Waterproof jacket components
The waterproofness of a fabric, ensured by a coating or membrane, is measured in Schmerber or mm H20 (pressure exerted by a column of water). The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.
This jacket is designed with a coated waterproof component (JIS 1092 standard): this component resists 5000 mm H20 (Schmerber) before washing (i.e. the pressure exerted by 5 meters of water column).
This jacket is waterproof
The waterproofness of this jacket is not limited to that of its components: the assembly technique of the various parts is also a criterion of evaluation.
Sewn and then waterproofed, the overall waterproofness of your jacket is measured thanks to a shower test developed by Decathlon, which simulates rainfall of different intensities.
Thus, this NH550 waterproof jacket protects you from a downpour, i.e. 12 cm of rain in 2 hours.
Preserving the performance of your jacket
To maintain the fabric's water repellency, we recommend reactivating it regularly.
You can do this every 3 washes (a thorough rinse is essential), or after ten or so uses in the rain.
You can easily reactivate the water-repellency when hot:
- with your tumble-dryer for 15 minutes (synthetic program),
- with a hairdryer at a distance of 20 cm, going back and forth 2 times,
- or 2 times with your iron, set on delicate without steam function.
Breathable fabric
The fabric of this jacket is breathable: RET=12.
The breathability of a component is measured by its "Thermal Evaporative Resistance" (RET).
This is its ability to let water vapor produced by the body during exertion escape to the outside, thus preventing the accumulation of water on the skin.
The lower the RET value, the more breathable the fabric.
RET ≤ 6: very breathable fabric
RET ≤ 12: not very breathable fabric
RET ≤ 20: not very breathable fabric
Technical hood
The hood can be adjusted in height with a drawstring. It can be adjusted in depth with a Velcro tab at the back of the hood. The hood features a shape-memory visor to protect the face.
Technical linings
The jacket's lining is made of two materials: mesh on the back for breathability, and nylon on the hips for ease of movement and abrasion resistance. For the hood, we used a peach-skin-effect fabric with a soft touch for added comfort.
A complete pocket system
The jacket has a total of seven pockets! Two handwarmer pockets on the sides. Two large gusseted outside pockets with flap and snap closure. One outside breast pocket and one inside pocket, both zipped to secure your belongings. An inside mesh pocket to store your gloves, for example, and keep them warm against your body!
Choosing the right waterproof jacket for your sporting activity
This jacket is designed for day-hiking at a pace of 5 km/h, with no change in altitude.
During sporting activities, we perspire to a greater or lesser extent depending on the intensity and length of the effort. If the breathability of the fabric is not adapted to the effort, perspiration vapor condenses inside the jacket. You're wet on the inside: it's not the rain that penetrates, but the perspiration vapor that condenses. You need to choose your waterproof jacket according to the type of effort you'll be making.
