Waterproof Ratings Explained: Hydrostatic Head vs. Breathability Membranes in Jackets

Disclaimer: This guide is for information purposes only to help you choose the right items of kit for your fitness routine.

Firstly, of course, you have the hydrostatic head factor. When you are running in heavy rain for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a jacket that lets cold water seep into your clothes. Understanding water-column pressure tests means you get a coat that is spec'd out with the right fabric rating to not only block the heavy rain, but keep you dry on the move. That is a shield that is better than anything else.

Step by Step Starting Out

Secondly, naturally, there is the breathability membrane rating factor. If you are pushing your pace on the road for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is trap sweat inside your layers so that you feel damp. Checking the rating means you have a setup that is dialled in to not only let hot air escape from your body, but block the cold wind from the outside. That is a balance that keeps you running well today.

Thirdly, as you know, you have the sealed seam factor. When you are out on the bike in a storm, the last thing you want to do is buy a top that has holes from the stitching where the water gets inside. Finding taped seams means you get a garment that is kitted out completely to not only stop leaks at the weak points, but hold up to the pressure of the wet road. That is a detail that makes the whole ride easier.

Next, you also have the waterproof coating care factor. When you are washing your gear after a long run, the last thing you want to do is use harsh soap that strips the water layer right off the face of the fabric. Using a proper wash means you get a routine that is turnkey for your kit, which not only cleans the dirt away, but adds the water bounce back to the outer shell. That is a habit that saves you money over time.

How to Build this into my life

Now, of course, we have the daily routine factor. When you are trying to stick to a training plan in the winter, the last thing you want to do is look out at the rain and decide to skip your hard work. Having your waterproof running jackets ready by the door means you are spec'd out for the weather, which not only removes the doubt from your mind, but gets you out on the path. That is a system that keeps your fitness on track.

Then, quite clearly, there is the wet commute factor. When you are riding to work in the morning over a long distance, the last thing you want to do is arrive at the desk with soaked clothes that take hours to dry. Packing your cycling rain capes means you have a layer that is dialled in to not only cover your legs on the bike, but pack down small when the sun comes out again. That is a tool that is perfect for the job.

Next, to be sure, you have the base layer factor. When you are wearing a shell that has a high rating for water, the last thing you want to do is put a thick cotton shirt under it that holds all of your sweat. Choosing a thin synthetic top means you are kitted out with a system that not only moves the moisture away from your skin, but works with the jacket membrane to keep you warm. That is a match that feels right on the run.

Essential Kit

Firstly, in this section, you have the jacket fit factor. When you are buying a shell for your fast training sessions, the last thing you want to do is get a size that flaps around in the wind and slows your pace down. Getting a slim cut means you step into an item of kit that is turnkey for speed, which not only cuts through the breeze, but leaves just enough room for a warm layer. That is a fit that feels better than the rest.

Finally, for the kit, you have the road safety factor. When you are training in the dark on the wet streets, the last thing you want to do is wear dull colours that drivers do not see when the light is very low. Picking a bright colour means you have a jacket that is spec'd out with high visibility tech that not only catches the eye of the cars, but looks great when you are running. That is a choice that is smart for the road.

10 alternative items to try

1. When you are facing a heavy storm on the trail, the last thing you want to do is let your bare legs freeze in the cold wind. Adding Waterproof Running Trousers to your routine means you are kitted out to not only block the rain from your skin, but keep your muscles warm. That is a piece of kit that works very well.
2. When you are riding in the wet weather, the last thing you want to do is let the road spray soak into your shoes and freeze your toes. Adding Neoprene Overshoes to your routine means you get a cover that not only blocks the heavy rain, but traps the heat close to your feet. That is an option that makes winter miles much better.
3. When you are steering on a wet road, the last thing you want to do is lose your grip because your hands are numb from the cold rain. Adding Waterproof Cycling Gloves to your routine means you have protection that not only stops the water, but gives you full control of the brakes. That is an option that keeps you safe and warm.
4. When you are running in a downpour, the last thing you want to do is have water dripping into your eyes and ruining your view completely. Adding a Running Rain Cap to your routine means you get a brim that not only shields your face, but lets the sweat escape from your head. That is a piece of kit that is very handy.
5. When you step in deep puddles, the last thing you want to do is wear cotton socks that hold the water and cause bad blisters on your feet. Adding Merino Wool Socks to your routine means you have gear that not only stays warm when it is wet, but dries out fast on the move. That is an option that saves your feet every time.
6. When carrying your work clothes on the bike, the last thing you want to do is let the heavy rain soak through the zips and ruin your gear. Adding a Waterproof Backpack Cover to your routine means you use a shield that not only wraps tight around your bag, but adds bright colour for safety. That is a piece of kit that protects your items.
7. When running through wet grass and mud, the last thing you want to do is let the cold sludge seep through the mesh of your daily footwear. Adding Gore-Tex Trail Shoes to your routine means you have a base that not only blocks the water from the outside, but grips the slippery ground firmly. That is an option that gives you total foot confidence.
8. When splashing through the trails in winter, the last thing you want to do is let muddy water run down your bare legs into your clean shoes. Adding Waterproof Leg Gaiters to your routine means you get a seal that not only closes the gap at the ankle, but keeps the dirt far away. That is a piece of kit that is highly practical.
9. When you are riding in a downpour in town, the last thing you want to do is wear a tight jacket that does not cover your upper legs. Adding a Cycling Rain Cape to your routine means you throw on a layer that not only drapes over the bars, but keeps your whole body dry. That is an option that is perfect for the commute.
10. When trying to keep your jacket working well, the last thing you want to do is let the outer shell soak up water and become very heavy. Adding DWR Wash-In Treatment to your routine means you have a liquid that not only cleans the old mud off, but restores the water bounce perfectly. That is a piece of kit that extends the life.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy sticking to your routine and running your business, the last thing you want to do is spend hours posting on social media. Using an automated system called site2.uk (just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk) means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates all your social posting and marketing, but lets you control it all fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.