June 18 and we find nothing better than to write an article about raincoats. Well, the Belgian weather is not showing its best side. But neither do the mountains always. Planning a sporty trip to the mountains? We’ll help you choose your raincoat, because for an adventure in the mountains it’s best to choose it carefully.
Required equipment
In the coming months, the trails in the mountains are just up your alley. A hooded raincoat – the latter is not an unimportant detail – is among the mandatory equipment when participating in one. That’s why we go over the options and points of interest with you.
Water column
“Choose a raincoat with a water column of at least 10,000 mm,” is the first thing advisor Senne insists. Senne already successfully completed the UTMB twice, so he knows what he’s talking about.
The water column represents the waterproof ability of your jacket. The higher this value, the better protected you are from rain. From 10,000 mm we may speak of functionally waterproof, but this value can easily be twice as high with the better raincoats.
“Another important thing is to choose a raincoat with bonded seams,” Senne continues. You can recognize these by the extra layer along the inside that goes over the stitching. “Because the seams are taped, water can’t get in along there either.”
“Many requirements are individual. For example, I like to wear my raincoat over my backpack.”
Combination with backpack
The other requirements are often very individual, our advisor knows. Senne, for example, prefers a raincoat that can go over his backpack.
“You can’t reach your stuff as easily, but you do prevent your backpack from getting heavier because of the rain. So for me a raincoat with extra space at the back is a requirement. There are also trail runners for whom this is absolutely not necessary and who do prefer to wear their backpack over their raincoat. In that case, the GORE WEAR Concurve GTX Jacket, for example, is a good one. That one feels sturdy along the outside so you can wear a backpack over it just fine.”
Weight
The weight of the raincoat can also factor into your choice. “Nowadays raincoats are all super light and not all have pockets anymore, although there are differences in them.”
“With Salomon’s raincoats, for example, you hardly feel you’re carrying them. Especially when the sun comes through and you can store them, I think that’s a plus. Take the Nike GTX Trail Running Jackets, for example. These feel sturdier and bulkier which makes them thicker and warmer. If you front something, that’s more advantageous toward safety as an extra on your rescue blanket.”
Get advice
Not sure (yet) what your needs or preferences are? Browse through our web shop or visit one of our stores so the Runners’ lab advisors can show you around.
