2007-01-17 07:18:46 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Other - Outdoor Recreation
Waterproof jackets aren't essential in outdoor sports at all. Staying dry is important, but you can get just as wet from inside by sweating, so your waterproof layer should be able to breathe. Some people swear by Gore-Tex, while others say it doesn't work efficiently enough.
There are two alternatives to waterproof or waterproof breathable jackets that I am aware of:
One is to wear a breathable, coated, but not seam sealed nylon windbreaker jacket such as the Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/Action/Vendor_Prod/ProdId/5327/RefId/29/RefType/Affiliate,
and utilize a lightweight umbrella http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/SessionId/c91d8a90da74048cc3902dad4430a56b/Action/Category_Prod/ProdId/5451 designed for hiking.
The second option is to wear a fully coated and seam sealed nylon or UL sil-nylon poncho. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39199371
Either system will provide ample protection from rain while allowing sufficient air flow to prevent soaking from your own sweat.
But of course that only works for hiking, backpacking, fishing, etc. If you're skiing when it's snowing and wet or kayaking in the cold and rain obviously you need a rain jacket.
2007-01-17 08:49:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two reasons for a waterproof jacket. The first is to keep you dry, in case of rain, but you need to properly vent it so that you don't get soaked due to sweat. The second is to keep the insulation dry since it will not work as well if it is wet, either by rain or by sweat. Down really loses its ability to insulate when it is wet, whereas man-made insulation does not tend to have as much of an issue, but it is heavier.
2007-01-17 08:37:52 · answer #2 · answered by Ghost 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of the temperature outside or activity you are doing, getting wet is the fastest way to lose body heat, if enough heat is lost hypothermia can ensue. By wearing waterproof gear you are able to retain heat as well as keep the moisture away from your body.
2007-01-17 07:24:38 · answer #3 · answered by beare85 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. They are nice to have and some type of shelter from the rain is best, but most short hikes and outdoor activities can be done on day trips safely without rain gear in most of the U.S.
2007-01-17 10:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Charles B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually because in England its always raining and waterproofs stop you getting wet.
It does suggest this in the title! :)
2007-01-19 07:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water Proof or Water Repelant? that is my question. Water proof isn't necisary as some people have said, but water repelant along with what Gohst and Schnurrba... have said are true
2007-01-20 21:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by slim69782003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most waterproof jackets are also edible so if you get lost or stuck on a hill you can eat your jacket and because they're waterproof they dont get soggy ...
2007-01-17 07:31:50 · answer #7 · answered by errbud 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Comfort.
2007-01-18 15:14:06 · answer #8 · answered by .40 Glock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you need to stay dry to stay warm.
2007-01-17 21:54:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mmm not sure about this one, perhaps it to keep you dry if it should rain, rain in the UK? never, sorry don't know
2007-01-17 07:22:45 · answer #10 · answered by BobC 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