Investing in waterproof outdoor apparel will help keep you dry during intense workouts and help regulate body temperature more effectively. Here is some insight into how waterproof gear works and what features should be considered when shopping.
Waterproof membranes can be fragile and must be protected from tears by using loose inner liners, protective coatings, or bonding layers to provide additional support and security.
Waterproofness
Waterproof gear is key to high-performing outdoor gear. However, effective waterproof gear does more than simply keep out water; it also allows sweat to escape freely, helping avoid an uncomfortable buildup of heat and moisture that creates an uncomfortable clammy feeling in the body.
Breathable fabrics allow warm air to circulate even in freezing conditions, helping prevent overheating and heat exhaustion during high-intensity activities. Membranes integrated seamlessly into fabrics are key in realizing this dual functionality.
Gore-Tex waterproof membranes are widely recognized as some of the leading waterproof solutions, featuring pores 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, yet inaccessible by liquid. They often combine outer fabrics treated with durable water repellents (DWR), as well as protective linings against abrasion and contaminants like body oils that might enter.
Breathability
Breathability refers to how much moisture can pass through fabric to keep you dry and comfortable, or more formally known as Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR).
Waterproof fabrics are constructed with a membrane that keeps rainwater and snow out, keeping your skin safe from being saturated by wetness. For optimal performance, waterproof fabrics may also be treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments that enable droplets of liquid to roll off without becoming saturated and seeping into your garment.
As DWR can be easily remedied using specialty products, for maximum breathability choose clothing crafted from waterproof breathable membranes such as GORE-TEX, eVent or Polartec Neoshell.
Weight
Your level of waterproof protection depends on your activity and climate. Fabric type determines how much water can be pressed up against it before the membrane allows moisture in (measured with waterproof ratings).
GORE-TEX materials boast over nine billion pores per square inch, which means raindrops cannot enter a garment but sweat can. This helps athletes remain dry and comfortable throughout their workout.
Montbell offers jackets with seams sealed or taped for additional waterproofness, such as their Minimalist shell that combines classic looks with Gore-TEX protection in their Minimalist shell and is constructed using recycled materials with an antibacterial DWR finish to provide added waterproofing properties. Additionally, these models use non-PFAS materials and feature DWR coating that is free from harmful PFAS compounds – another win in Montbell’s favor!
Many outdoorsmen like to carry two separate layers, one fully waterproof and the other wind-resistant, giving them more versatility when it comes to weather and activity. For instance, waterproof shell could be worn when hiking in rainy conditions while windproof clothing would be more suited to running or climbing activities.
Care
Your waterproof rain gear and jacket should remain waterproof if you take proper care in maintaining it. Wipe away any muddy spots with damp cloth, and wash in cool water when necessary; avoid powder detergents or bleach. Also read up on any specific care instructions provided with each garment you own.
Many manufacturers produce waterproof breathable membranes like Gore-Tex, eVent and Polartec NeoShell; each function similarly in that their DWR (durable water repellent) finish allows outside moisture to bead on fabric surfaces instead of seeping into them, eventually falling away when heavy enough. With wear comes diminishment to that DWR finish though; periodic reapplying may be necessary.
Most DWR treatments once contained dangerous PFAS chemicals; however, more modern products, as identified by the Washington Department of Ecology, use safer alternatives. Look for wash-in or spray-on treatments designed for your specific piece of gear such as Nikwax that offer long-term DWR protection.