How to Rate Rain Gear
Choosing quality rain gear is a process that requires careful consideration of many factors. Depending on the outdoor activity that you're involved in, the rain gear that you choose should suit and perform in specific conditions. An ordinary poncho is fine for light hiking should a storm arise, but for biking, paddling, mountain climbing and other activities the appropriate gear should be carefully selected. The rain gear market has numerous gear choices with varying prices and features making each one unique. In order to choose the rain equipment that's right for you, refer to a good consumer gear review while you are out shopping around.
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Instructions
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Identify rain gear manufacturers that correspond to activities that you will be performing while wearing the rain gear. For outdoor or adventure sports, a few brand manufacturers, such as The North Face, Marmot and GoLite, produce quality gear. For those working outdoors, rain suits are available from manufacturers such as FrogToggs, and other manufacturers produce gaiters and rain boots.
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Identify the features that make the rain gear work for you. Such features include lightweight construction for those doing mountain trekking, biking or hiking, adequate ventilation, which should be considered for all activities, and the addition of pit-zippers, side sippers, hood dimensions and buttons or straps. Let your specific outdoor activity dictate how you rate different brands of rain gear.
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Try on a few different brands and styles of rain gear to see which one is the most comfortable. Most stores don't mind if you try them on prior to purchase. If you'll be performing a lot of movement, mimic the action that you'll be performing most while wearing the rain gear to ensure comfort and breathability. Bulky rain gear can be uncomfortable and cumbersome so generally the lightweight gear is most favored.
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Consult a gear review to see if you can find any consumer feedback on specific types of rain gear that you're interested in. Gear reviews can be found at websites such as Backpack Gear Test and Consumer Reports. These sites generally have a rating system and consumer feedback to review.
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Tips & Warnings
Lightweight rain gear should have an inner jacket that helps keep the material from clinging to your skin for the best comfort.
References
- Photo Credit rain coats image by jscott from Fotolia.com
