Have you ever been caught in the rain wearing what you thought was a waterproof jacket, only to be let down? It turns out that to guarantee staying dry in wet conditions, it all comes down to your gear’s waterproof rating. But, what does that even mean?

In this blog we’ll deep dive into everything you need to know about waterproof ratings. Learn what it means, how it’s measured and what measurement is best for your outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, snowshoer, or just someone who wants to stay dry in the rain, read on to learn all things waterproofing so you can stay out there longer.

What do waterproof ratings mean?

Simply, a waterproof rating tells you how much water pressure a material can withstand before it starts to leak, which is also the point where you start to feel wet. Measured via the metric system in millimeters (mm), the higher the number, the better the protection.

To make it even easier, here’s a quick example. Let’s say you have a waterproof jacket rating of 15,000mm (sometimes it’s written 15K), like our popular Demi Snow Jacket. Essentially, it can handle the pressure of 15,000mm of water before moisture begins to seep through.

How are waterproof ratings measured?

Now the question remains, how are waterproof ratings measured? The test to determine your gear’s rating is something called a hydrostatic head test.

Basically, a small piece of fabric is put under a column of water that gets added to. The water height in the column increases until the point that water begins to soak through the fabric. From that point, a measurement in millimeters is taken which ends up being the rating you see on a clothing’s swing tag.

What is a good waterproof rating?

When you’re deciding what a good waterproof rating is, it’s always a smart idea to determine what your gear is being used for and how much protection you’ll need from rain or snow.

As we said before, the higher the rating, the better protection. Unfortunately, this also comes at a higher cost, which means a bigger dent in your wallet.

For everyday hikers and campers, a rating of 5,000 to 10,000mm usually hits the spot. This rating can handle rain but it won’t be happy in heavy or prolonged downpours. If you think you need more protection, opt up to 15K or higher.

Heading to the snow? It’s generally best to start at a minimum of 10K waterproofing and work your way up from there. If you spend a lot of time in the snow or head out into the backcountry, 20,000mm is a good choice and offers some of the best protection you’ll find. This is especially true if the snow turns to sleet, or even worse, rain. Especially important for our East Coasters out there.

This level of waterproofing is normally found in top-level snow jackets and pants. Like our premium women’s Palladium Jacket and men’s Palladium Jacket.

Learn more with our other snow guides

To sum it up, a good waterproof rating is one that suits what you’re doing, how often you’re doing it and how much protection you need to stay out there longer.

Soak up even more knowledge with guide on what to wear for your first snow trip.

See you out there!