The term “jacket”, as well as an "outdoor jacket", is an extremely wide term. It hides many variants, types and styles that one can easily get entangled to.
But first, what is actually outdoor jacket/coat ? The jacket is the uppermost part of the clothing that should be used only over the other clothing. Over the T-shirt, thermal-component as well as the military sweater.
Its basic purpose is to protect you from the worst external influences in situations where other parts of the clothing no longer manage. This is certainly not an easy task, so it uses assistance of faithful friends such as Softshell, Gore-Tex® and other modern technologies. With these, everything seems to be better, but can you use it properly? Do you know which one to take and what is it for ? Let's remind it here...
How are outdoor jackets divided
Outdoor jackets / can be divided by seasons as well as according to the methods of use. Whenever there was a problem with cold and wind, a man soon found solution with the appropriate adjustment of the basic type of jacket. Specifically, for trips to nature, when you need to stay mobile and dry, outdoor jackets with Gore-Tex® or SoftShell were invented. For city walks, various urban styles etc.
Likewise (a little more specific example), when pilots needed protection from winter and humidity, the MA1 bomber jacket was invented. Why do we mention that? You should not only have one jacket and rely on it in any weather.
What are the outdoor jackets made from ?
If you choose well, will be the outdoor jacket your best friend, but how to choose ?
You already know that a certain jacket is suitable for certain activity, so it's time to say little bit about the materials.
Standard fabrics used on "ordinary" jackets are obvious. These are either nylon or polyester. Also the mix of polyester and cotton, which is highly successful. The jacket remains breathable with some water-resistance.
To be real friends with your jacket, it needs to be comfortable as well. The jacket must fit. The presence of quality fasteners is also in high demand.
What two materials were the most successful for outdoor jackets?
First one is SoftShell. This material offers three great parameters - breathability, water repellency and decent price. It offers good protection from light showers or short heavy rain. At the same time, it breathes, so you will not sweat as much as in the raincoat and all this at a reasonable price. Softshell jackets are a great option for colder autumn and spring weather.
The second master of waterproofness is Gore-Tex®. This membrane is the best you can have to protect against rain and overall water protection. Its knit is small enough to let the water particles inside, but at the same time large enough to release the vapor molecules out. Therefore, it offers perfect water resistance along with good breathability. Such jackets are highly demanded, but unfortunately also very expensive. In their defense, however, we can say that at that price they will offer you a lot and you will be extremely satisfied.
What can you find under the title outdoor jacket ?
Jackets, simply and repeatedly, jackets. This category tries to provide the best and widest range of outdoor jackets and other types of jackets of all possible brands and uses.
Therefore, you will find not only outdoor jackets, but also winter jackets, waterproof jackets, summer jackets, windbreakers, but also a little more specific jackets than modern jackets. For example, replicas of old American pilot jackets, which are very popular or old army jackets that will offer many benefits at a good price.