Hiking is a fun outdoor activity. It is an adventure that anyone or everyone who has the stamina to trek in the wild, in the forest or in any place can participate. When you engage in this activity, you have to make certain preparations. Survival kit and hiking gears are definitely a must if you intend to survive and endure the different hazards that can come along the way.

If you don’t want to suffer from the chill brought by cold rain while you are trudging on rocky terrains and mud during your hiking spree, it is significant to bring a hiking jacket. Of course, you have to wear it during rainy period and in cold nights.

A hiking jacket may have different features on it. There is a hiking jacket for men and another for women with slight or major differences in the design from the former. The size of the jacket may also vary. Other hiking jackets may have a length that ends at the waist level while there are others having a length down to the butt level or above the knee. You can also opt for a jacket that includes pants or a hiking jacket that protects your from the head down to the legs.

Then there is the design. As mentioned, men’s hiking jacket can have slight or major variations with women’s. Men’s hiking jacket may be somewhat larger and wider than women’s when it comes to size. There can also be variation when it comes to the color and style of the jacket.

One of the most important features that hiking jacket should have is the water-proof yet breathable quality design. Gore-tex and other waterproof technologies permit the water vapor and sweat to evaporate from the inside and at the same time repel rain droplets to penetrate. Gore-tex is also windproof. It avoids the wearer to have a chill feeling during cold windy season while hiking. If you ever desire to have a good hiking jacket, make it certain the gear is integrated with water-proof, breathable and windproof technology. Or else, you may just be putting a fashion without the needed protection from the rain and cold wind.

Another feature to look for in a hiking jacket is the hood. Removable hood with drawstrings would be better. The hood can be tightened to keep it from removing from the head. It can minimize the wearer from exposing his face from the rain and during snow.

If you ever thinking about hiking during snowy season, it is important to wear fleece vest beneath the hiking jacket or a jacket that integrates fleece liners. You may be wearing layers of clothing to keep you warm during the cold season.

Then there’s the pocket. Hiking jacket may integrate pockets found at the both sides at the waist level. The pockets can be of certain use. You may never know it until you pass by something that needs to be kept while hiking. The pockets can be very useful then.

Other hiking jackets have included a Napoleon pocket at the middle lower rib-level of the gear. The purpose of it is not just for fashion the way Napoleon Bonaparte placed one of his hands on the inside of his clothing as seen on some paintings.

Another thing to be considered in a jacket is the cuff. An adjustable cuff to lock the wrists may be better. Velcro cuffs may be suitable as it can provide flexibility in adjustment from tight to loose. Hiking jacket with elastic cuffs is also common.

You may also consider for the brand of hiking jackets. The top picks of hiking jackets include The North Face, Marmot, Patagonia, Sierra Design, Outdoor and Mountain Hardwear.

Choose a hiking jacket that is within your personal reference. Aside from this article, you can also refer to other sites with tips in choosing a hiking jacket.