Are women's waterproof jackets wind-resistant as well?
When the weather is bad, it’s not just rainy—it’s also windy. If you’re not ready, you could be shivering cold in the middle of a downpour, even though you’re perfectly dry. But that also brings up an important question: are women’s waterproof jackets wind-resistant as well?
The answer is yes: our women’s waterproof jackets are also wind-resistant, thanks to our Omni-Tech™ technology. Not only does it offer protection against light to medium rain, but it’s also made with windproof material to help keep you warm.
Let’s take a closer look at why a jacket that protects you from water and wind on your adventures is a great thing to have when hiking.
What’s the difference between a waterproof and a wind-resistant jacket?
The main difference between a waterproof and wind-resistant jacket is its purpose and construction.
Waterproof jackets are designed to keep moisture out entirely. As you’ll see in our Omni-Tech™ range of coats, they have sealed seams and a durable outer shell that stops the rain from coming in. We also use a breathable, windproof fabric that allows excess heat and moisture out while preventing outside air from entering.
Wind-resistant jackets, on the other hand, are made from materials that block wind while maintaining some breathability inside. They usually don’t have any water-repelling properties, so they won’t stop you from getting wet in the rain.
Why buy a jacket that protects you from both?
If you plan to hike in the rain, you should also expect to encounter some winds. Most waterproof jackets don’t fully protect you from wind, so you’ll have to wear several garments to keep warm. And when you start wearing several layers of clothing, things get bulky and heavy.
That’s when Columbia’s Omni-Tech™ coats come to the rescue. By combining water and wind-resistant qualities into one garment, you can keep things lightweight and packable. You can move freely because you’re wearing one fewer layer of clothing.
What to consider when shopping for a hiking jacket
Keep these things in mind when browsing our selection of versatile outdoor jackets:
Your planned activities: What you plan to do dictates what kind of coat you need. Do you need something light and breathable or something warm? You can also look at jackets with an added stretch, in case you need to do some climbing.
Weather at your destination: If you don’t know what the weather’s going to be like, a versatile outdoor jacket is your best option. Look for features like adjustable cuffs or removable hoods, allowing you to modify your coat as needed.
Your actual destination: Where you’re going can also affect which jacket you can buy. You’ll need a quality jacket with excellent waterproofing if you’re going to a mountain with frequent showers.
Any other jacket features: Technical bits on your jacket can either be helpful or irritating. For example, a removable hood (via zip or Velcro) helps reduce the need for extra layers. But it can also be a hassle if it starts raining and reattaching the hood takes too long.
Of course, your situation is your own, so some of these questions may not apply to you. As long as you have a plan in mind, you can use it to determine what kind of jacket to buy, selecting the right fabrics and level of performance.
Columbia’s selection of Omni-Tech™ waterproof and wind-resistant outerwear can help you do any outdoor activity comfortably. Choose from different colours and patterns to suit your style, all designed using our decades of experience to protect you from all sorts of weather.
When you’re done browsing through our catalogue, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on women’s waterproof jackets. These articles can answer your questions and give you tips on how to make your Columbia product last longer.