Every person craves comfort. A winter jacket will preserve natural comfort if a constant human temperature is maintained - the body must not get cold or overheat. And that's where the main role is played by the jacket, which has the task of insulating the cold and keeping the body at a comfortable temperature.
Function of the winter jacket:
- Protecting the body from external adverse influences (wind, rain...)
- Preventing health problems due to hypothermia
- Preserving the functional properties of the lower layers clothing
Choosing a winter jacket is as important as choosing the bottom layers of clothing. The current trend of functional dressing advises layering clothing to maximize its properties. The ideal layering of clothing should therefore look like this:
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layer - functional clothing that fits closely to the body to easily wick sweat away from the skin and keep you dry
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layer - insulating function that has the task of maintaining body temperature and supporting functional properties 1. layers
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layer - an upper jacket that protects the body from adverse external influences such as wind or rain
For more information, you can read our article How to dress for the mountains.
Functional features that a winter hiking jacket should definitely not lack
What features should it have have the perfect winter jacket? You definitely have the whole list: waterproof, windproof, perfectly breathable, light and warm, quality, stylish, long-lasting and so on. Of course, everything also depends on the meteorological conditions, which must be monitored and your clothing adjusted accordingly. For inspiration, you can read the article How to know when a storm is coming.
It's a long list and some features are in direct opposition to each other, so it's clear that finding such a jacket is quite a chore. But modern materials can almost do miracles! So what are the real features that today's jackets can offer you?
Waterproofness
The third, top layer of clothing should definitely protect us against the rain. To be honest, only a raincoat will provide you with 100% waterproofness, but you will soon get boiled in that while hiking. So how to choose the most ideal waterproof jacket? Using the water column!
The water column is the ability of a material to withstand the pressure of water before it begins to pass through. It is given in millimeters and the higher this value is, the better the material is able to keep you dry. Usually waterproof material refers to a water column of 2000 mm and more, but this number is very low from a practical point of view - you have to take into account the external conditions that were not taken into account in the laboratories (the pressure of the backpack straps corresponds to up to 18,000 mm, kneeling 12,000 mm). The water column is measured according to ISO 811.
Fig.: Infographic - water column and clothing
Did you know that ...?
Heat loss in wet clothing is up to 42 times faster than in dry clothing? That is why it is absolutely necessary to keep yourself dry with the help of waterproof material from the outside. At the same time, the material should be breathable enough so that your body does not steam.
Breathability
The breathability of the material is another elemental property that you must take into account when choosing a jacket. The body naturally sweats, and if you don't want to sweat in a jacket, then these vapors must get away. Breathability in clothing is practically the exact opposite of waterproofness, so their combination is very difficult. So if you choose a jacket with top numbers in one of these features, it's likely to be a bit worse in the other area.
Breathability is assessed in two ways: the material's resistance to moisture penetration (Ret) or the material's water vapor permeability (MVRT).
Ret expresses the energy required to evaporate a certain amount of water at a specific temperature and humidity (Pa x m² / W). So the lower the Ret, the more water vapor the material is capable of releasing . Measured using ISO 11092.
Fig.: Infographic - breathability of material
MVTR indicates how many grams of vapor evaporate through m² of material in 24 hours (m² x 24h / g). The higher the MVTR value, the better the vapor permeability through the material. Measured by ISO 2528.
Wind resistance
Another basic property is the ability of the material to resist wind. The wind feels lowers the temperature, so it is essential that a winter jacket protects you from the wind and keeps your body heat at a level of comfort and balance. Be sure to read our article Interesting facts about wind and how to protect yourself from it.
Did you know that ...?
The temperature we feel on the surface of the body is very significantly affected by air flow. It's called the Wind Chill Effect. In practice, this means that we constantly create a thin layer of heated air in the immediate vicinity of the body, so if we are not protected by suitable clothing and the wind cools it down, then we feel the ambient temperature several degrees lower (at a wind speed of 20 km/h it is already -10 °C).
