by Catherine Graham
Buying waterproof clothing should be simple, but with so many fabrics on the market the decision can be difficult. A waterproof fabric keeps the rain out, whilst keeping you dry, but the British Standard for waterproofness is quite low and you will need to look at garment labels and ensure you find out more before you buy.
Waterproof fabrics are fabrics which have been treated to become resistant to penetration by water and wetting. For example, they may have been proofed with a spray substance which then affects the waterproofness.
If cost is an issue, or you are not sure how much use you will get from your new waterproof clothing, it is better to buy for the worst conditions you are expecting to wear the clothing in. If you are hiking up Snowdon for example, you will need to spend extra cash on a more technical garment in order to remain protected from the elements.
Light weight and packable, the nylon waterproof is very easy to stuff in your backpack when you head to the hills. Nylon can be treated with waterproofing sprays and is cheap to produce compared to the more effective 'membrane' fabrics. Nylon is very strong, but can been given extra strength with a 'ripstop' finish. It is also quick to dry, as it absorbs very little water.
The problem for manufacturers with nylon fabrics is that they deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, and are weakened when coated with the various waterproofing treatments. Nowadays there are also many breathable coatings which can be applied directly to the inside of a fabric. Better makes of jackets etc. have an inner lining layer to protect the coating and make the jacket more comfortable.
Fabric construction which directs water away from the body, rather than membranes, coatings or laminates, can also be used to keep the wearer dry. Such fabric is used in more technical garments for wear in more extreme conditions. This means that perspiration can be moved away from the body more effectively, as both liquid water and water vapour can be directed. These directional fabrics are also breathable.
The British Standard for waterproof fabric is rather low at 3 PSI (1,500mm of pressure). As rain falls at 2 PSI, you can see that a jacket with a protection of only 3 PSI will not keep you dry for long in heavy rain. Fabric is tested in the laboratory to determine it's waterproofness and the level should be shown on the label.
The laboratory test performed is known as the 'Hydrostatic head test'. This is a standard test carried out on waterproofs to determine the PSI. This is achieved by pumping water through a hollow cylinder until such pressure is reached, that the water seeps through.
Goretex or Goretex-like fabrics offer a breathable membrane due to the microporous nature of the fabric. Such fabrics need to be kept clean from dirt and dust as they penetrate the micropores, but the fabric is very effective in keeping the rain out and removing perspiration from the wearer. This makes such garments very comfortable. Goretex can be stuck or sewn to other fabrics to provide a breathable layer.
You will need to ensure the garment has taped seams, as any item of clothing cannot be deemed waterproof if rain can get through the stitching. Seams are sealed from the inside with a coated tape made of Neoprene or PU coated tape. Either are effective, but the choice depends on the type of fabric used and the breathability of the fabric.
Whatever item of waterproof clothing you are looking to purchase, be sure you carefully read the manufacturers information about the fabric and check out the waterproof and breathabilty ratings and make sure you compare like with like. As with most purchases, you tend to get what you pay for, and if the price is too good to be true, it probably is!
Learn more about <a href='http://www.adventuretogs.co.uk/kids-outdoor-clothing-3.asp'>waterproof clothing for kids</a>. More information on <a href='http://www.adventuretogs.co.uk'>outdoor clothing and waterproofs for children & adults</a> is available from Adventure Togs.
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New Unique Article!
Title: A Buyer's Guide to Waterproof Clothing
Author: Catherine Graham
Email: smartoutdoors21@gmail.com
Keywords: waterproof clothing, waterproof jackets, waterproof clothes, waterproof fabric, mens waterproofs, kids waterproofs, womens waterproofs, waterproof clothes
Word Count: 649
Category: Hobbies
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