Waterproof and water resistant outdoor clothing
Material can be made waterproof in various ways. This is possible by incorporating a membrane (lining) in the clothing or with natural materials (such as wax). Many clothing manufacturers use their own membrane. If this applies, we have explained this per product. A well-known lining that we have explained separately is that of Gore-Tex. A commonly used membrane in outdoor clothing.
Waterproof clothing is ideal for wet climates or unpredictable weather. It is convenient to use waterproof fabrics, but it must be airy and breathable. That is why the membranes of the better manufacturers have been developed in such a way that they ventilate or breathe from the inside to the outside, and do not let water through from the outside to the inside. In addition to a large collection of waterproof jackets and vests, we have many waterproof hiking boots, waterproof hiking pants, rain covers for backpacks and care products that apply a water-repellent layer to the products. With waterproof clothing, the seams must always be taped. This means that there is invisible tape stuck to the inside of the seam, which prevents them from leaking.
Water column
One garment is more waterproof than another garment. This is expressed by the water column of a material or membrane. The water column is the water pressure that a garment (often with coats) can handle per square millimeter without leaking through:
- 0 mm: not waterproof
- 0-1.000 mm: water-resistant, but not waterproof
- 1.000-5.000 mm: waterproof against rain, but not resistant to pressure, such as sitting or leaning against wet surfaces or carrying backpacks
- 5.000-15.000 mm: completely waterproof in the rain and resistant to a lot of pressure, but does leak if you sit for a long time on wet surfaces (with pants), suitable for a daypack (max. 20 liters) but not for a heavy backpack
- 15.000-30.000mm: completely waterproof even at extreme pressure and shallow immersion
- More than 30.000 mm: completely waterproof, made of non-porous (non-permeable) materials that never leak
We also have clothing items that are water resistant. This means that it does not immediately get wet in a mild rain shower, with moisture or dew, but that the garment does absorb moisture over time and allows moisture to pass through. This is often the case with softshell jackets. To treat clothing that is (no longer) waterproof, you can impregnate them. With certain clothing it is possible to apply a water-repellent layer with wax. All clothing related to this has more explanation per product.
Windproof
Strong wind, sometimes in combination with cold air, causes heat loss, a low wind chill and an unpleasant feeling. Windproof outdoor clothing prevents this. A garment is only windproof if the material does not allow more than 5 liters of air per second per square meter. All products provided with Gore-Tex meet and even exceed this standard. In our range you will also find a lot of clothing that is windproof. Some clothing brands then use their own type of membrane, this is stated per product. Windproof clothing is ideal for walks, winter sports or while cycling. It ventilates better than waterproof clothing, it is pleasant to wear and is often a bit more affordable than waterproof and windproof clothing.
Breathable / ventilating clothing
When you are active your body wants to dissipate heat, which converts into heat and then you get the familiar sweating. Breathable clothing (also called ventilating clothing) allows perspiration, in the form of evaporating moisture, to pass through. When the moisture can escape from the clothing, the skin remains pleasant and dry to the touch. This provides a wonderfully comfortable feeling. Depending on the intensity of your activities, more or less breathable fabrics and membranes are available.
There are many more properties that make hiking and outdoor clothing comfortable, such as: quick-drying, odorless, UV-protective, lightweight or stretch. In addition, the durability of the clothing is important. We select our range on brands that take our planet into account as much as current technology allows. Ecologically or sustainably developed materials are ultimately better for everyone. When clothing is provided with this, there is often more explanation with the products.
Do you have any questions or would you like to know more about waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing? Please do not hesitate to contact us! Together we will find the right outdoor clothing that perfectly suits you.