Experienced travelers know that the secret to a successful RV trip is to embrace the experience, rain or shine. That means choosing the right outerwear and rainwear. The usual advice is “dress in layers,” but that isn’t all there is to know about the new science of “performance” fabrics.
The marketplace is filled with high-tech fabrics that were created, treated and assembled according to new ways. Science has taken a hand in our garments, awnings, lawn chairs, tarps and other essential RV textiles.
That makes them costlier but also more UV resistant, stronger, more waterproof or fireproof, more stainproof and probably easier to repair. Then it’s up to designers to make our activewear more comfortable, and that’s a tall order.
How to sort out all the trendy new terms? Let’s go to the industry to get the real story on standards for the materials and construction methods of outdoor fabrics. Cheap fabrics break down after a few wearings, or they leak, or they are so tight you’re sealed inside a sweat box. Even the best quality fabrics fail if the design, construction, or fit are all wrong.
When shopping for the ultimate rainwear, here are points to consider:
Slick advertising terms… or not
Forget slick advertising terms such as “moisture resistant”, “rain shedding” or “weatherproof”. The official industry terms are “Waterproof”, “Water Resistant” and “Water Repellant”. Industry standards determine the definition of each term. However, these standards vary by country of origin. They are based on factors including the weave plus how much pressure it takes to penetrate the surface over how much time. (Picture a lab testing a fabric in pounding rain and strong winds to see how much it leaks in one hour.) Read labels, not just for specs and warranties, but for whether the raincoat was imported, and from where.
Ratings on waterproof fabrics
Ratings on waterproof fabrics/garments range from 5,000 mm to 20,000 mm. That refers to the tightness of the weave. In most countries, true Waterproof ability starts at and above 5,000 mm. For withstanding heavy rain and lashing winds, you need a rating of 10,000 mm and above. Top-rated garments are 20,000 mm.
Rainwear garment design and construction
Do you want your rain jacket to look slim and stylish or should it be baggy enough to fit over a backpack and cameras? Does it allow freedom of motion for active sports such as fly casting, setting up camp or playing cornhole? Is it sufficiently vented to keep you dry inside? Does the hood fit snugly over your hair or hat?
Are seams and pockets well-sealed? Are they taped, heat-sealed or sewn? Can you tighten the fit at the neck, wrists and bottom? Are snaps, zippers, and Velcro easy to use, reliable and durable?
Sewing your own rainwear
If you’re buying fabrics, fasteners and findings to make waterproof gear, more research is needed. Using the wrong needle can leave holes where water can penetrate. The wrong thread soaks up water and rots. The wrong foot on the sewing machine refuses to feed slick fabrics. Get expert advice when working with waxed, oiled, rubberized, and plasticized fabrics, leather, Pleather or laminates (fabrics with a waterproof top and a soft underside). The good news is that a world of DIY fabrics is available for top performance and style.
Sample standards of waterproof ratings
Here are waterproof ratings according to a British company:
- 0 – 1,500 mm = Water resistant and snowproof in very light rain
- 1,500 mm – 5,000 mm = Waterproof in light to average rain
- 5,000 mm = Very waterproof in moderate to heavy rain
- 10,000 mm – 20,000 mm = Highly waterproof in heavy rain
Jackets with a rating of 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm are suitable for everyday use such as walking the dog, and are probably a good choice for walkers or hikers who aren’t likely to get caught out in heavy, sustained rain.
A rating of 5,000 mm to 10,000 mm is suitable for just about all weather conditions but make sure it’s also breathable. Jackets with a rating of 20,000 mm are suitable for extremely heavy rain. These jackets should come with a good ventilation system and multiple layers of fabric for more protection.
Layered Jackets
Two, two-and-a-half, and three-layer designs are available from outfitters. Extra layers provide both added protection to the wearer and to the waterproofing. A good choice for space-saving travel is a three-in-one design with removable linings. It’s also a plus to keep a lightweight parka in your day pack for unexpected emergencies.
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Very interesting, but WHERE do you find the “mm” rating of a fabric. I’ve certainly never seen it on the label of any piece of clothing I’ve purchased. Without that, this whole article is basically useless…
Somehow I get the feeling that the mm ratings are a fairly new thing.
You’re right, they are usually not on labels.However, if it says Waterproof or Water Resistant, it should comply with industry standards. That’s why you can’t learn much from ads that say “water shedding” or “rainproof”.
So, after reading DonH’s comment, wifey and I quickly hauled out all our “rain gear’ to look for this MM indicator of whether our stuff was weather ready. As an aside, we don’t play cornhole in the rain. Anyway, I have a 60/40 jacket I bought back in the late 70’s. It’s still water resistant. We checked four of our garments that we wear in wet weather. Nothing on any of the labels indicates any kind of MM ratings. Maybe in the UK? Interesting article but . . .
Same here. No MM ratings listed on anything I have looked at.
If the manufacturer put this on the label, it would be useless to the average person. Good waterproof clothing will be more expensive, but don’t be fooled with the price of designer stuff.
You also have to be careful of how and what you use to wash it.
I have a fabric motorcycle jacket that is waterproof. The instructions say to use NIK WAX TECH WASH and TX DIRECT. Don’t use regular laundry detergent or hot water. This jacket is over 15 years old and still repels water.
I’m 80 yrs young, so I grew up with mm referring to Mickey Mouse, I’m still trying to get understanding of mm being silly millimeters. Now you come out with mm having to do with water resistance, and unless I’m going blind nothing is said what this mm means. I have a few garments for rain protection and not one has a mm rating.
Thank you, Janet! I still have lots of techy running gear despite arthritis ending my running days. I have seen the terms the industry uses in advertising attached to the gear. My Gore-Tex stuff works the best but the newest of it is 30 years old. I’ll check our newest “water resistant” stuff manufactured by Port Authority. I think it is good gear, but maybe not. Thanks again for the discusdion and have a great 2024! 🙂