Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Understanding Skiwear Terms
For ski-wear manufacturers, terms like “waterproof” and “water-resistant” have specific meanings, but to the public, they can often seem interchangeable. So, what’s the difference? In the context of ski clothing, there is actually no significant difference between these terms. The key is not the word itself, but the numbers that follow, which indicate the level of protection.
Whether a label says “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” it’s the accompanying number that matters. For example, if a jacket is rated as “10,000mm waterproof,” this means it can resist water pressure up to 10,000mm. Higher numbers mean better protection from water, just like the SPF rating on sunscreen.
A jacket with a 10,000mm rating means it can withstand a water column up to 10,000mm high before water penetrates the fabric. This is tested in a lab by placing fabric under a tube filled with water and measuring how much pressure it can take.
But what does that mean in practical terms, will it keep me dry all day? No, It will keep you dry untill the limit of the fabric is reached, after that it will let in water. If you are sitting on a chairlift that has wet snow on it, or melted snow, you will eventually get a wet bum, if you are constantly hitting the floor and falling over, you will eventually get wet. So remember, the higher the number the longer it has to reach that limit. But there is always a limit.
For most casual or fair-weather skiers, who ski on mild/dryish condiitons a 5,000-10,000mm rating maybe sufficient. If you ski in all conditions, then a higher rating (15,000mm or more) offers better protection, which you will need. Remember, even the highest-rated gear will eventually leak if exposed to extreme conditions long enough.
Sealed seams are also crucial—without them, water will get through. Some jackets only have partial seam sealing, so check carefully based on your needs.
When shopping for ski wear, focus on the numbers that indicate water resistance rather than whether it’s labeled “waterproof” or “water-resistant.” Choose the right level of protection based on how and where you ski, and remember, no garment is immune to extreme wet conditions forever.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Understanding Skiwear Terms
For ski-wear manufacturers, terms like “waterproof” and “water-resistant” have specific meanings, but to the public, they can often seem interchangeable. So, what’s the difference? In the context of ski clothing, there is actually no significant difference between these terms. The key is not the word itself, but the numbers that follow, which indicate the level of protection.
Whether a label says “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” it’s the accompanying number that matters. For example, if a jacket is rated as “10,000mm waterproof,” this means it can resist water pressure up to 10,000mm. Higher numbers mean better protection from water, just like the SPF rating on sunscreen.
A jacket with a 10,000mm rating means it can withstand a water column up to 10,000mm high before water penetrates the fabric. This is tested in a lab by placing fabric under a tube filled with water and measuring how much pressure it can take.
But what does that mean in practical terms, will it keep me dry all day? No, It will keep you dry untill the limit of the fabric is reached, after that it will let in water. If you are sitting on a chairlift that has wet snow on it, or melted snow, you will eventually get a wet bum, if you are constantly hitting the floor and falling over, you will eventually get wet. So remember, the higher the number the longer it has to reach that limit. But there is always a limit.
For most casual or fair-weather skiers, who ski on mild/dryish condiitons a 5,000-10,000mm rating maybe sufficient. If you ski in all conditions, then a higher rating (15,000mm or more) offers better protection, which you will need. Remember, even the highest-rated gear will eventually leak if exposed to extreme conditions long enough.
Sealed seams are also crucial—without them, water will get through. Some jackets only have partial seam sealing, so check carefully based on your needs.
When shopping for ski wear, focus on the numbers that indicate water resistance rather than whether it’s labeled “waterproof” or “water-resistant.” Choose the right level of protection based on how and where you ski, and remember, no garment is immune to extreme wet conditions forever.