When hiking, especially in the mountains, the weather is often unpredictable. Dress accordingly and choose clothing that adapts to the conditions. To cope with bad weather, it is important to pack waterproof clothing. What you choose will depend on the weather, temperature, intensity of your activity, type of hiking and surrounding environment. Learn more about the waterproofing of hiking clothing.
The difference between water repellency and waterproofing
Water-resistant hiking clothing can be water-repellent or waterproof. It is worth understanding the difference before choosing what to wear.
Water repellency is a fabric’s ability to make water run off its surface. This stops it absorbing water and becoming heavier. A water-repellent garment will not withstand a prolonged downpour, however: its protection has limits. It also needs regular treatment to maintain its water-repellent properties. Water-repellent clothing can be useful for short hiking trips or when rain is unlikely.
Waterproofing is a fabric’s ability to stop water getting through. The fabric may absorb water, but it will not let it pass through the garment. A waterproof jacket has millions of pores designed to be smaller than water droplets, so the droplets cannot pass through. Waterproof hiking clothing is designed to remain breathable, which is essential when you are active. A waterproof jacket is a better choice than a raincoat such as an oilskin, which is not breathable at all.
Choosing a durable waterproof membrane
Waterproof fabrics rely on a membrane. Today’s membranes are highly sophisticated, with millions of microscopic pores per cm². The pores must be large enough to let sweat vapour escape, but small enough to keep rain out. A jacket or pair of trousers with a good membrane is both waterproof and breathable.
Waterproof jackets changed with the arrival of Gore-Tex® technology in 1970. Gore-Tex® products were the first to combine waterproofing, wind protection and breathability. The brand remains a benchmark for waterproof clothing today. Many outdoor brands have also developed similar technologies of their own. Options include OutDry™ membranes in Columbia clothing, FuturLight™ from The North Face and Ultrashell® developed by Cimalp. The latter offers a rating of 80’000MVP and waterproofing of 20’000 Schmerber. It is designed to accompany you on all your adventures.
Measuring the waterproofing of hiking clothing
Waterproofing in hiking clothing is measured through testing. The best-known and most widely used method is the water-column test: fabric is placed beneath a column of water to determine when droplets begin to pass through it. The higher the column, the more waterproof the fabric is considered to be. Waterproofing is measured in Schmerber; one Schmerber equals 1 mm of water column. A fabric rated at 10 000 mm offers highly effective waterproofing, while a garment is considered fully waterproof from 20 000 mm.
You can find a hiking garment’s waterproof rating in its technical specifications:
- 2 000 mm: The fabric resists light rain. This protection is sufficient for a day trip if heavy rain is not expected.
- 10 000 mm: The garment is waterproof. It is suitable for hiking in mid-altitude mountains or by the sea, or for a few days of trekking.
- 20 000 mm: The fabric is fully waterproof. You can wear it against harsh high-mountain weather, including gusts, freezing rain and snow.
- 30 000 mm: These garments are intended for extreme conditions and are rarely found.
Weather-resistant clothing is important when hiking. Choose your jacket or hiking trousers and their level of waterproofing according to the type of hiking you do. Waterproof, breathable clothing helps you hike comfortably in wet weather.
