Protection from the elements while you are outside is essential. They key to comfort in any weather condition is waterproof-breathable outerwear. Jackets and pants with waterproof fabrics are the first step to staying dry so that you can focus on having fun outside. Here we'll help you understand everything you need to know to pick out the right jacket or pants for you.
Water Pillar overview 
| Water Pillar, also called water pillar pressure, is a measure of how much water pressure the material can withstand before it lets water through. It is often abbreviated with VP or WP. Water Pillar describes the water pressure in millimeters that the material can handle before the water penetrates the material. Imagine placing a glass tube on a garment and refilling it with water. When you have filled the tube up to 15 000 mm, ie 15 meters, the water passes through the material. Then the garment has a water pillar of 15 000 mm. |
Water resistance (mm) |
Weather conditions |
|---|---|
| 6 000 – 10 000 mm | Withstands light rain, moderate snow, light pressure. |
| 11 000 – 15 000 mm | Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure. |
| 16 000 – 20 000 mm | Can handle long trips in heavy rain, wet snow, a little pressure. |
| 20 000 mm + | Withstands heavy rain, wet snow, with high pressure. |
We test all waterproof garments' water pillar in a lab and label them with water pillar so that you can easily get an overview of how waterproof that particular garment is. It is also a certificate for you as a customer that the garment's fabric has been tested for its water resistance. We also test all garments in nature with real weather conditions at different temperatures and seasons to ensure optimal functionality. |
Breathability 
| Like water pillars, breathability is measured in a lab. Breathability is a measure of a material's ability to release body moisture. It is measured in g / m2 / 24h, ie the amount of liquid, measured in grams, a square meter of fabric can release in a day. Lab testing is a good way to get a measure of breathability but it is more complicated. Outdoor temperature, humidity, activity, rain, sun, everything matters to how good a garment's breathability is. RevolutionRace tests the breathability of all waterproof garments in real life, out in nature in varying weather conditions and seasons to ensure functionality. |
How do waterproof materials that breathe work?
|
| Waterproof materials that breathe are made of an outer material, a waterproof membrane laminated on the inside and often a third material inside the membrane for comfort. The function of the outer material is to be durable and look good, it is not waterproof but treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) so it does not absorb water. RevolutionRace uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR in all its products. The membrane is the waterproof part of the fabric and keeps the moisture out, the membrane has microscopically small holes that keep the water drops out but release the smaller particles from the body's water vapor. It is these 3 layers that make a 3-layer construction. There are also products with 2 layers, these lack the inner layer and instead often have a loosely hanging lining on the inside of the garment. To make things even more complicated, there are also products with 2.5 layer, where the innermost material is replaced by a thin film printed on the membrane to save weight. |
What is Hypershell®? 
| Hypershell® is RevolutionRace's own brand, a collective term for all materials that we have developed ourselves. What then distinguishes the materials is the concept that comes afterwards. We have different concepts on different materials that all receive unique properties. |
| • Hypershell® Denim: Cotton-free durable fabric. • Hypershell® SS: Water-repellent softshell. • Hypershell® Pro Stetch: A durable super stetchy fabric. |
| Hypershell® membrane |
| Hypershell® membranes are available in three different levels: Core, Performance and Pro. We have equipped each RevolutionRace garment with a premium Hypershell® membrane to suit the garment's intended use, optimized for different activities and weather. |
| • Hypershell® Core, WP 5 - 10 000 mm • Hypershell® Performance, WP 10 - 15 000 mm • Hypershell® Pro, WP 15 - 30 000 mm |
What is DWR?
| DWR |
| RevolutionRace uses a 100% PFC-free DWR in all products. DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. The treatment is meant to keep the fabric from becoming saturated with water which can make the fabric feel heavier, colder, and impacts its performance. DWR causes water to bead-up and roll off the fabric and is affected by wear and tear, dirt and body fluids and can cause the factory DWR treatment to wear off. This is why, after some use, a garment will appear to no longer be waterproof. |
| If you notice that your garment absorbs water, we recommend that you first wash and tumble dry your garment to reactivate the DWR treatment. Sometimes you may also need to re-impregnate the garment yourself. |
What is the difference between a waterproof and a water-repellent garment?
