When you invest your hard-earned cash in expensive outdoor gear, such as the best waterproof jackets, the best hiking boots or even the best walking trousers, one of the first things you will most likely look at is how waterproof the product claims to be. However, a good waterproof rating means nothing if the fabric isn't breathable. What's breathability, and what's a good breathability rating? Read on to find out.
The Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating (more on HH here: How to stay dry outdoors) of the materials used won’t tell you everything you need to know about how waterproof a garment genuinely is (it’s just as important to look at how well the seams have been sealed and how good the zips and other design elements are), but a crucial factor to weigh up alongside waterproofing credentials is how breathable the boots or jacket is.
