Jackets (English Jackets, also known as Outdoor Jackets) are one of the essential equipment for outdoor sports.
The reason why the jacket has become the first choice outerwear for all outdoor enthusiasts is due to its all-weather functionality. Jackets are not mysterious. Simply translated, they are jackets. However, when this kind of functional clothing was introduced to China from European and American countries, Chinese people called it “jackets” in order to distinguish it from ordinary casual clothes.
Jackets were first used for the final charge when climbing high-altitude snow-capped mountains and there were still 2 to 3 hours away from the summit. At this time, you would take off your down jacket, remove your large backpack, and only wear a more comfortable jacket. Wear light clothes to move forward lightly. This is the origin of the Chinese name “jacket”.
The core function of a jacket is waterproofing and breathability. To measure the waterproof and breathable capabilities of a jacket, two indicators are used to identify it: the waterproof index and the breathability index. The waterproof and breathable performance depends on the materials used in the jacket. Waterproof and breathable material.
The waterproof and breathable materials for jackets can basically be divided into two categories in terms of material performance: one is EPTFE-laminated microporous fabrics, which currently include GORE-TEX, eVent, and Dry.Q , H2NO, etc. Its waterproof and breathable function is to compound a layer of microporous film on the outer fabric of the garment. The micropores are smaller than water droplet molecules and larger than gas molecules, which can block rainwater while volatilizing its own sweat; the other is The function of PU or TPU coated (or laminate) hydrophilic fabric is achieved by a non-porous waterproof layer and a hydrophilic molecular chain structure.
Comparison of these two types of materials: The advantage of EPTFE fabric is that it is very waterproof and breathable, especially stable at low temperatures and has a wide range of applications. The disadvantage is that it is washable Slightly less durable and more expensive; PU fabrics have the advantage of good durability and low price, but the disadvantage is poor breathability. Especially when the ambient temperature is low, due to the instability of material properties, the air permeability will be reduced, and the scope of application is not as wide as the former.
1. Waterproof and Breathable Index
Waterproof and breathable ability is the key to a jacket. If the waterproof and breathable capabilities are not up to standard, it cannot be called a true jacket. On November 8, 2020, the comparative test results of functional clothing (jackets) released by the consumer associations of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei showed that among the 50 samples, nearly 40% of the samples were not worthy of their functional reputation.
1. Waterproof index
Waterproof coefficient (mmH2O): Calculate the maximum number of millimeters (mm) of water column per square millimeter (mm) of area that can withstand without water seepage. The larger the value, the better the water pressure resistance (water resistance). Its unit is millimeters of water column pressure. The usual explanation is that when a 10,000mm high water column presses on the fabric and no more than 3 drops of water seep out of the fabric within 24 hours, then we consider the waterproof index of this piece of clothing to be 10,000mm.
The higher the waterproof index, the stronger the waterproof performance, and of course the higher the price. The key to choosing a jacket based on which index depends on your actual needs.
The following table can give you a general understanding of the waterproof performance indicators.
Waterproof performance index (mm)
Waterproof performance
Using environment
0-5,000 mm
No to slightly waterproof
Light rain, dry snow, no water pressure
6,000-10,000 mm
Rainproof, waterproof under slight water pressure
Light rain, ordinary snow, slight water pressure
/>
11,000-15,000 mm
Rainproof, waterproof under medium water pressure
Moderate rain, ordinary snow, light Water pressure
16,000-20,000 mm
Rainproof, waterproof under high water pressure
Heavy rain, sleet Snow, medium water pressure
20,000 mm+
Rainproof, waterproof under extremely high water pressure
Heavy rain, Sleet, high water pressure
2. Breathability index
Breathability index (g/m2/24h, 1g water vapor per square meter per day), refers to one square meter How many grams of water vapor can pass through the area per day.
For example, a jacket fabric marked 25,000g means it can pass 25,000g of water vapor. The higher the value of this number, the better the breathability of the fabric.
2. EPTFE waterproof and breathable membrane
1. GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX fabric is a lightweight, A thin, strong and durable membrane that’s waterproof, breathable and windproof. Sandwiched between a high-performance lining and surface fabric, the membrane is composed of more than 9 billion pores per square inch that are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. , so rainwater cannot get in, but it is 700 times larger than water vapor molecules, so sweat can penetrate.
Gore-Tex subdivided series and technologies:
1) GORE-TEX Classic (Black Label): durable waterproofing suitable for rain and snow weather, emphasizing versatility, There are various types of 2-story and 3-story structures.
2) GORE-TEX INFINIUM (white label): a comfortable protection series suitable for dry environments, warm, breathable and water-repellent (available for light rain), 2-layer structure.Membrane, extremely breathable and waterproof.
3. Recommended jackets
When it comes to jackets, everyone likes them very much. However, many friends are also confused about what kind of jacket to choose in different seasons, environments and climates.
For example, if you spend most of your time commuting to work and occasionally doing outdoor sports, you need to choose a lightweight or medium-weight jacket. The material of the expedition jacket is stiff and makes a clicking response when worn. It is suitable for professional outdoor use, but not suitable for commuting to work.
According to the weight and the lightness of waterproof and breathable fabrics, they can be divided into: light jackets, medium jackets and heavy jackets.
1. Lightweight Jacket
This kind of jacket is very light and can be rolled up and carried in a ball for fast marching, orienteering or hiking with low load and simple terrain.
It is also used in general hiking, camping, low-altitude off-roading, urban leisure and other occasions. Usually made of 2-layer or 2.5-layer fabric, it has general waterproof and breathable properties. Compared with heavy-duty jackets, they are cheaper, lighter and easier to carry. However, with the development of fabric technology, some lightweight jackets also use 3-layer craft fabrics.
