What is waterproof?
WHAT DO WATERPROOF RATING NUMBERS MEAN?
The first number is waterproof, the second is breathability. The bottom line is simple - the higher the rating, the more waterproof, and the more breathable the jacket or garment is. 5k being the lowest, 20k+ being the highest, this scale will help you make a decision on what rating best suits YOU.
HOW IMPORTANT IS BREATHABILITY IN A WATERPROOF JACKET?
It represents how much water vapor can move through one square meter of fabric, from inside to out, in a 24-hour period. Jackets between 10K and 15K are well-suited for anglers/hunters who are commonly spending more time in their jacket.
THE TRUTH BEHIND “WATERPROOF” JACKETS
Very few jackets are actually completely waterproof, even though we refer to the category as “waterproof jackets”. More accurately, these garments should be called water-resistant. Both water resistance and breathability are key indicators of how well a jacket will work and how comfortable you’ll be in it, especially for active anglers / hunters. Knowing what you plan to venture into this winter will help build your arsenal and always be ready for whatever nature throws your way.
If you spend a good amount of your time in big water locations or plan to take heavy spray, Rubber / Poly Urethane is the ONLY FABRIC that is completely waterproof, and may be the ideal garment for hazardous conditions or heavy sea / freshwater spray, but who wants to spend all day in a rubber suit? This is why water resistant jackets exist.
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THE PROMINENT JACKET?
Our jacket is on the higher end of water resistance at 10,000 mm, which is almost double the 2017-2018 Eminent jacket. Plus a 10,000gm breathability rating making it very easy to keep the jacket on your back almost all day. Also battles the cold and wind with ease. LV Tested and Approved.
WHERE DOES THE JACKET RANK ON THE WATERPROOF SCALE?
0-5k mm RATING
No resistance to some resistance to moisture.
CONDITIONS: Light rain, dry snow, no pressure.
6-9k mm RATING
Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure.
CONDITIONS: Light rain, average snow, light pressure.
10-15k mm RATING
Rainproof and waterproof under medium pressure.
CONDITIONS: Moderate rain, average snow, medium pressure.
16-20k+ mm RATING
Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure.
CONDITIONS: Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure. Think Pacific North West.
DWR COATINGAND MAINTENANCE
DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. This is the material used to treat fabrics to become water resistant, causing water to bead-up and roll off the fabric. It is affected by abrasion, body dirt and body oils.
Maintain your DWR layer regularly by washing your rain garments and reapplying a DWR conditioner like ReviveX Spray-on Water Repellent to restore it, but it doesn’t change the fact that the DWR coating will rub off quickly, particularly on your shoulders where your backpack shoulder straps rub it off. Wash guide will be released on 11/29 along with the jacket.
OUTERWEAR TIPS FROMTHE LV TEAM
The key to rain gear is making sure you have individual pieces that can handle all types of changing conditions. We have enjoyed testing this piece in various conditions and stand behind it’s performance. Overall, This jacket should be a great tool in your arsenal, not the entire tool box.
Having a great arsenal of outerwear is truly key to extending your sessions this upcoming winter. See below for a list of common outerwear our LV team consistently uses during the colder months and various conditions that may appear: Thermal layers - LS Tee / Bottoms - All Conditions 10oz Hooded Sweatshirt - Cold / Wind / No rain Prominent Jacket - Mod. Rain / Cold / Wind PU/Rubber Raincoat - Downpour / Heavy Spray Xtra Tuff Rubber Boots - All Conditions Warm thick socks - All Conditions