Waterproof, windproof and breathable explained

Modern technical outdoor jackets combine watertightness and windproofness with breathing activity. This is made possible by innovative materials and construction methods. In the following, the most important properties, from completely waterproof to water -repellent, windproof and breathable, as well as the technologies that enable this service are explained. Because do everyone really know what the differences are?

Waterproof vs. water -repellent

A jacket is considered waterproof if it reliably holds precipitation regardless of duration and intensity. This level of performance is measured via the water column: the higher the value in millimeters, the better the rain resistance. Technical outdoor jackets often offer values ​​from ten thousand millimeters. High-performance models for expeditions reach twenty to thirty thousand millimeters.

Water -repellent (also called water resistant) means that the outer layer of rain initially has rain. However, water penetrates if the moisture is being influenced for a long time. Such materials are sufficient in a short shower, but not with continued rain.

Therefore, high-quality rain jackets combine a waterproof membrane with a permanently water-repellent DWR coating (durable water repellent) on the outside. This coating ensures that raindrops turn off without penetrating the fibers. Important to know: DWR uses dirt, friction and washing and must be renewed regularly to keep their effect.

Windproofness

Protection against wind is also crucial. Cold wind can lead to quick cooling (Windchill effect). A completely windproof jacket blocks the air flow and prevents the insulating layers from cooling down underneath.

In practice, the following applies: A waterproof hardshell jacket is automatically windproof because its membranes almost no air through. Softshells, on the other hand, are mostly wind -resistant. They hold eighty to fifth -ninety percent of the wind without being completely windproof.

Breathability

In addition to outside weather protection, regulation from the inside is also crucial. Breathing activity describes the ability of a material to derive sweat in the form of water vapor. In a non -breathable rain jacket you are inevitably moist when moving – not from the outside, but from the inside.

Technical rain jackets therefore rely on microporous membranes or coatings. These let water vapor escape, but block larger rain drops. This is usually measured using:

• MVTR value (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate): Indicates how many grams of water vapor per m² can escape within 24 hours. A value of ten thousand g/m²/24h or more is considered very breathable.
• RET value (Resistance to evaporative Heat Transfer): Describes the resistance that the material opposes the steam passage. The lower the value, the better the breathing activity (RET

The MPC ™ laminate from Tenson is also based on this principle: rain perishes on the outside, while moisture is transported from the body to the outside. So the jacket can “breathe” even with intensive movement.

Outdoor athletes take advantage of particularly intensive activities: Often to a softshell jacket instead of a hardshell. Softshell jackets are usually only water -repellent, but offer significantly more breathability. In this way, the formation of condensation is largely prevented.

Materials and technologies

There are two main methods to make a jacket waterproof and breathable: either by a separate membrane under the outer fabric (e.g. Gore-Tex®) or by a thin coating on the inside of the fabric. A microporous membrane is usually more durable, but both methods lead to wind and waterproof and breathable construction. In high -quality rain jackets, all seams are also damped, i.e. with heat -sensitive adhesive tape, so that no water penetrates at these points.

Additional details such as waterproof zippers, a tight -fitting hood or ventilation zippers under the arms increase protection and comfort. The result is a functional outdoor jacket that is suitable for a wide variety of weather conditions without compromising in comfort. Whether hardshell for maximum protection or softshell for breathing activity when moving, the choice depends on the area of ​​application.

This article was created in cooperation with Tenson. More information about Tenson can be found on the Brand.