Water column of a raincoat: everything you need to know about waterproofing
Cycling in the rain requires rainwear that is waterproof and has the right water column. Whether you cycle to work every day or only put on a raincoat when there is a heavy downpour, the right clothing will keep you dry.
Read here to find out exactly what a water column means and discover which rainwear suits you best.
What does a water column mean?
When buying a raincoat, you often come across values such as 5,000 mm or even 20,000 mm. This number, expressed in millimeters, indicates the water column: the amount of water pressure the fabric can withstand before moisture penetrates it. The higher the value, the more waterproof the jacket is and the better it can withstand prolonged rain.
Measuring the water column
De waterkolomwaarde wordt bepaald met een laboratoriumtest waarbij een cilinder op de stof wordt geplaatst en geleidelijk met water wordt gevuld. Op het moment dat de eerste druppel door het materiaal heen sijpelt, wordt de waterhoogte gemeten. Dit gemeten niveau is de officiële waterkolom.
Which water column is right for you?
The water column indicates how long you will remain dry in the rain. The water column you require depends on how and when you use your rainwear. Do you only use your rain jacket during showers? Then a lower water column will suffice. Do you cycle fast or for long periods in inclement weather? Then you will need a rain jacket with a higher water column.
Category 1: Coating
A coated rain jacket has a water column of approximately 5,000 mm. This type of jacket is water-repellent but lacks a breathable membrane. As a result, it does not wick away heat and sweat as well and feels clammy more quickly during intensive use.
Category 2: < 5.000 mm
A water column below 5,000 mm is considered water-repellent. You will arrive home dry after a short, light rain shower.
Category 3: 5.000 - 10.000 mm
Whether you cycle to work for half an hour every day or walk through the city, a raincoat with a water column of 5,000 to 10,000 mm will keep you dry during unexpected rainfall.
Category 4: 10.000 - 20.000 mm
A water column of 10,000 mm to 20,000 mm represents high-quality waterproofing. This provides you with good protection against prolonged rain and severe weather conditions. Perfect for daily cyclists, speed pedelec users, and anyone who doesn't want to compromise on comfort and dryness.
Category 5: > 20.000 mm
With a water column higher than 20,000 mm, you are guaranteed to arrive home with dry clothing. This water column height can withstand high pressure, allowing you to brave heavy showers without worry.
Raincoat maintenance
To keep your raincoat waterproof for as long as possible, proper maintenance is essential. Use our DWR Spray-On or DWR Wash-In for this. Would you like to know more about maintaining your raincoat? Read our washing instructions here.
What else should you look out for?
The water column rating tells you something about the material of your rainwear, but how waterproof a jacket really is also depends on other factors. At AGU, we pay attention to details in our cycling clothing that make a difference when cycling in rain and wind:
Fit
A good fit ensures that you stay comfortable and dry. The back of the jacket is often slightly longer to protect your back while you are on the bike. Longer jackets have zippers on the side, giving you more freedom of movement while pedaling.
Sleeves
The sleeves are designed to be long enough when you are holding the handlebars. They can often be adjusted with Velcro or buttons for a perfect fit and better protection against rain.
Seams
Even waterproof fabrics can leak if the seams are not properly finished. Taped seams seal the stitching holes and keep rainwater out. All AGU rain jackets have fully taped seams in crucial areas to ensure optimal waterproofing.
Zippers
Our jackets have two types of zippers:
Waterproof zippers: fully taped and therefore completely waterproof.
Non-waterproof zippers: these zippers are not waterproof on their own, but are protected by flaps at the front or back, or both. There is a storm flap at the front and a back flap with a rain gutter at the back to prevent rain from entering the jacket.
AGU rainwear
AGU has the ideal waterproof rain jacket for every occasion. Now that you know which collection best suits your needs, you can make the right choice with confidence. In addition, each rain jacket has unique features that make it even easier and more comfortable to use.
The Essential
AGU Essential rain jackets are perfect if you like to be prepared at all times but don't want to walk around in a rain jacket all day. They are lightweight, easy to fold, and fit perfectly in your bag.
With an average water column of 5,000 mm, they offer reliable protection during unexpected rain showers, and extra-long sleeves at the front keep your arms well protected from the rain and wind.
Urban Outdoor
The AGU Commuter collection is specially designed for faster cyclists and intensive commuters. Thanks to the High Visibility details, you will also stand out on dark or rainy days. With a water column of 10,000 mm, you are well protected against rain and wind, and thanks to the extra flap on the zippers, even during longer rides or at high speeds.
The Commuter
The AGU Commuter collection is specially designed for faster cyclists and intensive commuters. Thanks to the High Visibility details, you will also stand out on dark or rainy days. With a water column of 10,000 mm, you are well protected against rain and wind, and thanks to the extra flap on the zippers, even during longer rides or at high speeds.
