Spending time with Mother Nature is a wonderful thing. But a spring squall, freezing snow, heavy humidity or even an unexpected puddle can turn you into a soggy excuse for an outdoor adventurer.
Gone are the days of sweating and sweltering under rubber rain gear. Your grandpa's stifling yellow slicker has given way to sophisticated outerwear that delivers waterproof breathable protection in all wet conditions. Many of the new microfiber fabrics and laminates allow for a generous air flow, have wind-breaking properties and still shed moisture in a softer, lighter and less bulky package than traditional waterproof gear.
No matter the activity or the weather conditions, Sierra Trading Post has the right gear to keep you dry - and this waterproof gear guide will lead you to it.
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Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
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Most outerwear fabrics withstand at least some exposure to water. Water-repellent and water-resistant fabrics provide limited protection from precipitation, but they can't stand up to extended exposure to moisture without becoming saturated. To be categorized as truly waterproof, a fabric must provide a high level of sustained water protection during the harshest conditions. Sierra Trading Post includes "waterproof" in the description of only genuinely waterproof products with waterproof membranes and sealed seams.
In a laboratory setting, the more effectively a fabric resists the entry of moisture under pressure, the higher its waterproof rating will be. Waterproof ratings are measured in two ways, both related to maximum water-pressure resistance:
- pounds per square inch (psi)
- mm/24 hours
A "mm/24 hours" rating refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a single day. Thus a 10,000 mm waterproof rating means the garment can withstand over 32 feet (10,000 mm) of rainfall in a single day without letting moisture in. For either rating, the higher the number, the more waterproof the item will be. For example, a fabric labeled to resist 5 psi of water pressure without leaking is not as waterproof as a fabric that resists 10 psi of water pressure; a fabric with a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm is more waterproof than a 5,000 mm fabric.
Commonly used water-resistant fabrics withstand between 3 to 5 psi of water pressure, which is fine for a short, light rainfall (which only generates 2 psi of water pressure). Completely waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex® withstand about 40 psi of water pressure, though. This extremely high rating becomes necessary if you are kneeling on wet ground or carrying a heavy pack, since the added pressure on the fabric significantly increases the permeability to outside moisture.
Tiny pinprick holes in the seams and stitching can compromise a garment's waterproofness, so completely waterproof gear must feature sealed, taped or welded seams that close up these holes so even a small amount of moisture won't be able to penetrate. Also, zippers must be welded or have storm flaps to prevent the entry of water.
Waterproof, Sealed Seam
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Standard Seam
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How Waterproofing Works
There are two types of waterproof fabrics -- waterproof breathable and waterproof non-breathable. Waterproof, non-breathable fabrics are most commonly used for low-intensity activities in extreme weather conditions. (Examples include ponchos, rain suits and some hunting outerwear.) Waterproof, non-breathable garments offer the ultimate in moisture protection and are less expensive than waterproof breathable outerwear. This outerwear is similar to the old-fashioned rain gear your parents grew up with.
Waterproof breathable fabric (with breathability measured in "g/m²/24 hours") lets moist air pass through the material from the inside out only, making it appropriate for the widest range of activities and weather conditions. Waterproof breathable fabric is used in the construction of a variety of garments from technical parkas for skiing and mountaineering to simpler garments for backpacking and cycling. The higher the breathability rating, the more breathable the fabric.
At the heart of most waterproof breathable fabrics is a membrane that contains millions of microscopic "pores" per square inch. These pores can be up to 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but are much larger than water vapor molecules. This pore size allows the membrane to be completely waterproof from the outside while still allowing moisture to escape from the inside, making the garment breathable. Additionally, an oleophobic (oil-resistant) material is integrated into the membrane, preventing the penetration of body oils and other oily substances, like insect repellent, that can break down the membrane over time.
How Waterproof Breathable Fabrics Work:
The waterproof breathable membrane is then laminated to the inside surface of high-performance fabrics like nylon and polyester to create waterproof breathable clothing, boots, gloves and hats.
