Ever felt like you’re lost in the wilderness of nylon and polyester while you went out looking for an effective rain suit to wish away rain weather woes? We all know that lingering feeling when you just can’t get your hands on something that acts as the perfect shield against drizzles. That is why it is pertinent to understand some key basics of rainwear technology that help you navigate to the perfect rain suit that not keeps you dry and warm, but also fits your into budget. The culmination of price can be broken down into a multitude of factors such as research, testing, development, and ultimately the fabric in that rain suit. Therefore, some pre-purchase research is a savvy move since top-notch rainwear can cost several thousand rupees. Let’s get on it!
Waterproof/Water resistant
Well, this is undoubtedly the most vital aspect that every prospective buyer should consider. What exactly is a waterproof/ water resistant rain suit? A rain suit is deemed waterproof when its water resistance functionality is suffice to keep out the tormenting rain. You can place your trust in any gear recommended by a major brand as waterproof because of its ability to stand up to some serious squalls.
Windproof/ Wind Resistant
Just like water-resistant rain suits are essential for anyone who wants to slug it out in the rain, wind-resistant or windproof suits work the best when test results exceed an established threshold of 90 plus kilometer per hour. Any waterproof jacket is also windproof. For instance, if you are out purchasing a rain suit that is intricately designed to block driving rain, it should also be equally capacitive in blocking the wind that’s pushing the rain. Hence, always buy rain suits with windproof technology that can withstand winds around the aforementioned range.
Breathability
Never overlook the game changing feature of breathability in waterproof and breathable rainwear. We get it, no one fancies playing outside in a wearable sauna when it is pouring heavily. Many reputed brands provide a low level of air permeability which makes rain suits breathable. The downside is that direct air exchange mechanism also lets out warm air. So these rain suits demand you to wear a warmer insulating layer under a traditional breathable and waterproof shell.
Seam taping
Areal rain jacket must be totally seam taped to be fully waterproof because construction requires so many seams. You don’t have to consider seam taping as part of your buying decision since all waterproof jackets are made this way. However, don’t simply assume that a rain suit is fully waterproof solely if it has seam tape around the hood and shoulders. At the same, lack of seam taping does not indicate poor quality in a soft-shell or other water-resistant rain suit. Herein, seam taping isn’t employed as it would add complexity which is something out of the domain of comfort and feasibility.
Zippers
Most rain suits are loaded with zippers from the front opening to pockets to pit zips. They consist of a rubberized coating or a storm flap that keeps water from seeping through zippers. There’s a word of caution: Don’t rely on coated or laminated zippers because they are harder to zip up and down.
Pockets
Pockets boasting solid waterproof zippers definitely add to the price of a rain suit, so don’t miss out on this feature. As a matter of fact, some rain suits nowadays have so many spacious pockets that you might as well forgo your backpack. Mostly, rain suits have hand pockets purposely placed away from the shoulder straps and above the hip belt, letting you access them while your pack is on.
Resourcefulness for packing
Having a non-bulky and ultra light fabric always ensures a rain suits easier to pack when you are short on time. In fact, some specially designed rain suits comprise a pocket that acts as a storage pouch. Remember, a rain suit having its own stuff sack is supremely packable.
