5 Rainwear Problems Everyone Has—and How to Solve Them
Rain is unpredictable in the monsoon, and you will always have to be ready with the proper rainwear. Things have significantly changed over the years due to the advancement of technology. Unlike in the older days, wearing rainwear doesn't make you exhausted from suffocation. The fabrics are much lighter and more effective against heavy downpours. Then there are entirely waterproof and water-repellent rainwear and shoes as well. Regardless, some issues with rainwear are still here.
Here are five rainwear issues everyone has (including fixes):
Still getting soaked while using a raincoat
It is primarily due to moisture collection inside the rainwear. Even though your rainwear comes with a breathable fabric, it has its limits. If you sweat out beyond your capacity, it will accumulate inside, and you will end up soaking yourself in your own sweat. The chances are even higher if you are a person who usually sweats without wearing a suit.
Can you get soaked even when you are not sweating?
Probably not, unless your rainwear is worn out or you wear it during a 100-degree thunderstorm. The polyurethane coating allows the moisture to pass from the humid side (inside your suit) to the cooler (outside the coat) side. If you wear it in weather that is more humid on the outside than inside, the moisture may pass inside. However, wearing rainwear in such conditions is not logical, as you would be sweating bullets.
The solution is to go for a rain suit with a highly breathable fabric. Choose rainwear that has a polyurethane or ePTFE coating or lamination. However, the product keeps the large droplets out but allows microscopic droplets to pass through.
Many rainsuits have an outer shell fabric with a waterproof coating inside and a mesh or taffeta lining. This allows more airflow, so you don't feel much moisture inside. The fabric is treated with the DWR treatment, or durable water repellency. However, this doesn't make the rainwear entirely waterproof, but it does help keep the moisture away from the fabric.
The trouser bottom gets drenched while using a windbreaker or umbrella.
Whether using an umbrella or a rain jacket, they only offer a little protection, especially for your foot. Walking in the rain can make your trousers or jeans bottoms drenched in water.
The first thing to do is buy a good-quality waterproof jacket. Go for breathable fabric, as it helps reduce the sweat inside. You should also check out the quality of the hood. Well-fitted rainwear with a tightening harness on the bottom keeps the water from getting inside the rainwear.
Alternatively, you can opt for a rain poncho. While a raincoat only covers your torso, a poncho is larger and covers your entire bottom and feet. You can also go for a disposable poncho that comes in tiny packets that you can store in your pocket and use when needed.
Waterproof rain pants help keep the water from draining from the jacket. However, they may restrict your movement, and you may not be able to walk briskly. The good news is that several manufacturers are producing lightweight waterproof rain pants with more movement.
On top of that, buy a good pair of waterproof shoes to keep your toes dry while walking. Waterproof running shoes could be an excellent alternative to rubber rain boots. Although waterproof shoes are expensive, they offer more freedom when walking, unlike rain boots that slow you down.
The raincoat is covered in water drops all the time.
It could be a nuisance to board a bus or train while wearing rainwear dripping with water droplets. Inexpensive ponchos and rain slickers can shed rain, making walking around uncomfortable. You can go for a waterproof raincoat, but it will only keep the rainwater from getting inside. You need rainwear that dries out instantly, allowing you to travel dry without ruining the seat of the cab or bus.
Go for rainwear with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. It doesn't turn your water jacket waterproof but enhances its water resistance. It prevents the surface layer of the fabric from absorbing water. So, when the rain falls, the droplets will roll over the material and fall out. The best part is that DWR coating is environmentally friendly. The coating comes in a spray bottle that you can spray on the fabric to bring your jacket back to its complete protection mode.
Saving your laptop during the rain
Weather, whether monsoon or not, can be extremely unreliable. Therefore, you must have proper protective coverings while travelling with your laptops and mobiles. To avoid water getting inside your laptop, you must invest in a waterproof laptop bag or backpack. If you don't have a waterproof backpack, you can buy a rain cover, which is comparatively inexpensive.
You can also invest in a waterproof case, but make sure to buy the right size so it covers the top and bottom halves of the laptop. Some use heavy plastic cases, which are suitable for water resistance but also expose the laptop's side ports and fan. Generally, a laptop case only works if it is specifically made for the model.
Another product to check out is a padded waterproof sleeve. Some waterproof or water-resistant sleeves come with an outer and inner bag, providing extra protection to keep your laptop dry while traveling.
For superior rain protection, you can combine two products. For instance, you can use a waterproof laptop cover or sleeve and put it in a waterproof backpack. It is an excellent choice if you live in an area with frequent rain. Furthermore, always buy raincoats that are a few sizes larger so that you can wear them over your laptop bag.
Waterproofing on the rain jacket is not working.
The waterproofing on the rain jacket doesn't last forever. The DWR coating can get worn out after frequent rubbing against dirty cars, packing groceries, etc. Eventually, your rainwear will stop repelling water.
Fortunately, it is easy to clean and re-waterproof your rain jacket and bring it back to like-new condition. The trick is to clean the coat and remove the dirt and crud covering the coating. Remember, using household detergents to clean can leave residue on the fabric, which attracts water. So, using a technical cleaner specifically designed for water-repellent coatings is essential.
Once your jacket is clean, spray the water-repellent spray on the outer side of the raincoat and leave it to dry for 10 minutes. Now, your rainwear is all new again.
Well, sometimes the waterproofing only works due to a degraded coating.
Simply clean the rainwear.
Sometimes dust and debris can make your jacket look old and cloud the waterproofing coating. All you need to do is shake the coat every time before wearing it to remove the dust and debris you need to do is shake the coat every time before wearing it to remove the dust and debris. If required, clean the raincoat with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.
Spot-clean the coat
Never avoid a splash, drip, or stain on your raincoat. Even a simple stain can seep deeper into the fabric of your coat and damage the coating. Clean the soiled area as soon as possible with a spot cleaner or a mild detergent. In fact, you can clean a raincoat with cool or warm water and a brush or sponge.
You may need a unique spot cleaner formula to remove stubborn stains like chocolate, grass, or even blood. You can prepare a natural spot-cleaning solution by mixing baking soda and water or vinegar and water. Make sure to rinse the jacket well after using a spot cleaner.
Dry your coat before storing it
It's a big mistake to store a wet coat in the coat closet. This can lead to mildew or mould growth and release a musty smell across the room. Hang your raincoat on a hanger or drying rack, allowing proper ventilation and space for the water to dry. Mildew or mould growth can also damage the waterproofing coatings on the raincoat.
End Thoughts
Remember, waterproof and water-resistant jackets are not the same thing. A water-resistant jacket only has a DWR-treated membrane in the inner layer, which stops water from getting inside. Meanwhile, the coat also prevents moisture outside. As a result, you end up soaking in sweat when you exert yourself. Meanwhile, the waterproof jacket has a high-denier DWR coating on the outer layer, offering better protection. Water-resistant coats are better for light precipitation over a short period of time. However, if you are out in the rain for hours, you will definitely need a waterproof jacket.
