The essentials of choosing technical gear
Imagine being out on the slopes under a fresh blanket of snow, or halfway through a hike when a sudden downpour hits. In those moments, your jacket is no longer just a fashion choice: it becomes your best ally for staying dry and keeping the adventure going. This is where the famous 10K, 15K, and 20K ratings really come into play.
These figures, prominently displayed on labels, are more than just marketing jargon. They represent real-world performance related to the garment’s waterproofing and breathability. Understanding them isn’t just for the pros; it’s about giving yourself the tools to choose the right gear without relying solely on a shop assistant’s opinion or a vague product description.
Depending on your activity, how often you head out, and the weather conditions you face, you will be able to determine what is sufficient (and what isn’t). That is the first step toward finding gear that is truly fit for purpose.
Waterproofing vs. Breathability: what’s the difference?
What is the Schmerber scale?
The Schmerber scale is a unit used to measure the waterproofing of a fabric, primarily found in technical clothing such as ski, snowboard, and hiking jackets. It indicates the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand before water starts to seep through.
1 Schmerber = 1 mm water column
A fabric rated at 10,000 Schmerber can resist the pressure equivalent to a 10,000 mm water column, or 10 metres of water.
Waterproofing Levels & Usage:
| Schmerber (mm | Waterproofing Level | Typical Usage Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 000 mm | Low to Moderate | Light rain, urban use |
| 5 000 – 10 000 mm | Good | Moderate rain, dry snow |
| 10 000 – 15 000 mm | Very Good | PHeavy rain, wet snow, active outdoor use |
| 15 000 mm et + | Excellent | Extreme conditions, professional/intensive use |
Waterproofing Ratings
The Schmerber index measures a fabric’s resistance to water pressure (10,000 mm = withstands a 10m water column). Select a level to learn more.
Urban Use (5,000 mm)
Ideal protection for short trips in light rain or drizzle. The fabric will saturate after more than 30 minutes of sustained exposure.
En somme, plus le chiffre est élevé, plus le tissu est imperméable. Mais attention, une haute imperméabilité doit souvent être équilibrée avec une bonne respirabilité pour éviter la condensation à l’intérieur du vêtement.
Qu’est-ce que la respirabilité (MVTR) ?
La respirabilité d’un vêtement technique fait référence à sa capacité à laisser s’échapper la vapeur d’eau générée par la transpiration, tout en bloquant l’humidité extérieure comme la pluie. Elle est cruciale pour rester au sec de l’intérieur lors d’activités physiques.
Le MVTR est l’indicateur technique le plus couramment utilisé pour mesurer cette respirabilité.
- MVTR signifie “taux de transmission de vapeur d’eau”.
- Il s’exprime en g/m²/24h : c’est la quantité de vapeur d’eau (en grammes) qu’un mètre carré de tissu peut laisser passer en 24 heures.
Exemples de niveaux de respirabilité (MVTR) :
| MVTR (g/m²/24h) | Breathability Level | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 000 | Low | UsaDaily use, low intensity |
| 5 000 – 10 000 | Medium | Moderate hiking, leisure skiing |
| 10 000 – 20 000 | Good | Snowboarding, mountaineering, active sports |
| +20 000 | Très Very good to excellent | Trail running, ski touring, high intensity |
Good breathability allows sweat to evaporate, preventing internal dampness and the subsequent chill, leading to better comfort and performance.
Deciphering the ratings: 10K, 15K, 20K and beyond
10K technical clothing
10K gear offers solid protection against moderate rain and light snow. With breathability usually ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 g/m²/24h, it is perfectly suited for medium-intensity activities. On the ski slopes, a 10K garment is ideal for your standard ride days. It withstands common snowfall and maintains stable comfort during mellow runs or technical learning. For light hiking or urban outings in uncertain weather, this level is more than sufficient. Its price-performance balance makes it a smart choice for occasional riders or those new to outdoor sports.
15K technical clothing
The 15K level represents the ideal compromise between performance and affordability. These garments withstand heavy precipitation and handle moderate to sustained effort without compromising your thermal comfort. Regular winter sports enthusiasts will find this is the “sweet spot.” Whether you are tackling technical descents or exploring accessible off-piste, this protection adapts to a wide range of weather conditions. The increased breathability, often exceeding 15,000 g/m²/24h, helps maintain a dry environment even during more intense efforts. This versatility makes it the benchmark gear for progressing in your sport without needing a complete kit overhaul.
20K technical clothing (and above)
Beyond 20K, you enter the realm of maximum protection. This gear defies storms and the harshest winter conditions while supporting exceptionally intense activities. Committed riders, freeriders, and backcountry explorers rely on this range for absolute reliability. When facing snow squalls, torrential downpours, or long days of exposure, only this level guarantees optimal safety. High breathability, often exceeding 20,000 g/m²/24h, effectively wicks away moisture even during sustained efforts in difficult conditions. This technical performance justifies the investment for the most demanding practitioners.
Other key factors of quality technical gear
- Taped Seams: A crucial element often overlooked. Without waterproofing at the stitch points, even the best fabric will let moisture in. Fully taped seams offer total protection, while critically taped seams focus on the most exposed areas (shoulders, hood).
- YKK Zips: These provide proven reliability. Their waterproof systems prevent leaks while remaining easy to use, even with thick gloves. This robustness prevents zip failure in the middle of the action.
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR): This treatment effectively complements the base waterproofing. It causes water to bead on the surface, preventing the outer fabric from becoming saturated. A high-performance DWR maintains breathability by stopping the fabric from getting “waterlogged.”
- Specialised Membranes: Technologies like DryFlight or Gore-Tex use advanced engineering. Each system develops its own innovations to optimise the waterproof-breathability ratio, offering targeted performance based on usage.
Choosing the right gear for your needs
Evaluate your activity and weather conditions
How often you head out largely determines the level of protection needed. An occasional skier will prefer versatile 10K gear, while an enthusiast out every weekend will invest in 15K or more to cover all situations. The intensity of your outings directly influences the need for breathability. Sustained efforts in ski touring, hardcore freeriding, or long sessions require much higher moisture wicking than mellow resort runs.
The 3-layer system
- Base Layer: Wicks moisture away from your skin. It is the foundation of your thermal comfort, keeping you dry so the upper layers can function correctly.
- Mid-Layer: Insulates and regulates body temperature. Depending on the conditions, it can be thin for high intensity or thicker for static activities or extreme cold.
- Outer Layer (Shell): With its 10K, 15K, or 20K ratings, it protects you from the elements. This technical shell completes the system by ensuring final waterproofing while letting internal moisture escape.
Technical Tip: This modular approach adapts to changes in weather and intensity. You adjust your protection by adding or removing layers rather than changing your entire outfit.
FAQ – Your questions about waterproof ratings
Should I always choose the highest rating possible?
No. The optimal rating depends on your activity. 20K gear is overkill for occasional skiing in fair weather, where 10K is perfectly fine. Choose based on your actual needs to get the best value for money.
How do I maintain my garment’s technical properties?
Wash with specialised technical detergents and regularly reactivate the DWR treatment with appropriate products. Avoid fabric softeners, as they clog the fabric’s pores and destroy breathability.
UIs 15K enough to replace 20K?
For most users, 15K effectively covers common needs. Only intensive use in extreme, professional, or “expedition” conditions truly justifies the jump to 20K and above.
Is breathability as important as waterproofing?
Absolutely. High waterproofing without adequate breathability creates major discomfort due to internal moisture buildup. The balance between these two properties determines your overall comfort.
