{"id":11129,"date":"2025-10-28T12:26:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T12:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/?p=11129"},"modified":"2025-11-12T16:39:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T16:39:47","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-waterproofing-and-dwr-leisure-lakes-bikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/the-ultimate-guide-to-waterproofing-and-dwr-leisure-lakes-bikes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing and DWR: Leisure Lakes Bikes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Waterproofed clothing<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is Waterproofing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Waterproofing<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Waterproofing comes in two forms, below is them explained in a little more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durable Water Repellency (DWR)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DWR<\/strong> 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 <\/strong>a waterproof layer itself but it is a major part of waterproof clothing and lots of brands use it. Durable Water Repellency <\/strong>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coated Fabrics With Breathable Membranes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Examples of Waterproof Fabrics :<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GORE-TEX: Popular, high-performance fabric made from a PTFE membrane-waterproof and breathable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester and Nylon: Synthetic fabrics often used as a base material for waterproof clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pile\/Pertex:<\/strong> two-layer system that keeps you warm and dry by using body heat to manage moisture, perfect for colder temperatures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What do ratings mean?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/a><\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So how is waterproofing <\/strong>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waterproof Rating<\/td>Resistance Level<\/td>Use <\/td><\/tr>
0-5,000mm<\/td>Light rain<\/td>Casual wear and Windbreakers<\/td><\/tr>
5,000-10,000mm<\/td>Moderate rain<\/td>Light activities and daily use<\/td><\/tr>
10,000-20,000mm<\/td>Heavy rain<\/td>Mountain use and Skiing<\/td><\/tr>
20,000mm +<\/td>Extreme conditions<\/td>Mountain use, Alpine trails<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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

Breathability Rating<\/td>Comfort Level<\/td> Products<\/td><\/tr>
5,000g\/m2\/24hr<\/td>Poor<\/td>Heavy raincoats and plastic ponchos<\/td><\/tr>
5,000-10,000<\/td>Moderate<\/td>Everyday waterproof jackets<\/td><\/tr>
10,000-20,000<\/td>Good<\/td>Ski jackets, active wear<\/td><\/tr>
20,000 +<\/td>Excellent<\/td>High performance gear<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Moving away from Forever Chemicals<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Driven by mounting health and environmental concerns, it is a global effort to shift away from forever chemicals<\/strong> or PFAS. There has been increased consumer demand for safer products and the transition away from PFAS<\/strong> is underway across many sectors. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mountain Bike Waterproof Gear<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Performance- Staying dry will help you retain your focus and not get distraction from the fact your soaked !<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Here are some of the top Waterproof Mountain Bike Gear<\/a><\/strong> on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ultimate award winning performance MTB jacket . It has monster breathability and most importantly it’s waterproof. It’s protection level is 20,000 which as we know is perfect for heavy to extreme rain conditions. It has an excellent breathability level ensuring maximum comfort for when you hit the wet, muddy trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

     \u00a3249.99<\/s> \u00a3119.99<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    52% off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    shop now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Fox Ranger Water MTB Gloves<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Constructed with a DWR finish, shedding moisture and debris as you ride. They have 100% polyester waterproof top-hand fabric and an AXsuede fleece waterproof palm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u00a349.99<\/s> \u00a329.99<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    40% off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    shop now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Road Bike Waterproof Gear<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Having good waterproof gear when road biking is super important for lots of reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Performance- Staying dry means you can keep your focus and enhance your performance without any distractions. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Here are some top waterproof road bike gear<\/a><\/strong> recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Roam Men’s 2-Layer Waterproof Road Jacket<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Reliably waterproof with a rating of 10,000mm. It uses DWR coated fabric and has fully tapered seams. Perfect for protecting you against road spray and keeping you dry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

       \u00a3119.99<\/s> \u00a3107.99<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      10% off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Shop Road jackets<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Madison Stellar Reflective Waterproof Thermal Gloves <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Waterproof and windproof, these gloves offer maximum cold weather protection whilst keeping your hands dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

       \u00a339.99<\/s> \u00a335.99<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      10% off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      shop now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      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<\/a> below<\/strong> on how exactly to look after your waterproof gear and what products to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Aftercare Of Your Waterproof Gear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      Read Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":252,"featured_media":11159,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[874,878,879,873,670,877,875,876],"class_list":{"0":"post-11129","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-buyers-guides","8":"tag-dwr","9":"tag-mtb-waterproof-gear","10":"tag-road-bike-waterproof-gear","11":"tag-waterproof-clothing","12":"tag-waterproof-gear","13":"tag-waterproof-gloves","14":"tag-waterproof-jacket","15":"tag-waterproof-pants"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2025\/11\/enduraweb5-2.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"abbie","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/author\/abbie\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/252"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11129"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11376,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11129\/revisions\/11376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/llke\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}