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Snowsports Guide to Waterproofing and Breathability
The performance of winter equipment depends primarily on the quality of the membrane. It determines how well the jacket or pants resist moisture and how efficiently they remove perspiration during exertion. For skiing and snowboarding, the membrane is essential for comfort, warmth, protection and thermal stability in all conditions. Snowsports customers can understand what to choose much more easily when they know the differences between 10K, 15K, 20K and Gore-Tex, as well as how premium brands such as Jones, Armada and Protest use these technologies.
What Does Waterproofing Mean in Winter Equipment?
Waterproofing is expressed in millimetres of water column (mm). The higher the value, the better the material resists contact with snow, moisture, freezing rain or mechanical pressure. Common values are 10,000 mm, 15,000 mm and 20,000 mm. For example, 10K means the material withstands a 10,000 mm water column before allowing water to penetrate. 20K means twice the resistance. This rating indicates how the jacket or pants perform in heavy snowfall, wet snow, strong winds or when the user falls, sits on the snow or spends a long time in a wet environment.
What Does Membrane Breathability Mean?
Breathability is expressed in g/m²/24h and shows how much vapour the material can release in one day. The higher the breathability, the drier your body stays inside, even during intense exertion. If a jacket is waterproof but does not breathe, perspiration makes the inside damp, leading to rapid cooling, discomfort and heat loss. For active users, breathability is just as important as waterproofing.
How Do You Choose the Right Membrane for Your Type of Use?
Occasional users can choose 10K, which is sufficient on days with stable weather. Those who spend a long time on the slopes or engage in intense activities should choose 15K. For advanced users or difficult conditions, 20K or Gore-Tex is the ideal choice. Freeride, off-piste skiing and touring require premium 3L membranes for maximum protection.
10K Membrane – Basic Protection for Occasional Users
A 10K membrane is suitable for those who visit the slopes occasionally, in stable conditions or on days without intense moisture. It offers good protection in moderate snowfall and comfort for those who do not spend a long time in the mountains. It is the most affordable option. It may become insufficient in heavy snowfall, wet snow or long, dynamic skiing or snowboarding sessions.
Example jacket:
Protest Men’s PRTLado Aspen Green 10K Jacket
15K Membrane – The Optimal Level for Regular Use and Variable Conditions
A 15K membrane offers significantly improved protection compared with 10K. It is recommended for users who ski or snowboard regularly, spend many hours on the slopes and encounter changing conditions. It offers superior breathability, better thermal stability and effective protection in heavier snowfall, wind and low temperatures. It is ideal for all-mountain use.
Example jacket:
Armada Men’s Popover Gansett 2L Ins Indigo Olive 15K Jacket
A 15K membrane offers significantly improved protection compared with 10K. It is recommended for users who ski or snowboard regularly, spend many hours on the slopes and encounter changing conditions. It offers superior breathability, better thermal stability and effective protection in heavier snowfall, wind and low temperatures. It is ideal for all-mountain use.
Example jacket:
Armada Men’s Popover Gansett 2L Ins Indigo Olive 15K Jacket
Geaca Armada Barbati Anorak Wetherill 2L Ins Indigo Olive 15K
Geaca Armada Barbati Popover Gansett 2L Ins Indigo Olive 15K
20K Membrane – Advanced Protection for Experienced Users
A 20K membrane offers a high level of waterproofing and breathability. It is recommended for freeride, touring and backcountry users, or those who spend the entire day in the mountains in difficult conditions. It performs excellently in wet snow, heavy snowfall and under strong pressure. It is the ideal solution for users who demand real performance from their equipment.
Example jacket:
Protest Men’s PRTThrow Aspen Green 20K Jacket
A 20K membrane offers a high level of waterproofing and breathability. It is recommended for freeride, touring and backcountry users, or those who spend the entire day in the mountains in difficult conditions. It performs excellently in wet snow, heavy snowfall and under strong pressure. It is the ideal solution for users who demand real performance from their equipment.
