Introduction
Whether for urban use or outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing, the criteria for choosing your technical jacket will be the same. The primary virtues of this garment are its waterproofness, its level of protection, and its functionality.
H ow to choose? We'll give you some tips on options and details not to be overlooked regarding the technical aspects of the garment. Depending on the technologies used, the finishes and adjustments may vary.
The double-slider zip: a detail that counts for easily opening your technical clothing
During the day, you will put on and take off your waterproof garment several times, which is why opening systems are important.
Jackets and overpants can be equipped with double-slider zippers, regardless of the zipper technology. Installed on jackets, they allow for a bottom opening to make sitting and moving around easier, or to make it easier to wear a harness if you're hiking.
At VEST PARIS , all our zips are fitted with double sliders, this is a prerequisite because your comfort is a priority.
The double sliders on the overpants allow you to adjust the ventilation and make them easier to put on.
A little tip: make sure your zippers have extensions. Indeed, if you want to open or close your garment with gloves, or if you have wet or cold hands, you will have a lot of difficulty handling a short zipper.
The central zip, essential for a waterproof jacket
We've all experienced the inconvenience of a zipper that irritates your chin. A detail we didn't necessarily pay attention to when trying it on! Here are the points to check on the central zipper:
Zip finishing: between aesthetics and practicality
Beware of so-called "invisible" zips, which are more aesthetic and often used on women's jackets because they refine the look of the garment, but are impractical and impossible to use with gloves.
For easy practice, especially for outdoor activities, make sure that the zip sliders are extended by a loop, which makes them easier to handle.
There are slider extensions available that fit all zippers to solve this problem.
Which “waterproof” zippers are they and why?
First of all, be aware that a so-called "waterproof" zip cannot be guaranteed to be 100% waterproof over time.
In case of prolonged, heavy rain, the humidity can be felt even in your pockets, so avoid putting valuables in them.
Whether for overtrousers or a waterproof jacket, the effectiveness and practicality of the waterproof zip are selection criteria since its resistance, performance and ease of use will contribute to your comfort, your confidence and therefore your pleasure.
Classic waterproof zippers
These are the ones that we find on most outdoor jackets or urban jackets with a more "sporty" look for several years.
They have greatly changed the design of protective clothing in recent years, but the future is clearly looking towards new generation zips. Particularly injected zips like those used by VEST PARIS.
Injected zips: new generation waterproof zips
At VEST, we have always used these accessories for their unique "look/performance" combo, ideal for a chic and refined jacket.
Overall, we find them more and more on the Urban technical jackets and overpants for mountaineering and freeriding. Very often, the injected zip is used exclusively on the main closure of the garment.
The pockets and ventilation zippers are designed with classic waterproof zippers. However, there are some high-end technical garments that use injected zippers throughout. This is particularly the case with Prada.
The double flap zip, ideal for hiking
The most "classic" way to protect a zipper at low cost: the zipper is not waterproof, it is the double flap that prevents water from entering the garment.
These jackets and overpants are more suited to hiking and walking, as they are not very practical to handle with gloves.
The single flap zip, effective for light rain
Some mountain brands, especially English ones, add a fabric gutter behind the zipper. This little subtlety allows water to slide off if it seeps in, so you don't get wet.
This process is not more expensive but much more practical.
Like the double flap, the zip under the flap is not waterproof: There is only one protective barrier. So in heavy rain, water will pass through more easily than with other technology.
This is the most economical process. It is often found on leisure and travel jackets which quickly reach their limits in terms of practicality and waterproofness.
The functional arrangement of the pockets
On a city jacket, or even a hiking jacket, the pockets should be positioned high up to be easy to use. You can even slip your phone into them.
The layout of the vents, a guarantee of comfort
On outdoor jackets, the vents must also be positioned so that they can be easily used when carrying a bag on your back.
The adjustment points on your jacket
They are essential to ward off bad weather, They must be numerous, precise and practical enough, whatever the model, so that they can withstand wind and rain. Whether you are in the city or in the mountains, your clothing must be as airtight as possible.
Check that the tightening points can be operated with one hand, both to tighten and loosen your garment. Again, some tightening systems are hidden for aesthetic reasons: be careful not to lose their ease of use.
The hood, an essential element!
