Non- Breathable
 These waterproof jackets or trousers can be as simple as the
one shown in the picture which is simply made of 100 PVC, or they can be lighter weight
Nylon Jackets with PVC coatings applied to make them waterproof.
They will do the job they are designed for with no problem, namely to keep the rain out.
The down-side is that as they are not breathable as you get hotter in the jacket their is
nowhere for perspiration to go to, so you can become 'clammy' inside.Some of these jackets
try to minimise this problem by putting various air vents in the design to keep you
cooler.
Breathable
 Breathable jackets offer all the water repellent
qualities that you find in the above products, but with the added advantage of
breathabilty. This basically means that using various methods depending on the material,
moisture vapour is moved from the inside of the garment to the outside. This is done on a
molecular level, so you cannot see any holes or vents in the products, but you will
certainly notice the difference as you become warmer during any strenuous activity.
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Non Breathable
These materials as mentioned before are usually PVC, PVC Nylon or
sometimes Rubber Coatings.
Breathable
There are many, many different makes of breathable, waterproof fabric and
coatings on the Market.
These include Isotex©, Indra©, Gore-Tex©, Sympatex©, Scantex© and many more.
The prices can vary greatly between one brand and another, often influenced by if they use
their own coating e.g. Isotex© on Regatta clothing or if they use another companies
material e.g. Gore-Tex© on Berghaus.
Which ever product you go for it will never stop you from perspiring, especially in hot
conditions, or if you are carrying a rucksack... But it will move the moisture away from
the body as soon as you cool down.
For more information on some of the products click on the links below :
Isotex
from Regatta Technical Information
Aqua Dry from
Craghopper Technical Information
Indra from
Outdoor Scene Technical Information
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The features available will obviously vary a great deal from one product
to the next, but here I will list just a few features that you can look out for :
| FEATURE |
BENEFIT |
| Full Length Zip on Over Trousers |
Particularly useful for getting trousers on and
off while wearing boots. |
| Taped Seams |
This will help ensure water doesn't penetrate the
stitching holes. |
| Velcro main zip covering |
Helps to keep water and wind from coming in
through the zip |
| Back or Underarm Ventilation |
Helps to keep you cooler in warm conditions |
| Interactive second zip |
This is used to zip a Fleece jacket into the
waterproof for added warmth. |
| Wired hood |
These hoods mean that when the drawcord on the
hood is pulled the hood does not pull down over the face causing water to run down the
face of the wearer. |
| Shockcord waist |
Used to pull the jacket in tight, but shockcord
will stretch so that it does not seem uncomfortable. |
| Map pockets |
These internal or external pockets are designed
to take a map, and keep it dry. |
| Reinforced shoulders and elbows |
Help to protect the jacket from rucksacks and
general wear and tear. |
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