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 column overview 
| Water column, also called water column pressure, is a measure of how much water pressure the material can withstand before it lets water through. It is often abbreviated with WC. Water column 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 column 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 column in a lab and label them with water column 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 column, 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 5 000 - 10 000 mm • Hypershell® Performance 10 000 - 15 000 mm • Hypershell® Pro 15 000 - 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. |
| + Advantages 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 repellent 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 out
In order for a garment not to let water through, water repellent zippers 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 in order of waterproofness: from the highest water column to the lowest
Top picks: rain jackets
Our rain pants sorted from the highest water column to the lowest
Top picks: rain pants
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between water-resistant, water repellent and waterproof?
Which jacket and pants should I choose if I want a good all-around set that can withstand a lot of rain?
Which jacket and pants should I choose for high-intensity activities with requirements for water resistance?
What is Hypershell®?
Why do you not always want as high a water column as possible?
I'm going to be active but still want water repellency, are there hybrid jackets?
I want an all-around rain jacket for everyday use, what should I choose?
What do taped seams and waterproof zippers mean? Is it needed even if the garment has a high water column?
Should I choose a higher water column if I'm going out in a storm?
Is the water column affected by how much I use the garment?
I do not want to get wet on the rear or knees when I sit down, what should I choose?
Will my jacket be less waterproof if I carry a backpack?
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