The water resistance level
We measure a fabric’s resistance to water pressure in mm of water column (JIS standard). The higher the water pressure withstood by the fabric, the more waterproof it is.
Here are the waterproofing ratings:
Component resistant to water pressure of 5,000 mm after ageing (5 washes). Equates to 15,000 Schmerber(JIS standard), which is the average pressure applied by the water in a shower.
The anorak’s waterproofness was tested in a rain shower with 60 litres of water/m²/hour for 2 hours.
The jacket’s uniqueness
Compared with our 100 jacket, the 500 jacket:
- more waterproof (15,000 Schmerbers) and stretchy fabric
- rip-tab wrist fastening
- hood that stows in the collar and can be adjusted in depth
- additional outside breast pocket
Details below
Component Breathability
To find out whether a fabric is breathable, we test its evaporate resistance or RET (ISO 11092 standard). The lower the fabric’s resistance, the more moisture is evaporated, and therefore the higher the fabric’s breathability.
We consider that if:
RET < 9 = very breathable fabric
9 < RET < 12 = breathable fabric.
The 500 vest’s RET is 12.
Collar and hood
The hood can be stored in the collar. The collar is then fastened with plastic press studs to prevent oxidation by salt.
Depth and height-adjustable hood: adjustable at the back of hood and on the collar.
The chin-high neck effectively protects the lower part of the face. Collar height (back): 9 cm.
Sleeve cuffs
The end of the sleeve is adjustable with a rip-tab. It lets you adjust the sleeve to your arm length, but also stops air and water coming in.
To remove the jacket more easily, fully open the rip-tab.
Front zip closure
Using a zip on the entire jacket length with an interior channel (flap) that protects against the wind and water.
Soft fabric flap on the top of the collar to protect the chin.
Pockets
2 pockets on the front of the jacket, for your VHF, sail tie, cap, etc. Injection-moulded plastic zip to prevent salt oxidation
1 inside chest pocket on the left side to store your phone or other items, fastened with a zip
1 inside chest pocket on the right side fastened by hook and loop
The pockets are not waterproof!
Water-repellent properties information
A fabric is water-repellent when water slides off the surface of the fabric, without seeping in.
Your jacket does not become waterlogged and remains lightweight and breathable. The water-repellent properties are achieved with a treatment applied to the external side of the fabric, but in practice these properties can be altered.
How to wash your jacket?
You can wash your jacket on a synthetic cycle at 30° or 40°C with your usual detergent. Do not use fabric conditioner, which could damage the existing performance of the garment, or bleach.
Also take care not to bend your jacket too much when you place it in the washing machine and do not overload your machine.
Very important: select a thorough rinse or double rinse to completely remove all detergent residue.
How to reactivate the jacket’s water repellency
Drying is a crucial phase in reactivating the water repellent treatment.
We recommend that you lay your jacket flat on a clothes rack and leave it out to dry in the open. Caution: never dry your jacket directly on a radiator.
Then place them in the tumble dryer on a short synthetics cycle, i.e. 10 to 15 minutes, before turning it back the right way round. Caution: do not over-dry the garment.
