Understanding Waterproofing

 

Many of our technical jackets have a fabric waterproof rating to help you decide what weather conditions the jacket is ideally suited for. The rating refers to the jacket’s level of fabric protection as well as important weather-proofing details like critical seam sealing. In general, the higher the number, the more protective the jacket’s fabric.

 

5K–10K FABRIC WATERPROOF RATING

Suitable for extended time in rainy or snowy conditions.

 

 

3K–5K FABRIC WATERPROOF RATING

Repels moisture and withstands moderately rainy conditions.

 

 

1K FABRIC WATERPROOF RATING

Water resistance for everyday use in light rain or mist.

 


Jacket Construction and Waterproofing Details

While ratings give a general understanding of how the jacket’s fabric will protect during various weather conditions, the jacket’s  construction and design details also highly influence how it will perform.

WATER RESISTANT TECHNIQUES

Outerwear is often treated with a coating or bonded with other materials, like a laminate, to help increase water resistance.

Durable water repellent (DWR) or water repellent (WR).
An applied treatment to a jacket’s outermost fibers which allows water to bead up and roll off the jacket’s surface.

Polyurethane coating (PU coating).
Is commonly used on outerwear fabrics to offer high-performance water resistance, while maintaining the garment’s breathability.

Water-resistant film insert or laminate.
Is a membrane bonded to the outer shell and/or the inner lining to help boost protection.

 

SEAMS

Seams are a potential entry point for rain and snow. Taping or sealing the seams boosts a jacket’s waterproof protection.

Taped seams.
Select—or critical—seams are taped with waterproof tape. This helps prevent moisture from getting in through the seams where it is most likely to occur—such as the shoulders, armholes or hood.

Fully seam-sealed.
Every seam throughout the jacket is sealed with waterproof tape to help prevent water from leaking in.

 

ADDED DETAILS

Many other design details go into each jacket to help further boost its waterproofness and protection.

Storm flap.
This piece of fabric covers and protects an opening (usually a zipper) to help the jacket protect against wind and moisture.

Storm fly.
Inner fabric layer to help channel water if it penetrates a zipper. It also helps protect from wind.

Waterproof zippers.
Like seams, zippers can let in water. A waterproof zipper tends to be coated, have tighter coils and is stiffer than standard zippers to help increase water resistance.

Adjustable cuffs and hem.
For maximum comfort, sleeve cuffs can have hook and loop or snap tabs to seal the cuff at the wrist. The jacket hem may also have a drawcord and toggle to secure the jacket close to the body and to help keep elements out.

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