{"id":3435,"date":"2025-08-27T08:45:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T07:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/?p=3435"},"modified":"2025-08-29T14:32:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T13:32:48","slug":"expert-advicewaterproof-jacket-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/waterproof-jacket-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Waterproof Ratings<\/a><\/div>\n
The Hydrostatic Head Test<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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What Makes it Waterproof?<\/a><\/div>\n
Types & Styles of Waterproof<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Choosing the best\u00a0waterproof jacket<\/a>\u00a0for you is essential. This Waterproof Jacket guide outlines waterproof ratings, important features such as breathability and technical terms to help you find the right jacket for your next adventure.<\/em><\/p>\n

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1. Waterproof Ratings<\/h2>\n

How waterproof a jacket is will depend on its waterproof rating. The higher a jacket\u2019s waterproof rating, which can vary from 1,500 to 20,000, the more protection you will have from the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nBreathable<\/b><\/td>\nTaped seams<\/b><\/td>\nWeather conditions<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water resistant<\/strong><\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nSuitable for light showers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterproof up to 2,000mm<\/b><\/td>\n2,000<\/td>\n\u2713<\/td>\nSuitable for light to moderate rain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterproof up to<\/b>\u00a05,000mm<\/strong><\/td>\n3,000<\/td>\n\u2713<\/td>\nSuitable for moderate rain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extreme Waterproof up to 10,000mm<\/b><\/td>\n5,000<\/td>\n\u2713<\/td>\nSuitable for heavy rain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

0 – 1,500mm \u2013 Water resistant<\/strong><\/p>\n

For when the weather is light brief showers.<\/p>\n

Up to 2,000mm \u2013 Waterproof<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jackets with up to 2,000mm are suitable for everyday use, whether it be around town or walking the dog.<\/p>\n

Up to 5,000mm \u2013 Waterproof<\/strong><\/p>\n

A rating of up to 5,000mm is suitable for just about all weather conditions but equally at home in lesser ones, great for a Sunday stroll or a trek in moderate rain.<\/p>\n

Up to 10,000mm \u2013 Extreme waterproof<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jackets with a rating of 10,000mm are suitable for heavy, sustained rain, whilst still being breathable<\/p>\n

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2. Hydrostatic Head Test<\/h2>\n

Waterproofness is tested to ensure the product meets the British Standard (which must be more than 1,500mm). Waterproof ratings are measured in millimetres using a Hydrostatic Head test. In a Hydrostatic Head test, the fabric is pulled tight under a 1 inch diameter sealed tube of water. This is then observed over 24 hours to ascertain how many millimetres of water the fabric can withstand before it soaks through. The level at which water starts to come through the fabric is the hydrostatic head, which is measured in mm. See the below video for more information.<\/p>\n

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