How to Choose Cross Training Outerwear

By REI staff

In This Article

• Types of Shells
• Features to Consider
• Fit

The shell layer is the last key layer when dressing for outdoor activities. Properly designed, a shell will repel wind and rain, retain your body heat and allow water vapor to escape. If water is allowed to penetrate to the inner layers or if perspiration collects on the inside of your shell, you begin to cool off.

Types of Shells

For anything more than light activity, your shell needs to be breathable and/or well-vented to keep perspiration from collecting and chilling your body.

Water-Resistant/Breathable Shells

• Typical Uses—Water-resistant/breathable shells are best for providing weather protection during strenuous outdoor activities like running, cycling or inline skating.
• Positives—These fabrics repel wind and light precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you cool when your body heats up. They tend to be lighter, less bulky and less expensive than other outer layers.
• Negatives—They aren't sufficiently waterproof to protect you in harsh weather conditions or during extended periods of rain.
• Examples—Polyester microfiber (a tightly woven polyester) and nylon ripstop with durable water-repellent (DWR) finish are both breathable fabrics that block wind and light moisture.

Waterproof/Breathable Shells

• Typical Uses—Waterproof/breathable shells are best for those who run trails, climb and bike where harsh weather often threatens. These fabrics are good for a wide variety of situations and conditions.
• Positives—The combination of breathability and moisture protection in these fabrics means you can buy a single layer for everything from summer hiking to backcountry skiing.
• Negatives—Exact performance depends on the specific type of waterproof/breathable fabric used, the outside temperature, intensity and duration of the activity and other factors. These fabrics can be too warm for high-energy activities in milder conditions. They're more expensive than other types of outerwear, and some users believe the fabric is not adequately breathable or waterproof.
• Examples—There are two types of waterproof/breathable fabrics. One type uses a waterproof/breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex® or REI Elements® that's laminated to an outer synthetic fabric and protected by an inner liner. Another type uses a waterproof/breathable coating applied to a synthetic fabric. Manufacturers use different names for these waterproof/breathable coatings, such as Omni-Tech Ceramic® and MemBrain®.

Features to Consider

• Vents—Vents enhance breathability for all fabrics. Larger vents are more effective than small ones, but they're also more susceptible to leaks. Typical vents include underarm zips, side zips, mesh-lined pockets and draft flaps (across your upper back). Underarm zips are a nice feature on waterproof/breathable shells.
• Linings—Free-hanging, nylon inner linings are often used to protect waterproof/breathable fabrics from wear and tear. Mesh linings weigh less and breathe better than solid linings, but don't offer as much protection. Some outer layers such as three-ply Gore-Tex® have lining materials that are attached to the fabric, eliminating the need for a free-hanging liner. Water-resistant/breathable fabrics do not need liners.
• Hoods—Most jackets designed for fitness activities do not have hoods. However, most waterproof/breathable jackets do have hoods. Integral (permanently attached) hoods offer the best resistance against leaks. If you plan on using the shell for other outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing, a hood is an important feature, especially if you live in rainy areas.
• Stormflaps—Stormflaps cover zippers, pockets and other openings to protect against leaks. They are commonly found on front zippers, underarm zippers and external pockets.
• Sealed Seams—Sealed seams are a must for any waterproof outer layer, since they keep water from seeping through sewing holes. Factory-sealed seams offer the best protection. Sealed seams are not necessary for water-resistant layers.

Fit

The shell layer should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers without restricting your movement. However, you don't want the jacket to be so large that it interferes with your activities.

If your activities call for only a long-sleeve shirt beneath your jacket, look for a tapered cut.

Back to Top