Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Waterproof & Breathable Jacket

When facing unpredictable weather, a jacket that balances waterproofing and breathability is essential for outdoor enthusiasts. But with endless technical terms like "hydrostatic head" and "moisture-wicking membrane," How do you choose? This guide breaks down the science behind waterproof-breathable jackets, shares expert tips for selection, and highlights TOREAD’s cutting-edge solutions to keep you dry and comfortable.

Part 1: Understanding Waterproof vs. Breathable

1. Waterproofing

   bestlink are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

   • Key Metric: Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating (e.g., 10,000mm). Higher HH = better resistance to water pressure.
   • Limitation: Pure waterproof materials (e.g., rubber) trap sweat, leading to condensation inside.

2. Breathability

   • Science: Membranes (e.g., GORE-TEX) use tiny pores to block water droplets while allowing vapor (sweat) to escape.
   • Metric: Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). Higher MVTR = faster sweat evaporation.

Why Balance Matters:
A jacket that’s fully waterproof but lacks breathability will leave you drenched in sweat during hikes. Conversely, overly breathable jackets may fail in heavy rain.

Part 2: Key Features to Look For

1. Waterproof Rating

   • Daily Use: 5,000–10,000mm HH (light rain to moderate downpours).
   • Extreme Conditions: 20,000mm+ HH (mountaineering, alpine expeditions).

2. Breathable Membranes

   • GORE-TEX Pro: Best for high-intensity activities; 3x more breathable than standard GORE-TEX.
   • Event™ Technology: Uses eVent® membrane for rapid airflow (ideal for hot climates).

3. Construction Details

   • Sealed Seams: Look for taped or welded seams to prevent water ingress.
   • Articulated Design: Roomy cut for layering without restricting movement.
   • Adjustable Features: Inner cuffs, storm flaps, and adjustable hoods to block wind/driving rain.

4. Weight & Packability

   • Ultralight Options: Membrane-lined softshells (e.g., TOREAD WindStopper Nano) for layering under hard shells.

Part 3: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Myth: "Higher waterproof rating = better performance."
  Reality: Excessive waterproofing often sacrifices breathability. Prioritize MVTR in active use.
• Neglecting Layering: A waterproof jacket alone won’t suffice. Pair with moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers.
• Ignoring Maintenance: Dirt and oils clog membrane pores. Clean jackets regularly with specialized detergents (e.g., Nikwax).

Part 4: TOREAD’s Waterproof-Breathable Jacket Lineup

Upgrade your gear with TOREAD’s innovative technologies:

1. TOREAD HydroShell Pro Jacket

   • Tech: 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro membrane + Thermatek Pro insulation.
   • Performance: 20,000mm HH, 8,000g MVTR. Ideal for alpine climbing or multi-day hikes.
   • Features: Pit zips, storm hood, and recycled nylon shell.

2. TOREAD Thermoball Windbreaker

   • Tech: Waterproof softshell with Thermoball™ synthetic insulation.
   • Performance: 10,000mm HH, 5,000g MVTR. Perfect for running or urban commuting.
   • Features: Wind-resistant front panel, thumbhole cuffs, and zippered chest pocket.

3. TOREAD HydroLite GTX

   • Tech: GORE-TEX Paclite® ultra-light membrane (no inner lining).
   • Performance: 15,000mm HH, 7,000g MVTR. Weight: 350g (men’s M).
   • Features: Stowaway hood, zippered pockets, and recycled polyester.

4. Care Solutions

   • TOREAD Wash Kit: Includes waterproof detergent and DWR reviver to restore fabric performance.

Final Checklist for Jacket Selection

 Match waterproof rating to your activity intensity.

 Check for taped seams and adjustable storm features.

 Prioritize MVTR if you sweat heavily during use.

 Pair with TOREAD Tech Wash for long-term durability.

Say goodbye to 1F Slater’s Felts, breathable roof membranes are the gold standard for new builds and re-roofing projects. In fact, this durable, waterproof membrane offers a number of advantages over traditional roofing felts.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Waterproof Breathable Membrane(de,ru,fr).

Breathable Roofing Felts

As the name suggests, these membranes let your roof breathe. They work in much the same way as a Gortex jacket, allowing moisture from inside the roof to escape while protecting the building from the weather.

