The Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing and DWR: Leisure Lakes Bikes

Waterproofed clothing is something that everybody needs, especially in the UK. Understanding how and why it works will help you make an informed decision on the right gear for you. This guide will break down everything you need to know from it’s purpose , how products actually repel water and some top recommendations of products.

Let’s get started!

What is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is the process of making something resistant to water penetration. It does this by creating a barrier on the surface that ultimately protects against water damage. The most effective method for high-performance clothing is a membrane laminated to the fabric and it’s microscopic pores block water droplets from the outside whilst allowing the water vapour from the inside to escape. In a less complex explanation, it’s purpose is to keep you dry.

Waterproofing comes in two forms, below is them explained in a little more detail.

Durable Water Repellency (DWR)

DWR is a treatment applied to the outer surface of fabrics in order to make them water resistant. It does this by causing water to bead up and then roll off ,this then preventing the fabric from becoming saturated and it improves it’s overall breathability. DWR is not a waterproof layer itself but it is a major part of waterproof clothing and lots of brands use it. Durable Water Repellency can enhance your performance by preventing the fabric from getting heavy when wet, improves your freedom of movement this then aiding to your overall performance and making it a key feature to look out for.

Coated Fabrics With Breathable Membranes

They are made by layering a waterproof, microporous membrane with an outer fabric. Sealed seams prevent water from seeping through stitched areas and breathability is achieved by allowing body heat and sweat to escape. It has excellent protection and liquid water from rain or snow is blocked from entering the fabric.

So this can be the tricky part if you have no prior knowledge already. When choosing your waterproofed item, you will always see a number. For example The Fox Ranger Water Jacket offers 10,000mm water protection. This means it will withstand moderate to heavy rain. There are different variations of resistance levels, and even breathability ratings.

Let’s break it down.

So how is waterproofing tested? A column of water is pressed against the fabric and the number that is shown is how tall that column can get before water starts to seep through.

Waterproof Rating	Resistance Level	Use
0-5,000mm	Light rain	Casual wear and Windbreakers
5,000-10,000mm	Moderate rain	Light activities and daily use
10,000-20,000mm	Heavy rain	Mountain use and Skiing
20,000mm +	Extreme conditions	Mountain use, Alpine trails

It’s not just the waterproofing that needs testing, products also have a breathability rating. This is measured by how much moisture vapour can escape through the fabric within 24 hours.

Breathability Rating	Comfort Level	Products
5,000g/m2/24hr	Poor	Heavy raincoats and plastic ponchos
5,000-10,000	Moderate	Everyday waterproof jackets
10,000-20,000	Good	Ski jackets, active wear
20,000 +	Excellent	High performance gear

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are part of thousands of synthetic chemicals valued for their resistance to heat, water and oil. This has lead to a widespread use in many products including the use in waterproof clothing. They are affecting the environment by not breaking down naturally . This is leading to research on new alternative methods that are PFAS-free and environmentally friendly. For example the makers of Gore-Tex introduced a new waterproof and breathable membrane made from ePE. Instead of relying on PFAS it uses a hybrid construction with a thin polyurethane coating for durability but also remaining environmentally conscious.

Now with all your newly acquired or perfected knowledge the shopping can commence. Having good waterproof gear when hitting the trails is essential for several reasons:

1. Comfort and warmth- wet clothing leads to feeling cold and then you begin to feel uncomfortable ,wearing waterproofed clothing will help you maintain your body temperature and prevent chills or in extreme cases hypothermia.
2. Safety- Wet hands and feet reduce grip and control , having waterproof gloves and shoes help maintain traction on your handlebars and pedals reducing the risk of slipping.
3. Performance- Staying dry will help you retain your focus and not get distraction from the fact your soaked !

Here are some of the top Waterproof Mountain Bike Gear on the market.

Having good waterproof gear when road biking is super important for lots of reasons.

1. Comfort and temperature control- Spray from the rain and the roads can quickly soak into your clothes leading to discomfort and chills. Waterproof road clothing keeps you dry helping you maintain a correct body temperature and stay comfortable.
2. Improved grip and control- Wet hands or slippery shoes can make it harder to keep control of your bike. Waterproof gloves and shoe covers protect your grip and and prevent any slipping.
3. Performance- Staying dry means you can keep your focus and enhance your performance without any distractions.

Here are some top waterproof road bike gear recommendations.

After finding the best waterproof gear for you, maintaining and protecting it is the next crucial step. Looking after your waterproof clothing will help keep the lifespan, performance and lasting comfort of the item. There are multiple ways that the correct care will keep the life of your clothes such as maintaining it’s breathability and preserving the waterproofing. It is vital that the aftercare is sufficient or else your best gear will lose its effectiveness over time. Check out the full blog below on how exactly to look after your waterproof gear and what products to use.