For outdoor sports enthusiasts, a jacket is an absolute must. Looking at the various major brands of outdoor sports jackets on the market, the prices can easily reach tens of thousands. It can be seen that the research and development of fabrics, technology and craftsmanship for jackets are indeed expensive. But when you actually go online to choose a jacket, you will find that the market is too complicated. Various brands emerge in an endless stream, and the prices range from hundreds to thousands. How should you choose?
As someone who has worn out several jackets, I would like to share my selection strategy with you and explain in detail how to choose an entry-level jacket.
The three core factors when choosing a jacket: waterproofness, breathability, windproofness and warmth.
A look at the waterproofness
When choosing the waterproof performance of a jacket, you generally look at the waterproof index of the fabric. We have summarized the scenarios that different waterproof indexes can cope with for your reference:
When actually choosing, it is recommended to choose according to your own travel scenarios, as long as it is enough. For most people, a jacket with a waterproof index of less than 9000/mm is absolutely enough. There is no need to pursue higher values, because high values often mean high prices.
Second look at the breathability
Why are jackets more expensive and more advanced than raincoats? That’s because it’s both waterproof and breathable. If the breathability is poor, you may be covered in sweat when you wear it. When actually selecting, you usually look at the breathability index of the fabric given by the testing agency. The higher the value, the better the breathability.
The breathability index of jackets in ordinary scenarios is about the same between 5000 and 88000. Anything higher than this is professional equipment, which is much more expensive and is a waste for ordinary people.
Three Looks at Windproof and Warmth Keeping
Jackets are divided into three types: hard shell, soft shell and three-in-one. Among them, three-in-one is the most suitable type for novices. The price of the clothes is equivalent to buying three pieces.
With this “three-in-one” design, after the inner liner is removed, the other two pieces can be worn alone. The outer shell blocks wind and the inner liner keeps warm, and can be switched at will according to the temperature.
Fourth Looks at Appearance
Of course, when we choose a jacket, we also have to look at its appearance. Otherwise, if the clothes are ugly, we will not even think about taking a photo.
When actually selecting, in addition to the fact that there should be no defects in the fabric and overall workmanship, special attention should be paid to the fact that the inner tank should not have pilling problems, and the color should be versatile and stain-resistant.
Five Look Brands
For ordinary outdoor sports enthusiasts, there is really no need to choose expensive imported brands. Domestic products are often more cost-effective, and the sizes and The sleeve length is also more suitable for us Asians. Many big foreign brands of jackets are designed to fit foreigners’ bodies. When we wear them, the sleeves are either too long or the shoulders are too wide.
Supplement: When choosing a jacket, it is best to choose one size larger, so that it will be more comfortable to wear.
