5.11_Spring_Summer_catalog_2021

OUTERWEAR
WHAT THE “L”?
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FABRICS - TECHNOLOGY & TERMINOLOGY
SOLID RATINGS
When you see features like 10K/10K noted on a piece of outerwear, we’re
not talking about social media followers but instead the waterproof
breathable performance of the garment. The first number represents
how much pressure is required to force water through the membrane, the
higher the better. The second number represents how much moisture
the membrane can transport away from your skin to be evaporated, the
higher the better.
15-20K
10-15K
5-10K
SHELL FABRIC
ESCAPING
WATER
VAPOR
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
WATERPROOF RATINGS
BLOCKED
WATER
MOLECULES
1K
5K
10K
15K
20K
1K: Rain resistant however briefly. Common rating for a
garment with only a DWR coating.
5K: Can be called rainproof, but will not perform in extended
periods of time or heavy downpours
10-15K: Will stand up to serious extended rain and heavy sleet/
snow
20K+: Monsoon-ready
FIG 1
When you see 2L, 2.5L and 3L called out as a
feature, here’s what it means...
2L
2 layered construction where a waterproof breathable membrane is
laminated to the backside (interior-facing) of the shell fabric.
2.5L
PRINTED
LAYER
3L
SHELL FABRIC
FIG 2
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
2.5L = 2 layered construction as above plus a printed layer on the
backside (the next-to-skin, interior-facing) of the fabric for the wearer’s
comfort.
SHELL FABRIC
FIG 3
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
3 layered construction where the waterproof breathable membrane layer
is laminated between the shell fabric and backer fabric. The backer
fabric protects the membrane from wear and tear. This creates a more
durable garment with lasting waterproof properties.
SHELL FABRIC
FIG 4
DWR = DURABLE WATER REPELLENT COATING
This polymer spray is applied to the outer layer of the garment. The
polymer bonds to the fabric and causes water to bead up and roll off.
Suitable for very
light rain or dry
WATER DROPS
snow. DWR may
be applied to
2L, 2.5L and 3L
DWR POLYMER
garments for a
higher level of
FIG 5
SHELL FABRIC
water repellency.
SEAM TAPING
In combination with the laminated fabric construction noted above, you
will also see different taping methods called out. Seam taping is exactly
what it sounds like, waterproof tape is applied over the construction
seams to create a waterproof seal.
SHELL FABRIC
STITCHING
TYPES OF TAPING:
WATERPROOF
TAPE
FIG 6
WP/B
MEMBRANE
Critically Taped: Taping applied to seams with the highest exposure
to rain like the shoulders, neckline and armhole.
Fully Taped: All seams are taped. Standard construction for
garments with high waterproof ratings. Essential for garments
designed for bad weather conditions.
THE GATEKEEPER
How does this keep you dry and comfortable? Like a gatekeeper,
waterproof breathable membranes block water molecules (rain) from
passing through yet allow water vapor (sweat) to escape.
This keeps you dry from the outside elements and comfortable by
allowing your own body heat to transport vapor away from your skin
through the membrane to be evaporated into the air.
BLOCKED WATER
MOLECULES
SHELL FABRIC
ESCAPING
WATER VAPOR
FIG 7
WP/B
MEMBRANE
BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN RESISTANT
In addition to preventing water from passing through, our
membranes also prevent blood borne pathogens from
passing through. Our BBP garments are tested according
to ASTM-f-1671.
Learn more at www.511Tactical.com/disclaimers.
BREATHABLE RATINGS
5-10K: Comfortable for mild activity
10-15K: Comfortable for most activity
15-20K: Extended physical activity
BACKER FABRIC
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
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