| The main difference between a waterproof garment and one that is water-repellent is that the waterproof garment has both a membrane and a DWR, as well as sealed seams. Seams are usually sealed with a waterproof tape on the inside of the garment. A water-repellent garment has only a DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating and lacks a membrane. |
| What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two different variants? |
| Waterproof garments |
| Waterproof garments have taped seams and both a waterproof membrane and a water-repellent surface treatment (DWR). Revolutionrace uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR in all garments. |
| + Benefits A completely waterproof garment is perfect for rainy days or for winter days with wet snow. A waterproof garment keeps you completely dry during persistent and heavy rain. |
| - Disadvantages Due to the fact that all waterproof garments have a membrane, they breathe less well. Different membranes release different amounts of fluid and you can open ventilation zippers to release body moisture, but a garment with a waterproof membrane never ventilates as well as a garment without a membrane. See all waterproof garments → |
| Water-repellent garments |
| Water-repellent garments lack membranes but have a water-repellent surface treatment (DWR) RevolutionRace uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR in all of its garments. |
| + Advantages A water-repellent garment ventilates extremely well and is suitable for intensive activities. Many times, a water-repellent garment is enough for those who are not going to stay in the rain for several hours straight. |
| - Disadvantages Water-repellent garments can only withstand moderate rain and not heavy persistent rain. See all water-reppelent garments → |
Our rain jackets are breathable
A good rain jacket needs good ventilation. Even rain jackets that breathe are therefore often equipped with ventilation openings in the armpits. Our rain pants have ventilation openings on the long side of the pants.
Taped seams for water resistance
The seams are the weak point of rainwear because small holes are created in the fabric of the needle when the garment is sewn together where water can find its way in. Our waterproof garments have taped seams to make the garment waterproof.
Zippers that keep the rain away
In order for a garment not to let water through, waterproof zippers is a must-have. The zippers on our waterproof garments are carefully selected to withstand high water pressure and sometimes even equipped with a protective flap on the inside.
Our rain jackets sorted from the highest water pillar to the lowest
Crisp Jacket
Waterpillar: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
The Crisp Jacket is a waterproof and windproof shell jacket made for alpine activities. It’s equipped with pit zips for ventilation and waterproof YKK® Aquaguard™ zippers.
Flow Jacket
Waterpillar: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
Flow Jacket is a lined shell jacket equipped with our most advanced membrane; Hypershell® Pro. The jacket is both wind- and waterproof and can withstand truly rough weather, while at the same time ventilating really well.
Whisper Jacket
Water Pillar: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
The Whisper Jacket is a durable and silent fullly waterproof and breathable shell jacket designed for year-round use. The FreeFlow™ ventilation it´s perfect for both summer hiking and as an alpine jacket during winter time. A mesh-lining in the chest pockets along with ventilation zippers under the arms gives exceptional ventilation during intense activities. The helmet compatible hood is adjustable with a one-hand grip. Two chest pockets, two hand pockets, one arm pocket and an inner pocket; all equipped with water resistant zippers. Use is as a weather proof outer layer all year round.
Cyclone Jacket
Water Pillar: 15 000 mm
Breathability: 20 000 g/m²/24h
Cyclone jacket is waterproof, windproof and extremely breathable. This all new 3-layer shell jacket, part of the Rescue® Series, is equipped with our best membrane, Hypershell® Pro, with PFC-free BIONIC-FINISH®ECO. With 4-way stretch for perfect fit and fully seam taped, the Cyclone is designed for extreme weather. A helmet compatible hood, Recco® reflectors and the new CollarOpt™ adjustable storm collar makes this shell jacket the obvious choice all year round in the mountains.
Silence Proshell Jacket
Water Pillar: 15 000 mm
Breathability: 8 000 g/m²/24h
The Silence Proshell jacket is a waterproof fully seam taped 3-layer jacket with 4-way stretch. The taped seams together with a Hypershell® Pro membrane makes the jacket waterproof. The membrane in 4-way stretch it’s both quiet and smooth.
Monsoon Jacket
Water Pillar: 10 000 mm
Breathability: 15 000 g/m²/24h
Monsoon Jacket is our first longer multifunctional jacket, developed to stand up against the weather without compromising style. The two-layer Monsoon Jacket sports a wind and waterproof Hypershell® Performance membrane with PFC-free BIONIC-FINISH®ECO treatment and two pit zips for optimal ventilation. All zippers are YKK® AquaGuard and seams are fully taped to keep out moisture.
Top picks Rain Jackets
Our Rain Pants sorted from the highest water pillar to the lowest
Crisp Pants
Water Pillar: 20 000 mm
Breathability: 10 000 g/m²/24h
The Crisp pants are made in waterproof Hypershell® Pro fabric with 4-way stretch. The pants are equipped with thigh zips for ventilation, fully taped seams and waterproof YKK® Aquaguard™ zippers. The pants attaches to the Crisp jacket in the same series. The durable stretch weave makes the pants both quiet and flexible, suitable for a variety of outdoor winter activities.
Cyclone Rescue Pants
Water Pillar: 15 000 mm
Breathability: 20 000 g/m²/24h
Cyclone Pants are waterproof, windproof and breathable shell pants. With fully taped seams, YKK Aquaguard zippers and PFC free Bionic finish eco, these pants are sure to keep you dry in any terrain. The breathable Hypershell® Pro material in combination with ventilation along both thighs lets you cool down when building up a sweat. Cyclone Pants are part of the Rescue® Series and equipped with RECCO® reflectors, keeping you safe on the slopes and out in the woods.
