Eddie Bauer Machine Washable Velcro Men’s Rain Jacket

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, there are some lessons you learn pretty fast. Case in point: The first time you spend in a real downpour without a good rain jacket will probably be the last one. Your regular jacket might do for a light drizzle, but it takes a whole different level of fabric to keep you dry in driving rain.

So what distinguishes a real rain jacket from a flimsy windbreaker? First and foremost, it’s the waterproofing. Jackets from a reliable brand that are certified as waterproof should stay dry inside no matter what the weather is like outside. And if a jacket says it’s water-resistant, it means just that: Resistant to water, but not 100% effective against it.

So how do garment makers ensure that their jackets are waterproof? There are many different materials and treatments involved, but one big factor is the outer coating. No matter what the underlying fabric is, most rain jackets have a chemical “shell” that does the heavy lifting when it comes to blocking the rain. This might be a laminate, which is a glued-on layer of polyurethane. It might also be a membrane, which is a spray-on treatment. Generally speaking, laminate coatings will protect better and last longer, while membrane treatments are slightly lighter and cheaper.

Most all rain jackets are layered, but you don’t necessarily want to shell out more money for the one that has the most. If your jacket has two layers, it’s probably designed for light outdoor work. It might not be the best for heavy protection, but it also won’t be as bulky. These jackets also tend to make less of the trademark “swish” noise that rain jackets have. And depending on the construction, they will be sturdy for the price.

There are 2.5 layer jackets, and that half-layer is actually an extra coating that’s been laid down between the inner and outer fabric. These tend to be lighter and a bit more breathable for extended use.

Then there are 3-layer jackets, which are made for the true outdoorsman. This is where you will usually find advanced membranes like Gore-Tex on top of insulted materials. They’re definitely more expensive, but worth it if you’re spending a lot of time working in stormy weather.

Heavy rain tends to come with wind, so you may want to pay a little extra for windproofing features. These can include drawcords on the hood and waist to prevent rain and wind from getting in through the cracks. Details make a lot of difference on rain jackets. Waterproofing might keep you dry, but it won’t do your phone much good if the pocket zippers aren’t sealed. Some rain jackets also come with a pocket that folds out into a bag for the jacket, allowing you to pack it more easily on long trips.

• Testing the waterproofing on your rain jacket is pretty easy, once you get it home. Simply spray a bit of water onto it and make sure that it beads up and rolls off.
• If it fails to repel water over time, a simple cleaning can do a lot of good. Make sure that you follow washing instructions for your gear, and keep in mind that the water-repellent coating on most jackets will need to be dried on low heat or air dried.