Hiking jackets

The best outdoor jacket

If you look at the range at Plutosport.nl, you'll see there's a lot of variation between outdoor jackets. Jackets differ in length, colour, but also in features such as waterproofness, whether or not they have a hood, or a removable inner jacket. There are also outdoor jackets for both women and men. Besides these features, the best outdoor jacket should also fit comfortably, since you'll probably be wearing the jacket for miles on end. Want to know more about the different features of an outdoor jacket? Then read on!

What features does an outdoor jacket have?

An outdoor jacket should fit comfortably and offer plenty of freedom of movement. The jacket is breathable and has the ability to absorb perspiration and release it into the outside air. Make sure the jacket is sturdy, because while hiking you're bound to bump or scrape against something now and then. The cuffs on the sleeves let you tighten them to prevent wind or rain getting in through the sleeves. The inside of the jacket also often has a wind flap that keeps the wind out. All hiking jackets are windproof, and many are even waterproof. In the product description of the various jackets you can see how waterproof they are, measured in a water column. What the different values mean, you can find below:

• From 0 mm: the outdoor jacket is water-repellent, but not waterproof.
• From 1,000 mm: the outdoor jacket keeps out water, but isn't pressure-resistant. If you sit down on a wet chair, for example, the outdoor jacket will eventually leak.
• From 2,000 mm: the outdoor jacket stays waterproof even during longer rain showers, but will still leak under pressure.
• From 5,000 mm: the outdoor jacket withstands long and intense weather; even under high pressure the garment stays waterproof. Under very prolonged high pressure the product may eventually leak.
• From 15,000 mm: the outdoor jacket withstands extremely heavy rain showers, and even underwater the garment keeps you dry.

Why jacket pockets are handy on an outdoor jacket

All outdoor jackets are fitted with closable pockets, usually via a zip or buttons. That way nothing can fall out during the hike. The jackets have plenty of pockets, so you can bring a lot while hiking. Think of keys, a phone, but also small snacks that you can easily grab without, for example, having to take your whole bag off your back.

Tip

There are special sprays that keep the waterproof and dirt-repellent function of the outdoor jacket intact.

Still have questions about outdoor jackets? Feel free to ask our customer service.