Thermal resistance of the material
Thermal resistance (RCT) means the temperature difference between two surfaces, divided by the resulting heat flow per unit area in the direction of the gradient (K x m² / W). The lower the RCT value, the better the material provides thermal insulation and the heat produced by us does not escape outside. Measured using CSN EN 31092.
Did you know that ...?
The most heat loss occurs in places with a large area of skin. We understandably lose heat in a certain amount throughout the body, but places such as the head, palms or feet are particularly lossy in this regard. It is often enough to cover these places and the feeling of thermal comfort will immediately increase significantly.
Nepropro materials
Nepropro is an increasingly used abbreviation in the outdoor world and means waterproof – breathable (from Czech: neprowet – prorespiratory). So these are exactly the materials that will be of great interest to us on a winter jacket. So what are the variants you can choose from?
Woven materials
Woven materials directly do not fall under “nepro”, they are listed here rather for the completeness of the topic. Woven materials have been used for the longest time in industry. In an effort to meet increasingly higher standards, a hydrophobic treatment can be used on the outer surface to increase water resistance, which will reduce the absorbency of the fabric (softshell).
Materials with a coating
A coating is a thin film that is applied and ironed directly onto the supporting fabric, sometimes even in several layers. Such a coating can have a different composition, it is usually prepared on the basis of polyurethane, acrylic or polyvinyl chloride. Their advantage is a very favorable price, but at the expense of a reduced service life.
Intelligent materials
Nowadays we can already see intelligent materials that have incorporated "smart polymers" that react to temperature changes - during physical stress and increasing body temperature, they expand and become more breathable (non-porous membrane). Other smart materials have active thermoregulatory capabilities - with increased activity, they absorb the released heat and cool the skin, while with reduced activity, they are able to heat and bring the heat back again. Such material is called PCM (Phase Change Materials).
Membranes
Membranes are a big hit in the world of functional clothing. It is a layer of polymer material that is laminated (or not laminated) to the carrier fabric. The role of the membrane is not to let water in, but to let body vapors out. We divide the membranes into:
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Microporous- the material has many tiny holes and vents that are too small for a water molecule to pass through, but large enough for a relatively small molecule of water vapor. The disadvantage is the clogging of the openings with dirt, fat particles and salts, which must be prevented by washing.
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Non-porous- the membrane is a homogeneous material, usually made of polyurethane or polyethylene in combination with polyester. The outer side is strongly hydrophobic and the inner side, on the other hand, is hydrophilic (so it is able to remove water vapor and, to some extent, condensed water).
As mentioned above, the membranes are processed by a layer lamination process. Thanks to this, it is possible to procure:
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Two-layer laminates- the membrane is laminated together with the carrier material and covered from the inside with a loose lining. The functionality of the membrane is slightly reduced by lamination, but it also prevents its damage (thanks to the supporting fabric on the outside and the lining on the inside as protection).
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Two and a half layer laminates- they are laminated in the same way as two-layer, but instead of lining, there is a 3D print on the inside. The print ensures sufficient mechanical resistance, and the jackets are also lighter and more compact.
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Three-layer laminates- as you can guess, in this case the supporting fabric, membrane and lining are laminated into one compact unit. Such a material is very durable, but it will also generally be very strong and not very flexible.
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Loosely inserted membrane or z-liner- this membrane treatment method is the only one that does not use lamination. The membrane is loosely inserted between the lining and the supporting fabric, thus maintaining maximum functional parameters. So there are no limits in material or cut.
Gadgets for a winter jacket for hiking
As it is clear from the above, you can choose a winter jacket made from an endless number of materials, but also cuts and color combinations. There are no limits to imagination. But what features should such a perfect winter jacket have?The hood should ideally be detachable or with the option to roll up into a collar.
