The water column measures the waterproofness of a fabric. Imagine you have a square tube (30 mm x 30 mm) that you put on a piece of fabric. Now you slowly fill it with water. The height of the water in the tube represents the pressure that the fabric can withstand before water penetrates. If this pressure is measured in millimeters, it is called the water column. For our Belowzero jackets and pants, this value is 20,000 mm - or 20K. This means that 20,000 mm of water could press on the fabric before moisture penetrates.
COMPARISON TO CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTS:
Jackets and pants with a water column of 5,000 mm or less are designed for light rain and short periods of time outdoors. A water column of 10,000 mm is enough for the average athlete in slightly changing weather conditions. But if you are out all day or expect extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or wet snow, you need a high water column of 20,000 mm. This is what our Belowzero collection offers you.
An example
Imagine standing in heavy rain and your fabric is gradually subjected to pressure as if it were a test. With a water column of 20K, you can be sure that even if it snows or rains for hours, no water will penetrate your jacket. Your skin will stay dry, even during strenuous activities or wet snow on the slopes.
But waterproofness alone is not enough - after all, you don't just want to stay dry on the outside, but also on the inside. When you move, your body produces moisture that needs to escape so that you don't get damp on the inside. This is where breathability comes into play. It describes how much water vapor (sweat) the fabric can release to the outside per square meter and day. For our Belowzero jackets, this value is also 20,000 g/m²/24h (20K), which means that the fabric transports away 20,000 grams of water vapor per square meter within a day.
Why is this important?
Especially when skiing or doing outdoor activities, your body produces more heat and moisture. If this moisture cannot escape, you will get cold because wet clothing lowers your body temperature. Thanks to the high breathability of our jackets, your body stays comfortably dry, even when you are moving intensively.
AN EXAMPLE:
A skier can produce about 1 litre of sweat per hour during intense skiing. If your jacket has a breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h and covers a surface area of about 2 m², it can theoretically wick away up to 40 litres of sweat in 24 hours - that's about 1.67 litres per hour. In other words, even during intense activity, your body stays dry because the sweat is efficiently wicked away through the material.
This high breathability value is also an advantage in everyday life. Whether you have a hard day at work, are out in changeable weather or are cycling to work - your Belowzero jacket ensures that you don't sweat and that moisture doesn't build up.
Even the highest quality ski clothing loses its water-repellent properties over time - especially if it is subjected to heavy use. But don't worry: with the right care, you can maintain the waterproofness and breathability of your jackets.
1. Regular washing
Contrary to popular belief, it is important to wash your ski jacket regularly. Dirt particles settle on the surface and can block the breathable membrane or weaken the water-repellent coating. Always follow the care instructions on the label of your jacket and use a special detergent for functional clothing
2. Renewing the DWR coating
Every Belowzero ski jacket is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. This ensures that water beads off in drops instead of penetrating the fabric. If you notice that the water is no longer beading off, it is time to refresh the DWR layer. You can do this with special waterproofing agents that you apply after washing.
3. Gentle drying
Always let your jacket air dry or use the dryer at a low temperature to reactivate the waterproofing. Avoid strong heat to avoid affecting the functionality of the membrane
Our ski jackets are not only ideal for winter sports, but also for everyday wear. Here are some of our top products that will support you both on the slopes and on your daily adventures:
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our conclusion
The water column and breathability of your jacket are two of the most important factors in protecting you from moisture and ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable while you move. With a water column of 20K and a breathability of 20K, Belowzero offers you the optimal balance of protection and comfort - whether on the ski slopes or in everyday life. And with the right care, you can ensure that your jacket will last you for many years.
For a deeper insight into our collection and choosing the right products, check out our product selection .
