WATERPROOFING AND BREATHABILITY

There are various levels and types of “waterproof” fabrics available, the industry standard for measuring a fabric’s water permeability (or it’s waterproofing ) is to direct a column of water towards the fabric and increase the pressure of the water on the fabric to find the point at which the water starts to permeates ( penetrate ) the fabric. This column of water is then measured to give the fabric’s waterproof rating in mm. e.g 10,000mm. So the higher the figure is the better the level of waterproofing is for the garment. Also a garment can really only be called “waterproof” if all the seams are taped, thereby preventing water seeping through the stitching, although some garments only have Critical seams taped, where only strategic seams are taped i.e. the shoulder, hood and chest seams on a jacket. The normal everyday UK standard is around 1000mm, but we at Cliffrider believe that this is not good enough for our customers so our minimum level for waterpoofing is 3000mm and we have no upper level restrictions. It is also quite logical to assume that any coating will degrade a little during washing and wear so we would always recommend a minimum of 3000mm waterproofing and breathability.

For any garment to keep you dry on the inside both the outer fabric and the lining should also be breathable because even in cold conditions you will perspire during your activities and if a garment does not have sufficient breathability, the moisture (from perspiration) will build up as condensation on the inside of the jacket. This moisture will then dramatically cool you down when you stop, this moisture on the inside may also give the illusion that the garment is letting water in from the outside, when in reality it is your own body perspiration. So it is important to select a garment that offers the right level of waterproofing and breathability for the specific conditions and the level of activity that you propose to use it for. Skiing or snowboarding are both high activity sports that are typically carried out in cold mountain conditions but Horse Riding and Hiking normally take place in fairly mixed weather conditions from wet to dry and cold to warm, so we do believe that you should pick a product that offers the highest possible breathability for a given waterproof rating.

However it is also very important to note that you will only really benefit from the full breathability of your chosen garment if it is also used in conjunction with a good moisture wicking thermal base layer and mid layer. Your body moisture (perspiration) needs to be transported away from your skin by your under garment base and mid layers in order to keep you dry and ultimately warm.

So please do take note of our advice as we do believe that it will help you to make your outdoor activities more enjoyable certainly a more comfortable experience no matter what the weather throws at you.

To help you create a great layering system we have some suggestions that may help you.

The Base Layer
The base layer is the most important layer as it sits closest to the skin. Without a good quality base layer the performance of each subsequent layer will be compromised. This base layer should fit close to the skin to maximise the fabric’s moisture wicking capabilities, allowing the moisture (perspiration from activity) to be transported away from the skin and then out through each layer of your technical clothing. Cotton by for example will absorb the moisture and it will hold it next to your skin, this will only make you feel damp and during periods of inactivity your body will be cooled down dramatically and you may feel cold also.

The Mid Layer
The mid layer will provide you with versatile insulation, this layer must be highly breathable to allow moisture transportation from your base layer through to the outer layer. In cold conditions it is important to have these layers to trap air as it provides extra warmth and by adding or removing mid layers, you’re able to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Wearing multiple thin layers is less bulky and more versatile than wearing a single thick layer. Mid layers are typically a fleece garment, but there are also super efficient alternatives, such as Primaloft*, which have an incredible warmth to weight ratio. A gilet (body warmer) is another useful addition to the layering system, and combined with a long sleeve base and or mid layer it helps to keep the back and chest warm without restricting your arm movements

The Outer Layer
The Outer layer is designed to protect you from the elements by resisting, snow, water and wind. As well as the outer fabric being waterproof and breathable, this outer layer should allow the body heat to escape rapidly whilst providing durable protection against the abrasive effects of snow, wind, rain, etc. It should also be light enough to allow for sustained activity. The latest generations of fabric technology has enabled the development of waterproof, breathable and stretch fabrics that combine to bring you warm, dry and comfortable outerwear which help meet the demands of the dynamic outdoor activity that you have chosen. Most jackets will have some form of lining or insulation to add comfort and warmth, so choose a level of insulation that suits your personal preference and also intended activity. Shell jackets are lightweight, packable and offer protection from the elements outside, but they will not have any insulating properties, instead you would be relying on an insulation layer being worn underneath. A versatile form of outerwear is the CliffRider Kombi 3-in-1 jacket. This consists of an outer jacket and a zip-in, zip-out insulation layer, offering great value for money and allowing you adapt your clothing to the weather as it changes.

Garment care
To help you to ensure that your garments retain their waterproof and breathable performance abilities it must be kept clean of dirt and grease. Should the pores of the fabric get blocked with dirt or grease the water molecules are allowed to seep through the dirt and through the fabric. Likewise the breathability is also compromised when these pores become blocked.

So please take care of your performance garments so that they can in turn take care of you, if you have any questions then please contact us and we will endeavor to assist you.

Garment Features

Hoods
Many jackets will come with either a fixed or removable hood, which in some cases can be stored away within the collar. Hoods should be adjustable at the back or around the face to ensure a correct fit which will prevent snow from entering and ensure good vision when turning your head. If you wear a helmet check the hood is compatible. Stow away balaclavas can also be found attached within the hood on some jackets.

Collar
A high fleece or micro-fibre lined collar will prevent chaffing on your face and prevent your neck getting cold. A cinch draw cord will tighten the collar.

Seam Taping and sealed Seams
A waterproof tape applied to the inside of seams will prevent water passing through the stitching. Sealed critical seams means the shoulders, hood, arms are taped. Fully sealed means all seams on the jacket or pant are taped.

Back Vents
Found at the back or side of the jacket, these vents are designed to allow additional room / freedom of movement especially when Horse riding or Hiking, normally they will have a main outer fabric gusset, the vents are closed by Press stud, Velcro or zipper.

Venting Zips
Found under the arm, on the chest or on the back. Vents come in varying lengths depending on the design and allow you to control your temperature quickly. Some vents are mesh backed to prevent snow coming in

Storm Flaps
A protection flap covering zips to prevent snow, wind and rain passing through.

Powder Skirt
As the name implies, it’s designed to prevent snow from shooting up the jacket when you wipeout. It also acts as a draft excluder helping retain body heat. They are elasticated, adjustable and in many cases can be attached to specific loops on the waist of the pants.

Lining
The lining fabric of a jacket will vary depending on its function. It is usually made of mesh, brushed micro fibre or fleece, providing warmth, comfort and moisture transportation.

Cuffs
They should be adjustable to provide an effective seal and venting around the wrist and some will have an easy grab tab to aid quick adjustment. Lycra inners with thumbholes will prevent the sleeve riding up and give additional protection and warmth.

Pockets
They need to be accessible, so if you are going to wear a backpack ensure you can still get to them. Fleece lined pockets will help keep hands warm, while a goggle pocket needs to be accessible from the outside to prevent heat being lost by opening the jacket.

Reinforcements
Strategic wear points on the shoulders, elbows and side panels have extra reinforcement to protect against abrasion from your backpack straps, ice and ski/snowboard edges.

Stretch Panels & Articulation
Many jackets now incorporate stretch panels and articulation to enhance the fit, comfort and mobility. Stretch panels will usually be positioned across the back and shoulders where it is required most. Articulated elbows provide a more ergonomic fit that uses less material, helps to reduce weight and also minimize flapping.