Finding waterproof outdoor apparel that satisfies these criteria requires finding a balance between weight, pack size and price as well as level of protection required.

Tightly woven technical fabrics often possess natural resistance to rain; some can even be rendered fully waterproof through treatment.

Choosing the Right Material

Waterproof rainwear requires fabrics with specific properties. They should be resistant to moisture, fading and UV radiation exposure and hold their shape even after repeated wearings and washes, plus provide adequate breathability and durability depending on your activities.

Outdoor fabrics should be designed to withstand abrasion, antimicrobial growth and mildew spores as well as remaining colourfast to retain their brightness after repeated sunlight exposure.

Most outdoor fabrics employ waterproof membranes to prevent water from getting into their fabric and impairing performance. While GORE-TEX and other ePTFE membranes have traditionally led the market, more lightweight polyester-polyurethane membranes have recently entered this space as more lightweight garments that utilize two or 2.5 layer construction with laminated membranes secured to their outer shell or coated protectively are coming onto the market.

Waterproof Ratings

Waterproofing garments is generally measured with an “mm rating”, which indicates how much rainfall they can endure for 24 hours without moisture entering through leaks or holes. Some manufacturers also provide a “psi rating”, which measures how many pounds of water per square inch the fabric can withstand before leaking occurs.

Manufacturers typically use two numbers separated by a backslash to express the waterproof and breathability ratings of their fabrics, the first number representing how waterproof and the second indicating how breathable.

Higher waterproof ratings are advantageous to people who plan to use their gear in both rain and snow without being limited by weather conditions. However, even waterproof fabrics may leak after prolonged activity; to extend its lifespan further and prolong its life span use non-detergent cleaners instead of fabric softeners when cleaning your jacket or pants.

Breathability

Sweat evaporation is key in any outdoor gear; however, waterproof breathable garments require it even more in order to regulate body temperature and provide comfort.

Waterproof breathable fabrics consist of durable face fabrics like Nylon, Polyester or Polyamide treated with a waterproof membrane or coating such as expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene – commonly known by its acronym, Teflon – or Polyurethane; with microporous membrane linings designed to allow vapour through but block larger droplets of water droplets from passing through.

Face fabrics can then be laminated onto or directly bonded to the membrane; lamination provides greater durability while bonding is lighter and more packable. Some brands, like Gore-Tex, use proprietary waterproof breathable membranes while Polartec and eVent have developed their own technologies for waterproof breathable protection. Breathability ratings vary across garment manufacturers due to various testing procedures used; manufacturers typically quote test results such as “RET or g/24 hours”, although there is no standardization between laboratories.

Size

Waterproof/breathable outdoor clothing serves a key purpose: keeping you dry from rain while permitting perspiration (heat moisture) to escape through ventilation channels, keeping you cool and dry in all climates. It provides essential comfort instead of leaving you hot, wet, and uncomfortable.

Performance-focused rain jackets boast tougher shell fabrics, improved breathers, and luxurious, soft feels, making them more expensive than the hiking/daily use category but providing exceptional protection in various conditions.

Many manufacturers now produce products using fewer harmful chemicals like PFCs that harm the environment. You’ll often see recycled materials and Bluesign-approved fabrics used.

Montbell Versalite is an excellent example. Made with Gore-tex Infinium material that’s both waterproof and highly breathable, its nylon ripstop face fabric features minimal seams plus seam taping and DWR coating for enhanced water repellency, providing impressive weather protection at around $250. Similarly, Rab Latok features lightweight Gore-tex insulation with helmet-compatible RECCO reflector hood, large enough zipped pockets that accommodate compass use, plus helmet compatible RECCO reflector hood. Finally zipped pockets with enough room to fit compass are features that also ensure impressive weather protection at around $250.