How to choose the right waterproof jacket
When facing the elements, an effective waterproof jacket suited to your outdoor activity is essential. Whether for hiking, trail or any other outdoor pursuit, the key features to look for are waterproofing and breathability. Here is our guide to choosing the right waterproof jacket.
How to choose your waterproof jacket
To help you choose a waterproof jacket suited to your activity, here are a few criteria to consider:
- the waterproofing rating
- the breathability rating
- the sporting activity
- the membrane construction
Waterproof jackets should be distinguished from so-called water-repellent ones. The latter are not 100% waterproof. Their fabric will shed light rain or fine snow, but will not be waterproof in heavy downpours. The same applies to the seams, which are not sealed.
The waterproofing and breathability ratings of a membrane
It is important to look at the waterproofing and breathability ratings of a waterproof jacket to effectively deal with rain or snow.
To begin with, the waterproofing of a membrane is expressed in millimetres and refers to its capacity to prevent water from penetrating. The outdoor practitioner is thus protected from rain or snow. When a garment states a waterproofing of 10,000 mm, this means it can withstand a column of water 10,000 mm (or 10 metres) high before water seeps through the garment.
Next, when we talk about breathability — expressed as MVP for "Moisture Vapour Permeability" — this refers to a fabric's ability to allow water vapour to pass through, meaning it wicks away perspiration during effort to prevent you from ending up completely soaked beneath your jacket.
In summary, these 2 ratings are there to help outdoor sports enthusiasts compare membranes and determine which is more waterproof and more breathable. The higher these 2 figures, the more waterproof and breathable the garment.
Read a more detailed article on this topic.
Choosing your jacket for your activity
There is one more factor to consider when choosing your waterproof jacket. Is the jacket constructed in 2.5 or 3 layers? This difference lies in the textile design.
3-layer construction: greater durability
In a 3-layer construction, the waterproof-breathable membrane forms the central layer, around which two additional textile layers are added to protect it. This makes it more resistant to abrasion and therefore more durable. To illustrate, the layer configuration is as follows: textile / membrane / textile. The only drawback is that this makes the garment slightly heavier and bulkier.
2.5-layer construction: greater lightness
Conversely, a 2.5-layer construction means the inner textile layer is significantly thinner, saving weight across the whole garment. This is notably the case for jackets used in trail running. However, these will have the single drawback of being slightly less durable (construction diagram: thin film / membrane / textile).
At Cimalp, all hiking jackets use a 3-layer construction for greater strength and performance. A 2.5-layer construction is mainly used for running garments such as trail jackets, keeping them light and packable.
The 3-layer principle in hiking
Regarding the term "3 layers", it should not be confused with the 3-layer principle often adopted by hikers. To stay warm and dry during physical effort — particularly hiking — the technique of layering garments in the following order is widely recommended: a first breathable base layer to wick away perspiration, a thermal mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof jacket for protection against the elements.
Looking for a hiking jacket? Explore our pick of the best waterproof hiking jackets.
Cimalp's Ultrashell®
In the outdoor market, a 10,000 mm / 10,000 MVP membrane is generally considered to be a reliable indicator of effective waterproofing and breathability.
However, at Cimalp, the brand's R&D team conducted studies over several years to improve the comfort of outdoor practitioners. The French brand developed its own membrane, delivering greater waterproofing and breathability. The Drôme-based SME then patented the ULTRASHELL®, a membrane with the following properties: 20,000 mm / 80,000 MVP.
ULTRASHELL is now one of the best membranes on the market. Originally designed for waterproof hiking jackets such as the Advanced, CIMALP’s ULTRASHELL® is now used across the brand’s range: hiking overtrousers, trail jackets, and waterproof trail and hiking shoes.
Since then, Cimalp has also developed Aerodry, a system designed to improve breathability. Progress continues!
More details on waterproof jackets in video! Our ambassador and expert Florian Olivier, a mountain guide, explains everything.
Finally, maintain the waterproof and breathable properties of your membrane by caring for your clothing properly: How to care for your waterproof jacket