A visor is also a good gadget that will protect you from the harsh sun or unpleasant rain or snow. If you would like to use the jacket not only for hiking, but also for skiing, a hood should be includedquite big, so that the helmet fits under it. The larger size of the hood also allows you to fold the jacket into it and stash it in your backpack when you don't need it.
The collar should be higher to protect your neck and chin from the cold wind. The zipper should be covered with a protective cover so that it does not scratch the neck. For overall comfort, it is good if the collar and hood are lined with a soft material such as fleece - it does not scratch, press or freeze. And we'll stay with fleece for a while. The jacket can have a built-in detachable fleece insert, which makes the jacket significantly more versatile - it will keep you warm in winter, you can wear it without the insert even in spring or autumn, and you will still have an extra fleece sweatshirt.
It is a good idea to have sewn-in integrated sleeves, for maximum comfort made of elastic fabric and with thumb holes. In this way, you will prevent the encroaching winter from getting under your jacket and you will retain more body heat. A good old trick is the built-in extra underarm ventilation, which you can unzip if needed to increase the breathability of the jacket if you sweat too much. Of course, the ventilation should have an impregnated zipper to prevent water or snow from getting to you.
Another feature that may come in handy is the internal belt draw. Pulling the belt prevents unwanted heat from escaping, and also protects the back and kidneys from too much cold. That being said, today you can choose a jacket in exactly the colors you like. But do not underestimate the bold colors that can serve as reflective elements. Whether you choose only reflective edges or a larger part of the jacket, you never know when the time will come when it pays off - it may even save your life.
The current trend is jackets as light as possible, which is reflected in the number of pockets - fewer pockets, less weight. Which path you choose is up to you. If you prefer more pockets where you can hide your phone, ID or money, choose the variant with more pockets. Do not forget that the pockets should have impregnated zippers and longer handles, which you will have no problem handling even with gloves.
Proper winter jacket maintenance to make it last
There are many myths surrounding the maintenance and washing of functional jackets. The truth is that careless washing can irreversibly damage your jacket, but if you avoid washing, you won't benefit either. As always, you must follow the instructions on the jacket label for optimal washing methods. However, several principles apply that can be universally applied:
- Before washing turn the jacket inside out and close all pockets and Velcro fasteners.
- Wash the jacket at 30-40 ° C, with a suitable washing product (liquid product or soap bars, ideally from an outdoor store) and on a gentle wash cycle without wringing.
- Never use bleaches, fabric softeners or fabric softeners.
- Most winter jackets should not be put in dryers, unless otherwise stated on the label.
- You can ensure the impregnation of the jacket with washing powder with impregnation (easier to use, but reduces breathability) or impregnation spray.
- Don't be afraid to wash the jacket. Although many myths say that washing outdoor clothes is harmful, this is not the case. During sweating, salts and impurities are deposited on the inside, which reduce breathability. Prather wash several times with a smaller amount of washing powder than once when the jacket is already very dirty
Who are our winter jackets intended for?
Outdoor - is a category where you can choose the ideal jacket for winter hiking. While maintaining all functional properties, it does not forget about stylish design either. Modern membranes, "nepropro" materials and elaborate details.
Performance - this collection is mainly intended for outdoor enthusiasts who do not avoid winter sports. Extremely flexible materials and insulating properties are a real win for all those who do not let the weather decide their plans.
Snowseries - is a dream come true for all passionate skiers and snowboarders. Stay dry, warm and comfortable while the modern design makes you a star on the slopes. Durable materials are 100% functional and effective, as well as elegant and attractive.
Sportlife - if you lead an active lifestyle and like to wear sportswear in your free time, then this collection is just for you. Dress in style while still maintaining pleasant functional features that help with thermoregulation and rain protection.
You've just conquered a comprehensive guide to the very difficult process of choosing a winter hiking jacket. Now that you have all the information, it's time to take action. Go on a tour of stores or e-shops with outdoor goods and choose the best piece that they have for you.
