Rain Jackets

Besides price, fit and style, choosing a rain jacket basically comes down to two things. While some jackets boast being water-resistant, others are fully waterproof. A water-resistant jacket will be surface-treated with a Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coat to ensure that water doesn’t embed itself into the fabric. (One way to tell if a jacket’s DWR coat is still effective is to notice if water beads and rolls off when in contact or if it’s absorbed.) On the other hand, real waterproof jackets are usually constructed like an onion with several waterproof layers to keep you dry underneath. This involves a sealed membrane, taped seams and insulated pockets.Now, depending on your needs, a water-resistant jacket might be more than sufficient. Since it’s less hard-core, it’s cheaper and sometimes more stylish.