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
What is a good waterproofing rating?
Clothing rated between 5,000 mm and 10,000 mm (10k) is a good choice for riders who spend long days out and ski or snowboard in any weather conditions. Avid skiers and snowboarders, especially those in wetter climates, should look for waterproof ratings in the 10,000 mm to 20,000 mm range or better.
Is 20000 mm good waterproof rating?
5-10,000mm is ideal for those who spend long days out on the mountain, in all weather conditions; while 10-20,000mm is best for those in wetter climates or skiers and snowboarders who prefer backcountry.
Is 3000mm waterproof enough?
If you are buying a waterproof coat for walking about town or dropping the kids to school, a waterproof rating of 2,000-5,000mm will be more than enough. If you were planning a weekend in the mountains, we would advise a rating of 5,000-8,000mm as the conditions can be much harsher.
Is 10K waterproof good for rain?
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 2000mm waterproof enough?
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.
What does 20K waterproofing mean?
The tube is filled with water, and the water’s height in millimeters when leakage begins becomes the waterproof rating. A piece of fabric that can withstand 20,000mm of water pressure will have a rating of 20,000mm or 20K.
What waterproof rating is Gore-Tex?
All Gore-Tex fabrics have a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm which is significantly higher than almost all other materials.
Is Gore-Tex fully waterproof?
Original GORE-TEX products offer guaranteed waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. So if your heart rate is going to rise and a strong wind and rain are forecast, some GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear and a jacket made with GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ product technology could be just what you need.
Is 5000 mm waterproof enough for skiing?
A rating of 5000mm to 10,000mm is suitable for just about all weather conditions but equally at home in lesser ones, great for walking the dog or a serious trek in bad conditions. These higher rated jackets will also be breathable.
Is 4000 mm waterproof good for a tent?
Waterproof ratings for tents are measured in millimetres and will usually be between 1000mm (the lowest level considered waterproof) and 10,000mm. The higher the rating, the more waterproof a tent will be.
Is 3000 HH good for a tent?
To summarise, and help you choose your new tent, a general rule is that a good quality tent with a 1500 – 3000mm waterhead rating on the tent fly, along with a 6000mm+ rating on the floor or one made from durable polyethylene or PVC, is going to keep you sheltered and dry in all but the absolute worst of conditions.
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 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.
What does 5k 5k waterproof mean?
The measurement of water is in millimetres, which is how the waterproof rating is determined. The higher the number, the more waterproof the jacket. A 5k or 5,000 mm rating tells us that the fabric can withstand 5,000 mm of water before it starts to leak through and makes you want to head for the hot chips at the café.
How do I choose a waterproof jacket?
Which Waterproof Jacket Features Should I Look For?
- Stiffened hood.
- Good breathability.
- Storm flaps.
- Consider choosing a jacket with a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as GORE-TEX® for comfort and high specification.
- Pockets for extra storage.
Is 2000mm enough for a tent?
Waterproof ratings are measured in millimetres (mm) and usually fall anywhere from 800mm to 10,000 mm. These figures indicate the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand. That means a tent with a 2,000mm rating will endure a 2,000mm or two metre column of water bearing down on it before it starts to leak.
Is 2000mm HH good for a tent?
Basic tents may only have 2000 mm HH (Hydrostatic Head). This may be perfectly fine for mild conditions, but you may find that with a really heavy downpour, the water will seep through the weave of the fabric – but it would have to be a heavy downpour for it do so.
What does 2000mm water rating mean?
It measures how tall a column of water the fabric can hold before water starts to seep through the weave. A rating of 3000mm means that a tent fabric could hold a column of water that is 3000mm tall. 3000mm of water exerts more pressure on the fabric than 2000mm of water.
What is 15k waterproofing?
15k waterproofing: A good waterproof rating, resistant to most snowy weather and guaranteed to keep you dry all day.
What are the disadvantages of Gore Tex?
What are the Disadvantages of Gore-Tex?
- Gore-Tex is Expensive. With publicity and prestige comes a price tag to match.
- Performance Tapers Slowly Over Time.
- Seams are Always a Weakness.
- Difficult to Care for.
- Made from Chemicals.
- Some Gore-Tex Products can be Hit or Miss.