For absolute waterproofness, outdoor gear, shoes and outerwear are often coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. DWR finishes cause moisture to bead up and roll off the garment so the surface remains dry enough for perspiration and body heat to pass through from the inside.
Popular Waterproof Breathable Fabrics
- Gore-Tex®
- North Face's HyVent®
- Marmot's PreCipr and MemBrain®
- Helly Hansen's Helly Tech®
- Mountain Hardwear's Conduit
- Patagonia's H2No®
- Columbia Sportswear's Omni-Tech®
- Lowe Alpine's Triplepoint®
Examples of Waterproof Breathability Ratings for Major Manufacturers
| Brand |
Fabric |
Waterproofness
(mm/24 hours) |
Breathability
(g/m2/24 hours) |
| Columbia Sportswear |
Omni-Tech® (Adults) |
10,000 |
10,000 |
| Columbia Sportswear |
Omni-Tech® (Kids) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
| Event |
Event |
30,000 |
22,000 |
| Gore-Tex® |
PacLite® |
28,000 |
15,000 |
| Gore-Tex® |
Pro-Shell 2-Layer |
28,000 |
25,000 |
| Gore-Tex® |
Pro-Shell 3-Layer |
28,000 |
25,000 |
| Lowe Alpine Triplepoint® |
3-Layer |
20,000 |
20,000 |
| Marmot |
MemBrain® |
20,000 |
25,000 |
| Marmot |
PreCip® |
15,000 |
12,000 |
| Marmot |
PreCip Plus® |
25,000 |
15,000 |
| Mountain Hardwear |
Conduit |
20,000 |
20,000 |
| Sierra Designs |
Hurricane |
8,000 |
2,000 |
| Sierra Designs |
Microlight |
600 |
N/A |
Note: At Sierra Trading Post, a garment is labeled "waterproof" if it has a waterproof membrane and fully taped seams, regardless of the waterproof rating.
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Waterproof Outerwear
When the temperature rises or your activity level increases, you need garments that will let your sweat and body heat escape no matter how wet it is outside. Remember that for anything more than low-intensity activity, your outerwear needs to be breathable and well ventilated. This layer should also comfortably fit over the rest of your layers without being so bulky that it restricts your movement. Here are brief descriptions of the different uses for waterproof breathable vs. waterproof-only outerwear:
Waterproof & Breathable
- Keeps you comfortable in various weather conditions and during even the most intense activities.
- Suitable for wet, cold climates and alpine activities.
Waterproof breathable fabrics perform well in a wide range of weather conditions, and continue to evolve with new, high-tech materials being introduced all the time. However, even these materials can trap moisture as you heat up during very strenuous activities. A garment's performance depends on the specific fabric used in the construction, the temperature outside and the intensity of your activity.
Waterproof, But Non-Breathable
- Often made of a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon.
- Waterproof and windproof.
- Used during light activity in heavy precipitation.
Waterproof, non-breathable outerwear pieces are, as the name implies, completely waterproof, and are generally less expensive than waterproof breathable garments. However, because they provide very little breathability, they are uncomfortable in the heat or for use during high-intensity activities. Waterproof, non-breathable materials are usually used in the construction of inexpensive rain pants or emergency ponchos.
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Waterproof Boots & Shoes
Waterproof barriers are built into a variety of hiking boots and shoes, from lightweight trail runners to heavy-duty backpacking boots. Waterproof performance depends on the type of barrier used, the materials protecting this barrier (especially if it's just a membrane) and how well you take care of your footwear. For the best protection, look for boots and shoes that include one or more of the following waterproof features:
Treated Leather has been topically treated to resist moisture. However, if the leather footwear is poorly constructed, leaks may still occur. When you own footwear made with "waterproof leather," inspect the seams and soles for any holes that could allow in moisture. Realize that despite manufacturer claims, by nature no leather is ever 100% waterproof, and will eventually allow moisture in when submerged or wet for extended periods.
