Technical Information Made Easy
When hunting for ski clothing it can often be a bit overwhelming and confusing with the amount of information that manufacturers throw at you trying to sell their gear. With so many different numbers, acronyms and buzz words flying around you can often end up with less of an idea of what you want than before you started. Isn’t everything waterproof? What is breathability? Why is one jacket £400 and another only £100?
Well here is our handy user guide that should hopefully help you answer some of these questions, explain what some of the features do, and how important they are for what you need. If you still have any questions unanswered, don’t hesitate to call our helpful team on 0800 970 8646 (Mon-Fri 8.30-5.30).
Waterproofing Information
In simple terms the waterproofing rating of a garment (measured in millimetres) refers to the amount of water held in a tubular measuring device that the fabric will resist without leaking. The higher the number the greater the waterproof rating i.e. a 10,000mm jacket will withstand double the amount of water pressure than that of a 5,000mm jacket. The higher the rating - the greater the performance, but often at an increased price.
Breathability Information
In simple terms the breathability rating of a garment (measured in grams per meters squared) refers to the amount of water vapour that can pass through the fabric from a tubular measuring device over a 24 hour period. Again, the higher the number - the greater the performance, often at an increased price.
Why is this important?
It’s easy to make a jacket waterproof: a bin bag is waterproof. The trick is to make a jacket that is waterproof AND breathable, as when riding your body creates moisture in the form of sweat. In un-breathable clothing this can cause discomfort as the water vapour can’t escape and so condenses forming sweat patches, and eventually leads to dramatic loss of heat. Breathable fabrics allow internal water vapour to escape through the garment allowing for even temperature regulation and greater comfort under all conditions.
