Lightweight and waterproof jackets for travel; From purchase to maintenance

Waterproof jackets are one of the clothes that you should take with you on winter trips. These jackets are produced in different types; Some of them are used for light rain and some for stormy days. The best lightweight and waterproof jackets for travel are also breathable and prevent clothing from getting wet due to perspiration. Some of the top brands of lightweight waterproof jackets include Snowhawk, Marmot, and Patagonia. In order for these jackets to last a long time, they should be washed according to special instructions and with special detergents.

Let’s get to know the best lightweight and waterproof jackets for travel:

Features of lightweight and waterproof travel jackets

In addition to having a waterproof structure, waterproof jackets should be designed in such a way that tourists can use them easily during the trip.

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• Waterproof: Waterproof jackets prevent the penetration of water into the body and the lower layers of clothing. These jackets are made of waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex.
• Breathability: Wearing a jacket causes sweating and as a result the body becomes sticky. To avoid this problem, waterproof jackets must be able to repel sweat and heat.
• Weight: When traveling, people are constantly having adventures and trips; That’s why travel waterproof jackets should be light weight so as not to tire people.
• Jacket design: A waterproof travel jacket should fit the person perfectly and allow him to carry out his activities easily.
• Portability: One of the most important features of travel waterproof jackets is their portability. In fact, these jackets should be easily placed in bags and backpacks and carried.

Important points in choosing the right jacket for travel

When buying a jacket for travel, you should first know your needs and buy based on them.

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• Hat type: When buying a travel jacket, pay attention to the fact that the jacket has an adjustable, windproof and waterproof hat so that your head is protected from cold and humidity; For example, peaked hats allow a person to adjust the front brim of the hat upwards to prevent rainwater from falling on their face.
• Waterproof ability: The “HH” number of the jacket indicates its waterproof level. Higher figures mean more resistance of the jacket against water; For example, a 10,000 mm (HH) jacket is used for walking in spring rain and a 30,000 mm (HH) jacket is used for a strong storm.
• Pocket Type: When buying a travel jacket, you should consider their pockets and waterproofness. If the pockets are waterproof, people can safely put travel equipment such as maps, mobile phones, GPS devices, etc. in them.
• Breathability: Usually, the breathability of the jacket is written on it. In fact, the “MVTR” number on the jacket shows its breathability. The higher numbers mean that the jacket is more breathable.
• Sealing zippers: The zippers of a travel jacket should be well sealed so that water does not pass through them.
• Design: In winter, people use a jacket as an outer layer and wear several layers of clothes underneath. Therefore, the jacket, especially the shoulder and sleeve parts, should be designed in such a way that people can wear several layers under it and still feel comfortable. In general, jackets should have an ergonomic design.

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• Number of layers: Waterproof travel jackets are usually 2, 2.5 or 3 layers. Increasing the number of layers means that the jacket is more durable and heavier. Such jackets, which have more layers, are sold at a higher price, and their breathability and waterproof properties are also higher.
• DWR coating: Jackets with a “DWR” coating have a stronger waterproof structure. In fact, this coating causes the water to fall in the form of drops due to contact with the fabric, slide down and not stay on the jacket.
• dropped hem: The so-called dropped hem is also called “drop tail hem”. This term is used for jackets whose back is longer than the front. Thanks to this feature, people’s underwear and body will not be seen when bending down and will not be exposed to cold weather.
• Underarm zipper: Some jackets have a zipper in the armpit. Opening this zipper helps ventilation.
• Warranty: Note that the jacket you are looking for has a warranty so that you can solve your problem without any problems if there is a defect or inauthenticity of the product.

The best brands of light waterproof jackets

Many brands in the world produce waterproof and lightweight jackets; But some brands are more famous. However, before buying the product, read the opinions of the users about the desired brand and product.

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• Snowhawk: Snowhawk is a Chinese brand and a well-known name in the field of mountain climbing and adventure equipment.
• Kailas: The Chinese brand Kailas sells products and equipment for mountaineering, rock climbing and outdoor activities.
• “Mountain Hardware”: In the world, the American company Mountain Hardware is known as one of the best brands in the field of sports equipment and clothing.
• Helly Hansen: Heli Hansen is a Norwegian brand that produces sportswear and outdoor equipment.
• “Marmot” (Marmot): The American brand Marmot is known as one of the best brands in the clothing and camping equipment industry.
• “The North Face”: North Face is an American brand that specializes in the field of camping and nature tourism.
• “Patagonia” (Patagonia): Patagonia is located in the United States. Sports clothes and equipment of this brand are famous in the world.
• “Rab” (Rab): The British company Reb is known in the world for producing quality products in the field of clothing, mountaineering and outdoor equipment.

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Multi-season jackets for different trips

Multi-season jackets are also known as one-in-three jackets; The reason for this name is that these jackets can be worn in three different models. In fact, multi-season jackets are two separate clothes that can be connected to each other; In other words, two clothes become one. The outer layer of these jackets is waterproof and the second layer is usually made of wool to provide body heat. You can wear both layers on rainy and cold days, the waterproof layer only on rainy days, for example, during spring rains, and the wool layer on cold, dry and rainless days.

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Maintenance and washing of waterproof jackets during travel

washing clothes

Before washing the jacket, read the label on it. Usually, there is a special instruction on these labels for washing and maintaining the jacket, which must be followed. If the jacket does not have specific instructions, wash it in the washing machine. In case of stubborn stains, before washing with a washing machine, remove the stains yourself with a special detergent for waterproof clothes.

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If there are any items in the pockets of the jacket, remove them and throw the garment in the washing machine. Pour the detergent for waterproof clothes into the washing machine and set the temperature of the washing machine to the lowest setting. The desired detergent should not be a softener; Because this type of detergent reduces the waterproof property of the jacket.

If you do not have access to a washing machine, wash the jacket by hand. For this purpose, pour cold water into the basin. Mix water with some detergent for waterproof clothing to make a foam. Then put the clothes in water and wash it gently. Finally, rinse the jacket so that the detergent is completely removed from it.

to dry

To dry the jacket in the first place, follow the instructions on the clothing label. Otherwise, place the jacket in the open air to dry. Spread the jacket so that there are no wrinkles.

Fixing the reduction of the waterproof property of the jacket

If waterproof clothes are not washed with a special liquid, they lose their original quality and cannot resist water as before. However, if the waterproof property of the jacket decreases for any reason, you can use waterproof spray to fix it. Place the jacket at a distance of 15 to 20 cm from you and push the spray towards the jacket from this distance. It is possible that the waterproof spray has special instructions; Therefore, first read the instructions on the spray.

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Have you ever bought a waterproof jacket from the introduced brands? We would be happy if you share your experiences and opinions about these types of jackets with us and our colleagues.

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