SOLID RATINGS

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

BLOCKED WATER MOLECULES

15-20K 1K

5K 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

FIG 2

WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE

10-15K

5-10K

SHELL FABRIC

WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE

10K

15K

20K

FIG 1

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

BREATHABLE RATINGS

5-10K: Comfortable for mild activity 10-15K: Comfortable for most activity 15-20K: Extended physical activity

2.5L

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.

SHELL FABRIC

PRINTED LAYER

FIG 3

WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MEMBRANE

3L

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

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 repellency. FIG 5 SHELL FABRIC

SEAM TAPING

In combination with the laminated fabric construction noted above, you will also see different taping methods called out. Seam taping is exactly what it sounds like, waterproof tape is applied over the construction seams to create a waterproof seal.

SHELL FABRIC WATERPROOF TAPE

STITCHING

FIG 6

WP/B MEMBRANE

TYPES OF TAPING:

Critically Taped: Taping applied to seams with the highest exposure to rain like the shoulders, neckline and armhole.

Fully Taped: All seams are taped. Standard construction for garments with high waterproof ratings. Essential for garments designed for bad weather conditions.

THE GATEKEEPER

How does this keep you dry and comfortable? Like a gatekeeper, waterproof breathable membranes block water molecules (rain) from passing through yet allow water vapor (sweat) to escape.

This keeps you dry from the outside elements and comfortable by allowing your own body heat to transport vapor away from your skin through the membrane to be evaporated into the air.

BLOCKED WATER MOLECULES

ESCAPING WATER VAPOR

SHELL FABRIC

FIG 7

WP/B MEMBRANE

BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN RESISTANT

In addition to preventing water from passing through, our membranes also prevent blood borne pathogens from passing through. Our BBP garments are tested according to ASTM-f-1671. Learn more at www.511Tactical.com/disclaimers.

DESIGNED WITH MODERN FIT

Our 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and 5-in-1 System jackets were introduced back in 2005. From major urban centers in the US, the far rural expanses of Canada and to the mountains of Northern Europe, 5.11’s jackets have been proven around the world for more than fifteen years. These new 2.0 versions were designed to match the visual appearance of our time-tested jackets while dramatically improving their fit. In addition to an updated fit, these new jackets are built with modern high performance waterproof breathable membrane and construction methods for best-in-class performance.

HIGHER ARMHOLE FOR MOVEMENT

LONGER, LESS BULKY SLEEVE

BODY TRIMMED TO REDUCE BULK

WAIST LEVELS AND HEMS ADJUSTED

“2.0 jackets have a modern fit, are far less bulky, weigh less and offer the same–or better–warmth and protection than the originals.”

- David Hein, GMM Professional Div. 5.11

“Our new outerwear shell fabric has mechanical stretch built in so these new jackets allow easier movement without excess bulk.”

- Sandra Gray, Category Manager

New 2.0 Jackets and Parkas are visually similar to their predecessors for uniform appearance.