SL100+ H Klein Warm anorak TRIBORD

What does a "waterproof" jacket mean? It's a fabric's resistance to water penetration. This is measured using an approved water pressure test. Since the average pressure of rainfall ranges from 1000 mm to 2000 mm, we consider a fabric to be waterproof from 2000 mm onwards. Our products are able to resist pressures ranging from 2000 to 10000 mm, making them extremely waterproof and suited to all weather conditions. Our 900 range products are specially designed to hold up under even the most extreme conditions.

What is a waterproofing test or "shower test"? Approved test where the garment is placed under a shower simulating different weather conditions. All our products are certified 100% waterproof (providing product care instructions are followed) having been tested for over 4 hours under a downpour of 100 L/hr/sqm to 450 L/hr/sqm. To put this into perspective, the highest recorded precipitation ever was in the USA in 1942, when 174 L/hr/sqm fell in 4.5 hours (NOAA). The average rainfall in Paris is 2 L/hr/sqm (www.Paris.fr).

What are sealed seams or strips? These are seams that are sealed (or taped) using thermally-sealed watertight strips. They are placed behind the seams and are essential to making the garment watertight as they prevent water from penetrating the fabric by capillary action (water penetration through absorption by the threads and/or stitching holes).CAUTION: Unlike all Tribord sailing jackets, some jackets have only a partial waterproof coating which very quickly reduces their waterproof abilities.

What is a waterproof and breathable HYDROPHILIC membrane? The membrane works in stages to wick away perspiration. Firstly, the fabric absorbs water vapour until it is saturated.Then, due to the difference in pressure between inside and outside the jacket, the fabric disperses the water vapour outwards. The main advantage of the hydrophilic membrane is that it does not contain pores; consequently, there is no need to constantly rinse the fabric to wash off any salt water crystals. Breathability therefore remains constant over time.

What is hydrolysis? Hydrolysis is a chemical process whereby a membrane or standard coating is broken down by salt present in sea water and sea spray. All Tribord membranes and coatings use a technology which halts hydrolysis, allowing the garments to retain their essential properties for long periods of time. The garments don't degrade and remain watertight and breathable for a long time.

What is water repellency? A quality achieved by applying a hydrophobic, water repellent treatment to a fabric. This process prevents water from sticking to the fabric's surface, thus limiting the latter's ability to absorb water. When movement is added to the equation, water glides over the fabric. This is characterised as water repellency. Thanks to its water repellent properties, water does not soak into the outer fabric; the jacket remains light and dries more quickly.

What is breathability and the RET index? A fabric's breathability is its ability to disperse water vapour produced by body (perspiration). It can be measured using the RET index (Resistance to Evaporative heat Transfer). The RET is a resistance index; the lower the number, the greater the breathability of the garment. RET between 6 and 12: very breathable; RET between 12 and 20: breathable; RET above 20: non breathable. Our products are very breathable, with a RET between 7.2 and 12.