Inside: How to find the perfect wet weather gear for your requirements. Collaborative post.
Going out into tough weather conditions, whether for work or for pleasure, can be an intense experience. While it will always be challenging, it can definitely be made a lot less dangerous and more manageable by getting the right gear together.
What wet weather gear is best for you will differ slightly depending on your requirements. In this article, we go through some of the main points you’ll need to think about, from breathability to durability.
Breathability
Waterproof fabric technology has come a long way in recent decades. Perhaps the most significant advance has been the invention and further development of breathable fabrics.
The purpose of these fabrics is to ensure that if you’re on the move and creating moisture by sweating, at least some of that moisture you’re creating inside the garment will be able to escape.
If you intend on being active while out in wet weather, then a breathable fabric is basically essential, otherwise you’ll be left wet with sweat in a matter of minutes.
Mobility
Another key topic to consider is the mobility of the item you choose. If you’re just going to be standing around, relatively stationary and without doing much physical activity, then you likely won’t need an item from somewhere like Stormline that allows you to move around.
If, however, you need to be working or doing another kind of activity, then it might be critical that you’re able to move your body as freely as possible. In some cases, the only way to truly assess this is to try a garment on, as it will depend on your personal bodily dimensions.
Insulation
You’ll also need to consider what kind of insulation you’ll need, if any. If you’re going to be standing around in cold, wet environments for prolonged periods of time, then you’ll likely require some substantial insulation layers.
If, however, you’re going to be in warm climates, or moving around a lot, then you’ll probably just need basic rain protection.
In either case, it’s often best to go with a layer system, rather than just a single big insulated piece. This will allow you to add and take away layers as and when you need them, making your outfit far more versatile for a wider range of activities and climates.
Durability
Lastly, you’ll want to think about the durability of your wet weather gear. If you’re just going to be wearing it every now and then, for relatively light usage, then you can probably go with a thinner fabric. If, on the other hand, you’re going to be really working hard and testing the strength of your clothing, you’ll likely want to go with something that’s a lot more substantial, or at least keep in mind that you’ll have to replace your wet weather gear quite regularly.
Choosing the perfect wet weather gear for your requirements will likely take a bit of trial and error, but it’s worth getting it right. Being wet and cold for long periods of time is miserable, and luckily, it’s also almost entirely avoidable.