1) patagonia M’s Torrentshell 3l Men’s Jacket
patagonia M’s Torrentshell 3l Men’s Jacket
The reliable Torrentshell 3L Jacket is simple and inherently dignified, easy to use H2No™ Performance Standard 3-layer technology provides superior waterproof/breathable performance, all-day comfort and long-lasting water resistance. Made with Fair Trade Certified™ stitching.
Weight is 394 grams.
2) Arc’teryx Men’s Zeta SL Jacket
Arc’teryx Men’s Zeta SL Jacket
This ARC’TERYX Zeta Sl Men’s Jacket , ultra-light, packable, and waterproof. Jacket is made from GORE-TEX material with Paclite® Plus product technology. The minimalist design and fully mobile pattern ensure an exceptional fit and freedom of movement. Features WaterTight ™ front zip and two slip pockets with RS ™ sliders. Adjustable cuffs and hem protect from weather.
Weight is 310 grams.
3) Outdoor Research Men’s OR M’S Helium Ii Jacket – Lemongrass Helium Waterproof Jacket II 55230
Outdoor Research Men’s OR M’S Helium Ii Jacket – Lemongrass Helium Waterproof Jacket II 55230
OR M’S HeliumII helium waterproof jacket, made of Pertex Shield+ 2.5-layer fabric, waterproof and breathable, fully seam taped, laminated structure; 100% 30D ripstop nylon, windproof and lightweight .
The weight is only 180 grams.
2. Medium-sized jackets
Medium-sized jackets are mainly used for moderate-intensity hiking, cycling or low-altitude mountaineering activities. Made of 3 layers of technical fabric.
1) Arc’teryx Men’s Beta AR Jacket
Arc’teryx Men’s Beta AR Jacket
The Beta AR fabric uses GTX professional GORE-TEX® Pro Shell waterproof and breathable fabric, and also adds specially reinforced N40r-X nylon and N80p-X polyester to make the clothes more protective. The surface has also been treated with DWR waterproofing, and the waterproof and breathable performance is quite good. In addition, WaterTight™ fully waterproof zippers, breathable underarm zippers, adjustable integrated hood, Die-cut Velcro® design, adjustable hem and slightly longer back hem are all meticulous and thoughtful.
Weight is 473 grams.
2) Mountain Hardwear Shanhao Seraction Men’s Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Shanhao Seraction Men’s Jacket
This MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Shanhao Seraction™ Men’s Style Waterproof jacket, the outer fabric is made of 30D on the torso, and the shoulders and sleeves are made of 70D three-layer laminated Dry.Q® Elite waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric.
Suitable for wearing in heavy snow or alpine environments, better perspiration than traditional waterproof and breathable fabrics, AquaGuard® Vislon® water-repellent zippers, helmet-compatible panoramic hood, one-way adjustable system
This jacket won the 2013 ISPO AWARD Gold Award.
3) Haglöfs Buteo Men’s Jacket
This HAGLÖFS Matchstick Buteo Men’s Jacket is made of soft, comfortable material, light and breathable. Regular version design, casual and fashionable, trendy and versatile. This jacket will provide you with reliable protection in adverse weather conditions. It’s a minimalist waterproof raincoat with a mesh-lined, breathable material made from recycled double-layer elastic waterproof fabric. Features two zippered pockets and an adjustable hood.
3. Heavy-duty jacket
Heavy-duty jacket is the best jacket for professional outdoor enthusiasts and long-term field workers. It can fully cope with all kinds of unimaginable conditions. Complex and sudden severe weather conditions.
1) Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha SV Jacket
Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha SV Jacket
This Alpha SV is the strongest series of Arc’teryx The jacket can cope with any complex and harsh weather and environment and has been tested for a long time. It is the “King of Hard Shell Jackets” in the world today.
Using today’s top-notch Gore-Tex Pro three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric.
2) Mammut Nordwand Pro Mammut EIGER EXTREME
Mammut Nordwand Pro Mammut EIGER EXTREME The upgraded version of Nordwand, the top model in the series, uses new Gore-Tex Pro three-layer fabric with an ePTFE membrane to improve breathability and wear resistance.
It has a high degree of protective performance, is suitable for a variety of extreme outdoor sports, is compatible with helmets, and has a detachable snow skirt inside.
This is a hard-shell jacket positioned for professional high-altitude mountaineering sports. It has a well-fitting cut and fine workmanship. The front and rear lengths are the same, making it more widely applicable.
Summary
The scenes of outdoor sports are complex and changeable. According to your own needs, it is particularly important to choose the right jacket. Different waterproof and breathable fabrics have different waterproof and breathable capabilities. The better the material, the stronger the waterproof and breathable capability, but the corresponding price is relatively higher.
ex Pro three-layer fabric with ePTFE membrane, which improves breathability and wear resistance.
It has a high degree of protective performance, is suitable for a variety of extreme outdoor sports, is compatible with helmets, and has a detachable snow skirt inside.
This is a hard-shell jacket positioned for professional high-altitude mountaineering sports. It has a well-fitting cut and fine workmanship. The front and rear lengths are the same, making it more widely applicable.
Summary
The scenes of outdoor sports are complex and changeable. According to your own needs, it is particularly important to choose the right jacket. Different waterproof and breathable fabrics have different waterproof and breathable capabilities. The better the material, the stronger the waterproof and breathable capability, but the corresponding price is relatively higher.
