Børge's Tour Tips - Keep Dry
Børge's guide to the best all-weather jacket.
Hi Børge!
In Trøndelag, as in the rest of Norway , we are having all types of weather. I am hunting for a new jacket that can be used regardless of weather. Do you have a suggestion?
Greetings Siri, Rennebu
Photo: BØRGE OUSLAND
Although there are many good jackets available on the market, it would be difficult to find one suitable for all possible situations. If you work hard and perspire freely you will be wet regardless of the type of jacket you are wearing. Also, most people will get a wet back if carrying a backpack.
A couple of years ago I was on an expedition to the west coast of Chile with Thomas Ulrich ; one of the worst places in the world for extreme weather conditions. The weather was indeed terrible and alternated between rain and snow for weeks at a time.
We had of course prepared ourselves for this and had brand new "breathing" waterproof jackets. However, it is well known that the promised benefits so glibly advertised are not always kept.
The waterproof zippers started to leak first. Everything we had in our jacket pockets became soaking wet and the water ran through the pant zippers into our shoes. We were carrying backpacks and in a short period the water came through the jackets on shoulders and backs. After a week or so we were essentially wet the whole time.
In short, it is this type of weather we can expect in Norway now and for some time ahead. And it is just under such weather conditions it is difficult to find outside clothing that will measure up. There are numerous brands advertising fancy solutions on the market today. Which jacket and what material should we chose?
Define your requirements.
If you only want to look sporty then chose what looks best on you. If you are planning walking or skiing trips and don't have to worry about fashions, the most important question is always: What will I be using it for? Make a list of requirements for use and function and use these when the choice is to be made. The most important requirement of a good jacket is of course that it should keep you dry and warm.
Membranes.
In past years people would have to make do with rain clothes or impregnated cotton. Even today these are not bad choices, but "breathing" membranes will no doubt make life easier on your hikes outdoors.
If you have to work hard and perspire freely you will get wet anyway. The membranes will let water vapor through fine pores, but will keep liquid water out. We will however get wet if we walk with a backpack or sit on a wet surface for any length of time.
There are so many membranes available that it is almost impossible to tell which brand is best. In general, a the cheaper priced fabric normally have only a coating painted on the surface and this is really not a membrane and these will not have the same wear and "breathing" properties as pure membranes.
Membranes can be divided into two types; two layered and three layered. The membranes in two-layered clothing are laminated on a hardwearing outer layer with a loose, thin inner lining. In three-layered clothing the membrane is laminated between the outer and inner layer so that the three layers become one. Three-layered clothing is most durable and is the first choice for long expeditions, but tends to be somewhat stiff and noisy. Most people would get along just fine with two-layered clothing.
Much to choose from.
The type of outer layer chosen will also have quite an influence on the "breathing" properties. It is therefore almost impossible for an average consumer these days to navigate the jungle of different types of membranes and outer clothing materials.
Design, color and "image" will in most cases have a strong influence on the choice, but it is the basic functions of the jacket and what it is to be used for that should really count in the final decision.
The most important points.
The hood is one of the most important features of a jacket. It should be easy to regulate with mittens on. The hood should be large enough to leave room for a large hat without feeling tight. It should stick out far enough to protect against the wind, cover chin, forehead and cheeks (but not the mouth), and the hood should follow whenever the head is turned. It is irritating to feel resistance from the hood when the head is turned.
Ventilation and fit.
Many chose a short jacket that makes it easier to move, but it is a poor solution in strong wind and blowing snow. A short jacket would require longer pants to cover the midriff and these should preferably be held up with suspenders. However, it is most important that the jacket fits comfortably and follows the movements of the body. Take your time in the store and have a fleece jacket and a hat with you.
The sleeves should permit free movement, be long enough and fit tightly around the wrists. The overall feel should be light and comfortable and it should follow the movements of the body, as should the hood. If you are carrying a backpack or perspire easily, it is not enough with ventilation in front. There should also be zippers for ventilation under the arms.
Pockets.
There should be at least two large breast pockets. "Napoleon opening" pockets with vertical zippers allow the pockets to be located higher, preventing the pocket from being in the way of the belt and shoulder straps. It is easier to access the content of this type of pocket.
Make sure the zipper is placed correctly with the zipper movement being from top to bottom. It is an advantage to have a flap to protect the zipper. Pockets with horizontal or slanted openings generally have more room and a larger opening. This can be an advantage in the winter when wearing mittens and with cold fingers, and it is also not as easy to lose things out of the pocket.
Wash and maintenance.
Jackets with membranes should be washed quite often with mild soap and water or specialty washing preparations. They should be impregnated at regular intervals, perhaps after each third wash.
An intensely studied and modified product does not necessarily become better and better, but reading the ads we are led to believe this is always the case. Use common sense; the simplest is often the best.
With best wishes for a dry and warm trip!
Greetings from Børge
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