When the weather turns warmer, it often turns wetter. A waterproof, breathable shell can keep you dry inside and out. The days of sweaty rubber rain gear are gone, as new technologies allow fabrics to release heat, by allowing moist air to pass through the material, but only moving inside to out. So body moisture escapes, and rain water beads and rolls off the shell. This way, you stay comfortable and dry, on the inside, and outside of the jacket. Technology has also allowed manufacturers to make rain gear more environmentally friendly with less toxic water repellent coatings, and fabrics made from recycled materials. These versatile and green hard shells work great as backpacking companions, lightweight ski jackets, or everyday wear.
Don’t let the rain stop you from getting out and enjoying the great outdoors this spring. Here are some suggestions for an eco-friendly, breathable rain jacket:
Patagonia is a company at the forefront of environmentally conscious business, and luckily for us, they also make a high-quality, breathable, and green solution to spring downpours. Patagonia’s Storm Light Jacket is fully waterproof, thanks to its polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE)-free coating. It is also fully breathable, so you won’t get clammy when putting forth some effort. And added features like a 100% recycled polyester mesh lining, 100% recycled polyester taffeta hood lining and 100% recycled polyester brushed-jersey collar lining, make this jacket both comfortable and eco-friendly. It is also recyclable through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program.
Check out the Men’s and Women’s versions.
Another coat to don when the weather turns rainy is the Cyclone Eco Jacket by Sierra Designs. This waterproof shell is made from 100% recycled polyester, with a solvent-free laminate. In addition, the jacket boasts taped PVC-free seams for full protection. Underarm vents and a super breathable material allow the shell to release heat when needed. The slight stretch allows for great range of movement and the coat feels great when zipped all the way up thanks to the fleecy material behind the neck and at the chin. Beyond their products, the Sierra Designs headquarters in Boulder, CO is wind-powered to keep the company’s environmental footprint as small as possible.
The Cyclone Eco is available in Men’s and Women’s Models.
Or how about the Shelter Jacket by Nau? This 3-layer waterproof shell is made from 100% recycled polyester, from the face to the backing to the trim, which can also be recycled at the end of its life. A simple but beautiful jacket that looks as good in the rain of London as it does in the rain of the PCT. And for each product sold Nau will donate 2% of the sale to one of their partners for change of your choosing, in addition to their annual “Grants for Change”, given to an individual or small group working for positive change. Nau also purchases carbon offsets for their shipping and provides free public transportation for their employees.
View the Men’s and Women’s styles.
