When you're looking for a waterproof jacket, two key metrics to consider are the waterproof rating and the breathability rating. Here's what they mean and how they can guide your purchase:
Waterproof Rating:
What It Is - This rating tells you how well the jacket can withstand water. It's usually measured in millimeters (mm) and determined by placing a tube of water over the fabric and measuring how high the water can rise before it starts to leak through.
Rating Scale -
-0 - 1,500 mm Water-resistant, suitable for light rain or dry snow.
-1,500 - 5,000 mm Waterproof under light pressure, good for light to moderate rain.
- 5,000 - 10,000 mm Waterproof under moderate pressure, suitable for moderate to heavy rain.
- 10,000 mm and above Highly waterproof, can handle heavy rain and wet snow under high pressure.
- How to Use It: Higher numbers mean better waterproofing. Consider the typical weather conditions you'll face. For light rain, a lower rating is fine, but for heavy rain or active use (like hiking), look for a higher rating.
Breathability Rating:
What It Is - This measures how effectively the jacket allows moisture (like sweat) to escape. It's given in grams (g) and represents how much water vapor can pass through a square meter of the fabric in 24 hours.
- Rating Scale
- 5,000 g/m²/24 hours and below Low breathability, suitable for low-exertion activities.
- 5,000 - 10,000 g/m²/24 hours Moderate breathability, good for general outdoor activities.
- 10,000 - 15,000 g/m²/24 hours High breathability, great for active use.
- 15,000 g/m²/24 hours and above Very high breathability, excellent for highly aerobic, extremely active use.
How to Use It
Again, consider your activities. For high-exertion activities (like mountain biking or hiking), look for higher breathability. For casual use, lower breathability may suffice and can be more budget-friendly.
Other Considerations
- Layering, Jackets with a higher waterproof rating often use more layers (2L, 2.5L, or 3L). More layers usually mean better durability and waterproofing but can affect breathability and weight.
- DWR Coating, Many waterproof jackets have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This helps water bead up and roll off the fabric, but it can wear off over time and may need reapplication.
- For heavy rain and active use, look for a high waterproof rating (10,000 mm and above)** and **high breathability (10,000 g/m²/24 hours and above).
- For light rain and casual use, a lower waterproof and breathability rating may be sufficient and more cost-effective.
- Remember, the best jacket for you depends on your specific needs and activities.
By understanding these ratings, you can better match a jacket to your needs, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in various weather conditions and activities.
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