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A great hiking jacket is essential for hiking or trekking. However, choosing the right one for you is not always that easy as there are a variety of options available on the market. A good trekking jacket should not only be able to keep you warm and comfortable while trekking, but it should also allow you to stay active during your trek. Choosing the right trekking jacket can be challenging. Hence, we have come up with a detailed guide to help you pick the correct one. Let’s take a look at it.
The first consideration when choosing a jacket is to keep in mind the kind of weather you're going to wear in your trekking jacket. How long are you going to use it for example, whether you want it for extended trips or only for weekend trips? You will need to know the environmental conditions of the place you're going to be in. If you are going to wear it in rainy weather, the safest one would be a waterproof jacket. But if you need it during winter weather, then you can go for a down jacket. Always check the low and high temperatures of the location you are visiting, as this will give you a better idea about layering. Besides this, if you're going on a trek that can have a greater variety in temperature, then you can go for a flexible jacket that can come with a removable outer shell. Trekking jacket is an investment, so make sure you are investing in the right one.
Different brands have different jackets in the same sizes, so when you pick a jacket, go for one that is your size. As far as the fitting is concerned, a good trekking jacket should have additional room so that you can add a layer of clothing underneath it and at the same time provide some space for air to move around. This will kick the moisture and keep you warm during the trek. If the size and fit of the jacket are good, it will not only protect you but will also provide you with comfort. Additionally, the jacket should weigh no more than 400 grams and have a low volume.
There are a plethora of choices when it comes to trekking jacket material. First of all, you want something waterproof accompanied by some amount of or access to breathability/ventilation. The best jackets are made of sturdy, tear-proof material on the outside. Choose a material that can protect you from all elements such as snow, water, and wind. In this scenario, hard shell jacket suits would fit as they are made up of 2 to 3 layers. These jackets come with three-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric that helps minimize sweat accumulation during your favorite outdoor activities. These jackets are bulky and heavy and typically cost more than other jackets. These jackets are designed for extreme sporting activities. Another type of trekking jacket is a soft shell jacket. Soft shell jackets offer a great deal of versatility compared to hard shell jackets that are a little rigid. The inner lining, which is usually made of fleece, is comfortable and provides warmth. You can do the movements easily like a stretch or climb. While not fully waterproof, they can still be worn in light snow.
Maintenance is the secret to maximizing the life of your jacket, regardless of the type of jacket you're wearing. You need to take good care of it to get the most of your hiking jacket. So when you buy a jacket, make sure you read the cleaning and maintenance instructions carefully. For instance, a jacket with DWR ( Durable Water Repellent) coating should not be washed in a washing machine, as it can destroy its protective coating.
Weight is another important factor that you need to consider before buying a trekking jacket. Wearing a heavy jacket can restrict your movement, so get a lightweight jacket that you can wear easily without any hassles. Also, when you aren’t wearing it, it can be fit easily rolled into your bag without increasing your load.
Apart from the above factors, you should also be looking for a few of these features in a trekking jacket.
Not all trekking jackets will have an attached hood, so you might have to pay extra for hooded jackets. But the hood is a very important part of a jacket, so make sure the hood is adjustable so that you can fit your head comfortably. These adjustments are usually on the left and right-hand sides of the base of the hood and on the back of the head. A hood type that would be great to have is a peaked hood. This helps keep the rain off your face. Bear in mind any special needs that you may have for your hiking adventures. For instance, are you going to wear a helmet under your hood? If so, you are going to need a bit more room in there to fit it in.
It might seem like a little bit of detail to you but trust us it's a life savior. When you wear thick gloves, your zipped pockets will be easy to pull. Although the number of pockets will be your personal preference, make sure you have enough pockets to keep the gears like a compass, torch, maps, etc. and it's easy to open and close with your gloves on.
Here are some of our special trekking jackets that are designed especially keeping your comfort in mind. Check them out!
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