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Do you like outdoor activities? Are you a fan of hiking, climbing or trekking? Then you'll need to dress accordingly to cope with the whims of the weather. And for this, there are many technical jackets that each have their own particularities, whether it be to facilitate thermal insulation, waterproofing or breathability. So, what are the essential criteria to remember? Let's take a look !
For climbing, trekking or hiking in the high mountains, technical jackets with thermal insulation are a must. In a cold environment, they keep you comfortably warm by protecting you from the outside temperature. In this way, they minimise the drop in body temperature to avoid hypothermia. This is a safety factor, especially if you are in an isolated environment in the middle of nowhere. When selecting a jacket, you can choose between a windbreaker, a lined jacket, a bodywarmer or a softshell. The all-time champion is the down jacket, which retains body heat very well while being breathable. What's more, it's comfortable to wear so you can move around freely.
Technical jackets can also be transformed into windbreakers. In the mountains, when the wind picks up, or during a mountain bike descent, the fabric will naturally limit the feeling of cold thanks to its extremely resistant mesh. This way, you avoid a rapid drop in temperature, which could be detrimental to your physical activity. In addition, you avoid the discomfort of blizzards or gusts of wind. To find the ideal jacket, look for a model with a water-repellent layer that adds an extra barrier of protection against light rain. In addition, this material is known to be breathable and is perfectly suited to high-intensity sports.
There is often some confusion between waterproof technical jackets and water-repellent technical jackets. The former includes a specific feature, as the membrane is designed to prevent water or snow from infiltrating the fabric. For total insulation, some garments are designed with heat-sealed seams, zips and waterproof flaps. In addition, the waterproof technical jacket also acts as a windbreaker to completely insulate you from the elements or gusts of wind. Thanks to this level of protection, you will always stay dry, even if it rains. Perfect for trekking, it also accompanies mountain bikers or hikers in extreme environments.
However, a water repellent technical jacket is not necessarily waterproof! Here, the fabric is made of a special fibre that protects against light rain or drizzle. The advantage is that it allows air to circulate, while water droplets run straight off the garment. On the other hand, and as it is not waterproof, you risk suffering from humidity after a certain amount of exposure to rain. That's why we recommend it for running or a walk in the woods.
Finally, the last essential quality of a technical jacket is its breathability. During physical activity, you will inevitably produce heat which will be transformed into perspiration. After a while, you are bound to get cold if your jacket is not designed for evaporation. This is particularly true of insulating technical jackets that should initially keep you warm but end up suffocating you! The result? You are less comfortable and there is a risk that your sport will be interrupted. This is why it is always essential to carefully choose your technical jacket according to the discipline you practice and the weather conditions !
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