Staying dry when outdoors is essential to both comfort and safety. Water resistant outdoor apparel provides essential protection from precipitation, keeping both skin and clothing dry.

Outdoor waterproof gear typically features a waterproof membrane tightly adhered to outer fabrics, and often features this design in high-performance shell jackets as well. Some jackets also include an inner lining for additional insulation and comfort.

Waterproofing

Most high-performance rainwear designed for active use comes equipped with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to stop precipitation from beading up and rolling off of its fabric surface. But that is only part of the story; moisture management remains key as well.

Breathability is also essential. Without adequate ventilation, sweat can easily build up inside clothing and create an unpleasant, wet feeling that can make its way back out again, leading to discomfort.

The highest-performing waterproof/breathable gear combines a membrane with face fabrics to protect you from water intrusion while still allowing perspiration to escape. Typically, this can be accomplished using either 2- or 3-layer construction. In one approach, the membrane may be sandwiched between an outer fabric layer and liner to protect it from wear and tear, while in another approach, printed onto porous materials like ePTFE or PU can diffuse perspiration from entering and allows it to escape through ventilation holes on different parts of the garment allowing multiple fabrics from super lightweight running clothes to robust heavy ski and mountaineering gear.

Breathability

Breathability refers to how easily moisture vapor passes from inside to outside through fabric fabric layers, helping you maintain an ideal body temperature while working outdoors. Without breathability, sweat would quickly build up inside you, leaving you cold and damp.

Outdoor garments often use durable water repellent (DWR) finishes to keep rainwater away from their fabric’s surface, yet DWR doesn’t necessarily enhance breathability; that factor is determined by membrane technology in waterproof/breathable shells.

Waterproof/breathable fabrics with 3-Layer constructions have proven themselves as durable and high-performing garment materials. Clothing constructed using this type of fabric features an exterior membrane laminated onto its face fabric while backing fabrics hang loosely from within the garment itself.

Fabrics like Nikwax’s spray-on or wash-in re-treatment products allow moisture vapor to escape while keeping liquid water at bay. Their pores allow air in, while at the same time keep liquid out. Their breathability can be further increased through these methods.

Durability

Waterproof/breathable gear is essential for outdoor adventures that push both your lungs and limbs to their limits, such as hiking. Without it, sweat would quickly penetrate clothing and lead to hypothermia or chill. Understanding various technologies and construction methods allows you to make the best choice based on your individual needs.

Most waterproof shells utilize Gore-Tex membranes or proprietary fabrics laminated to outer layers treated with durable water repellents (DWR). Unfortunately, most DWR treatments use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals), which have been linked with health concerns and cannot be broken down naturally in the environment.

Many manufacturers are taking strides to reduce the environmental footprint of their products. For instance, The North Face developed a futuristic fabric known as Futurelight that it plans to incorporate into some high-end jackets this year; and Norwegian apparel manufacturer Helly Hansen plans on utilizing its own PFAS-free technology called Lifa Infinity Pro this year in certain jacket models.

Maintenance

As part of your effort to preserve waterproofing and breathability in your gear, regular washing is one of the best ways to preserve its waterproofing and breathability. Doing this will prevent contaminants like body oils from building up over time and clogging pores of Gore-Tex or eVent membranes, and help your garment regain its full performance capabilities.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that improper care of technical fabrics can significantly diminish their performance and lifespan. Therefore, using detergent tailored specifically to outdoor apparel and equipment – in combination with avoiding fabric softeners and bleach – is key in maintaining waterproof protection in your gear.

Reapplying DWR treatments on your gear regularly is essential to its optimal performance, and easy spray-on products like DWR ReviveTM make this task effortless and environmentally responsible, as it reduces demand for apparel made of high-energy, resource intensive materials.