Watertight or Waterproof Construction refers to techniques like sealed seams, specialty stitching and precision designs that keep out moisture. Watertight construction is typically combined with waterproof materials in seriously waterproof footwear like rubber rain galoshes.
Waterproof linings are specialty barriers or membranes (like a Gore-Tex® lining) that are built right into the footwear to protect your feet from whatever moisture penetrates the outer material. With this type of protection, your feet will stay dry, but the shoes may get very wet.
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Waterproof Accessories
Waterproof hats, waterproof gloves and other accessories are usually made from the same materials as waterproof outerwear and are constructed in the same way; a non-permeable membrane is laminated to a high-performance fabric for complete waterproofness. You may find some accessories that use wool or fleece as an outer layer which is then combined with a waterproof membrane.
Waterproof Gear
Don't let your next outdoor excursion get cut short by waterlogged gear. Here is a list of outdoor equipment in which you can find waterproof products that will keep you dry in inclement weather.
Tents
Nearly all tents are designed to perform in rain or snow, with totally waterproof, "tub-style" floors to repel all ground moisture even with your weight inside the tent. Tents are made from waterproof or highly water-resistant materials, like ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta, that repel outside moisture and manage condensation on the inside. For complete waterproof protection, look for tents that have factory-sealed or taped seams. These seam-sealed tents have a waterproof material placed between overlapping seams, which are then double stitched. This technique fortifies the seam and helps eliminate any gaps where moisture could penetrate, and is usually only found in 4-season tents. For more information, see our Tent Guide.
Paddlesport Gear
For the most protection from cold water, invest in a waterproof drysuit. A drysuit is a loose-fitting, insulated, nylon garment designed to keep water out completely. Drysuits often have Gore-Tex® linings and rubberized gaskets to seal water out and keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Like drysuits, waterproof dry tops are made from nylon and feature cuffs and gaskets.
Generally, the most breathable and roomy paddlesport garment is the semi-dry top. These tops are waterproof and feature fitted neck and wrist gaskets, adjustable waist closures, and taped seams to keep moisture at bay.
Waterproof dry bags are exactly that; they keep all of your belongings dry when you're in the water and are designed to stuff easily into the nooks and crannies of your boat.
For more information on waterproof paddling gear, visit our Kayak Gear Guide.
Backpacks
Many backpack models now include integrated waterproof rain covers that shelter your pack from moisture and additionally help prevent lashed-on gear from snagging branches along the trail. Rain covers are usually made from ripstop nylon with a DWR coating, making them waterproof in moderate rain showers only. Even without a rain cover, most backpacks are at least water-resistant.
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Waterproof Garment Care
To get the most out of your waterproof outerwear, you must keep it clean. The following is basic information on cleaning procedures. Always read any garment's care label before laundering.
Machine Washing
Most waterproof outerwear can be machine washed and dried. Use powdered detergent and cold or warm water to launder these garments, then tumble dry them on low heat.
Water-Repellent Coatings
Unfortunately, you can't fix a waterproof membrane if your jacket starts to leak after several years. However, the durable water repellent (DWR) finishes on all waterproof gear will fail long before the membrane wears out. You will notice the deterioration of the DWR coating when your garment appears to be absorbing moisture rather than repelling it.
The good news is that you can renew the DWR finish by laundering your waterproof outerwear according to the garment's care instructions and ironing it on a low steam setting. This will revitalize the DWR coating as long as the original water-repellent treatment is still present. Avoid using harsh detergents and fabric softeners in the care of garments with a DWR finish, because they can reduce its effectiveness.
There are spray-on or wash-in products on the market that restore a DWR finish and will once again allow moisture to bead on a fabric's surface. This process can be repeated as often as needed.
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Our Guarantee
100% customer satisfaction, guaranteed!
If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your product, feel free to send it back for a full product refund or exchange. Our goal is to provide the best possible care and service for you. No hassle, no fuss - just send it back to us! We'll take care of the rest. With the UPS return service label, your refund is processed immediately, getting you the value you deserve.
Please read our Return Policy.
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