In the mountains, the weather changes quickly so you're advised to wear a waterproof jacket when hikingQuechua offers a wide range of waterproof jackets, lightweight, warm3-in-1 jackets, and jackets with or without ventilation which offers different levels of waterproofing.

Choosing the right jacket isn't a straightforward matter so check out our advice to help you make the right choice!

  1. Waterproofing

Depending on the level of protection you need, you can choose between different levels of waterproofing. For each jacket, the level of waterproofing is graded on a scale of 1 to 5. These ratings are developed through technical lab tests; the higher the rating, the more waterproof the jacket.

  • Shower Protection

Ratings of 2 and 3 indicate that the jacket can offer protection during a shower with 6-12 cm of rainfall in 1-2 hours

  • Thunderstorm Protection

Rating of 4 indicates that the jacket can offer protection during a thunderstorm with 30 cm of rainfall in 3 hours.

  • Storm Protection

A rating of 5 indicates that the jacket can offer protection during a storm, with 1.8 m of rainfall in 4 hours!



  1. How do we Create our Jacket? 
  • Our Components 

We measure the fabric resistance with a water pressure expressed in mm of water column ( tests based on the ISO 811 norm). The higher the pressure, the more the fabric is considered waterproof. A component with a 2000mm waterproofness will resist pressure of 2000mm of water (the equivalent of a two-hour rainfall).

  • All Our Jackets are Water-Repellent 

The water-repellent capacity of a fabric is its capacity to let the water slip on its surface without absorbing it. The water-repellency capacity is procured by a treatment on the outside of the fabric. This treatment needs to be renewed during the clothing’s lifetime (we suggest every 3 washes). All Quechua raincoats benefit from a water-repellent treatment.

  • Our Shower Test 

Our jacket is validated in a shower test under a certain amount of litres per m2 per hour during a few hours (according to specificities). This test recreates a more or less important storm in the mountains.



  1. The Outside Temperature
We offer 2 kinds of hiking jackets: Lightweight jackets and Warm jackets.
  • Lightweight Jackets

Are unlined or only have a lightweight lining so they are worn in warm weather, in mid-season or in winter with a warm layer such as a fleece or micro-padded jacket.

Each component is designed to optimize the weight of our jackets. Hikers have to carry all of their equipment during physical effort. That’s why we design our products so that they are lighter and lighter and they ensure greater freedom of movement.

  • Warm Jackets

In cold weather, you should choose a warm jacket with a warm lining; some of these jackets have a detachable lining and are called "3-in-1" jackets. This means that, depending on the temperature, you can remove the inner layer (either a fleece or padded jacket zipped to inside of jacket) and convert it to a lightweight jacket.



  1. Intensity of Exercise 

Finally, the last criterion to consider is the intensity of your hike. The more intense the hike, the more you'll sweat which means you'll need a ventilated jacket. When there's a ventilation zip, we talk about mechanical ventilation. These are generally located under the arms but some pockets also have mesh which helps perspiration wicking.

  • For improved ventilation, wear breathable clothing under your jacket and remember to leave the cuffs and bottom of jacket unfastened.
  • If you plan to walk in the rain for a long time, wear a poncho over your jacket which will provide complete waterproofing and help protect your backpack!

  1. Ventilation

Ventilation zips under the arms or on the chest to facilitate sweat evacuation

  • Role of the Component

Capacity of the product to release the vapor created by the body. In addition to the breathability of the fabrics used, Quechua is developing technical solutions (zippers, aerations, mesh…) that improve the overall ventilation of all our jackets made for Hiking. These ventilation systems allow for temperature regulation inside the jackets and to facilitate evacuation of sweat formed by the body during physical efforts.

  • The Fabric 

To know if a fabric is breathable, we measure its RET evaporation resistance ( test based on the ISO 11092 norm). The lower the resistance, the more the fabric allows the vapor generated by the body in activity to be released, thus making it more breathable.

For example:

  • RET < 9 = extremely breathable fabric
  • 9 < RET < 12 = very breathable fabric
  • 12 < RET < 20 = breathable fabric
  • RET > 20 = not or less breathable fabric

  1. Membraned or Coated Component 

To make fabric waterproof, there are two solutions:

  • The coating: it's a waterproof material spread on the inside of the fabric. It stops the penetration of water inside the item but can release the vapor formed by the body during physical efforts so you remain dry.
  • The membrane: it is a film applied to the inside of the fabric. It is waterproof and stops water coming from the outside but evacuates the sweat created by the body as it moves. The membrane is more flexible and durable than the coating.

 

CHECK OUR RANGE OF WATERPROOF JACKETS
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