Waterproof fabric
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 5000mm H20 (Schmerber) before washing (i.e. the pressure exerted by 5 meters of water column).
Water-repellent fabric
The fabric of this jacket is water-repellent, meaning it lets water slide off its surface without absorbing it. This means the fabric doesn't become waterlogged, and remains light and breathable. Water repellency is achieved by a treatment applied to the outer face of the fabric. In addition, we have sealed the main seams most exposed to rain.
Breathable fabric
Le tissu de notre produit est très respirant - 12 RET
La respirabilité d’un composant se mesure par sa “Résistance Évaporative Thermique”. C'est sa capacité à laisser échapper la vapeur d’eau produite par le corps pendant l’effort vers l’extérieur. Plus le coefficient de Resistance Evaporative Thermique (RET) est faible, plus le tissu est respirant.
RET < 9 = tissu extrêmement respirant
RET <12 = tissu très respirant
RET < 20 = tissu respirant
RET > 20 = tissu peu ou pas respirant.
How to keep your jacket waterproof?
For long-lasting water repellency of the fabric, we recommend reactivating it regularly.
You can do this every three 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 hair dryer at a distance of 20 cm, going back and forth 2 times
- or 2 times with the iron, set on delicate without the steam function.
Choosing the right waterproof jacket for your sporting activity
During exercise, we sweat more or less, depending on the intensity and length of the effort. If the breathability of the fabric is not adapted to the effort, the 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. So you need to choose your jacket according to the type of effort you'll be making. This jacket is designed for occasional day-hiking at a pace of 5 km/h.
Recommended complementary product
If you'd like to protect your lower body too, we recommend the NH500 men's overtrousers for a complete and highly effective protection against wind and showers.