Example jacket:
Protest Men’s PRTThrow Aspen Green 20K Jacket
30K Membrane – Extreme Protection for Severe Alpine Conditions
A 30K membrane offers exceptional waterproofing and breathability, intended for advanced users and experts who spend a long time in demanding alpine environments. It is ideal for aggressive freeride, splitboarding, mountaineering and backcountry, where weather conditions can quickly become extreme. It withstands heavy snowfall, wet snow, strong wind and high pressure without compromise, maintaining comfort throughout the day. It is the perfect choice for those who demand top performance and absolute reliability from their equipment.
Example jacket:
Jones Men’s Shralpinist Rec Pacific Teal 30K Jacket
Geaca Jones Barbati Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Dawn Blue 30K
Geaca Jones Barbati Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Sunrise Gold 30K
Gore-Tex and 3-Layer Membranes – The Premium Standard in Winter Sports
Gore-Tex is the most advanced membrane used in technical equipment. It offers the ideal combination of complete waterproofing, high breathability, wind resistance and long-term durability. This membrane is preferred by professionals, mountain guides and advanced athletes because of its consistent performance in all types of weather. The 3-layer (3L) construction used in Gore-Tex and equivalent membranes combines the outer fabric, membrane and inner backing into a single highly efficient and durable structure.
Jones and Armada use high-performance 3-layer membranes, including Gore-Tex, in their freeride and touring collections. These are lightweight, durable, flexible and extremely efficient at managing internal moisture during exertion.
Example jacket:
Armada Men’s Haydon 3L Gore-Tex Black Jacket
Gore-Tex is the most advanced membrane used in technical equipment. It offers the ideal combination of complete waterproofing, high breathability, wind resistance and long-term durability. This membrane is preferred by professionals, mountain guides and advanced athletes because of its consistent performance in all types of weather. The 3-layer (3L) construction used in Gore-Tex and equivalent membranes combines the outer fabric, membrane and inner backing into a single highly efficient and durable structure.
Jones and Armada use high-performance 3-layer membranes, including Gore-Tex, in their freeride and touring collections. These are lightweight, durable, flexible and extremely efficient at managing internal moisture during exertion.
Example jacket:
Armada Men’s Haydon 3L Gore-Tex Black Jacket
Geaca Pro Jones Barbati Shralpinist Rec Dawn Blue Gore-Tex Pro
Geaca Jones Barbati Shralpinist Rec Stealth Black Gore-Tex Pro
Geaca Armada Barbati Romer 2L Gore-Tex Insulat Golden Brown Gore-Tex
Geaca Jones Barbati Shralpinist Safety Red Gore-Tex Pro
Geaca Oakley Barbati Unbound Gore-Tex Shell Black
Technical Details That Influence Overall Performance
The membrane is only one part of the equipment. Performance also depends on:
Conclusion:
10K is suitable for beginners and occasional users.
15K is ideal for active users, varied conditions and full days on the slopes.
20K offers high performance in difficult weather or during intense exertion.
Gore-Tex and 3-layer membranes represent the premium level for freeride and backcountry.
Snowsports brands Jones, Armada and Protest perfectly cover all needs, from recreational to advanced, with waterproofing and breathability technologies tailored to every style
The membrane is only one part of the equipment. Performance also depends on:
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Fully taped seams
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Waterproof zips
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Effective underarm or thigh ventilation
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Durable DWR treatment
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Adjustable cuffs and waist
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2L or 3L construction
Conclusion:
10K is suitable for beginners and occasional users.
15K is ideal for active users, varied conditions and full days on the slopes.
20K offers high performance in difficult weather or during intense exertion.
Gore-Tex and 3-layer membranes represent the premium level for freeride and backcountry.
Snowsports brands Jones, Armada and Protest perfectly cover all needs, from recreational to advanced, with waterproofing and breathability technologies tailored to every style
Jones Men's Shralpinist Collection