Water-resistant equipment. We'll keep you dry!

A real summer outdoor adventure, it's far from just sun and comfort. It's also water. Sometimes even a lot of water. With the water-resistant equipment you will find at Rigad, you will perfectly protect yourself and your equipment even in the toughest conditions. We'll keep you dry!

There is no doubt that summer is mainly about water. In the middle of the trek, you will be surprised by a burst of clouds. Torrential rain will wash away your tent at night. Several fords across wild rivers and flooded streams await on the planned route. Or maybe you're just going on vacation to Scandinavia, where all of this happens a hair more often than anywhere else.

The waterproof Noaks Bag based on ziplock will protect your valuables from water.

Summer is also the time for swimming and water sports – surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding and lots of other “-ings”. And paddlers, they are a separate chapter. Anyone who hasn't gone rafting, canoeing or sea kayaking around the coast during the holidays should definitely try it at least once in their life.

But one thing is for sure – even if we are facing water in all these adventures, we need to protect ourselves and our precious equipment from it.

Clothing and footwear: keep yourself dry

In the mountains it is wise to carry rain gear at all times. The weather tends to be unstable and changeable. You can't rely on the forecast 100% at higher altitudes. And above all, you never know in advance what situations you might get into and if you won't have to stay in the field much longer than you planned. Here it really pays to count on everything and be prepared.

• Waterproof jacket: essential equipment number 2. Remember that a good rainproof jacket does not only protect against water from the outside, it must also remain breathable. Otherwise, you would soon start bathing in your own sweat. As for the water column value, the limit of waterproofness is around 20,000 mm, although in typical Czech conditions even less, for example 10,000 mm, will suffice. A good option is a membrane jacket made of, for example, Gore-Tex or hardshell, but in the outdoors you will encounter a large number of waterproof membranes from various manufacturers. Softshell, on the other hand, can only withstand light rain. When choosing, also pay attention to the gluing and treatment of the seams and the shaping of the hood – these can be weak points.
  

A good option is a membrane jacket made of, for example, Gore-Tex or hardshell, such as the Squall rainproof hardshell jacket from Helikon-Tex.

• Rainproof trousers: unlike good boots and a water-resistant jacket, they are not essential for every event. But if you know in advance that you will face water or persistent rain, then it pays to have rainproof pants. The legs are often a neglected place that is poorly protected from water. When choosing, follow similar criteria as in the case of a rainproof jacket.
  

• Raincoat or poncho: protects against rain, but is not breathable. Therefore, keep in mind that this is a short-term solution to wait out the worst of the downpour. It is not suitable for all-day wear.
  

• Leg gaiters: they are compact and versatile, they protect against water, mud and partly also against ticks in tall and wet grass.
  

Dry backpack: combine 3 things

The modern outdoor market offers a number of backpacks that claim to be directly rainproof or have a water-repellent coating. This is of course a big advantage in adverse advantages, but it cannot be completely relied on. Therefore, combine these three factors for ideal function:

• Durable backpack: made of rainproof or water-repellent material. A reinforced or steel bottom is also an advantage.
  

• Backpack raincoat: if it is not part of the backpack, it is worth investing in it.
  

• Pack your belongings in waterproof bags: to protect your equipment as much as possible and ensure the comfort of dry clothes. As a result, even the best backpack with a raincoat can get wet, fall into the water or rain into it when opened. In an attempt to save money, many people pack things in bags and plastic bags, but these are not breathable, rustle and often tear.
  

TIP: Rainproof equipment loses its functionality with use. It is therefore important to renew it regularly. Read our article on how to impregnate outdoor equipment.

Waterproof packaging: keep valuables safe

You can use waterproof cases of various types for anything you need to keep dry: electronics, mobile phone, documents, but also for a lot of other things, such as medical supplies, matches and fire starters, food, tea and spices. In an emergency, you can also use classic ziplocks to protect against rain, but of course they are not certified for e.g. submerging or diving.

A lot of attention is paid to mobile phone cases. These cases will protect your phone from water, sand and dust, thanks to the durable material, also partly against scratches and mechanical damage. With some models, you can even dive or control your phone and take pictures underwater.

The Tactical Splash waterproof mobile phone case protects your phone from water, dust and sand, while you can control it even underwater.

Even the important notes you write down should stay safe. You can use the water-resistant notebook at the shooting range, practice or courses, where you can count on bad weather (which will naturally come), but also when working outside in the rain or solving crisis situations. Sheets of blocks are usually made of special impregnated paper or of durable stone paper that can withstand long-term immersion.

Dry night = quiet night

In order to be able to gain energy for the next day overnight, you need to stay at least relatively dry. You can spend the night in a tarp shelter, but be aware that moisture can also penetrate from the side and create lateral protection and insulation from the ground.

You can also create a shelter from a tarp over a tent (don't forget that even the tent needs to be impregnated from time to time) or a hammock.

If you sleep on the ground, put a tarp under the mat and don't forget a rainproof cover for your bivy bag, which will keep you dry. Even more comfort will be provided by a rainproof bivouac.

Supplies for paddlers

Watertproof cases and rainproof bags will also be of great use to paddlers. Larger gear can be packed in a boat bag with carrying straps or in waterproof water barrels that float on the surface. Some vessels and boats also have their own waterproof carrying cases, such as the Bergans Ally folding canoe and waterproof canoe bag with straps for easy carrying, which additionally protects it from mechanical damage during transport.

Water sports and boating are also associated with summer. View our range of equipment for paddlers.

A waterproof psyche

In prolonged and intense rain, you will eventually get wet no matter what you do. And when you're wet, it's cold outside, your psyche naturally falls. And the success of the event is a lot about psychology. Therefore, think of yourself and pack chocolate or coffee, also in practical packaging.

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