Performance is tested across three key areas:

Resistance to Water Vapour: This is a measure of how quickly a breathable membrane allows moisture to escape. A low-resistant membrane will have a vapour resistance of 0.25MNs/g or less. The lower the number, the quicker the waterproof breathable membrane lets water vapour disperse.

Water Vapour Permeability: The higher the value, the better for this one, which measures how much moisture leaves through the waterproof breathable membrane every 24 hours.

Water Tightness: Breathable felt has a very important job to do – it must channel water into your gutters. This means the top layer of the felt needs to be watertight. All membranes must pass this test to achieve a British Board Agreement (BBA) certification.

Are Breathable Roof Membranes Waterproof?

Breathable roofing felt is completely waterproof. It is also guaranteed to last the lifetime of your roof, prevent condensation, and allow air to circulate.

The Best Roofing Underlayment for Your Project

Breathable roofing felts must be durable, breathable, strong, flexible, and waterproof. No one material can hit all of these points perfectly, so manufacturers target their products to particular strengths.

As such, choosing the right breathable roof membrane for your project depends on a number of factors. The location of the roof, its pitch, baton gauge, and the tile used are all important considerations, and the best breathable roof membrane for one project may be poorly suited to another.

The good news is that we don’t have to take a stab in the dark when it comes to selecting the right waterproof membrane. The BBA carry out independent tests on most UK manufactured membranes, and their certificate will help you identify which waterproof breathable membrane products meet your needs.

Extended Exposure

If your membrane is likely to be exposed to the elements before the tiles are fitted, then you need to choose a product that can handle it. Cromar Vent 3 Light Breathable Felt is not as durable as some of the heavier weight membranes, but it is UV stable for up to three months, making it the perfect choice for more moderate climates. If your project is in a windier area, consider the Cromar Vent 3 Classic, which has all the benefits of the lighter membrane with a higher tensile strength.

Unventilated Roofs

An unventilated roof can reduce heat loss by as much as 25% and will save time on-site, since there is no call for eaves and ridge ventilation. However, this does increase the risk of condensation forming in the roof space and means a membrane with a high water vapour permeability is essential. Klober Permo Air is the most breathable felt on the market and is the perfect choice for unventilated roof spaces or climates where condensation is likely to be a problem.

Nationwide Applications

High-performance products such as Cromar Vent 3 High Performance Felt and Redland Spritech 400 2S are suitable for nationwide applications. These strong, wind tight membranes can be used with almost all baton gauges and will protect the roof in even the most extreme weather conditions.

How Much Breathable Membrane Do I Need?

Estimating breathable roofing felt quantities can be tricky. A roofing calculator will give you a good idea of the size of your roof, which is the obvious starting point for calculating how much waterproof breathable membrane you need. Don’t forget to double check the baton garage on your roof; you’ll need to factor a 10mm drape between each baton into your calculations.

Roof pitch is another important consideration since it will determine how big the membrane lap needs to be. As a general guide, pitches under 14 degrees should have a lap of 150mm, while those over 15 degrees usually require a lap of 100mm. If your roof pitch is over 35 degrees, you may be able to reduce the lap to 75mm. Always check the manufacturer recommendations before purchasing your membrane.

Breathable roofing felt is typically priced by square meter, with rolls available in standard 50 meter lengths. At 1 meter wide, this equals 50 square meters of membrane. Some manufacturers also provide a second width of 1.5 meters, which gives a total of 75 meters squared.

Breathable Roofing Membrane Prices

Breathable roofing felt prices vary widely depending on their properties, and might range from as little as £0.54 per square meter (Cromar Vent 3 Light) right up to £3.30 per square meter for more specialist products like Klober Permo Air. If you’re still working out the finer details of your project, a budget of around £2 per square meter is a good starting point.

The Best Breathable Roof Membrane

Breathable roof membranes offer a host of advantages over traditional felt and far more choice when it comes to performance and suitability. By understanding the specific needs of your project, you can ensure you select the best breathable roof membrane for your roof.

The company is the world’s best Pipe Insulation Jacket supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

How is breathable felt installed?