Waterproof vs. water-repellent

The differences explained simply

In the outdoor world, we often come across terms such as “waterproof” and “water-repellent”. But what exactly do they mean and how do they influence our choice of the right equipment?

Waterproof vs. water-repellent: the differences

Waterproof means that a material does not let water through, even in heavy or prolonged rain. This is often achieved with special membranes such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex, which prevent water from penetrating but also remain breathable.

Water-repellent describes materials that repel water to a certain extent, but do not completely prevent moisture from penetrating. They are ideal for light rain or brief contact with moisture, but do not offer lasting protection in the event of heavy rainfall.

The role of the water column

The water column is a measure of how much water pressure a material can withstand before water penetrates through the fibers. It is given in millimeters (mm). For example, a value of 8,000 mm means that the material can withstand a water pressure of 8 meters before the material / fabric starts to leak.

Graphical representation of the water column

According to the European standard, a material is considered waterproof from a water column of 1,300 mm. In Switzerland, however, waterproof only applies from 4,000 mm. High-quality outdoor clothing usually has significantly higher values in order to withstand extreme conditions.

Practical examples of the water column

To give you a better understanding of the water column values, here are some illustrative comparisons:

Water column	Example	Description
1,000 mm	Simple umbrella	European standard for waterproofness: light rain showers are kept out.
3,000 mm	Min. density recommended for outdoor tents	Withstands moderate rain showers, but could become permeable in prolonged rain.
4,000 mm	Bicycle bag	Swiss standard for waterproof: Withstands heavy rain, but high pressure (e.g. from sitting on a wet surface) can push water through.
10,000 mm	Rain jacket	Stays tight even in heavy continuous rain.
15,000 mm	Rain pants	Ideal for extreme weather conditions or intensive contact with water, e.g. when sitting on a wet surface.
28,000 mm	Gore-Tex membranes: high-performance rainwear for mountaineers and expeditions.	Withstands high water pressure and extreme weather conditions.
>45,000 mm	Sympatex membrane: Professional protective clothing for rescue services or industrial applications.	Absolutely waterproof, even under the most extreme conditions.

Application in practice

For longer rides in changeable weather, it is advisable to wear waterproof clothing with a high water column to stay dry and comfortable.

Our POLLUX e-bike protective jacket has a water column of 8,000 mm and therefore offers reliable protection against rain and wet conditions. It combines waterproofness with breathability so that you are optimally protected even in adverse weather conditions. In addition, the safety padding on the back, shoulders and elbows provides proven protection in the event of a fall.

More about the product

AureusDrive wishes everyone a dry journey!

If you would like to delve deeper into the world of e-bikes, we recommend that you explore our other blog posts. There you will find exciting tests, detailed product reviews and helpful tips that will help you to be optimally equipped for every situation.

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