The best waterproof boots are Chippewa’s Super Logger Steel Toe Waterproof Insulated Boot. They are high-end leather safety boots that are hand-crafted for rugged outdoor use. They blend traditional craftsmanship with the latest in waterproof and insulation technology to produce a boot that is both fashionable and durable.

The Details

Chippewa has been making quality boots in America since 1901. Over the course of a century they have built a loyal following among professional and recreational outdoorsmen. Chippewa boots are famous for their use of only the best premium raw materials and commitment to quality manufacturing.

The Waterproof Steel-Toe Super Logger is Chippewa’s best waterproof boot, and the best waterproof boot of 2016. The genuine leather is protected with Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane system. Chip-A-Tex locks water out of the boot with a membrane shield, but allows air to pass through to keep feet from getting sweaty. The boots are further waterproofed with Dri-Lex moisture management system, which allows the boots to breathe and dry quickly. A removable Texon 460 waterproof insole prevents moisture from entering.

A Vibram Tacoma Logger Outsole increases boot stability, provides slip resistance and gives the boot traction in a variety of terrains, including wet surfaces. The thickly treaded leather outsole is attached to the upper leather using Goodyear welting.

Goodyear welting is the oldest and most durable method used in shoe construction for attaching the upper part of the shoe to the outsole. It is an additional strip of leather that runs between the outsole and insole, and makes the sole more durable and waterproof. It makes the boot easier to resole, so Chippewa boots can be resoled and will last for years.

In addition, the Super Logger gets our choice for best waterproof boot because of its quality insulation and protective steel toe. The steel toe exceeds ATSM F2413-05 standards for impact and compression, and is safe from electrical hazards. 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation provides superior warmth and comfort so that the boots can be worn in cold weather and in snowy conditions.

For Women

Chippewa also manufactures waterproof leather boots for women. The Oiled WP Logger Rugged Boot comes equipped with the same outdoor features as its male counterpart. It is insulated with 400 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation to keep the feet warm and dry in the winter. The women’s version is made with a single stitched welt and is imported, which is unfortunate.

The post The Best Waterproof Boots appeared first on Reactual.

The lightest waterproof jacket currently available is the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket. The jacket weighs just 6.4 oz and is made with 100% Nylon and a 2.5 layer 30D Pertex Shield DS rip-stop fabric.

There is also a women’s version of the Helium II.

The Details

A waterproof jacket is an item you hope you won’t need when travelling, but is something you never want to be caught without. That’s why an ultra-lightweight option is a perfect way to assure you’ll never be exposed or have to lug around a cumbersome coat. The Helium II is the lightest waterproof jacket out right now and it weighs about half a pound, a full 10 oz lighter than most rain jackets marketed as “lightweight.”

It is a pared down jacket, so it doesn’t include any pit zips and only has one pocket. It is very compressible, and can easily fit in a backpack or even a sweatshirt pocket. The lone pocket is located on the upper chest. Personally, I prefer hip pockets to put my hands in when its cold. The chest pocket is an advantage if you have a hiking backpack strapped at your waist. The Helium II also has an adjustable hood and a 7.5″ internal stormflap.

The Nylon material is breathable and will keep you dry in all but the fiercest of storms. It cuts the wind well for an ultra-lightweight jacket, although not as well heavier waterproof jackets. The elastic cuffs are a nice touch.

Outdoor Research also offers the Helium HD, which is a heavier-duty waterproof jacket. It has a Pertex Shield+ that is both breathable and waterproof. It’s wire-brimmed Halo hood does a better job of shielding your face than the standard edition. It also comes with a few extra pockets, which do increase the weight. It is still very light at 9.3oz.

Another Option

The Marmot Minimalist Jacket is another great lightweight waterproof option. It is GORE-TEX with Paclite technology. The Marmot Minimalist comes with pit zips, hand pockets, and an adjustable hood. As with the Helium HD, these extra features push its weight close to 10oz. It costs about $170.

The post The Lightest Waterproof Jacket appeared first on Reactual.

Based in Minnesota, Duluth Pack makes high durable work clothes (for both men and women), and classic bags.

This is their Paul Bunyan Canoe Pack, made with 18 oz canvas in the U.S. It sells for $230.

This is their classic Child’s Backpack, constructed with 15-ounce canvas. It sells for $75.

This is their Wildland Firefighter Backpack which is constructed with 18-ounce canvas, and reinforced at critical stress points with thick leather and hand hammered copper rivets. It sells for $450.

Duluth guarantees their products for life.

For some reason, Duluth Pack’s website only has illustrations of their products — somewhat obscuring them from public view! However, you can see their full range of U.S.-Made products on Amazon.

The post Buy It For Life: Classic Backpacks By Duluth Pack appeared first on Reactual.