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GearTrends'® Product Buying Guides: Waterproof/Breathable Shells
The numbers don’t really matter
Grams per meter squared over a 24-hour period may be a scientific way to describe breathability, but most folks eyes will glaze over if we try to explain the complex theory of waterproof/breathable fabrics this way.
In buying a waterproof/breathable shell (W/B shell), try to stay away from the numbers: they don’t really matter. In fact, they tend to become confusing unless you allow yourself an hour for an explanation of the size of water vapor molecules, interstitial spaces in fabric coatings and laminates, and a long section with drawings on the theory of driving force and temperature differential. Yaaaawn. As in most purchases from an outdoor specialty retailer, you should be most interested in your comfort, convenience, and safety when shopping for a W/B shell. Leave the scientific stuff for the gear geeks who have nothing better to do with their time.
To begin, you need to know where you are planning on going
You cannot properly buy a W/B shell unless you know how and where you will likely use it, and discovering that begins with answers to a series of questions:
- Where will the garment be used? Desert, mountain, trail running, alpine climbing, expedition, trekking and travel, skiing, soccer games in case it rains
- What season will the garment be used most? Winter, spring, summer, fall?
- What specific features are necessary or important to you?
- Hood design: fixed or roll-up, helmet
- Underarm zips and/or other ventilation features
- Waterproof zippers
- Adjustable cuffs
- Abrasion-resistant fabric reinforcement
- Pockets both inside and outside
- Special fit requirements – athletic and form-fitting or loose for layering
- Weight and bulk requirements
- How will the garment be used?
- Only occasionally as a protective outer shell
- Always for alpine skiing in Vermont
- For highly aerobic, adventure sport activities
- As an integral part of a multiple layer, technical climbing, clothing system
- As back-up to a soft shell clothing system
There are basically three categories of W/B shells to choose from that the answers to each of the questions above will help you to correctly place a garment in:
- Basic rainwear: waterproof/breathable, taped, simple design, lightweight fabric. Usually 2.5 or 3 layer, unlined and most often made of a proprietary waterproof/breathable coating. Great for travel, ultralight applications, or as a part of a soft shell layering system. Typically sells for $100 to $150.
- Active lifestyle: waterproof/breathable, taped, soft fabrics with some surface interest (twill, cross dye, etc.), more fashionable design, lots of pockets inside and out, usually a removable or roll-up hood. Maybe a powder skirt. Frequently features a lined, 2-layer construction. Great for general sport or spectator use, skiing, town and country use. Typically sells for $200 to $250.
- Technical wear: waterproof/breathable, taped or welded, simple design, heavier bullet-proof 3-layer design, waterproof zippers, helmet-sized fixed hood with two or three-way adjustment, large angled pocket entry for use with a pack on. Highly abrasion resistant. The alpinist or aspirant’s choice. Most often sells for over $300 and as high as $450.
Armed with answers to the questions above, and some idea as to what category of shell you are looking for from the three general choices above, head to your local specialty outdoor store and, working with a salesperson, select a number of jackets that will best match your needs. Try each on and select the one that not only meets all of your needs the closest, but also feels the most comfortable on. Be sure to leave room for layering underneath, if you think that will be a need.
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