Choosing Rainwear

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Article Title:

Choosing Rainwear

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Article Description:

Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it

protects from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice

of rainwear depends on the expected weather, the expected

temperatures, your planned activities, and your budget.

Rainwear materials and designs greatly affect the

performance you can expect. There are three major types of

rainwear:

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Distribution Date and Time: 2010-11-04 10:15:00

Written By: Rathi Niyogi

Copyright: 2010

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Choosing Rainwear

Copyright © 2010 Rathi Niyogi

CriticalTool, Inc.

http://www.criticaltool.com/

Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it protects

from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice of rainwear

depends on the expected weather, the expected temperatures, your

planned activities, and your budget. Rainwear materials and

designs greatly affect the performance you can expect. There are

three major types of rainwear:

* Water-Resistant / Breathable

* Waterproof / Breathable

* Waterproof / Nonbreathable

Water-Resistant / Breathable

Water-resistant/breathable rainwear repels wind and light

precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you

cool when your body heats up. It relies on durable water

repellent (DWR) finishes applied by the manufacturer. It tends to

be lighter, less bulky, and less expensive than other rainwear.

It is generally not adequately weatherproof to protect you in

harsh conditions or during extended periods of rain. It is

appropriate for mild weather, light precipitation, and high

activity levels. It is not appropriate as industrial safety

equipment where protection from extreme weather or chemicals is

needed.

Waterproof / Breathable

Waterproof/breathable rainwear provides an excellent choice for a

wide range of weather conditions and activities. The combination

of breathability and moisture protection through DWR finishes

means that you can use a single piece of gear in both warm and

cold conditions. The exact performance that you realize from

waterproof/breathable rainwear depends on the fabrics used,

Gore-Tex being a well-known example, and your activity level.

Because water vapor (i.e., sweat) is able to escape through the

fabric, the rainwear provides the best combination of repelling

the elements while allowing you to stay comfortable as you work.

Waterproof/breathable garments are generally not appropriate

safety equipment for industrial applications.

Waterproof / Nonbreathable

Waterproof/nonbreathable rainwear provides impermeable protection

from the elements, wind, and chemical splashes; the greatest

range of applications from lightweight disposable protection to

durable protection designed for adverse conditions. Unlike

DWR-dependent rainwear, nonbreathable rainwear is most commonly

protected using PVC coatings that provide protection against

chemical spills, durability, and, in some cases, flame retardant

properties. Others are protected using neoprene to provide

chemical resistance not found in PVC and improved comfort.

Waterproof/nonbreathable rainwear offers cost-effective, durable

protection suitable to most industrial applications.

Features to Consider

* Hoods: Hoods provide protection for the head and neck.

Permanently attached hoods offer the best protection against

leaks. Hoods that can be rolled up or folded away when not in use

are less bulky. Elastic cords with toggles that allow adjustment

of the hood around your face offer better comfort and visibility.

Some hoods may also have stiffened visors or brims that can be

shaped to fit. Detachable hoods also offer great protection

against the elements and provide the benefit that they can be

completely removed when not needed.

* Pockets: Pockets allow essential gear to be carried and easy

to reach, including special pockets for identification or badges.

Pockets can also increase the weight of the shell. Pockets should

be easily accessible, easy to open and close, and well protected

against leaks.

* Vents: Vents enhance the garment's ability to breath no

matter what type of fabric is used in its construction. Larger

vents provide improved airflow but increase the risk of leaks.

Common vents include underarm, side, and back vents. Cape

ventilated backs provide improved breathability and comfort.

* Split Back / Inner Leg Snaps: Split backs and / or inner leg

snaps enable longer coats to be used similar to chaps, retaining

protection while providing increased mobility where needed.

* Closures: Closures around the neck, ankles, and front of

raingear present a potential for leaking. Zippers should be

covered by storm flaps, fabric strips that protect against leaks.

Other alternatives include Velcro closures that create a

watertight seal around openings, inner sleeves with elastic

closures, and take up snaps.

* Reflective Stripes: Reflective jackets and tape stripes

improve visibility and safety in low-light or dangerous

conditions.

Rainwear Care

Rainwear that is dependent on a DWR finish applied by the fabric

manufacturer should always be maintained according to the

manufacturer's instructions. Over time, the DWR finish will

begin to wear and the shell will begin " wetting out " in the

rain. This means that some of the rain is soaking into the

material, rather than beading up and rolling off. Wetting out

causes the shell to become heavier and reduces breathability.

When wetting out is observed, the DWR should be renewed according

to the manufacturer's instructions.

Rainwear made from materials such as neoprene can often be

repaired when leaking occurs. Always follow manufacturer's

recommendations for repair of small tears and seams.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor

of (http://www.criticaltool.com/reflective-vests.html) safety

vests and other reflective apparel. If you thought this article

was helpful, information on the basics of Reflective Clothing

including Rainwear and ANSI standards can be found here

http://www.criticaltool.com/reflective-apparel.html