Many outdoor novices don’t know much about this. This time the editor will talk about the indicators that should be paid attention to when choosing a jacket.
Waterproof coefficient
The waterproof coefficient reflects the waterproof performance of the jacket. The higher the waterproof index, the better the waterproof performance.
Let’s talk about the theory first. The unit of the waterproof coefficient is millimeters of water column pressure. The usual explanation is that when a 10,000mm high water column presses on the fabric, 24 hours If no more than 3 drops of water seep out of the fabric, then we consider the waterproof coefficient of this piece of clothing to be 10,000mm.
Jackets are mainly used to protect against rain and snow, so the waterproof coefficient of the jacket is determined by the size of the raindrops it can withstand, the falling speed, the height of the water column, etc. But the editor is not good at physics, so I won’t explain this.
I think everyone is more interested in knowing how much waterproof coefficient can withstand how much rainfall. It is better to simply and directly list the waterproof coefficient required for a jacket based on rainfall:
Let’s make it easier to understand:
The waterproof coefficient is determined by the fabric. In addition to the fabric, the waterproof performance of the jacket also has a lot to do with the workmanship. To ensure that every piece of jacket is waterproof, hot-pressed tape must be used at all seams to prevent water leakage at the needle holes. When choosing, carefully check whether the taped tape inside the garment is flat and has no blisters. This is very important for the waterproof performance of clothing. Also, good jackets all use waterproof zippers (such as YKK zippers).
Some jackets do not indicate the specific waterproof coefficient on the tag or wash water label, but it is often displayed on their official website and product details page, so if you are not sure , please consult the seller carefully.
Breathability
Breathability refers to the ability of heat, moisture (liquid phase, gas phase), air (air flow), etc. to pass through the fabric. It is expressed as the rate of air flow vertically passing through the sample under the specified sample area, pressure drop and time conditions, referred to as air permeability.
CFM value
The American standard test method for air permeability is AstmD737, which measures the air flow rate CFM (CubicFeetperMinute). The unit is cubic feet per minute (ft3/min), which refers to the How many cubic feet of airflow per minute can pass through the fabric under specified pressure differential conditions. The larger the CFM value, the greater the air flow and the stronger the breathability of the jacket.
For example, take the two jackets below. The Apoc jacket made of Neoshell fabric has a CFM=0.2, which means that under the specified pressure difference conditions, 0.2 cubic feet per minute (about 5663cm3) of airflow can pass through. fabric. The FocusLT jacket made of EVENTDVL fabric has a CFM=0.15, which means that under the specified pressure difference, 0.15 cubic feet (approximately 4247cm3) of airflow per minute passes through the fabric. Obviously, the breathability of the Apoc jacket is better than that of the FocusLT jacket.
MAP value
Air permeability also uses MAP (Method Air Permeability), which means the performance of air permeability through the fabric. It refers to measuring the air flow rate vertically passing through a given area of the sample within a certain period of time under specified pressure difference conditions, and calculating the air permeability. In fact, the meaning is the same, but the units are different. Most of them use the ventilation units mm/s and cm3/cm2/s. Also, the greater the MAP value, the better the breathability of the jacket.
In addition, the breathability of the jacket is also reflected in other values, such as MVTR (
MoistureVaporTransmissionRate) moisture vapor permeability and DMPC (DynamicMoisturePermeationCell ) Dynamic moisture permeability interval. These two values mainly test the moisture vapor transmission rate, referred to as moisture permeability. Measured by different testing methods, the larger the value, the better the breathability.
In addition, there are many measurement methods for breathability, and different measurement methods have different measurement units. At the same time, the test standards for breathability vary from country to country: American standard ASTMD737, European standard ISO9237, and Japanese standard JISL1096. As a Canadian brand, Westcomb uses American standards.
The jacket has good breathability, which can effectively dissipate excess heat from the body, reduce the feeling of stuffiness, and maintain a higher level of comfort during outdoor sports.
Speaking of this, some people have to worry about whether the large amount of water vapor passing through means that its windproof and waterproof performance is poor. Indeed, it is difficult to balance waterproofing and breathability. If you want breathability, you must sacrifice a certain amount of waterproofness. If you want a high waterproof coefficient, you must sacrifice some breathability. But today’s fabric technology is becoming more and more advanced, especially the three-layer lamination technology, which superimposes three layers of fabrics with different properties into a windproof, waterproof and breathable product.� fabrics (such as Polartec Neoshell fabrics).
Yes, the best fabrics at present tend to be reasonable. No matter how bad the natural conditions are, there is still a certain value, and these reasonable fabrics are enough. They can ensure that you do not get wet in stormy weather, ice and snow environments, and during heavy exercise, the sweat can be quickly evaporated, thereby ensuring that the human body is dry and has a warm and comfortable microclimate. .
As mentioned in the previous article (How much do you know about Polartec Neoshell fabric?), choose according to outdoor sports and your own needs. Of course, science and technology are constantly developing, and we also hope that one day we can find a fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. After all, everyone’s physical condition is different, and the amount of sweat they sweat is also different. Maybe only the top fabric can meet everyone’s needs.
Warmth retention
This is the biggest misunderstanding. Loss of temperature is the most feared thing in the outdoors. A jacket can ensure that you will not get wet in the rain or in an ice and snow environment, thereby avoiding hypothermia due to the water cold effect, and its windproof performance can also play a certain role in keeping warm. However, its main function is to protect the body from wind and water, not to keep warm. Warmth is still achieved by layering inner layers. Wear underwear made of sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabrics close to the body. Choose a fleece or down jacket as the middle thermal layer, and use jackets or pants with waterproof and windproof functions as the outer windproof and waterproof layer. Layer clothes appropriately according to temperature changes to maintain body temperature and avoid hypothermia. But you can’t try to achieve it with a jacket.
Others
In addition to being waterproof, wind-resistant and breathable, the jacket is also required to be tear-proof, wear-resistant, lightweight and durable. important consideration. Tear-proof and wear-resistant ensure that the jacket can provide sufficient protection. Light weight can reduce the burden of outdoor sports. Durability determines the service life of the jacket. Of course, the washing and care methods of the jacket will also affect its service life, so be sure to use it correctly. washing care methods to extend its service life.
Finally
I would like to emphasize again that you must choose according to your own type of exercise. There is no best, only the most suitable. Remember remember.
Still not sure what indexes of jackets you should choose for the outdoor sports you are engaged in? You can leave a message or contact the editor in the background, and the editor will do its best to provide you with reference. At the same time, all outdoor experts are welcome to leave comments and add.
