WHAT THE “L”? WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FABRICS - TECHNOLOGY & TERMINOLOGY SOLID RATINGS When you see features like 10K/10K noted on a piece of outerwear, we’re not talking about social media followers but instead the waterproof breathable performance of the garment. The first number represents how much pressure is required to force water through the membrane, the higher the better. The second number represents how much moisture the membrane can transport away from your skin to be evaporated, the higher the better.
ESCAPING WATER VAPOR
When you see 2L, 2.5L and 3L called out as a feature, here’s what it means... 2L 2 layered construction where a waterproof breathable membrane is laminated to the backside (interior-facing) of the shell fabric.
SHELL FABRIC
BLOCKED WATER MOLECULES
FIG 2
1K
15-20K
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
5K 10-15K
2.5L
10K
2.5L = 2 layered construction as above plus a printed layer on the backside (the next-to-skin, interior-facing) of the fabric for the wearer’s comfort.
15K 5-10K
SHELL FABRIC 20K
FIG 3
FIG 1
SHELL FABRIC WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
PRINTED LAYER
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
3L WATERPROOF RATINGS
1K:
Rain resistant however briefly. Common rating for a garment with only a DWR coating. 5K: Can be called rainproof, but will not perform in extended periods of time or heavy downpours 10-15K: Will stand up to serious extended rain and heavy sleet/snow 20K+: Monsoon-ready
3 layered construction where the waterproof breathable membrane layer is laminated between the shell fabric and backer fabric. The backer fabric protects the membrane from wear and tear. This creates a more durable garment with lasting waterproof properties.
SHELL FABRIC FIG 4
BREATHABLE RATINGS
5-10K: Comfortable for mild activity 10-15K: Comfortable for most activity 15-20K: Extended physical activity
BACKER FABRIC
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
DWR = DURABLE WATER REPELLENT COATING
This polymer spray is applied to the outer layer of the garment. The polymer bonds to the fabric and causes water to bead up and roll off. Suitable for very light rain or dry snow. DWR may be applied to 2L, 2.5L and WATER DROPS 3L garments for a higher DWR POLYMER level of water FIG 5 repellency. SHELL FABRIC
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23/5/21 8:40 pm
