{"id":9529,"date":"2022-04-03T17:28:09","date_gmt":"2022-04-03T16:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/?p=9529"},"modified":"2022-10-17T16:33:41","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T15:33:41","slug":"guide-to-waterproofing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/guide-to-waterproofing","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Waterproofing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waterproofing is essentially the process of making a garment waterproof. This is achieved by the construction of the garment and by applying a waterproof finish to the outer layer. In this guide we delve into how waterproofness is measured, how garments are made waterproof, explain the different levels of waterproof and provide advice on how to look after your waterproof items.<\/p>\n

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How Is Waterproof Ability Measured?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

All waterproof garments are given a waterproof rating which relates to the fabrics ability to resist letting water through when put under pressure. This is most often measured in laboratory conditions but manufacturers may also do their own testing. Waterproof ratings can be expressed in two ways- as mm or pounds per square inch (PSI).<\/p>\n

Hydrostatic Head Test- mm<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a hydrostatic head test a section of fabric is pulled tight over a clear 1 inch by 1 inch square tube and sealed. The tube is then slowly filled with water and monitored over 24 hours to see how much water can be added before the material begins to let water through. A rating of 2,000mm means the tube of water was 2,000mm tall when the material started to let droplets through. In other words the fabric can withstand 2,000 mm of rain in a day. In the UK a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 1,500mm is required for a garment to be classed as waterproof. In simple terms the higher the number the more waterproof the material is. See the video below for more details.<\/p>\n

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