Weatherproof Clothes for Hikers and Backpackers
Wind-Resistant, Water-Proof, Ventilated, Breathable Hiking Outerwear
Sep 24, 2009
Being wet is a health and safety hazard in the wilderness: Water saps heat away from the body many times faster than cold air does, and wet clothes lose some or all of their insulating capacity (depending on the material).
Outdoor manufacturers offer a panoply of choices of weather-proof and weather-resistant outerwear in different fabrics and styles. Outerwear is also designed for different levels of activity in different weather conditions, including outerwear that is weather-resistant, but not weather-proof.
Why Waterproof Clothing Must be Breathable or Ventilated
The outer layer of weather protection (rain jackets and rain pants) not only keeps water out, but also holds body heat in. But if this layer isn't ventilated in some way, moisture can't escape, and can cause clothes to become wet and clammy leading to discomfort, chills, and even hypothermia.
Exerting heavily causes perspiration, even in cold weather, so hikers, cyclists, trail runners, and climbers can therefore become soaking wet, not just from rain and snow, but from their own sweat. Moisture from perspiration needs to be moved from the skin (via wicking layers), and then needs to be able to escape through a breathable or ventilated outer layer.
Waterproof-Breathable Outerwear
The classic gold standard outerwear is made of Gore-tex, a fabric whose microscopic holes are big enough for water vapor to pass through, but too small for liquid water droplets to penetrate. Thus, rain stays out, but sweat can escape. In addition to Gore-tex, several other companies make other proprietary waterproof-breathable fabrics. For example, MemBrain, a fabric developed by high-end outdoor gear manufacturer Marmot, is an extremely lightweight fabric designed to disperses sweat quickly so that it can escape faster.
In practicality, no matter how high-tech the fabric and design, the wearer does not always stay perfectly comfortable. In warmer temperatures, when exerting heavily, or in extreme humidity, more water vapor can build up near the wearer's body than can escape through the microscopic holes. Although Gore-tex and the equivalents are certainly better than their non-breathable forebears, the end result after a long wet muggy day is very often a sweaty clamminess. Design elements such as ventilation flaps can help. These include "pit-zips" under the arms, which can be opened to let sweat escape without letting water in.
Outerwear Made of Waterproof, Non-Breathable Fabrics
Traditional waterproof outerwear includes the ubiquitous yellow slickers, which are too heavy and bulky to earn a place in hiker's backpack. This material is not breathable, so while these jackets and pants are perfectly good at keeping water out, they don't let sweat escape. Such outerwear is a good choice for people who spend time outside without doing hard physical activities, for example, a school crossing guard, who has to stand around in the rain, or a horseback rider sitting atop his steed. They are a poor choice for a hiker.
There are also many weather protection systems made of lightweight fabrics that are advertised as being "waterproof and breathable" but which are in fact made of fabrics that are not breathable at all. Instead, the designs are ventilated (leading to the claim of breathability). Vents under the armpits, in the back of the jacket, and sometimes along the side pockets, let sweat escape.
However, these jackets and rain pants do not perform as well as those made of breathable fabrics, especially for hikers and climbers, whose backpack straps and harnesses hold the vents closed tight. This type of rain gear is sold in outlets ranging from outdoor retailers to "big box" stores. It tends to be quite a bit less expensive than true waterproof-breathable weather protection clothing. Let the buyer beware! Read tags carefully.
Cheap, Functional Rain Gear That Works
Hikers on a budget would be better served by a poncho, at least in three-season conditions in temperate climates. Ponchos are not ideal. They flap around in high winds, and unless they are tied in place with some sort of belt, they are so well-ventilated that they let all of the hiker's body heat escape. On the plus side, they are very inexpensive, they provide both water protection and ventilation, and they can cover a backpack, as well as a hiker.
Another excellent choice for budget conscious hikers is rain gear made by Frogg Toggs. Made of a polypropylene fabric, Frogg Toggs are truly waterproof and breathable, and work very much like Gore-tex. Rain suits (pants and jackets) start at less than $70 U.S.. The only downside is that the fabric is more fragile and subject to wear than traditional Gore-tex.
Whatever the choice of rain gear, it should be consistent with the activity being performed, the climate, and the likelihood of really foul weather.
For more on hiking equipment, see Resources for Outdoor Gear.
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