You should wear a waterproof jacket while hiking. There are many waterproof jackets to choose from: lightweight and warm. We also offer jackets with or without ventilation that provide different levels of waterproofing.
It’s not easy to choose the right jacket. We have some tips to help you do it right.
Waterproofing
You can choose different waterproofing levels depending on how much protection you require. The waterproofing level for each jacket is rated on a scale from 1 to 5. These ratings are based on technical laboratory tests. The jackets that have higher ratings are more waterproof.
- Shower Protection
Ratings 2 and 3 indicate that jacket is capable of protecting in the event of a rainstorm with 6-12cm of rainfall within 1-2 hours
- Thunderstorm Protection
Rating 4 means the jacket can protect in a thunderstorm with 30cm of rain in 3 hours.
- Storm Protection
The jacket has a rating of 5 which means it can protect against a storm with 1.8m of rain in just 4 hours.
How do we Create our Jacket?
- Our Components
The fabric resistance is measured using water pressure millimeters of the water column (based on ISO 811 norm). Fabrics are considered waterproof if they can withstand higher pressures. A component with a 2000mm water resistance will withstand 2000mm of pressure (the equivalent to a two-hour rainstorm).
- All Our Jackets Are Water-Repellent
Water-repellent fabric’s ability to allow water to slip on its surface and not absorb it is called its water-repellent capability. A treatment on the fabric outside determines its water-repellency ability. The treatment should be replaced every three washes.
- Shower Test
The jacket was tested in a shower test that took place under a certain volume of liters per square meter per hour for a period (depending on specificities). This test simulates a storm in the mountains.
The Outside Temperature
Two types of hiking jackets are available: Lightweight jackets or Warm jackets.
- Lightweight Jackets
They are either unlined or have a light lining. These jackets can be worn in warm weather, mid-season, or winter with a warm layer like a fleece or micro-padded jacket.
Each component has been designed to reduce the jacket’s weight. Hikers must carry all equipment. We have designed our products to be lighter and more mobile.
- Warm Jackets
It would be best if you chose a warm jacket with a warm lining for cold weather. Some jackets with this feature are known as “3-in-1 jackets. Depending on the temperature, you can take off the outer layer (either a fleece jacket or padded jacket with a zip to the inside) and make it a lightweight jacket.
Intensity for Exercise
The intensity of your hike is the final criterion. A ventilated jacket is necessary for more strenuous hikes. Mechanical ventilation is when a ventilation zip is present. They are usually located under the arms, but some pockets have to mesh that aids in sweat-wicking.
- Wear breathable clothing underneath your jacket for better ventilation. Don’t forget to unfasten the jacket’s cuffs.
- You should wear a jacket if you plan to walk in the rain. This will give you complete waterproofing and protect your backpack.
Ventilation
Ventilation zips are placed under the arms and on the chest to allow sweat evacuation
- The role of the Component
The product’s ability to expel the body’s vapor. Quechua has developed technical solutions (zippers and aerations, mesh …)) that increase the overall ventilation of all jackets for H . These ventilation systems regulate temperature and allow the body to expel sweat from physical exertion.
- The Fabric
We measure the fabric’s RET evaporation resistance to determine if it is breathable (test based on ISO 11092 norm). The fabric’s resistance is a measure of how much vapor can be released by the body during activity. This makes it more breathable.
- RET 9 = Extremely breathable fabric
- 9 RET 12 = Very Breathable Fabric
- 12 RET 20 = Breathable fabric
- RET > 20 = Not or Less Breathable Fabric
Coated or Membraned Component
There are two ways to make fabric waterproof:
- The coating is a waterproof material applied to the fabric’s interior. It prevents water from entering the item, but it can also release vapor formed by your body through physical effort so that you stay dry.
- The membrane is an invisible film that is applied inside the fabric. It’s waterproof and prevents water from coming in from the outside. However, it also removes sweat created by the body when it moves. The membrane is flexible and more durable than the coating.
