When selecting a waterproof shell for yourself, there are many different factors that must be considered. One of the factors to consider is how the waterproof shell will fit your body. Many individuals selects a waterproof shell based off the size of an t-shirt that they wear.
The size of a t-shirt, however, is not an accurate way of measuring the size of a waterproof shell. The waterproof shell must allow for the layers that you wear underneath yourself to be accommodate within the waterproof shell. Because waterproof fabrics do not typically stretch like cotton fabrics, the waterproof shell must provide enough room for your movements.
How to Choose and Care for a Waterproof Shell
To determine the proper size of a waterproof shell for yourself, use a tape measure to measure your chest, waist, and hip measurements. These measurements will ensure that the waterproof shell isnt too tight for your body. If the waterproof shell is too tight in the chest area, for instance, the shell may pull against your shoulders.
This pulling at your shoulders may allow moisture to push through the membrane that seals the waterproof shell. Thus, it is important to ensure that the waterproof shell is large enough to even prevent moisture from being able to push through the membrane that seals the waterproof shell. Another consideration for waterproof shells is the way that you intend to utilize the waterproof shell.
If you intend to utilize the waterproof shell while performing activities like trail running, an athletic fit shell may be better for you. An athletic fit shell will reduce the amount of wind resistance that you encounter while running, which may help to prevent the waterproof shell from flapping in the wind. However, if you plan to utilize the waterproof shell while backpacking, a relaxed fit shell may be more better for you.
A relaxed fit waterproof shell allows for the waterproof shell to be worn over your base layer and even thick insulation layer. If the waterproof shell is too tight, though, it may compress your insulation layers. These layers, if compressed, will not be able to effectively trap the heat that is necessary to keep you warm.
In addition to considering the intended use of the waterproof shell, there are other technical specifications for waterproof shells that you should be aware of. One of these specifications is the hydrostatic head measurement for the waterproof shell. The hydrostatic head measurement will indicate the amount of water pressure that the waterproof shell can withstand.
A low hydrostatic head measurement may be enough for the waterproof shell to provide protection for casual walks, but a high hydrostatic head measurement will be require for protection against heavy rains. If you are likely to encounter heavy downpours in which to utilize your waterproof shell, a high hydrostatic head measurement will prevent water from the environment from forcing its way through the weave of the waterproof shell. Additionally, another specification for waterproof shells is the breathability of the shell.
Breathability is the ability of the waterproof shell to allow moisture vapor to escape from the shell. If the waterproof shell contains low breathability, for instance, the waterproof shell will tend to trap the moisture (sweat) that your body exudes while you are active. If the waterproof shell traps the moisture against your skin, though, you may feel cold each time you stop perform the activity that is making you sweat.
The construction of the waterproof shell can impact the way that the waterproof shell functions and feel when you wear it. For instance, manufacturers can construct waterproof shells in a variety of different ways. Two-layer waterproof shells include a loose inner lining for comfort while you wear the garment.
Three-layer waterproof shells laminate the waterproof fabric to the inner lining for more durability. Two-and-a-half layer waterproof shells remove the inner lining but leave the waterproof shell intact. Each of these options has its pros and cons, but it is still important for individuals to be aware that waterproof shells has different types of constructions.
Additionally, waterproof shells will have seams where the various pieces of the shell are sew together. These seams are often one of the weakest aspect of the waterproof shell for protecting the body from liquid infiltration. Thus, you should inspect waterproof shells to ensure that they have fully taped or welded seams to prevent water from entering the garment through the needle holes of the stitching.
Finally, there are steps that you should take to maintain your waterproof shell to ensure that the waterproof shell continues to function as it is intended to. The majority of waterproof shells have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment that causes water droplets to bead up on the shells fabric and roll off of the shell rather than being absorbed by the waterproof shell. The DWR treatment, however, can wear off of the waterproof shell.
If the waterproof shell is no longer causing the water droplets to bead up against the shell, you should restore the DWR treatment to the waterproof shell. Additionally, dont utilize fabric softeners when washing your waterproof shell. Fabric softeners will destroy the DWR treatment that is provided by the waterproof shell.
Finally, ensure that the waterproof shell fits correctly by raising your arms above your head while trying on the waterproof shell. If the hem of the waterproof shell rises too high above the ground when you raise your arms, or if the cuffs of the shell dont reach your wrist when you raise your arms, the waterproof shell may not fit correctly for you.
