Cold rain is one of the most demanding outdoor conditions: water cools the body faster than air, wind accelerates heat loss, and perspiration must still escape despite waterproof protection. Equipping yourself for these situations requires a precise balance of internal moisture management, external protection, and controlled warmth. The AYAQ range, built around ultra-performance membranes (52,000 Schmerbers), RWS merino wool, and technical insulated jackets, effectively meets these challenges.
1. Understanding the Danger of Cold Rain
Cold rain causes conductive cooling: water extracts body heat up to 25 times faster than air. Combined with wind, it creates a “fridge effect” that can quickly overwhelm the body’s heat production, even in motion. The clothing system must therefore:
- block water before it reaches insulating layers,
- prevent wind penetration,
- continue to evacuate internal moisture,
- maintain stable warmth without over-insulating.
This is what AYAQ hardshells combined with the right inner layers provide.
2. Base Layer: Managing Internal Moisture
An unsuitable base layer under cold rain leads to rapid cooling. The RWS merino wool used by AYAQ is essential to prevent this. It stays warm even when wet and gradually wicks sweat.
- SHIRWALI: merino + Tencel (~240 g), warm and ideal for cold, wet conditions.
- MEFONNA: 100% versatile merino, perfect when activity remains steady despite rain.
- BIAFO: lightweight 100% merino, for high and continuous intensity.
The goal: prevent body moisture from turning into cold under the hardshell.
3. Mid Layer: Controlled, Breathable Warmth
In cold rain, the mid layer must stay warm even if moisture passes through, without excessive vapor buildup.
KOKANEE
Ideal for cold rain when activity is high: highly breathable to avoid internal saturation.
AROLLA
Warmer, useful during breaks or dropping temperatures, but to avoid if intensity is very high.
BATURA (insulated hardshell jacket)
BATURA is AYAQ’s only down jacket with a waterproof membrane. It combines premium insulation with full rain and wind protection. Excels in cold rain for:
- waiting phases,
- moderate-intensity activities,
- very wet and exposed environments.
A piece designed to stay warm despite water exposure.
4. Outer Layer: AYAQ Hardshells, the Benchmark for Cold Rain
AYAQ’s three hardshells — SKORA, LONAK, and SKORA-XT — use a non-microporous hydrophilic membrane tested up to 52,000 Schmerbers, an exceptional waterproof rating in outdoor gear, combined with breathability RET < 12. They protect in all conditions:
- Prolonged cold rain
- Saturated snow
- Heavy fog
- Strong wind
All three share the same membrane and are suitable year-round:
SKORA
The lightest, most streamlined hardshell, perfect for dynamic outings where weather can change rapidly.
LONAK
AYAQ’s flagship product, raglan sleeves, external tapings inspired by Inuit clothing. More enveloping and structured, ideal for prolonged cold, wet environments.
SKORA-XT (formerly LONAK-XT)
The most functional version: chest pockets, revolver pockets, skin pockets, drawcords, RECCO. Designed for extreme conditions and long-duration activities in wet climates.
All three offer excellent cold rain protection thanks to their unique, ultra-light (170 g/m²), PFC-free membrane that resists clogging.
5. Pants for Cold Rain: High-Performance Hardshell and Softshell
NUNATAK
Fully waterproof hardshell pants using the same membrane as the jackets. Perfect for long outings in saturated terrain, wet approaches, and ski touring in rain or wet snow.
PANTS BATURA
Insulated waterproof pants, ideal for cold, wet environments where warmth and protection must coexist.
RIMO
Softshell with windproof membrane on the front, highly effective in light to moderate rain, breathable, ideal for intense efforts in unstable cold weather.
6. Building an Effective System for Cold Rain
Recommended combinations based on activity level:
- Active effort in cold rain: BIAFO + KOKANEE + SKORA or LONAK.
- Moderate effort, prolonged rain: MEFONNA + AROLLA + LONAK.
- Waiting phases, very wet weather: SHIRWALI + KOKANEE + BATURA (jacket).
- Effort in saturated terrain: merino base layer + KOKANEE + SKORA-XT + NUNATAK.
The goal: shield from external cold while allowing body moisture to escape.
7. 100% European Manufacturing and Responsible Materials
Like all AYAQ pieces, garments designed for cold rain are:
- manufactured in France, Italy, Germany, Portugal,
- made with premium recycled materials and RWS merino wool,
- durable, field-tested by Mike Horn, Vincent Defrasne, and the field teams.
Cold rain demands a serious system: AYAQ builds it around uncompromising membranes, high-performance natural wools, and European textile expertise.
Conclusion
In cold rain, performance depends on a delicate balance: staying warm without trapping moisture. Thanks to its 52,000 Schmerbers hardshells, technical insulated jackets like BATURA, breathable midlayers, and RWS merino base layers, AYAQ offers a coherent, reliable system to face the harshest wet conditions, even over long durations.