Modern technical outdoor jackets combine watertightness and windproofness with breathable capacity thanks to advanced materials and constructions. The most important properties, from completely waterproof to water -repellent, windproof and breathable, are explained below, as well as the technologies that make this performance possible. Because does everyone really know where the difference lies?
Waterproof vs. water -repellent
A coat is called waterproof if this precipitation keeps it completely out, regardless of how long or hard it rains. This performance level is usually indicated by the water column: the higher this value (in millimeters), the better the rain resistance. Technical outdoor jackets often offer 10,000 mm or more, while extreme expedition models reach 20,000-30,000 mm.
Water -repellent (also called water -resistant), on the other hand, means that the outer fabric allows water to parrot, but will ultimately let fluid through with prolonged exposure. Such a material is great with a short mood, but will leak if it touches.
That is why advanced raincoats combine a waterproof membrane with a durable, water-repellent DWR coating on the outer layer. This coating ensures that raindrops roll the fabric without penetrating into the fibers. Important detail: such a DWR wear decreases due to dirt, friction and washing, and must therefore be regularly re-impregnated to remain effective.
Winddightness
Protection against wind is just as crucial, because you can cool down a bleak wind quickly (Windchill). A completely windproof jacket blocks the wind and prevents cold air from cooling the insulating layer under your clothing.
In practice, a real waterproof hardshell is also automatically windproof. Such membranes virtually no air through. Softshells, on the other hand, are often wind resistant, they stop 80 to 95 percent of the wind, but are therefore not completely windproof.
Breathing
In addition to external protection, a good outdoor jacket must also stay dry on the inside. The breathability of a jacket is the capacity of the material to drain perspiration in vapor form. Anyone who moves intensively in a non-cording raincoat will inevitably become damp on the inside.
That is why technical raincoats use microporous membranes or coatings that let water vapor go through, but not the larger water drops. This is often expressed in:
- MVTR value (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) : how much gram of water vapor per m² can escape in 24 hours. A value of 10,000 g/m²/24h or more is seen as very breathable.
- RET value (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) : the resistance that the material offers for vapor passage. The lower the number, the better breathable (RET <6 = excellent, 6–13 = good).
Tenson’s own MPC ™ laminate also works according to this principle, where rain from the surface is pearly, while moisture is removed from the body, so that the garment can “breathe” during intensive activities.
For very intensive efforts, outdoor athletes often opt for a softshell instead of a hardshell; Such a jacket is usually only water -repellent, but has a much higher breatets that prevent condensation.
Materials and technologies
There are two important ways to make a jacket waterproof and breathable: via a loose membrane under the outer fabric (such as GORE-TEX®) or via a thin coating on the inside of the fabric. A microporous membrane is usually more sustainable, but both techniques produce a wind and waterproof, breathable construction. In addition, in good raincoats, all seams are taped (sealed with heat -sensitive tape) to prevent water penetrating into those vulnerable spots.
Furthermore, details such as waterproof zippers, a well -fitting hood and ventilation sites under the arms provide extra protection and more wearing comfort. The end result is a functional outer jacket that is ready for all weather conditions, without making concessions to comfort. Whether a hardshell is chosen for maximum protection or a softshell for breathability during intensive activities: the right jacket depends on the usage situation.
This article has continued in partnership with Tenson. For more information about Tenson, visit the brand page.
