How Do You Buy Backpacking Rain Gear?
Rain gear isn’t guaranteed to keep you dry on your backpacking trip, no matter what the manufacturer claims. But there are a few things you can look for in buying gear to maximize your chances of a comfortable trip even in the worst downpours. Thumb through a couple of reputable outdoor magazines for articles and reviews on equipment purchases to find out the most-recommended models and manufacturers of outerwear. If there is a particular product which interests you and you can’t find a review, call the manufacturer and ask if the product has been reviewed in an outdoor magazine. Decide how much you’re willing to spend for comfort. The ideal rain gear is lightweight, breathable and truly waterproof, and is likely to be expensive. Consider whether the waterproofing is bonded to the fabric – as is the case with Gore-Tex – or is laminated on the fabric as an additional coating. Coated nylon rain gear usually isn’t breathable despite the claims – if you go with a laminated product claiming
