Understanding Outerwear Tech
Navigating the world of ski and snowboard outerwear can be confusing, especially with all the technical jargon. That's why we've created this guide—to demystify the tech specs and terminology behind the gear. After reading, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which ski jacket or pants are the right fit for you.
Table of Contents:
- Fabric construction (2-Layer & 3-Layer)
- How is waterproof & breathable fabric constructed?
- 2-Layer vs. 3-Layer
- 2-Layer fabric
- 3-Layer fabric
- What is seam sealing / taping?
Waterproof & Breathability Ratings
General guidelines:
- The higher the rating, the more waterproof & breathable the garment
- 15k/15k is ideal for resort skiing & snowboarding in drier climates like CO
- 20k/20k for long days in the backcountry or very wet climates like the PNW
What do waterproof & breathability ratings mean?
Waterproof rating:
Measures the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking and is expressed in millimeters (mm). In a lab test, a column of water is placed on a fabric sample, and the pressure is gradually increased. The waterproof rating is determined by measuring the height of the water column in millimeters (mm) at the point when water begins to leak through the fabric.
Breathability Rating:
Measures how effectively a fabric allows moisture from sweat to escape from the interior of a garment, expressed in grams (g). In a lab test, a fabric sample is placed over a chamber filled with water vapor. The amount of moisture that passes through the fabric in a 24 hour period is measured and is expressed as grams per square meter per day.
Make note:
When listed in tech specs, the waterproof rating is listed first, the breathability rating second. Both may be abbreviated. For example, a 15k/10k rating indicates 15,000mm waterproofing & 10,000g breathability.
What waterproof rating do I need?
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Rating |
Conditions |
Ideal For |
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5,000 mm - 10,000 mm |
Light snow and occasional rain |
Warmer weather. Spring riding. |
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10,000 mm - 15,000 mm |
Moderate snow and light rain |
Mild, variable conditions. Sporadic snowfall. |
|
15,000 mm - 20,000 mm |
Heavy snow and moderate rain |
Snowfall all day long. Powder days. |
|
20,000 mm + |
Extreme snowfall and heavy rain |
Prolonged exposure to intense, white out conditions. Backcountry skiing or snowboarding |
What breathability rating do I need?
|
Rating |
Conditions |
Ideal For |
|
5,000 g - 10,000 g |
Light perspiration |
Casual cruising |
|
10,000 g - 15,000 g |
Moderate perspiration |
Moderate day with spurts of physical exertion |
|
15,000 g - 20,000 g |
High Perspiration |
Hot laps and leg burners |
|
20,000 g + |
Extreme Perspiration |
Intense and prolonged activity, like skinning up hill |
Fabric construction:
Overview:
- Waterproof & breathable fabrics are made by layering multiple materials together: outer fabric, waterproof / breathable membrane, and an interior liner
- Most outerwear fabrics come in two layer (2L) or three layer (3L) constructions
- 2L is ideal for mellower resort riding
- 3L is ideal for rigorous activity like backcountry skiing & snowboarding
How is waterproof & breathable fabric constructed?
- A durable outer layer of nylon or polyester fabric is bonded to a laminated membrane. This membrane’s microscopic pores are small enough to block water droplets but large enough to let vapor escape.
- To enhance waterproofing, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating is applied to the outer fabric, which causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in.
- Lastly, a liner is attached to the membrane side of fabric to protect it from wear & tear damage. How this liner attaches to the membrane of fabric dictates whether the fabric is a 2-Layer or 3-Layer construction.
2-Layer vs. 3-Layer Construction
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2-Layer
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3-Layer
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Best Use
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Construction
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Waterproof
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Breathability
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Weight
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Warmth
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Durability
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Price
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2-Layer Fabric (2L)
Adding a liner and insulation to a 2L garment makes it warmer but also reduces its breathability. Consider your preferences: packable and breezy or something cozier. 2L garments without insulation remain quite breathable, though not to the extent of 3L options.
Waterproofing remains unaffected by the liner and insulation in 2L outerwear, and is instead determined by the membrane's quality. High-end membranes used in 2L construction can deliver performance on par with those in 3L fabrics, though they often come at a premium.
3-Layer Fabric (3L)
In 3-Layer construction, the liner is bonded directly to the membrane and exterior fabric, creating a singular, cohesive fabric. Made from a lightweight and abrasion-resistant nylon or polyester, the liner enables breathability while protecting the underlying membrane from abrasion.
For optimal performance, 3L garments typically utilize premium membranes while foregoing insulation, as it can hinder breathability. As a result, 3L garments are lightweight, packable, incredibly waterproof & breathable, but are pricey and not very warm when worn standalone.
Seam Taping
You've likely seen some variation of "100% seam sealed" or "fully seam taped" within product descriptions for various outerwear products. What is it?
Seam taping is the process of ensuring a seam on an outerwear garment is waterproof. The stitching used to join pieces of fabric together creates small holes along the seam line that can let moisture in. Seam taping involves covering these seams with a waterproof barrier on the interior of the garment to prevent leaks. This waterproof tape is applied to the seams using heat, which activates the adhesive for a secure bond.
Types of seam sealing:
Critically Taped Seams:
Only the most exposed seams are taped, offering moderate protection
In our outerwear production - we use 100% seam sealing on all of our products for maximum protection. We will always recommend choosing a jacket or pant that is fully seam sealed so that days spent outside remain unhindered.