Hiking | choosing hiking jacket: what is waterproof rating?

After the test, the following classifications can be defined:

2000mm - protect you from *general rainfall

5000mm - protect you from heavy rainfall

10000mm - protect you from rain storm. ( you may feel painful when rain hit on your face)

15000mm - High pressure water column

*General rainfall between 1500mm - 2000mm

Of course, for your own safety, please check the weather forecast before you leave. In case the weather forecast shows that the weather is going to turn bad, consider changing or canceling the trip. If you suddenly encounter unpredictable bad weather on the mountain, please return to a safe place as soon as possible.

We have seen that waterproofing represents the product's ability to resist the penetration of rain.


On the contrary, water-repellency is a fabric's ability to let water slide over its surface without seeping in. The water-repellent treatment is a treatment via coating which can be added to certain products: it can either be added to a jacket with a waterproof layer to improve it, or it can be added to a product which is not essentially waterproof. In the second case, it guarantees a temporary solution if you are caught out in the rain.
These products, such as the X-light padded jacket, are generally designed for a different function such as heat provision, and their water-repellency is just a "bonus", as they are not designed to protect you from the rain while hiking. A jacket which is only water repellent (and not waterproof) is only designed to ensure minimal protection, and it will be suitable for a "makeshift" use, so the best practice is check the waterproof rating on the label before you buy.
In the event of rain, consider putting on a 3rd waterproof layer. Owing to wear and tear, your jacket may lose its water-repellent property, so check out our recommendations on restoring it.