Rain trousers for hiking
Rain trousers can be a lifesaver during a proper downpour. The trousers are easy to put on, and after the shower you take them off just as easily so you can continue your hike in dry trousers. What should you look out for when buying rain trousers?
What should good rain trousers offer?
Rain trousers naturally need to be waterproof. The waterproofness of rain trousers is expressed in a water column, but what do these different values actually mean? You can read that in the overview below!
- From 0 mm: the rain trousers are water-repellent, but not waterproof.
- From 1,000 mm: the rain trousers keep out water, but aren't pressure-resistant. If you sit down on a wet chair, for example, the rain trousers will eventually leak.
- From 2,000 mm: the rain trousers stay waterproof even during longer rain showers, but will still leak under pressure.
- From 5,000 mm: the rain trousers withstand long and intense weather; even under high pressure the trousers stay waterproof. Under very prolonged high pressure the product may eventually leak.
- From 15,000 mm: the rain trousers withstand extremely heavy rain showers, and even underwater the garment keeps you dry.
Which rain trousers are best?
It's also important that the rain trousers are breathable, although this feature is less important for rain trousers than for a rain jacket. This is because the legs perspire less and become extremely warm less quickly than the upper body. When buying rain trousers, check whether the trouser legs can be tightened, for example with velcro, which prevents rain from getting in through the bottom of the trousers. Adjustable trouser legs are also handy for easily putting on and taking off the rain trousers. If the rain trousers are wide enough, you can even keep your shoes on while putting them on or taking them off.
Taped seams prevent rain from leaking in through the seams. Most rain trousers can be folded up and packed away very small, making them easy to carry. Rain trousers mainly come in neutral, dark colours. The reason for this is that mud/dirt shows up less on dark trousers. At Plutosport.nl you'll also find rain trousers for both women and men.
How do I wash rain trousers?
Clean the outside of the rain trousers with a sponge and warm water. In the washing machine, rain trousers can lose their waterproof properties. Always read the wash label. If the rain trousers can be washed, don't use fabric softener. Hang the rain trousers up to dry, avoiding sun and heating while doing so.
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