We had record rainfall in July and it is looking like this fall will be pretty wet too. If you have lived in Juneau for a while you might have noticed that Juneauites don't shy away from the rain. Getting out in the rain is a fact of life and a necessity if you want to stay sane during the dark wet months. Choosing the right rain gear is key to making your wet outdoor adventures a success, but deciding which type of jacket has the right combination of breathability and water repellent properties can be confusing.

The level of water resistance and breathability that is right for you depends on the activities that you have planned for your outerwear. If you are standing in the rain fishing, then you would want something that is PVC coated and 100% waterproof (eg. Grundens, Guy Cotton and some Helly Hansen). A PVC coated raincoat is completely waterproof, and may be the ideal garment for standing in a downpour, but if you tried to hike or ski in it, you'd be wet in no time from your own perspiration. So if you are hiking up Mt. Jumbo on a typical fall day then you will want something that has a high waterproof rating (over 10,000mm), and also a high breathability rating (over 10,000g).

Waterproofing for outdoor gear is usually reported in millimeters (mm) or psi (pounds per square inch). Manufacturers use pressure to determine how much water will pass through a fabric. If you look on the comparison chart you will notice water resistance listed in millimeters (mm). This number comes from placing a square tube with inner dimensions of 1" x 1" over a piece of test fabric. Water is then added to the tube and the height (in mm) that the water reaches before it begins to leak through is measured. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric. The mm rating measures the height of the water while the psi rating measures the pressure the water exerts. To convert from mm into psi, divide by 704; to convert from psi to mm, multiply by 704.

Technical gear is usually waterproofed with an exterior coating (DWR) and a multi-layer laminate fabric. We carry many jackets that have either Gore-tex, eVent or a waterproof membrane which is actually laminated together with another fabric layer for increased durability and to help wick moisture through the membrane and out. Laminate construction usually offers superior breathability and durability but requires some care to maintain its full waterproof/breathable capability.

The reason these jackets appear to lose their ability to shed water over time is because the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating which was applied at the factory has worn off. DWR is a polymer applied to the outside of outerwear which makes water bead on the surface instead of soaking through. Once the DWR coating has worn off dust and oils may block the Gore-tex layer causing water to seep in. Washing your waterproof garments with detergent and fabric softener can also clog the pores of the fabric. The remedy is to clean the jacket in a tech-wash solution and then reapply the DWR coating. NAO carries Nikwax products for both processes for down, laminates, shoes, tents, etc, so don't give up on your old Gore-tex jacket until you have tried washing and recoating it. Always check the manufacturer's care label before washing or drying your waterproof gear, as extreme heat will damage most garments.

Here's an example of layers that keep you warm even if you do happen to get wet, starting closest to your skin and working out:

Just like on a winter hike, having multiple layers on allows you to quickly and easily adjust your clothing to suit your activity level. Your body won't stop sweating just because it's raining -- and when you're working so hard to avoid getting wet from the outside, the last thing you want to do is wet yourself down with sweat from the inside.

If you're hiking in warm weather, every layer can be lightweight; you might even leave the insulating layer in your pack altogether. Avoid cotton like the plague, though, even when it comes to underwear. Opt for polyester, nylon, wool or silk instead. Cotton holds any moisture -- whether from rain or sweat -- against your skin and robs your body of heat.