waterproof outdoor apparel

Waterproof outdoor apparel is essential to enjoying stress-free adventures outdoors, ensuring an enjoyable outdoor experience. In order to maximize its effectiveness and care for it appropriately, it is crucial that you understand how your gear functions and care for it properly.

Durable waterproof finishes prevent water from seeping through by beading up and beading off, rather than seeping in. But over time this finish may wear away with repeated laundering or regular usage.

Breathable membranes

A breathable membrane allows moisture vapor to escape while protecting insulation against rain, snow and dust. Furthermore, its presence improves thermal performance and increases longevity of structures.

Breathable membranes work by including pores too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough for sweat vapor to pass. They can be installed underneath roof tiles or against cold-side external cladding panels to help prevent water ingress and condensation issues.

To achieve optimal results, breathable membranes must be installed according to manufacturer instructions and regularly maintained and inspected to ensure they perform as designed. In order to maintain its breathable properties and keep debris at bay, regularly reproofed with waterproof treatments may also help. A strong breathable membrane may even resist tears – its strength ultimately determined by where its installed.

Durable water repellents (DWR)

As is typical for rainwear that boasts the “waterproof, breathable” label, almost all rainwear treated with durable water repellents (DWR) is coated with DWR finishes to help repel precipitation from seeping into its exterior shell fabric. While DWR enhances waterproofness, it does not alone ensure complete waterproofness – for full waterproofness to occur it requires membrane protection as well as taped seams.

DWR treatments must be periodically activated or reapplied in order to remain effective, especially if garments are regularly steamed or washed. You can reactivate or reapply DWR treatments using products containing fluorine such as spray-on products. Follow all label care instructions when doing so; pour some water onto fabric surface, wait five seconds and see whether beads form and roll off without darkening fabric; otherwise it might be time to revive DWR treatments. Lastly, test DWR by pouring small amount of water on outer fabric surface and watch how quickly beads form before rolling off on its own- if it soaks into fabric it indicates effective performance; otherwise it might be time to reactivate DWR immediately!

Care and maintenance

Every rain jacket–from budget options to higher end varieties–should be regularly washed, both to keep its waterproof membrane functional and to ensure its aesthetic value. Most proprietary membranes like Gore-Tex and eVent (as well as Polartec NeoShell) come equipped with protective outer fabrics designed to keep dirt out.

However, it remains essential to follow manufacturer recommendations when cleaning technical gear for outdoor activities, using detergents specifically tailored for such use without powder detergents, fabric softeners or stain removers. Furthermore, avoid mixing technical gear in with regular clothing because oil from these can actually break down waterproof coatings over time.

If your garments are showing signs of wear, including visible oil spots or reduced water-repellency, it is time to apply their DWR treatments again. There are now many newer DWR options that do not contain the previously used PFAS chemicals – simply check labels and reapply as needed; doing this will allow your waterproof gear to function just like when first purchased.

Storage

Outdoor apparel designed for intense activities typically features a membrane. Unlike old wax-based raincoats that left you feeling oppressively humid and hot, modern membrane garments allow sweat to escape while blocking water.

Attaining this is accomplished using a layer of ePTFE (Teflon(r), Polyurethane or similar material with micropores to allow sweat vapors to escape while blocking rainwater. Your jacket’s outer surface remains impermeable but its interior layer allows moisture from perspiration to escape easily, keeping you comfortable and dry while offering adequate ventilation.

Most breathable waterproof outerwear is washable, but it is crucial that you read and follow all care instructions when cleaning and storing it properly. Make sure your sleeping bag or puffy jacket are completely dry prior to storage (any humidity promotes mold growth), and roll or stuff your shells instead of folding for optimal storage results.