Waterproof outdoor apparel should do more than simply protect from raindrops; it must also allow sweat vapors to escape so you won’t end up with that uncomfortable, sticky sensation.

The best waterproof jackets, trousers and tents use cutting-edge fabric technologies that repel water while permitting moisture vapor to escape. Additionally, this technology may be combined with outer fabrics treated with durable water repellents (DWR), providing greater protection and durability.

Waterproof Membranes

Membranes are waterproof components used to shield fabrics and inner lining from moisture and rain, often made out of ePTFE (a stretched membrane with small pores that allows water vapor out but prevents liquid water entering), polyester, polyurethane or combinations thereof.

Tensile strength and elongation are crucial properties for membranes. Tear resistance must also be factored into consideration to ensure they can withstand damage over time.

Montbell’s Helium rain jacket utilizes Gore-Tex Paclite technology to repel light to moderate rainfall and snowfall while still offering next-to-skin breathability in hot temperatures. Additionally, its nylon ripstop face fabric and minimal seams with seam taping make for an ultralight and packable solution – perfect for hiking, backpacking and climbing adventures alike!

Breathable Membranes

So as to keep us comfortable, breathable fabrics allow sweat to escape freely, thereby preventing chills and enabling our bodies to cool themselves naturally via vapour pressure differentials.

Waterproof membranes are at the core of high-performance outdoor apparel. Impermeable to liquid water yet breathable, waterproof membranes create barriers against rain while still allowing moisture vapor escaping.

Traditional methods of waterproofing such as rubber coatings do not offer breathability and therefore do not make suitable outdoor apparel. In order to create truly waterproof breathable clothing, an outer durable layer must be connected with an inner membrane and backer fabric with superior abrasion resistance for optimal performance.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane is one of the most frequently utilized waterproof membranes. With microscopic pores that block liquid water but allow vapor escape, it makes Gore-Tex and eVent popular waterproof fabrics made with this material. A PU film may be added overtop the membrane in order to prevent oil or dirt clogging its pores and decreasing breathability.

Water-Repellent Coatings

Modern waterproof outdoor clothing features membranes treated with durable water repellent (DWR). This treatment makes the surface of fabric waterproof so that raindrops bead off instead of seeping in, allowing sweat vapor to escape freely and providing an optimal interior climate.

DWR coatings typically consist of fluorinated substances such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs). While these chemicals are effective at repelling dirt and water, there have been concerns raised regarding their health and environmental impacts. Research is ongoing into alternative coatings which offer similar performance without using PFCs.

Synthetic fabrics designed with tightly woven constructions may naturally resist water. But because these synthetic fabrics may not be breathable enough for prolonged exposure to rain or wet snow, they will still soak through after prolonged exposure. Spraying these fabrics with hydrophobic or other waterproofing treatments won’t work; in fact it could do more harm than good! For best results use specific products designed specifically to reproof them instead.

Care & Maintenance

Waterproof outdoor apparel provides us with endless adventures, but even the highest-grade gear needs attention and maintenance to remain reliable. Cleaning, reproofing and repairing gear rather than discarding it helps keep it out of landfills while saving both money and resources.

Outdoor jackets made from nylon and polyester fabric with waterproof membranes should typically be washed on the gentle cycle with mild detergent, without fabric softeners as these could degrade their waterproof coatings. Tumble drying on low will also revitalize their waterproof qualities while GORE-TEX fabrics should be washed regularly but avoided high heat drying as this may cause shrinking and weakening of its waterproof membrane.

Whenever your waterproof outerwear begins to lose its ability to repel moisture, reproofing is necessary. There are various spray-on and wash-in products available which can rejuvenate DWR coatings; always read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions prior to application.