, however not always as quickly as we would like. This type of garment, due to its construction and technology, can be subdivided into two large subgroups: laminated and induced.
Thermal Insulation Jackets
Thermal Insulation Jackets are a simple and intelligent solution to the heat losses around the valves in hot or cold water lines. These can be assembled and disassembled easily facilitating maintenance, making them a more effective solution than installing a fixed insulation system.
The value of the thermal efficiency of the jacket will depend on various factors such as the temperature of the process, ambient temperature and wind speed. The higher the thermal efficiency of the jacket, the lower the heat losses and therefore, the operating costs.
My Comment about Helly Hansen W Blume Puffy Parka Jacket
- Hood can be adjusted to suit the size of the head of the individual. Do yourself a favor and do it in 1-2 minutes. Hood adds warmth to your head as a great protection from wind, rain and snow.
- Hood can be removed easily. To be appropriate and convenient for activities such as wearing a helmet while skiing.
- When it is necessary to remove the hood to act as a glove, take hold of objects that are very cold, such as snow.
- The outer skin texture is anti-water, protecting from water, dirt, dust, snow, allowing it to flow away from the surface of the jacket.
- The outer surface of the fabric protects the water and cold winds. But the ventilation is very good, so the Jacket is dry all the time.
- Storm flap zipper cover, prevent the wind, water flowing through the zip into the jacket, the manufacturer cares for the details of the Jacket is very good.
- I enjoy winter activities without worry when wearing W Blume Puffy Parka Jacket.
- W Blume Puffy Parka Jacket keeps me very warm in winter. Even with heavy snow or cold wind blows. I don't know Helly Hansen Jacket what material is used to retain heat. But I insist that when wearing this jacket will warm up immediately.
- Hand bag both right and left to keep warm hands. When not in use, this can be zipped to prevent cold wind from entering the jacket.