Yes. A rain jacket can keep you warm, although it will depend on your jacket type. It can only keep you warm if it’s sufficiently insulated, waterproof, and windproof. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the conditions in which you plan to wear your rain jacket and make sure that it fits those needs.
When I was about four or five years old, my mother used to tell me that walking in the rain would make me taller. I believed this until I was old enough to realize it was merely a way to keep me calm in case I was caught in the rain. Surprisingly, I’m now instilling this belief in my children.
Despite this, there is one thing I always remember to bring with me on rainy days: my rain jacket. Of course, I’d rather leave my umbrella at home, but not the rain jacket. A rain jacket will keep me warm during the rain; it’s also flexible and easy to carry around, and most importantly, it protects me against inclement weather.
In this article, we’ll look at rain jackets, and you’ll understand why they are essential outerwear.
What Is a Rain Jacket?
“Bring a raincoat, definitely … or at least a little umbrella that can fit in your bag because it always does rain.” Gwyneth Paltrow.
A rain jacket is a type of jacket made to protect you from the rain. It’s made of a waterproof and breathable fabric, which keeps the rain out and allows sweat to escape. This jacket can usually have a hood, and most of them have a waist length.
Rain jackets are popular among hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. There are different materials used to make rain jackets in the market today, and the common ones are GORE-TEX, polyester, polyurethane, and nylon. GORE-TEX is the most popular. It’s a membrane that is impervious to water but allows breathability.
Polyester is an incredibly strong and durable material that’s great for protecting from wind, rain, and snow. In addition, some polyesters are treated with Teflon, which makes them water-repellent. Polyurethane is also water-repellent, but it’s more flexible than polyester.
Finally, nylon is also water-resistant and breathable.
Will a Rain Jacket Keep You Warm?
It depends on many aspects, including the temperature, the type of rain you’re experiencing, and whether you’re moving around and generating body heat. The jacket’s material will also determine how warm your rain jacket can get. So, before purchasing a rain jacket, think about your needs.
For example, the rain jacket I wear for rainy-day running is not the same as the one I wear for skiing. If your rain jacket is too cold, layering may be an option to help you stay warm. Otherwise, layering down will help to keep the heat minimal.
How Does a Rain Jacket Work?
A rain jacket uses two materials for it to be waterproof and breathable:
- Laminates: Laminates are materials used to make your jacket waterproof and breathable. It’s mainly from a combination of woven and non-woven fabrics. These include nylon, polyester, cotton, wool, or rayon.
- Coatings: Coatings make the fabric water-resistant and block out air moisture. This helps keep you dry when it’s raining and prevents the terrible feeling of being cold and damp. Some coatings also have antimicrobial properties, which help destroy microbes that grow on the material’s pores. These coatings can also be a thin layer of insulation, which helps keep you warm in cold weather.
Three layers characterize waterproofing and breathability construction in rain jackets:
- 2-Layer: A 2-layer rain jacket with one waterproof outer layer and a breathable inner layer. The two-layer design help to keep water from getting in and allow sweat to escape so your body can stay dry.
- 2.5-Layer: The 2.5L construction has a membrane, a protective fabric layer, and an inner lining.
- 3-Layer: This rain jacket has a waterproof shell, a wicking layer, and an insulating layer. These are very breathable, durable, and the most comfortable of the three; however, it’s the most expensive.
What Are the Other Benefits of a Rain Jacket?
“I’m an optimist, but I’m an optimist who takes his raincoat.” Harold Wilson.
There are many reasons to wear a rain jacket.
Stay Dry and Comfortable
The rain jacket’s design uses materials that help keep out moisture, so you stay dry and comfortable during rain or cold weather.
They Are Very Lightweight
Because these jackets are lightweight, they won’t weigh you down or make it difficult for you to move around in windy conditions. Also, many of these jackets come with hoods that can help protect your hair from getting wet. In addition, they are easy to carry around, even in small backpacks.
Rain Jackets Are Durable
A good rain jacket will last for years if you take care of it. Be sure to wash your jacket periodically. Cleaning will prevent a foul smell or accumulation of dirt and grime on its outer surface over time (which could eventually lead to leaks).
They’re Fashionable
Although you cannot go wearing a rain jacket to your official meetings, they are casually good-looking. Moreover, you can find these jackets in different colors and styles to satisfy your style preference.
How to Choose the Perfect Rain Jacket for Your Needs
When choosing a rain jacket that’s right for you, keep a few things in mind.
Know Your Budget
Figure out how much you’re willing to spend because rain jackets come at different price points depending on their design. So, if you have a budget, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which options will work best for you.
Consider Why You Want the Jacket
Are you looking for something just for walking around town? Or do you need one that can stand up to a hiking trip? If you know where and how often you plan to wear the coat, it’ll be easier to narrow down your choices.
Think of Breathability
Breathability in your rain jacket is the ability of the fabric to allow water vapor to pass through it. Choosing a breathable fabric is essential because it allows sweat to escape your body and keeps you feeling dry and warm.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Think about what weather your jacket might have to stand up to. For example, is it only used when it’s mildly drizzling? Or do you need something that can handle heavy downpours while still keeping you dry?
If your jacket is waterproof, it will not allow water droplets to pass through it. This is important because the last thing you want in a rain jacket is to get drenched in the rain. However, if your rain jacket is water-resistant, water droplets may pass through it.
So, while it might protect against drizzles or showers, it will probably get saturated in heavier downpours. Other things to consider are its weight, design, and whether you want a hood. Also, check how the seams are sealed, as these can act as weak points no matter how waterproof the fabric on the jacket is.
How Should a Rain Jacket Fit?
A rain jacket should be snug but not too tight. You’ll want to ensure that if you have any extra layers underneath, it’s still comfortable and fits correctly. The sleeves should go to your wrist, and the hem should end just below your waist.
In general, you want to make sure that the jacket is smooth and fitted—you don’t want any wrinkles or bulges that could let water in.
Summary
Many people think that a raincoat is just to protect you from water contact. Ideally, a raincoat is a water-resistant coat worn to protect you from rain. It also keep you warm.
In some countries, a raincoat may refer to a topcoat combined with a pair of rain pants. When it rains, wear your coat to keep yourself dry and warm.