Waterproof Jacket: The Complete Buying Guide for Latvia’s Weather

In Latvia, rain isn’t “if” — it’s “when.” That’s why a well-chosen waterproof jacket is the backbone of your wardrobe.

Contents

1. Where to start: 5 questions before you buy
2. Technologies: hydrostatic head, breathability, DWR, seam taping
3. Jacket types and real scenarios in Latvia
4. Rain suits (jacket + pants): when the set is the smarter choice
5. Trip leader’s experience: what I choose
6. Women’s styles: fit, visibility, comfort
7. Softshell vs rain shell: which and when
8. Sizing and winter layering
9. Care: how not to lose performance
10. Pre-purchase checklist
11. FAQ

1) Where to start: 5 questions before you buy

• Where will you go? Coast (wind + salt), city cycling, forest trails with a pack, fishing from a boat.
• How active will you be? Higher output needs better breathability and ventilation.
• What season? A light shell works in summer; in autumn/winter it must layer over insulation.
• How often will you use it? For “just-in-case” rain, choose a lighter 2–2.5-layer shell; for regular hikes, a tougher 3-layer.
• Budget and longevity. Not the priciest— the one that fits your scenario.

2) Technologies: what really drives comfort

Hydrostatic head (mm). Indicates pressure a fabric withstands:

• 8,000–10,000 mm — city, bike, short showers; e.g. a compact shell like the Pharos Hiking/Rain Jacket (Blue).
• 15,000–20,000 mm — long rain and crosswind at the coast; look for a stiff, shaped hood brim.

Breathability (MVTR/RET). The faster you move (Nordic walking, trail, cycling), the more you need ventilation (pit zips, mesh pockets) and vapor transfer.

Layers:

• 2L — face fabric + membrane, separate liner; pleasant for city use and light hikes.
• 2.5L — face + membrane + protective print inside; light and packable for “just in case.”
• 3L — face + membrane + protective backer; maximum durability with a heavy pack and strong wind.

DWR finish. Durable Water Repellent on the face fabric. When it wears off the jacket doesn’t “leak,” but the face wets out and comfort drops. Reproof regularly.

Seams & zippers. Full seam taping, storm flaps, three-way hood adjustment. At the coast I prefer a firmer, more structured brim.

3) Jacket types and scenarios in Latvia

A) Ultralight & packable — city, bike, “just in case”

2–2.5 layers, low weight/volume, 8–10k mm. Lives in your pack and saves the day in surprise rain.

Example: compact shells like Pharos Hiking/Rain Jacket (Blue) — good hood coverage, adequate venting, easy care.

B) Trekking shells — forests, longer routes

Choose tougher face fabrics, better hood geometry and ventilation. In dark autumn weather and when fishing/rowing, a high-visibility tone is a real safety feature.

Example for visibility & boat use: FHM Guard Competition 20,000 mm (Terracotta) — the color stands out in coastal wind and on water.

C) For stormy conditions — coast, boat, crosswind rain

Stiffer brim, deep adjustments, extended drop tail. If you’ll spend time in a boat or open dunes, look at higher-end shells with precise patterning.

D) Travel & everyday

Convenient pocketing, moderate weight, easy care. Often paired as shell + insulating mid-layer.

4) Rain suits (jacket + pants): when the set is smarter

If your route includes prolonged rain, gear handling, time in a boat, or brush that “eats” fabric, a full jacket + waterproof pants set gives protection a lone jacket can’t. Less water creeping up sleeves, fewer drips at the waist, a warmer air cushion under the shell. Explore sets:

• Women’s rain suits
• Fishing jackets & waterproof rain jackets

Women: FHM Explorer (Green), extended sizing, 10,000 mm

FHM Explorer 10,000 mm — women’s set with a movement-friendly fit and expanded size range. Ideal for city cycling in rain and coastal hikes when you need both visibility and dry legs to the ankles.

• 10,000 mm water column: reliable in daily rain and coastal wind.
• Comfort & silhouette: cut allows base layer + fleece without pulling in the shoulders.
• Practicality: pants protect footwear from runoff; fewer chances water gets into boots.

How I pair it: for dynamic walks a synthetic base layer is enough; for long coastal rain, pack a light mid-layer for breaks.

When a set really pays off

• Boat & shore: seated work, spray, crosswind rain, frequent transitions water↔shore.
• All-day rain: when the forecast says “raining all day,” a set keeps comfort better than a single jacket with regular pants.
• Outdoor work: forestry, shoreline jobs, loading—long protection and simple care.

Care & reproofing

Use specialized detergents and refresh DWR to extend life. See clothing & footwear care for membrane washes, DWR reproofers and hardware care.

5) My practical kit across seasons

• Summer, coast: a light shell (see women’s rain jackets on sale) + thin synthetic base. In dune crosswind rain — cinch the hood; keep only moisture-safe items in pockets.
• Autumn in the forest with a pack: tougher shell; I add an insulating layer like FHM Mist Insulated 20,000 mm (Grey) for breaks to avoid getting chilled.
• City & commute: a packable membrane + comfy base; on a bike, look for a longer back and adjustable cuffs.

6) Women — visibility & safety

In the city and near water, color visibility is a safety factor.

Where to look: Women’s rain jackets (sale). For everyday use and bike commutes I like the FHM Pharos (Blue) — a solid balance of breathability and protection.

7) Softshell vs rain shell

Softshell brings stretch, wind protection and comfort + warmth. It handles drizzle and short showers, but for prolonged rain you need a full rain shell.

• Softshell example: FHM Stream Softshell (Grey).
• Storm-focused rain shell: a high-vis model such as FHM Guard Competition 20,000 mm (Terracotta) for wind, waves and boats.

8) Sizing & winter layering

• Fit choice. For trekking, choose a slightly roomier cut to fit base + light insulation; arms should move freely with a pack.
• Back length. A longer drop tail protects your lower back on the bike and when leaning over a boat gunwale.
• Winter: base + insulated layer under the shell (e.g., FHM Mist Insulated).

9) Care: keep performance

• Use membrane-safe detergents without softeners. Close all zips before washing.
• Refresh DWR periodically—when the face fabric wets out, comfort drops even with a good membrane.
• For sets and pants, see clothing & shoe care (washing, DWR, hardware).

10) Pre-purchase checklist

1. Scenario: city/bike, coast, forest with pack, boat.
2. Hydrostatic head matches the scenario; seams are fully taped.
3. Breathability and vents (pits, mesh pocketing).
4. Hood adjustments and a firm brim.
5. Fit that layers over insulation.
6. Visibility (especially near water and roads).

Quick picks: Women’s rain jackets • Fishing & rain jackets • FHM Stream Softshell (Grey) • FHM Pharos (Blue) • FHM Guard Competition 20,000 mm • Pharos Hiking/Rain Jacket • Women’s rain suits • FHM Explorer 10,000 mm (set) • FHM Mist Insulated 20,000 mm • Care & reproofing.

11) FAQ

Is 10,000 mm enough for the Baltic coast?
For short to moderate rain—yes. For sustained coastal rain and wind, look to 15,000+ mm with a stiff hood brim.

My jacket “doesn’t breathe.” What now?
Wash with a membrane-safe detergent and renew DWR. Once the face fabric wets out, vapor can’t escape efficiently.

Can softshell replace a rain shell?
In wind and drizzle—yes. In prolonged rain—no. The ideal combo: softshell for comfort + a packable rain shell from the rain jackets section.

How to try on correctly?
Wear the base and mid-layer you plan to use. Lift your arms with a pack—your shell shouldn’t expose the waist or bind at the shoulders.