(Summary description)WATER-RESISTANT RAINWEAR
Designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, water-resistant outerwear is exceptionally breathable and usually less expensive than waterproof, breathable outerwear. Someone adventure racing or bike racing in the rain might perspire at a greater rate than a waterproof, breathable jacket can handle. For that reason, they would be better off with something that’s less waterproof and more breathable. Soft shells and windbreakers are two examples of water-resistant outerwear.
WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE RAINWEAR
Running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking the list goes on. If you exercise or play hard in the outdoors and aren't scared off by a little rain, opt for outer garments that are both waterproof and breathable.
Waterproofness
There's a test that the outdoor industry conducts to determine the degree to which a garment is "waterproof." In this test, an open tube is placed atop a piece of fabric and filled with at least 5000 mm of water. If no leakage occurs, the garment is considered waterproof. But that's just the minimum standard. Some technologies can withstand 10,000 mm, or even 20,000 mm. While it would be easier if "waterproof" were an absolute term, it's not. It's more of a spectrum.
Breathability
While a waterproof garment will keep you dry from the outside, without breathability, perspiration vapors can't escape and you'll end up as drenched from your own sweat as you would be from the rain. Fortunately, a number of technologies meet the 5000 mm waterproof minimum and are also breathable.
WATERPROOF RAINWEAR
The classic PVC vinyl rain jacket worn by your local crossing guard is the classic example of a nonbreathable rain jacket. It'll keep you dry in low-impact activities like light walking around town, but if you decide to hike a mountain, it just won't work.
(Summary description)WATER-RESISTANT RAINWEAR
Designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, water-resistant outerwear is exceptionally breathable and usually less expensive than waterproof, breathable outerwear. Someone adventure racing or bike racing in the rain might perspire at a greater rate than a waterproof, breathable jacket can handle. For that reason, they would be better off with something that’s less waterproof and more breathable. Soft shells and windbreakers are two examples of water-resistant outerwear.
WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE RAINWEAR
Running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking the list goes on. If you exercise or play hard in the outdoors and aren't scared off by a little rain, opt for outer garments that are both waterproof and breathable.
Waterproofness
There's a test that the outdoor industry conducts to determine the degree to which a garment is "waterproof." In this test, an open tube is placed atop a piece of fabric and filled with at least 5000 mm of water. If no leakage occurs, the garment is considered waterproof. But that's just the minimum standard. Some technologies can withstand 10,000 mm, or even 20,000 mm. While it would be easier if "waterproof" were an absolute term, it's not. It's more of a spectrum.
Breathability
While a waterproof garment will keep you dry from the outside, without breathability, perspiration vapors can't escape and you'll end up as drenched from your own sweat as you would be from the rain. Fortunately, a number of technologies meet the 5000 mm waterproof minimum and are also breathable.
WATERPROOF RAINWEAR
The classic PVC vinyl rain jacket worn by your local crossing guard is the classic example of a nonbreathable rain jacket. It'll keep you dry in low-impact activities like light walking around town, but if you decide to hike a mountain, it just won't work.
WATER-RESISTANT RAINWEAR
Designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, water-resistant outerwear is exceptionally breathable and usually less expensive than waterproof, breathable outerwear. Someone adventure racing or bike racing in the rain might perspire at a greater rate than a waterproof, breathable jacket can handle. For that reason, they would be better off with something that’s less waterproof and more breathable. Soft shells and windbreakers are two examples of water-resistant outerwear.
WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE RAINWEAR
Running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking the list goes on. If you exercise or play hard in the outdoors and aren't scared off by a little rain, opt for outer garments that are both waterproof and breathable.
Waterproofness
There's a test that the outdoor industry conducts to determine the degree to which a garment is "waterproof." In this test, an open tube is placed atop a piece of fabric and filled with at least 5000 mm of water. If no leakage occurs, the garment is considered waterproof. But that's just the minimum standard. Some technologies can withstand 10,000 mm, or even 20,000 mm. While it would be easier if "waterproof" were an absolute term, it's not. It's more of a spectrum.
Breathability
While a waterproof garment will keep you dry from the outside, without breathability, perspiration vapors can't escape and you'll end up as drenched from your own sweat as you would be from the rain. Fortunately, a number of technologies meet the 5000 mm waterproof minimum and are also breathable.
WATERPROOF RAINWEAR
The classic PVC vinyl rain jacket worn by your local crossing guard is the classic example of a nonbreathable rain jacket. It'll keep you dry in low-impact activities like light walking around town, but if you decide to hike a mountain, it just won't work.
