Outdoor activities can be affected by diverse factors some of which involve the elements of weather. When it comes to rains and precipitation, you will always need something to protect you. Waterproof jackets should always be part of your gear when going for a walk or cycling. Out there, you are not sure of the type of weather that you will meet. It might be chilly or even freezing especially during the winters. To ensure that you are fully protected from these elements, a waterproof walking jacket will save you a great deal.
For cold and wet weather, you will need a jacket that retains your body temperatures while at the same time keeping you dry. This factor will largely depend on the materials making the jacket. Since the main aim of buying this kind of jacket is for protection against elements of weather, you will need to go for the one that is made from the best materials for maximum protection. There are several factors that you should consider when purchasing a waterproof jacket for walking. This article will evaluate these factors as well as how to protect your jacket.
Fit
The best clothing of any kind is the one that fits you well. A waterproof jacket is not an exception. You should make sure that it has a good zip that does not stop midway but zips up to the chin. Moreover, the best waterproof walking is the one that has cuffs that have been fastened. If the fastening goes up to the wrist the better. This will ensure that water does not get its way through the inside of the jacket to the body. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of jacket that you go for has its waist drawcords in the right position. This ensures that the long jackets are easy to adjust as fast as possible hence ensuring maximum protection. This property is mostly relevant when the involved jacket is longer and goes way down to the knees or even further. However, you should ensure that you do not go for a jacket that can restrict your movement due to its length. Too long jackets that are zipped from the bottom hinder comfortable pacing. At the same time, the jacket should not be too short such that as you move it exposes your back. Such a jacket should be avoided because it might not serve its purpose as required. Nonetheless, make sure that the jacket you purchase fits the underneath base layer and the mid layer in the best way.
Hood
When the rest of the body is covered most of the times, the head will tend to be the avenue to heat loss. Therefore, going for a hooded walking jacket is a good idea. However, you must ensure that the hood is easy to adjust. It should fit in the head and be easily adjustable such that it moves together with the head. Make sure that your view does not get restricted by the hood. When the weather is very bad, go for the jacket with a stiffened hood. The hood should also be helmet compatible to avoid complications in times when you have to take a ride back home.
Zips
Most of the times, people do not consider the nature of zips when they go about purchasing attires. During cold and bad weathers’ a jacket that is not easy to fasten is very frustrating. The zips should always be waterproof to prevent the water from slipping into the inside of the jacket. When a jacket is waterproof, all the other parts must be waterproof to avoid frustrations. However, in some cases, the zip might not be waterproof. In such cases, you should make sure that the zip is covered in straps that prevent water from penetrating into the jacket. Zips are also important to open up the jacket when the body gets too hot.
Pockets
When you are walking, you might need to carry something around. The number of pockets in your jacket depends on how you intend to use it for. If you will have to use a compass or even an OS map, you will need the kind of a jacket that has large chest pockets or inside pockets. Make sure that the pockets have flaps covering the zips to prevent water from penetrating to the inside.
Conclusion
Your walk might at times be frustrated by the elements of weather. Mostly rains and chilly weather are the reason as to why most people do not like walking. However, you do not have to worry because the waterproof walking jacket takes care of these factors. It ensures that you are protected from the elements of weather and stay warm. Get one for the best results.