How to choose a membrane jacket?
Today we will tell you how to choose protective jackets made of membrane fabric.
The membrane is a thin film that gives the fabric water-repellent and windproof properties, while allowing steam to pass through at the same time (which is what we need).
My selection algorithm is this:
Step 1. Understand: Where will you use the protective jacket?
Step 2. Go to the store and look at 2 criteria:
⚠Waterproof level (mm):
20,000 – will withstand storms and heavy rain. Suitable: winter expeditions.
10,000 – allows you to walk in heavy rain and wind. Suitable: Kazbek, Island Peak, etc..
5,000 – withstands average rain. Suitable for: day hikes, jogging or cycling.
⚠Vapor permeability level (g/m2):
13,000 is an extreme level. Suitable for: challenging expeditions where the level of physical exertion is high.
6,000 – 13,000 – has high breathability. Suitable: Kazbek, Island Peak, etc..
3,000 – 6,000 – simply breathable fabric. Suitable for: day hikes, jogging or cycling
Step 3. Let's go to the fitting room! What are we looking at?
☝Size: choose one so that you can wear a fleece jacket or down sweater under a jacket without hindering your movements.
Hood: measure directly on the helmet. Are you planning to go to the mountains seriously? Then you need a helmet!
☝Pockets: must be high, otherwise they get under the harness and this limits access to them (important for mountaineering).
☝Ventilation under the arms is great when there is one.
Regulating mechanisms at the bottom, on the sleeves, collar and hood are needed.
Step 4. Look at other characteristics:
Weight: should weigh little and be compact. Then it won’t take up much space in your backpack.
Protective layer on the membrane (mesh or additional layer on the inside): good to have!
Color: Your new jacket should match the color of your helmet and complement the crampon pads. What it is? More on this next time).
But seriously: choose a bright jacket, otherwise they won’t be able to find you on the mountain if they suddenly need it!
