When it comes to going outdoors and participating in various outdoor activities and sports, there is a wide range of jackets available for your use. Your activities and the weather conditions contribute greatly to your choice of appropriate jackets.
Every time that we walk outside, we face different conditions. My wife often makes fun of me when we go out someplace, knowing that I have a large collection of jackets. She asks; Are you sure that you have the right jacket? It’s 45 degrees, partly sunny, and a slight wind from the north…. I always say “Yes I Do!” The truth is, that I really do. It’s nice when we can choose the right jacket for whatever the weather conditions may be. Knowing that no matter where we’re going or what the weather may be like, I will have a jacket, or combination of jackets, that will keep me comfortable, warm and dry, is very nice to know.
As outdoor adventures get more involved, such as hiking, climbing, or skiing, we tend to face more climate changes along the way. For example, if we are hiking up a mountain, the weather may be warm and mild when we start. But, as we trek further up in elevation, the conditions may change drastically. It may be much colder, windy, or even snowy at higher elevations. So, just having one jacket may not be your best option. You would want to have several layers that you can easily add or subtract as needed.
Another example would be if you’re climbing in cold environments. While you are climbing, you will generate heat, and may not need as many layers. If we stop and rest for a while, we may quickly start feeling the cold. At that point you may need to put on a heavier layer to keep you warm. Something like a Belay jacket to block the wind and add a warm insulation layer over whatever you are wearing while climbing is a great addition to have.
There are also so many different types of jackets available, such as hardshells, softshells, insulated pieces and fleeces. Each of them have their own use and purpose. For me, I enjoy having a hardshell for protection in heavy rain or snow, or a lightweight softshell just as an extra protective layer over a fleece or light insulated jacket. Maybe even a windbreaker to block cold wind all year round. A fleece or two is nice for extra warmth when needed under another insulated piece, or just for casual use. Finally, a few different insulated pieces of various weights for cool to extreme cold conditions.
Every jacket has different features, and choosing which features are important to you depends on your activities. Some jackets are more breathable then others, allowing you to do more high output activities comfortably, without overheating quickly. Jackets can actually be quite complicated, and are designed and tested to the requirements of certain activities.
There is no straight answer to “How many jackets do you really need?”, it all depends on the climate and your outdoor activities. However, the more jackets of various types that you have, the better prepared you will be for each situation. Whether in the mountains or around town, having jacket choices will ensure your comfort and help you to enjoy whatever you may be doing much more.
To learn more about the various types of jackets, check out my website (Me And My Jackets) by Clicking Here. To see full reviews on jackets, go to my YouTube Channel .
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