Protection from the elements while you are outside is essential. The key to comfort in any weather condition is waterproof, breathable outerwear. Jackets and trousers made from waterproof fabrics are the first step to staying dry so that you can focus on having fun outside. Here we'll help you understand everything you need to know to pick out the right jacket or trousers.
Water column (often abbreviated as WC), also called water column pressure, indicates in millimetres how much water pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates it. Imagine placing a glass tube on a garment and refilling it with water. When you’ve filled the tube up to 15 000 mm, i.e. 15 meters, the water passes through the material. Then the garment has a water column of 15 000 mm. |
Water resistance (mm) |
Weather conditions |
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6 000 – 10 000 mm | Withstands light rain, moderate snow, light pressure. |
11 000 – 15 000 mm | Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure. |
16 000 – 20 000 mm | Can handle long walks in heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure. |
20 000 mm + | Withstands heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure. |
We test the water column of all waterproof garments in a lab and label them with the water column so that you can easily see how waterproof that particular garment is. It also certifies that the garment’s fabric has been tested for its water resistance. What’s more, we go out into nature and test our garments in all weather and seasons to ensure optimal functionality. |
Like water column, breathability is measured in a lab and indicates a material’s ability to release body moisture. It is measured in g/m²/24h, i.e. the amount of liquid, measured in grams, a square metre of fabric can release in a day. Lab testing is a good way to measure breathability, but it is more complicated. Outdoor temperature, humidity, activity, rain, sun, everything affects a garment’s breathability. RevolutionRace tests the breathability of all waterproof garments in real life. We head out into nature and road-test them in all weather and seasons to ensure their functionality. |
How do breathable waterproof materials work?
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Hypershell® is RevolutionRace's own brand, a collective term for all materials that we have developed ourselves. What distinguishes the materials are the terms Denim, SS and Pro Stretch. They are used for different materials that all have unique properties. |
• Hypershell® Denim: Cotton-free, durable fabric. • Hypershell® SS: Water-repellent softshell. • Hypershell® Pro Stetch: A durable, super stetchy fabric. |
Hypershell® membrane |
Hypershell® membranes are available in three different levels: Core, Performance and Pro. All RevolutionRace garments have a premium Hypershell® membrane to suit their intended use, optimised for different activities and weather. |
• Hypershell® Core 5 000 - 10 000 mm • Hypershell® Performance 10 000 - 15 000 mm • Hypershell® Pro 15 000 - 30 000 mm |
DWR |
RevolutionRace uses a 100% PFC-free DWR in all its products. DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. The treatment is designed to keep the fabric from becoming saturated with water, which can make the fabric feel heavier and colder. It also impacts its performance. DWR causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric. The treatment is affected by wear and tear, dirt and body fluids and can wear off. This is why, after some use, a garment might appear to no longer be waterproof. |
If you notice that your garment absorbs water, we recommend that you first wash and tumble-dry your garment to restore the DWR. Sometimes you may also need to reimpregnate the garment. |
The main difference is that the waterproof garment has a membrane, a DWR coating and sealed seams, usually sealed with waterproof tape. A water-repellent garment has only a DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating and no membrane. |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two kinds of garment? |
Waterproof garments |
Waterproof garments have taped seams and both a waterproof membrane and a water-repellent surface treatment (DWR). RevolutionRace uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR in all its garments. |
+ Advantages A fully waterproof garment is perfect for rainy days or for winter days with wet snow. A waterproof garment keeps you completely dry during persistent and heavy rain. |
- Disadvantages Because all waterproof garments have a membrane, they do not breathe as well. Different membranes release different amounts of fluid and, you can open ventilation zippers to release body moisture, but a garment with a waterproof membrane never ventilates as well as a garment without a membrane. See all waterproof garments → |
Water-repellent garments |
Water-repellent garments do not have membranes but instead a water-repellent surface treatment (DWR). RevolutionRace uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR in all its garments. |
+ Advantages A water-repellent garment ventilates extremely well and is suitable for intensive activities. A water-repellent garment will often do if you’re not going to be in the rain all day. |
- Disadvantages Water-repellent garments can only withstand moderate rain and not heavy, persistent rain. See all water-repellent garments → |
A good rain jacket needs good ventilation. That is why even breathable rain jackets often have underarm vents. Our rain trousers have outer leg vents.
The weak spot for all rainwear is the seams. That is because small holes are made in the fabric when the garment is sewn together. This is where water can find its way in. Our taped seams make the garment waterproof.
Water-repellent zippers are a must-have for keeping the water out. The zippers on our waterproof garments are carefully selected to withstand high water pressure and sometimes even equipped with a protective flap on the inside.
Water column: 30 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 20 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 10 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 30 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Water column: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 20 000 g/m²/24h