Whatever your outdoor activity — hiking, walking, running — you're exposed to the elements, and particularly rain, from autumn through to early spring. While short spells of rain are manageable, having waterproof clothing becomes essential the moment the forecast stays stuck on "showers". Check out the must-have water-repellent and waterproof garments to stay dry and enjoy the outdoors even when the weather turns grey.
Garment waterproofing: everything you need to know
Waterproofing is a key concept to understand before choosing a garment for rain protection. The techniques used have evolved considerably over time, and today there are essentially two:
Coating: the inner surface of a fabric is coated with a layer of hydrophobic chemical product (which repels water). Most coated garments are very affordable, but the drawback of this process is that most coatings lose their waterproof properties relatively quickly.
Membrane technology: this is used when a protective film is bonded to the inner side of a fabric. The main advantage of membranes is that they are flexible, more durable and more breathable. On the downside, they are more fragile and can sometimes be punctured relatively easily — although significant progress has been made recently to develop more resistant membranes. This is now the most widely used technique for ensuring the waterproofing of quality garments.
Furthermore, the breathability provided by membranes is a positive feature for any garment — all the more so for sporting activities.
How is waterproofing measured?
To measure the waterproofing level of a fabric, it is placed beneath a column or tube filled with water. The fabric is then subjected to the pressure of the water column, which is progressively increased.
The test determines the water height at which the first drops begin to pass through the fabric.
The unit used to measure waterproofing is called the Schmerber (1 Schmerber equals a 1 mm water column). A fabric rated at 10,000 Schmerber can therefore withstand 10 metres of water.
Given that average rainfall pressure falls between 1,000 and 2,000 Schmerber, for a hiking trip in light rain, choose a waterproof garment rated at least 3,000 Schmerber — and opt for something more waterproof for a multi-day hiking trip, especially if you're heading somewhere prone to heavy weather.
Waterproof jacket examples
This ADVANCED 2 H jacket is a model that is 2x lighter and 8x more breathable than a standard Hardshell jacket. It offers excellent stretch — ideal for movement, walking and all dynamic activities. It is made from a resistant fabric with finer pores for enhanced airflow. Its membrane delivers a waterproofing rating of over 20,000 mm, making it the perfect protection against rain — even heavy rain — all weighing in at under 400g.
This 3-layer Ultrashell® jacket is a true companion for mountain outings, built for extreme conditions and the most demanding athletes. But it's equally at home on less extreme activities such as hiking and all your outdoor pursuits — or even around town on rainy days.
It also compresses down to 1.5L in your pack and delivers a clean, technical look that's very much on trend. It's undoubtedly the waterproof jacket to reach for when facing bad weather in style.
The PERFORMANCE 3H jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket that keeps you thoroughly dry thanks to its 3-layer Hardshell fabric, waterproof to>10,000 mm. Available for both men and women, it combines optimal comfort with a clean, elegant cut.
With breathability rated at>10,000 g/24h/m² and a highly resistant construction, this jacket is also lightweight and compressible. Its latest-generation 3-layer laminated fabric achieves a genuinely reduced weight and volume.
With watertight zips, laser-cut bonded panels and welded seams at 1.5 cm, this is a high-protection jacket built to withstand anything.
Waterproof trousers for rain protection
The HOGGAR 3 H trousers are a pair of waterproof trousers fitted with a breathable membrane. This Activ'Shell membrane is not only waterproof-breathable but also stretchy — which is why these trousers are popular for sporting activities, and of course hiking in particular. Lightweight and supple, they also offer excellent value for money.
Its waterproof-breathable fabric with CIMASHELL membrane is waterproof to a pressure of 10,000 mm of water and breathable at 10,000 g/m²/24h — your legs will stay dry in the rain and you won't overheat from trapped perspiration against your skin.
It also offers impressive wind resistance, making it particularly well suited to the shoulder seasons when rain and wind frequently combine. A short-leg version is available for people under 1.72 m, and a women's version is also available.
