Outdoor enthusiasts understand the importance of waterproof clothing as essential protection, yet not all rain gear is the same. To get maximum enjoyment from outdoor adventure, choose wisely when selecting rainwear for comfort and safety.

Waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent provide the ideal combination of water resistance and breathability to avoid overheating and the damp clammy feeling associated with traditional rain jackets.

Waterproofing

Outdoor workwear designed to shield you against rain and snow is essential for comfort, safety, and the success of your outdoor activities. From hiking through an icy trail to trekking across dense forest terrain, waterproof protection is vital for success in harsh weather.

Waterproofing can be achieved via various fabric technologies. Gore-Tex, an impermeable membrane designed to allow moisture vapor escape while repelling water, is the go-to choice when it comes to apparel waterproofing, although often combined with another shell fabric in order to complete its performance.

Gore-Tex is a reliable choice, but there are other less toxic materials. Many brands are working hard to eliminate PFAS-based chemicals from their products; Norwegian gear maker Helly Hansen recently developed Lifa Infinity Pro waterproof fabric which will soon be featured on high-end jackets this fall.

When analyzing waterproof clothing, one key factor to keep in mind is the Ingress Protection Rating (IP). A higher IP means your garment will keep you dry longer during heavy rainfall; however, maintenance guidelines must also be observed; regular detergent can clog pores and degrade fibers within its membrane, so use technical outerwear cleaners specifically tailored for waterproof clothing for maximum effectiveness.

Breathability

Breathability in outdoor clothing is an integral component of comfort and performance, as without it moisture can build up within layers, leading to chills or even hypothermia if moisture builds up too much inside them. Furthermore, damp clothing becomes heavier and less comfortable to wear.

Breathability is measured by how much water vapor passes through fabric at any given time; higher numbers indicate greater breathability. It should be noted, however, that results can differ widely depending on test conditions and temperature; manufacturers may attempt to report higher numbers as an attempt at selling their products.

Some waterproof jackets rely on chemicals known as PFAS (perfluorinated or polyfluorinated acidic substances) to make them waterproof, also known as “forever chemicals.” Unfortunately, these toxic compounds don’t degrade easily; however, more and more brands are finding ways to cut back on them and create sustainable rain gear products.

Technical Specifications

When shopping for outdoor apparel, it’s essential to understand their waterproof ratings. These ratings, usually separated by backslashes, indicate fabric’s ability to resist permeation under pressure from water and air permeation. You’ll likely encounter these ratings either on product labels or product descriptions – making it important for consumers to understand what these numbers mean before making their purchase decision.

Waterproof fabrics utilize various technologies to achieve their waterproof rating. Gore-Tex garments, for instance, consist of an outer fabric coated with durable water repellent as well as an inner membrane made up of ePTFE membranes with protective oleophobic coating that keeps its pores open so as to maximize breathability and minimize moisture build-up – two features unique to Gore-Tex products.

Waterproof and breathable fabrics such as eVent, Mountain Hardwear’s w/b fabric and The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT employ various methods to increase breathability. These include printed porous PU membranes with higher diffusion abilities than laminated ePTFE membranes – perfect for use with running gear as well as ski or mountaineering apparel.

Storage

When not in use, waterproof gear must be stored properly. Cramming wet items into tight spaces promotes mold and mildew growth that not only smells unpleasant but may damage an item and drastically shorten its lifespan. When it comes to outdoor gear storage solutions such as waterproof stuff sacks and dry bags can keep damp items apart from dry items when not needed.

At the same time, it is best to avoid using fabric softeners and ironing on technical fabrics as these practices may clog their pores and damage their fabric fibers. Instead, carefully follow care label instructions when washing these pieces – choosing either cool or delicate wash cycles when possible and washing similar colors together; low heat tumble drying or air drying is recommended for drying purposes.

Notably, Gore-Tex laminates and other PTFE membranes cannot be recycled – leading them to waste incineration or landfill where they will take centuries to decompose. To minimize their environmental impact, invest in high-quality jackets which can be reused repeatedly; repair holes with Gear Aid aquaseal or Tenacious Tape repair products instead.