SealSkinz are Waterproof and breathable - Why both ?

Elemental protective outerwear needs to be both waterproof AND breathable. A totally waterpoof but non-breathable garment would be very uncomfortable to wear, as perspiration would have no means of escaping, thus condensing on the inside of the garment, leaving the wearer 'wet from within' and feeling cold.

Conversely a very breathable but non-waterproof garment would be so open, allowing air, and perspiration to pass freely through, that it would offer little protection from the elements (e.g. canvas tents let water through if you lean against them!)

SealSkinz 100% Waterproof Testing …

Every single SealSkinz product is tested before it leaves the factory. The sock or glove is mounted onto a machine which subjects it to water pressure. If any product leaks, the item is rejected and diced. Every SealSkinz product is therefore guaranteed to be 100% waterproof. The waterproof film used by Sealskinz can withstand 10psi of hydrostatic head pressure, the equivalent of a column of water 700cm high standing on the fabric surface. This is 7 times the level required to meet European Standards for waterproof clothing.

Breathability is measured by a water vapour permeability index in accordance with BS 3424: Part 34: 1992 Method 37. In this test, pieces of laminated fabric cover a small cup holding a measured mass of water, then the cup is allowed to stand in a controlled climate for several hours. At the end of the test, the cup is re-weighed to determine how much moisture from within the cup has evaporated and been expelled through the sample fabric. A water vapour permeability (WVP) rating is then determined by comparison to a standard fabric given the same treatment.

All SealSkinz Products including our Mid light, Long light, Mid thermal and the SealSkinz Gloves all have a water vapour permeability index of 50-60% when measured in accordance with BS 3424: Part 34: 1992 Method 37.