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VENTURE<br />
Equipment<br />
SHIELD<br />
Proof<br />
positive<br />
Waterproof jackets<br />
When shopping for a raincoat, there<br />
are two things you need to know: first,<br />
that all claims to be waterproof are<br />
not absolute but a sliding scale; and<br />
second, how you can discern that. <strong>The</strong><br />
recognised waterproofing standard is<br />
the Hydrostatic Head test (or HH), also<br />
called a water-column rating. A special<br />
cylinder is clamped on top of the fabric<br />
and water is gradually introduced into<br />
it, building pressure. <strong>The</strong> height of the<br />
column of water in millimetres when the<br />
liquid eventually penetrates the material<br />
provides the HH rating, and this can be<br />
used to calculate the fabric’s suitability<br />
for a specific activity (see chart, right).<br />
All the jackets here are detailed with<br />
their HH rating (where they have one).<br />
HYDROSTATIC<br />
HEAD GUIDE<br />
20,000mm+<br />
Good for heavy rain,<br />
backcountry skiing<br />
and mountaineering<br />
15,000mm+<br />
Moderate rain and<br />
snow activities<br />
10,000mm+<br />
General waterproofing<br />
for hiking and skiing<br />
Up to 10,0000mm<br />
Light protection for<br />
running and hiking<br />
Marmot’s EVODry<br />
jacket is coated in<br />
a PFC-free durable<br />
water repellent and<br />
has sealed seams<br />
to make it 100 per<br />
cent leakproof<br />
TIM KENT<br />
74 THE RED BULLETIN
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