1. Waterproof Ratings
| Rating | Resistance | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1,500mm | Water resistant / Snowproof | Very light rain |
| 1,500mm – 5,000mm | Waterproof | Light to average rain |
| 5,000mm | Very Waterproof | Moderate to heavy rain |
| 10,000mm | Highly Waterproof | Heavy rain |
In this post
How do I know if a coat is waterproof?
If the jacket features a waterproof breathable membrane, laminate or other comparable waterproof technology, then it is usually considered waterproof.
Is 10000 mm waterproof enough?
10,000mm – 15,000mm: A jacket in this range will withstand most downpours as well as heavy snow, but will soak through over time if subjected to pressure, such as crashing in wet snow, kneeling or sitting down, or a heavy pack.
How many mm is waterproof?
Fabric Waterproof Ratings
| Waterproof Rating (mm) | Water Resistance Provided |
|---|---|
| 0-5,000 mm | No resistance to some resistance to moisture. |
| 6,000-10,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure. |
| 11,000-15,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure. |
| 16,000-20,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure. |
What makes a coat waterproof?
Water-resistant jackets will have a waterproofing repellent coating (called DWR) applied to the outer fabric to prevent absorption of water, this means that water droplets will bead and roll off the fabric.
What type of coat is waterproof?
There are three main types of waterproof protection to consider; wax-coated (pretty rare for technical outdoor jackets these days), PU-coated, and membrane lined jackets.
Is a 100% nylon jacket waterproof?
Nylon is a frequently used material for clothing that’s been designed for wet, cold weather. It is often used for jackets, tracksuits and hiking clothing, and it is often assumed as being waterproof. In fact, nylon isn’t waterproof and can actually absorb water, allowing it to come into contact with the individual.
Is 20K waterproof good?
A rating of up to 10K is enough to handle light to average rain for a short amount of time. Ratings between 10K and 15K can handle a moderate amount of rain for much longer, and jackets rated between 15K and 20K or higher are serious shells for heavy, intense rain over a prolonged period.
Is Gore-Tex 100 percent waterproof?
ARE ALL GORE-TEX BRANDED PRODUCTS WATERPROOF? No. GORE-TEX products branded with the black label saying “GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™” are built and tested to ensure durable waterproofness, windproofness and breathability in a vast activities range.
Is Gore-Tex better than waterproof?
While the Gore-Tex membrane belongs to the “waterproof” category and is therefore perfectly suited for extreme weather conditions, Gore-Tex-Infinium belongs to the “water-repellent” category. It is therefore very much suitable for everyday use, while Gore-Tex is more suitable for everyday use and everything beyond.
Is 2000 mm waterproof good?
The minimum standard for a jacket to be waterproof is 1,500mm so a jacket with a waterproof rating of 2,000mm would be suitable for moderate rain.
Is 5000 mm waterproof rating?
If you are out for a day in the mountains, you should look for your main waterproof to be rated 5000mm or higher, and most good waterproofs will be around 10,000mm, the highest being around 20,000mm for the wettest conditions. A lower rating means the water will eventually get through if the rain is heavy.
Is 1500mm waterproof rating good?
There’s no internationally recognised standard of what specific rating ‘waterproof’ is, but 1500mm is widely accepted as being the minimum to be deemed waterproof and able to handle most rain conditions.
Is 100 polyester waterproof?
Polyester is also considered “everyday waterproof,” which means although it’s not 100% waterproof, it is protective enough for most everyday situations, such as being out in rain or snow, but not completely submerged under water for a prolonged period of time.
How can I make my jacket more waterproof?
A waterproof spray will help reproof your jacket to maximise its waterproofing and breathability. Always wash your coat first if re-proofing using a waterproof spray. Dirt and oil can clog up the breathable membrane found in many waterproof jackets, making it feel as though water is penetrating through the fabric.
What does 5k waterproof mean?
5,000mm or 5 metres (16.4 ft) is how far you could fill the tube before it would start to leak through the fabric. So in theory, you could stand out in the rain until 5,000mm of rain fell before you would start getting wet. The second number relates to how breathable the coat is.
Are there any truly waterproof jackets?
Columbia Watertight II. The most affordable option out of the bunch, Columbia Watertight II Jacket does not only carry a reputable brand name but is also a popular choice among many. No wonder – this lightweight waterproof jacket comprises two layers and a mesh film.
Why are waterproof jackets not waterproof?
The difference between water-resistant and waterproof arises from the fabric. A water-resistant material is so tightly woven that water struggles to get through. So, materials like polyester and nylon naturally withstand more water than cotton just because of their construction.
Do waterproof jackets exist?
Waterproof is the highest level of rain protection
To achieve a truly waterproof fabric, jacket brands experiment with a seemingly infinite variety of outward-facing fabrics, as well as high-tech laminates or coatings in layered constructions.
Can water seep through nylon?
The short answer is that no, unfortunately, nylon is not waterproof. It is a fabric that will naturally absorb water and once it is soaked through, it will allow water to seep through it. Certain manufacturing aspects of nylon can make it more water-resistant.
Which is more waterproof polyester or nylon?
Both nylon and polyester resist water, but polyester resists it better than nylon. Additionally, polyester’s water-resistant properties increase as the thread count rises. However, neither material is fully waterproof unless it’s coated with special materials.