Heading to a potentially damp region? Stay dry and comfortable with
waterproof/breathable (best) or water-resistant/breathable rainwear (good).
- Waterproof/breathable shells such as Gore-Tex®, eVent® and REI Elements® are the best choice for a wide range of weather conditions and activities. Their combination of breathability and rain protection means you can buy a single shell for everything from summer breezes to winter storms. However, these jackets are more expensive than other types of rainwear, and they do have their limits, performance-wise.
- Water-resistant/breathable shells repel light wind and precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you cool when your body heats up. They tend to be less bulky and less expensive than other shells. However, they are not waterproof enough to withstand extended periods of rain.