How to understand fabric types and waterproof ratings

I wrote briefly on this several years ago in response to a lot of people asking how to backpack in the rain (spoiler: you will get wet). You can check it out… it gives an overview of DWR, CFM, waterproof ratings and how it’s measured, and my own personal system of using water *resistant* lightweight shells over minimal wicking baselayers.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00316#.VCS9CEtg5nE

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html#.VCS9KUtg5nE

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/search.html?q=how+to+stay+dry&x=-1130&y=-92

Thanks guys I will read over these. I remember reading somebody was lab testing fabrics I would love to know who that was.

OUTERWEAR 101
OUTERWEAR 201

If you're looking for maximum breathability and rain protection at the same time, look for a poncho that uses a WPB fabric of some kind. It doesn't have to be really expensive stuff either. By nature, ponchos tend to be fairly breathable even with completely non breathable material being used, but use a breathable material, well it's a really nice combo.

If you're looking for very good breathablity with not quite as good rain protection, look at Paramo, Furtech and other similar systems. Most of it is pretty expensive unless you engineer your own versions (not that hard, especially if you MYOG).

Then come the NeoShell and eVent stuff, which is $$$, less breathable and likely won't last as long as the just above, and roughly equal in longevity to the first depending on the type of WPB material you are using for the poncho.

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/breathability-its-importance-mechanisms-and-limitations/

;)

I'm good on gear I just want to understand what everything means when I read descriptions of fabrics and treatments to fabrics or the differences in breath ability vs waterproof ability. Thanks for the links when I have time I am going to pour over them.

Heath,
It is Richard Nisley.
You can find lots of info on his posts on this and the MYOG forum.

I think Prolite Gear has done a really good job with their line of review and test videos. Not necessarily as technical as Richard's explanations but it's another resource:

http://www.prolitegear.com/videos.html