Water column tells you how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water penetrates it, but what exactly is a high water column, and what is a low one? What should a rain jacket have to withstand Norwegian weather? And when is a jacket waterproof?

Water Column

A jacket is not considered waterproof until it has a water column above 10,000. This is something all our jackets have. 

BRGN jackets have a water column between 10,000 and 20,000. 

A common misconception is that many believe rain jackets must be made of oilskin to be waterproof. Oilskin has a water column of 20,000, which is the same as most jackets we sell made of other types of fabric. So it is incorrect that only oilskin is waterproof.

The jacket can actually look like a completely normal jacket and still be waterproof!

 

How much can rainwear with a 20,000 water column withstand?

In short, you can hose down the jackets with a high-pressure washer and not get wet.
Bergen averages 231 rainy days a year, and our jackets are designed and tested in the city between the seven mountains. When the jackets are approved by Bergen residents, who live in Norway's wettest city, we can say with our hands on our hearts that the jackets can withstand a lot of rain. 

Is the water column the only important factor?

No, there are also other elements that should be present for the jackets to be waterproof. 

Seams are often a place where a lot of water can enter, but our jackets have taped seams which help make the jackets waterproof. 

Would you like to read more about the material and features of our products? 

CLICK HERE

Source on waterproofing and water column: https://www.nrk.no/livsstil/sjekk-vannsoylen-nar-du-kjoper-regntoy-1.14689576