If you’ve ever been hiking, you know that the style isn’t about aesthetics so much as it is about being safe, warm, and comfortable.
One of the necessities on most trips is a jacket, even in summer just in case you find yourself camping overnight. You never know when you’ll need a hiking jacket, but you can know how to find the right one for you to keep on standby until the time comes, because the time surely will come.
Water Resistance
Whether you go light for warmer climates or heavy for colder ones, you’ll want a water resistant jacket for hiking. This is because you never really know when the rain will come, nor will you ever really know the chances of finding yourself in a river or lake nearby, fully clothed (accident or bear?). Having a water resistant jacket is essential to any hiking trip, so be sure that you check on that first, and any jacket you use that doesn’t fit this description should be counted out of your hiking trips.
Soft Shell Breathers
You want a jacket that can breathe, so you don’t get to feeling stuffy and hot inside. You also want it to be breathable because that typically means it’s more flexible, and better for moving with your body instead of against it. You’ll be moving around a lot, so it’s important to have something that can keep up with the pace. Soft shell hiking jackets are great for being breathable and supplying a water resistant outer layer to keep you safe from water.
Warmth & Zipper
You should be sure to get a jacket that can keep you warm. For that reason, you also want to get a jacket with a full-length zipper so you can keep it open while you’re moving, and zip it shut while you’re sitting and enjoying the view. This will make for a much more comfortable hike, and allow you to be prepared for just about anything.
Hood
If you don’t find yourself hiking with a hat on, you need to be sure to get a jacket with a hood. If it starts raining, you’ll need something to protect your head to help keep you from falling ill when your immune system is weakened in the bad weather. Having a hood is for safety just like every other feature, so if you’re generally against headgear, make an exception with your jacket at the least.
When you look for your hiking jacket, be sure to keep these tips in mind. Some other things to consider can be how many pockets you want in your jacket, and think about how thick and heavy you want it to be if you’ll be carrying a lot of equipment and going for a long hike. You’ll also want to look out for the big brand jackets as they’ll be of a higher quality, you can buy the big brands from sites such as Outwood Sports or Amazon. If you know your hiking style and goals, you’ll know what jacket is right for you.
