Do you know the difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant"?
When a product is referred to as water-resistant (WR), it means it can delay the effects of light rain or other wet weather, but will not completely prevent it - some leakage will occur. When a product is referred to as waterproof (WP), it means the product is designed to prevent water leakage in the wet weather conditions.
But what makes a garment waterproof or water-resistant? Waterproof or Water-resistant garments have specific features that allow them to be called waterproof or water-resistant. The typical ways to make fabric or leather waterproof or water-resistant is by either using a coating or a laminate on the inside combined with a finish on the outside. Laminates (which include fabrics Cocona Natural Technology membranes or Gore-Tex fabrics) are formed when a waterproof membrane is bonded to the backside of another material. In FXRG Functional Riding Gear, for example, the waterproof membrane is bonded to either leather or textile fabric. Coatings are liquid solutions that provide waterproof or water-resistant characteristics when spread across the interior of a garment - like applying a superthin coat of paint to a wall.
The most common coating is a polyurethane (also called PU). In addition, nearly all waterproof or water-resistant exteriors are treated with a "durable water-repellent" (DWR) finish. A durable, water repellent finish affects only the exterior of the garment and is separate from a laminate or coating. For example, waterproof leathers typically use a waterproof membrane on the inside and a DWR on the outside to create a weatherproof jacket.
All garments listed as a waterproof will have the following features:
- Waterproof fabrics that passes appropriate testing
- Sealed seams and graphics
- Seam tape seals the puncture holes created by sewing needles
- Waterproof zippers
- If the zipper isn’t waterproof, zippers must have a rain gutter and/or pocket flaps that cover them completely
Any garment listed as water-resistant will have the following features:
- Water-resistant fabrics that passes appropriate testing
- While some WR garments may have additional waterproof features such as a seam sealing or waterproof zippers, they not required.
- Large embroidered graphics may reduce water-resistance of a garment.
How Garments are tested and approved:
There are two steps an item must pass before it's allowed to be called waterproof or water-resistant. Each test measures the amount of water pressure an item can withstand before leakage occurs.
- In step one, just the fabric is tested.
- Step two tests the actual completed garment.
If either test fails, the garment cannot be called waterproof or water-resistant.
For water-resistant items a rain test is used. The rain test simulates three types of wet weather conditions. To pass, the garment must not allow leakage of more then 1 gram of water maximum.
- Shower - 30 seconds at a distance of 2 feet
- Rain - 2 minutes at a distance of 2 feet
- Storm - 5 minutes at a distance of 3 feet
To test for waterproofness, a hydrostatic pressure test is used to measure the amount of water pressure a garment can withstand without leakage. Both the fabric and the seams are tested. Fabric must withstand 185 psi for 3 minutes with no leakage. Seams must withstand 50 psi for 3 minutes with no leakage.
These measurements exceed the force of typical rain.
Some comparative figures:
- Wind-driven rain: approximately 2 psi
- Hurricane-force rain: 10 psi -Fire hose: 100-300 psi
- Pressure washer: 1,000-10,000 psi
How to choose the right gear Function
Will it keep me dry?
First, determine if you are looking for waterproof or water-resistant gear. Then determine which item(s) is best for you. What a rider needs will depend on whether they intend to ride regularly in inclement weather or if they use it only when they get caught in unexpected rain showers. For example, for water-resistant styles, rain gear is often conveniently priced, but offers limited versatility. Waterproof Functional Jackets will withstand the elements, but also offers versatility for a variety riding of riding conditions. Your needs, riding style and planned usage are all factors that can help you direct them to best option.
Comfort: Will I swelter inside it?
Not all-waterproof items are created equal. Breathability is a key factor in a comfort with waterproof items. For example, FXRG gear is designed to be highly breathable (allowing warm body air to escape) for a more comfortable ride. Often times, inexpensive rainwear made from PVC will trap warm air against the body creating the cold, clammy feeling. For increased breathability, look for items (especially rain gear) with mesh linings or fabrics featuring breathable membranes (like Cocona Natural Technology).
Durability: Can it handle hard use?
Hard use can cause snags, rips, and tears on the face of the fabric; this makes garment vulnerable to leakage. Outer fabrics (nylon or polyester, usually) come in different weights, commonly referred to as a "denier". Higher denier items are more durable. For example, the Authority Functional Jacket (98356-11VM) features a 1200 denier nylon shell.
Price: Why such disparity?
Higher end rainwear often features advanced fabrics (usually involving a waterproof/breathable laminate), meticulous seam-taping and exceptional tailoring and detailing. Lower-cost rainwear is cut looser and often uses waterproof/breathable coatings (generally less breathable then laminate). Coated rainwear is quite adequate for quick rain showers, and it's light, easy to pack and budget-friendly.
