Not All Waterproof Jackets Keep You Dry

There is a huge difference in price in some waterproof jackets and here is why it is not always best to go for the cheaper option. With cheaply constructed waterproof materials such as waterproof coated nylon. It can do a great job of keeping the rainwater off you. But won't necessarily keep you dry.

Plastic Bag Technology

Have you ever worn a pair of those plastic gloves you get with using heavy peroxides for cleaning and dying hair? When you have finished and take your hand back out. It is sweaty and uncomfortable.

The effect of a low cost waterproof jacket can be similar to this.

Firstly: Condensation from the heat of your body will try to escape the inner lining of the waterproof jacket and will not be able to. Forming into water droplets and soak in to the layers of clothing next to the waterproof jacket

Secondly: Due to the extra heat. Your body will naturally sweat in the aim to cool you down and the Layers of clothes next to your skin will also get wet and uncomfortable.

Extra Negative Effects: When it is also cold as well as raining, because of the moisture trapped in your clothing you can also become cold. Making you sweat more and in turn making your clothes even wetter.

It is not a good idea to get cold when you have wet clothes as this can also lead to hypothermia and pneumonia. Which is a worst case scenario. But especially in mountain conditions. This should be more than enough of a reason for putting you off using a few thick fleeces and a cheap waterproof jacket rather than spending that bit more on a better piece of water proof technology.

Waterproof Jackets with technology such as GORE-TEX and eVent are designed to be breathable meaning not only do you stay dry from any downpour. But the heat can also be released from your body and out through the jacket. Avoiding the negative effects described above.

Keep this information in mind when you are choosing your next waterproof jacket, read the labels and do some research on the technologies listed on the jackets. If you are planning on getting a waterproof jacket. The last thing you want it to do is make you cold and wet.

By Paul D Fox
For a more in depth explanations on making the right choice. See the GO Outdoors guide on Waterproof Jackets.