All nature lovers will tell you that, hiking is great, but it also means being subject to the weather hazards. Whether we like it or not, walking in nature is not always walking under an open sky and a bright sun, especially in the mountains where the weather is unpredictable and changing. But when you like to hike, there is no question of backing down from a little rain ! So for these occasions, it is better to be well prepared and especially well equipped.
Every good hiker should have at least one raincoat and a coat warm and rain-resistant coat when the temperature drops. And spoiler, to be well protected against the rain, there are some conditions to respect. You are free to follow them or not, at your own risk!
Today, the editors give you their tips for hiking well protected in the rain and bad weather. 🌧
WHAT EQUIPMENT TO USE WHEN WALKING IN THE RAIN?
How to choose a waterproof jacket?
First of all, the key point to be properly protected against the rain is to know choose your waterproof jacket correctly. So, we are not going to tell you again that you have to choose one with a hood, you probably already know that. But what we can do is to bring you some indications on the technical detailsnot necessarily easy to understand.
First of all, it is always preferable to choose a jacket that is waterproof (we specify well) rather than waterproof. A water-repellent jacket will only protect you temporarily and in case of light rain, they are not adapted to face an insistent rain.
Then, depending on the type of hike you are going to do, you don't necessarily need the same resistance to rain. For example, for a city hike of a few hours in light rain, you do not need to wear a raincoat a high resistance raincoat. However, for a day-long hike in the mountains with heavy rain and fog, you will need to choose a raincoat with a higher resistance.
What is rain resistance?
All waterproof jacket has what is called a rain resistance, measured in mm of water thanks to multiple tests. This index is also called Schmerber's index. You can read on all your waterproof jackets something like "resistance 2000 schmerber "or " resists 2000 mm of water ". If it doesn't say that, it's probably not waterproof but water repellent.
This rain resistance is a good indicator for you, it lets you know what type of occasion and use the jacket is dedicated to. So now let's get down to business.
Which rain jacket for which occasion?
There are several levels of rain resistance for waterproof jackets and each time, the number of indicates the number of millimeters before water will start to penetrate your penetrate your fabric.
If your jacket resists 2000 mm of waterit is waterproof but does not have a very high high level of waterproofness. A jacket as such will be suitable for short hikes, intended to be done in mostly dry rather than wet weather, and will withstand some showers. It is not the most optimal resistance to rain.
For hikes in more rain, you will need resistance to 10,000 mm of water. A jacket with this resistance is resistance is ideal because it offers you good protection against water, longer and more pleasant in the long run. Obviously, if you stay in the rain more or less continuously, the resistance may not last as long.
But this phenomenon is normal and can be explained by the simple fact that the more water stagnates on the fabric, the more it pressure it exerts and is likely to seep through. The same thing happens when the handles of a backpack press on your shoulders, the water eventually passes because a constant pressure is operated: it's that simple!
To return to our resistance of 10,000 mmresistance, it also allows you to make a over several days, for example. for example. If you're planning a two- or three-day hike and expect a few showers, a jacket of this strength could be useful.
Otherwise, for the most expert and those who want to be equipped to the max, there are some with a waterproofness of 20 000 mm for a perfect waterproofingor or even 30 000 mm for the most technical technical garments ! These are particularly suitable for extreme use, if you plan to go hiking and camping for several days for example.
How to cover up in the rain and cold?
If having a good waterproof jacket is essential for hiking in bad weather, it is also important to have a protection against the cold.
Well yes, because hiking is not only done in summer, quite the contrary! Many people choose to go hiking in autumn or at the end of winter, even in winter when they go on vacation in the mountains!
So for these occasions, it is all the more interesting to combine waterproofing à warmth by purchasing an adapted coat. For this, the down jackets are very practical and, reversible, they offer several technical uses for several looks!
So now it's up to you! ☔
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