A hiking jacket can take different forms

A hiking jacket is not the same as winter jacket. In this case, you get a much lighter piece of clothing that finds its use from spring to autumn. It can be used for different physical activities. It is on the basis of these that you choose a particular type of jacket. Primarily it is about hiking and its offshoots. And what to aim for in a quality hiking jacket?

• Waterproofing
• Windproof
• Breathability

Everything else more or less depends on these three basic things. This particular jacket will boast different size, weight, material durability and overall workmanship. You don't have to limit yourself in terms of the final appearance.

Parameters of the hiking jacket

Let us now elaborate on the general introduction of this article a little more. For example, the mentioned waterproofness. A pressure of 2 000 mm is considered the minimum value. If you prefer a waterproof windbreaker, aim for value of 5 000 mm. And what other parameters can a hiking jacket have?

Subject	Value
MVTR value	Unit g/m²/24 h
Minimum breathability	1 000 g/m²/24 h
RET	Resistance to water vapour
Outdoor use	RET < 6

In addition to water column depth, there is also wind resistance or wind resistance. Another of the essential parameters useful in mountainous areas, where it does blow more.

Hiking jacket and its design

Of course, each of us has slightly different requirements for the use of a hiking jacket. If you want it as an accessory for some sporting activities, you will most likely bet on ultralight jackets. The main factors in their favour are their minimal size and weight. Jackets for more demanding conditions, where you aim for maximum breathability and waterproofness are called hardshell. The opposite of this is the classic softshell, for which elasticity speaks.

For demanding hikers there is a membrane hiking jacket. It is perfect for bad weather. On the other hand, it requires a higher investment. In its case, you can see the label goretex. Such jackets are double-layered and triple-layered. Some models of hiking jackets also include insulating liners, so they can be used in colder and winter climates.