Top picks Rain Pants
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jacket and pants should I choose if I want a good all-round set that can withstand a lot of rain?
Which set you should choose depends on activity and budget.
1. Silence Proshell Jacket & Pants (WP 15 000 mm/8 000g/m2/24h)
A really good basic alternative. It is a completely waterproof set with taped seams, ok ventilation and both jacket and pants have ventilation zippers.
2. Whisper Jacket & Pants (WP 20 000 mm/10 000g/m2/24h)
Developed for their multifunctionality, they are suitable for both hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Both jacket and pants are completely waterproof, have taped seams and ventilate well.
3. Cyclone Jacket & Pants (WP 15 000 mm/20 000g/m2/24h)
A high-performance shell set that can resist heavy use. It can withstand long periods of persistent rain while ventilating really well. It is completely waterproof, has taped seams and ventilation zippers on both jacket and pants. Cyclone is a good all-round set that is suitable for activities on the mountain all year round.
Which jacket and pants should I choose for high-intensity activities with requirements for water resistance?
If you are going out hiking at a fast pace or cycling when it is not pouring rain outside, a water-repellent jacket and pants often fit better than a completely waterproof one. A water-repellent jacket without a membrane ventilates significantly better than a waterproof one, but still withstands moderate rain thanks to a fluorocarbon-free DWR that makes the garment water-repellent. Due to the fact that the water-repellent garments lack membranes, they will start to leak water during prolonged exposure to rain. Choose a water-repellent garment for high-intensity activities when the weather is changeable or fine.
1. Hurricane Jacket & Pants
A water-repellent softshell set that is suitable for high-intensity activities with requirements for water-repellent and really good ventilation.
2. Hiball Jacket & Pants
A fleece-lined softshell set. It is suitable for winter sports activities and cool summer activities with water-repellent requirements.
3. GPx Jacket & Pants
Is a really durable all-round set with good ventilation. If you want it more water-repellent, we recommend waxing exposed areas such as shoulders, hood, knees and rear for extra water resistance.
What is Hypershell®?
Hypershell® is a waterproof membrane with breathability, it is available in 3 different designs:
Hypershell® Core WP 5 000 - 10 000mm
Hypershell® Performance WP 10 000 - 15 000 mm
Hypershell® Pro WP 15 000 - 30 000mm
Why do you not always want as high a water pillar as possible?
The higher the water pillar, the denser the garment, which affects ventilation. If you are planning a high-intensity activity, a garment with a lower water pillar or a water-repellent garment without a membrane can provide sufficient protection against moisture but at the same time ventilate away moisture faster. Therefore, plan according to your activity in combination with the need for waterproofing.
I'm going to be active but still want water repellency, are there hybrid jackets?
Of course! The Hybrid Jacket keeps out light rain, while the ventilation sections on the back and in the armpits ventilate exceptionally well during intense activities.
If you want a more water-resistant hybrid, we recommend Hyper Jacket. A fully taped jacket with a 15 000 mm Hypershell® WP membrane on the upper part of the jacket and ventilating stretch material at the bottom.
I want an all-round rain jacket for everyday use, what should I choose?
Both our waterproof jackets and our water-repellent jackets are a good choice for you who want protection against rain and moisture. If you want to be ready for heavy rain, choose a waterproof jacket, such as the Silence Proshell Jacket or Cyclone Jacket. If you're not going to stay outside for several hours in bad weather, you can go with a water-repellent jacket, look at the HiBall Jacket or the Hyper jacket.
What does taped seams and waterproof zippers mean? Is it needed even if the garment has a high water pillar?
In order for a garment to be completely waterproof, seams must be sealed, usually seams are sealed with a waterproof tape on the inside of the garment. Zippers also need to be waterproof so that water does not find its way into the garment. In most cases, even the best waterproof zippers are not 100% waterproof, we use YKK Aquaguard in our Pro models, we therefore recommend storing sensitive items in inner pockets.
Should I choose a higher water pillar if I'm going out in a storm?
Note that strong winds can affect the pressure and thus also how quickly rain penetrates your clothes, we therefore recommend that you choose a higher water pillar if you plan to stay in strong winds combined with rain.
We recommend:
Cyclone Jacket
Cyclone Pants
Is the water pillar affected by how much I use the garment?
The properties of the membrane are not affected by use, but DWR may need to be improved over time. DWR treatment can be worn by use and washing.
I do not want to get wet on the rear or knees when I sit down, what should I choose?
If you plan to sit down or kneel on wet surfaces, for example in the woods or on a hike, we recommend choosing a pair of pants with at least 15 000 mm of water pillar.
We recommend:
Crisp Pants WP20k/10k
Cyclone Pants WP15k/20k
Will my jacket be less waterproof if I carry a backpack?
Regardless of whether you are wearing a heavy hiking backpack or a regular backpack, the pressure on the shoulders affects how easily water penetrates into the material. Therefore, choose a jacket with a high water pillar if you are going to carry a backpack.