Waterproof winter clothes. Every year the same headache, for the right choice based on your needs. In this article, we will see together all the levels that determine how waterproof the garment is and to what extent it "breathes". Let's see them in detail.

• What is the Waterproof Rating Number?

Initially, manufacturers usually rate the waterproofness of the material along with its breathability rating. These numbers are often given together and separated by a vertical line. These measurements are taken in laboratories and in general, the following rule applies: the higher the number, the more waterproof and breathable the material is.

• How is the Waterproof Rating Number determined?

This number is determined by the respective company, either through their own research or through independent research. To determine this number, a series of tests are conducted, but most of them involve the following experiment. A 1”x1” square tube is placed on top of the fabric and water is poured into it. Depending on how high the water will reach in millimeters before it starts to leak from the fabric, this is the number that is indicated by the manufacturer. Some companies have developed their own methods in which they also add compressed air to simulate wind!

• What is right for you?

Waterproof:

Clothing with a 5,000 mm Waterproof Rating is ideal for areas with little coolness and minimal or no moisture. If you need new clothes for the mountain (snowboard/ski), then you should make sure to choose something with a minimum of 5,000 mm and above. 10,000 to 20,000 mm is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to stay on the mountain for several hours.

Breathability:

Like the Waterproof Rating, the Breathability Rating is determined by the respective company and independent laboratories that have conducted the respective tests. In this case, the results vary depending on the test, temperature, humidity, and for this reason, it is not always easy to compare between different companies. In general, the same rule applies where the more grams per square meter the material has, the more it "breathes". For snowboard/ski, 5,000 to 8,000 grams are ideal, while for hiking or running, it is good to see the range between 10,000 to 20,000 grams.

• Why is no clothing 100% waterproof?

The answer to this question is very simple. Because if it was 100% waterproof, no one would want to be inside it! And we explain why. If someone wore a 100% waterproof garment and was stationary, there would be no problem. However, if you try to move with it, you will sweat immediately and this sweat and heat will be trapped inside the garment! The trick that manufacturers have created is perfect, as there is an external active "shell" that protects you from the rain and at the same time allows the water vapor (heat and sweat) to escape from the inside!

• Waterproof, water resistant or water repellent;

Waterproof: Proven and tested. The ultimate guarantee that you will stay dry, even in the toughest conditions.

Water Resistant: Resistant to water. This is a category below waterproof. Ideal for many activities.

Water Repellent: This category is designed to repel water and completely keep it away from the garment. Only the outer part remains dry.

Now that you know, make the right choice for you, for your everyday walks, but also for the mountains!