6 Best Waterproofing Sprays & Wash-in Products for Jackets Reviewed + How To

by

6 Best Waterproofing Sprays & Wash-in Products for Jackets Reviewed + How To

When it’s time to buy a new jacket, online shopping has now become the most common way to go about it. With so many options available, information that is accessible in just a few seconds, the reasons for online shopping becoming so popular are quite self-explanatory.

So the time has come for you, too, and now you are looking for a jacket that will not only keep you warm, but that it will keep you dry as well. After all, an all-purpose jacket, which can be worn in rain and shine, would undoubtedly be the best option.

The search for “waterproof jacket” will yield hundreds, if not thousands, of results. Numerous jackets to pick from, each made of different fabrics and some mentioning water column and even special membranes.

We understand very well that it tends to get a little bit confusing, especially if you have no prior experience with buying waterproof jackets.

We will explain all of that simply, before we get into today’s selection and guide.

Read more

Polyamide (Nylon) vs Polyester: Differences and Comparison

by

Polyamide (Nylon) vs Polyester: Differences and Comparison

In some of our recent comparisons we have focused on the different types of fabric technologies that are most commonly used in making jackets. We have looked at Gore-Tex, DryVent, OutDry and similar others.

As you know, most jackets are made mainly of two particular materials, which are Polyamide (Nylon) and Polyester.

Today we will focus on these two fabrics and take an in-depth look at their composition, their performance and how (and why!) they are used in different jackets.

Let’s first start with each separately, Polyamide being the first.

Read more

Best Gore-Tex® Alternatives: 5 Fabrics and Jackets Reviewed

by

Best Gore-Tex® Alternatives: 5 Fabrics and Jackets Reviewed

When waterproof jackets are mentioned online, Gore-Tex® is bound to make an appearance. Known as the waterproof fabric technology, which is also highly breathable as opposed to other waterproof fabrics, which lack in this regard, Gore-Tex® has become a household name over the years.

Men and women all over the world, who are looking for high-performance jackets that can withstand unstable weather and extensive physical activity, will definitely be directed towards Gore-Tex® by those that have tried jackets made from it. And that is understandable, of course.

However some would argue that Gore-Tex® is not the “be all, end all” of waterproof fabrics.

This is what brings us to today’s selection, where we went on a search for some great alternatives to Gore-Tex®, so that you can have different options and make the right decision when looking for a new jacket.

We have previously looked at two Gore-Tex® alternatives, which are DryVent™ by The North Face and OutDry, used by Columbia, none of which will be included as we would like to look at some different alternatives.

We will structure this selection a bit differently, as we will be looking at fabrics as well as jackets. For this, we will first take a look at the Gore-Tex® alternative fabric and then at the jacket we have chosen to represent the fabric.

Read more

OutDry vs Gore-Tex® Technology: Which One Is Better?

by

OutDry vs Gore-Tex Technology: Which One Is Better?

Searching and reading about fabric technologies can be quite a learning experience, as you not only know exactly what goes on when a certain jacket’s materials are listed, but you also know what to look for when shopping for jackets.

In some of our previous reviews and selections we have mentioned several fabric technologies, some of which are quite famous and most of those who spend lots of times outdoors already know about them.

Several weeks ago we did do a comparison review between Gore-Tex® and DryVent™, a fabric developed by The North Face.

As you already know by the title, today we will once again take a look at Gore-Tex® and see how it compares to another fabric technology, which is OutDry™.

Before we get any further, there is something that needs some clarifying. There are two OutDry results that come up if you were to look for it online. One is OutDry® and the other is OutDry Extreme by Columbia.

Everything will be explained below as to why that is and what you should know about each, so let’s get down to it.

Read more

8 German Clothing and Jacket Brands for Outdoor Activities

by

8 German Clothing and Jacket Brands for Outdoor Activities

Here we are back again at another selection of brands that have one main thing in common: they were founded in the same country.

After we took a quick tour through some Scandinavian brands from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, now it’s time for some German brands.

If there is one thing Germany is most renowned for, is its hardworking people and the quality of anything they present to the world. Some of the best worldwide brands were founded in Germany and we have chosen several of them for today’s selection.

We have picked 8 brands, with the main focus being on sportswear and jackets, as per usual. We are certain you will recognize most of these, or maybe even all of them, as they are quite reputable not only within Germany but internationally as well.

Let’s get started right away!

Read more

Fjällräven vs The North Face: Which Brand Is Better?

by

Fjällräven vs The North Face: Which Brand Is Better?

These upcoming days will be all about comparisons between brands and fabric technologies, with the first one being today’s comparison review of Fjällräven and The North Face.

Extensively featured in a majority of our reviews, selections, and comparisons between jackets, both of these brands are two very popular ones on the online market for sportswear and outdoor gear. Another thing they have in common is their prices, so we are talking high-end products, as you will see below.

As per usual, we will look at each separately, how they came to be, where they stand now, and what materials and prices you can expect when purchasing one of their jackets.

Read more

7 Beautiful Water Repellent Jackets for Rainy Days, Men & Women

by

7 Beautiful Water Repellent Jackets for Rainy Days, Men & Women

Time for a new jacket selection! Today we have picked 7 jackets that you can wear in different weather conditions, with the main criteria being that they are water-repellent so that they can be worn when it rains, too.

In the past, we have compiled several selections of jackets that you can wear when it rains, but they were all waterproof options.

So why focusing on water-resistant and water-repellent ones, then? Well, because, unless a jacket is up there in price and made of breathable and waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex, they are typically not breathable at all.

Take, for example, rain jackets.

These are great for protecting against the rain, but what if you don’t want to purchase several jackets for different purposes? Especially if you are mostly outdoors for sports and other activities, which turns rain jackets into a hindrance due to overheating.

This brings us to versatile, water-repellent jackets, which come in many designs and varieties that you can wear for jogging, walking, layering and practically any other activity.

With that being said, let’s jump right into today’s selection!

Read more