7 minutes reading
By Atmosphere - March 13 2024
Whatever the season, wind and rain have always been two difficult climatic conditions for anyone who loves the great outdoors. In the past, only windbreakers and raincoats could act as protection: the former shielded us from the wind, but not from the rain; the latter protected us from bad weather, but kept our body’s humidity trapped inside. Thankfully, technology has provided us with shelter from the storm.
There is now a wide range of rainwear that is both waterproof and highly breathable. It's quite interesting to learn how to choose the perfect rain jacket.
There is a difference between a "water-resistant" jacket and a "waterproof" jacket. When it comes to protection against the rain, water repellency also comes into play. Knowing this difference could help you make the right choice for your jacket.
| Waterproofing | Water resistance | Repellency |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing completely protects the fabric from any liquid penetration. It acts as a real water blocker. Your protection is optimal. | Water resistance repels liquid but will allow it to penetrate if the intensity of the liquid increases considerably. Water-resistant clothing is designed to withstand very light to moderate rain. Your protection is average. |
"Water-repellent" refers to a rain jacket treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. This coating is applied to the fabric, preventing water from adhering and, consequently, running down the coat without being absorbed. |
It is important to understand that a DWR treatment does not make a jacket waterproof. Waterproofing relies on the presence of sealed seams and closures, the use of a waterproof laminated membrane and interior linings.
Clothing with a microporous membrane (breathable) will include either two or three layers.
With 2 layers (2L), the membrane is added to the inside surface of the material, with either a lining or insulation so it’s protected against abrasion.
Although 2-layer clothing is practical for general use, the double lining can hinder air circulation and retain humidity, which limits the item’s breathability. This type of clothing is, however, more flexible and comfortable than 3-layer versions.
You can also purchase clothing containing 2.5 layers—set right between the 2- and 3-layered options. These are lighter and more compressible than 2 layers, but less comfortable and resistant to extreme weather conditions than 3 layers. Clothing with 2.5 layers is ideal for high-intensity activities like hiking and running.
Clothing with 3 layers (3L) features an anti-abrasive outer fabric laminated with a microporous membrane, and a lightweight inner knit. These three layers are bound together and act as a single piece. The lack of a separate lining makes the material lighter while providing better aeration—perfect for more strenuous activities like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing or other winter sports, in extreme weather conditions.
Waterproof breathable clothing can be grouped into two categories: hardshell and softshell, each incorporating different waterproofing technologies.
The soft shell is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, making it ideal for physical activities requiring freedom of movement. It protects from wind, light rain and from the cold as a second layer or outer layer of choice in the multi-layer system.
The hard shell is breathable and waterproof. It offers better protection against the elements such as heavy rain and gusts of wind. Because of its protective properties, the harshell is the exterior layer in a multi-layer system.
As well, water- and wind-proof clothing often features a variety of characteristics that may help you decide what kind of gear to buy, including:
Hoods: Some waterproof coats have hoods certified Helmet Compatible, which is essential when practising activities like mountain and rock climbing. The better the equipment, the more adjustable the hood—which can be essential for the activity of your choice.
To waterproof a fabric, manufacturers generally employ one of two techniques:
The coatings used today are far more effective, since they offer waterproof protection while allowing most of the moisture caused by sweating to escape. Microporous membranes, also called waterproof breathables, work by wicking moisture away from skin via billions of tiny holes —much smaller than a drop of water—while completely preventing water from penetrating clothing.
The result: Your body stays dry... and warm.
When it comes to microporous membranes, one of the most renowned options is Gore-Tex®, celebrated for its exceptional waterproof capabilities. Be sure to ask about these when you’re shopping in store.
Several manufacturers now employ similar cutting-edge technologies, each as effective as the other, albeit under different names such as DryVent™, FutureLight™, Omni-Tech™, OutDry™ Extreme, Proflex™, Pertex® Shield, and more. The microscopic pores within these membranes are so minuscule that neither water nor snow can breach their defenses. However, they retain full permeability to air, allowing moisture to escape and keeping you comfortably dry. These three key attributes establish Gore-Tex® as the preferred material for outdoor clothing and footwear.
Several innovations have been created to limit condensation:
To enhance the waterproofing effects of raw material used in clothing, manufacturers will also apply water repellent to the outside surface. This causes water to bead, which prevents clothing from soaking through—all without compromising the material’s breathability.
Not using rain repellent may affect the material’s breathability. Even if well made, clothing not treated with repellent will still trap a layer of moisture between your body and the fabric. In extreme weather conditions, condensation caused by this moisture will produce high levels of humidity. This will cause you to feel soaked, especially if the humidity outside is greater than inside your clothing.
Proper care of your rain jacket is essential to ensure its long-term effectiveness. With time, dust and sweat can block the breathable membrane's holes, which affects the garment’s breathability. This is why these should be washed regularly with care.
1
Washing
Be sure to purchase a specialized, good-quality detergent. Then wash items in a washing machine, preferably a front-loader, or by hand. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for details. Avoid the use of fabric softeners, especially with breathable waterproof clothing, since this will promote water penetration and has a tendency to remain in the fabric.
2
Rinsing, drying
Rinse thoroughly, or put through a rinse cycle without soap, as needed. This step is necessary to remove excess detergent. When travelling, use fresh water to rinse any items that come into contact with salt water. You can then place your item in the dryer on medium heat. Never dry clothing near an open fire (because of sparks) or in direct sunlight.
3
Water-repellent application
After thoroughly washing and rinsing the waterproof/breathable garment, hang it on a hanger and apply a water-repellent product to restore its waterproof/breathable properties.
Notes: Some products can also be added directly to the wash cycle, so long as the clothing does not contain a hydrophilic lining. Although waterproofed materials lose their effectiveness when contaminated with impurities, they can also break down with regular use. This causes microscopic tears, which allow water to penetrate the material. To fix this issue, simply tumble dry on high, which causes waterproofing to lightly soften and fill in any tears. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Generally speaking, be sure to wash technical garments as soon as its needed. Wash and dry garments at the highest settings indicated on the manufacturer’s label.
Now that you know how to choose the right jacket, you're ready to make the most of your outdoor activities, rain or shine!
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