Raincoat shopping can be a frustrating task. Even though you need a raincoat that will protect you from the elements, they often weigh too much to pack with your belongings on a camping trip. It’s worth it to have the right fit and just the right protection because there’s no telling when the weather will turn sour and require protection. The material of the raincoat makes a difference in how long it will last, how much protection you can expect from it, and whether it is easy to pack or not.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Material for Raincoats
To buy the best material for raincoats, here are some factors to consider:
Waterproofness
You need a waterproof raincoat that will protect you from water. The nylon duck material is the most popular and will hold up for many years under heavy wear and tear. It is also one of the best materials for raincoats in terms of durability, but it is not very breathable, so you must layer underneath it. The water-repellent coating makes this waterproof raincoat practically impervious to water and combined with the other features, gives it extra protection from the elements. The DWR coating does wear off with use, but you can extend the life of this type of raincoat by washing it in cold water and air drying to help retain its waterproof properties.
Breathability
Breathability is important because it allows moisture to escape through the pores of the material. In a waterproof raincoat, plastic and nylon types will resist heat transfer more than breathable materials, so you need to find the right balance between keeping yourself warm and allowing moisture to escape. The nylon raincoat is the most breathable because it allows moisture to wick away and evaporate, but this means that you need to layer additional clothing under it. The water-repellent coating helps keep water out, but if you are going to be wearing the raincoat in warmer weather in heavy downpours, you will sweat and quickly break a sweat in the coat.
Weight
The weight of the raincoat is important, especially if you will be traveling with it. The water-repellent coating gives the nylon raincoat a lightweight compared to other types of raincoats. The nylon will make a warm coat for cooler weather by itself, but it does not have the thickness or warmth for colder weather. The heavier raincoats are usually lined with fleece and will be much warmer than lightweight or breathable coats in cold weather conditions. If you live in a damp environment, you will be comfortable with a raincoat that is heavier in weight, but if you live in a warmer place and rarely need to wear a large coat, consider breathable raincoats for convenience.
Length
The length of the raincoat is important when choosing a material for raincoats because it will affect how easily you can move around and also how much protection you get from the weather. The longer the raincoat, the more protection you can get and it is also more convenient to wear because you can wear it below another layer of clothes. The lightweight material of a short raincoat is easier to pack but doesn’t offer much protection. nylon, when compared to other materials, makes the heaviest raincoats, but they are at their best in humid climates because water beads off the coat and doesn’t penetrate into the material when worn.
Durability
The best material for raincoats will be durable and leather is one of the most durable types in terms of breathability and will last for a long time under heavy use. The leather is heavy, so you must layer under it in cold weather; however, the leather is easy to clean because it doesn’t retain water. The nylon raincoat is much lighter and easier to pack, but its breathability can be affected when it is too hot. The nylon raincoat also has minimal protection from water in heavy downpours because it allows moisture to pass through, so you need to layer additional clothing under it.
Ease of Cleaning
When choosing the best material for raincoats, you have to be concerned about how easy it is to clean. You don’t want the material to retain water and to allow water to slowly seep through the pores of the material. The nylon raincoat is a lightweight, breathable jacket that allows moisture to escape and will not retain water or absorb it. The leather raincoat will hold more moisture but is heavy and difficult to clean because it holds in odors.
Fabric Draping
The drape of the fabric is important because you want a raincoat that will stay on your shoulders and fit comfortably. The leather raincoat is heavy, but it will have a drape to it and will form your body. The silk and cotton raincoats are light and drape the body well, but they do not have the same protection as the leather.
Wind Protection
The wind protection of the raincoat is important because it will protect you from gusts of wind and from being hit by flying debris. The water-repellent coating will keep you protected from getting wet, but it won’t stand up to heavy wind for long periods of time or in cold temperatures. The wool and cotton raincoats will not protect you from the wind, but they are more durable in areas where the temperature gets cold.
Style
You should choose a material for raincoats that gives you the right style for your clothing and personal taste. The leather and wool coats look dressy and polished, but they are heavy and difficult to pack. The silk raincoat looks more formal than most coats but it is light in weight and easy to layer under another coat or sweater.
Every material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to carefully weigh them before making a decision on what is the best material for raincoats. You need to decide how you want to wear it and for what purpose. If you are looking for something that is formal, durable, has a long life, and adds bulkiness to your body as well as warmth, then a leather coat would be the best option.