MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS

What makes a jacket waterproof?

 It is the resistance of a fabric to water penetration. It is measured by a formal water pressure test. The average pressure of rain water varies between 1000mm to 2000mm, a fabric is considered waterproof from 2000m. Our products resist pressure from 2000 to 10000mm, they are therefore very waterproof to all weather conditions, even the most extreme, for our 900 range products.

What is the "shower" waterproof test?

 It is a formal test where clothes are placed under a shower that reproduces various weather conditions. All our products are declared 100% waterproof following a test lasting over 4h simulating a 100L/H/m² to 450L/H/m² shower depending on the use of the product. To give you an idea, the world record for precipitation is 174L/H/m² over 4h30 in the USA, unequalled since 1942 (National oceanic and atmospheric administration, USDC) and when it rains in Paris, approximately 2L/H/m² of rain falls

What are waterproof seams or taped seams?

 They are waterproof seams (or waterproofed) thanks to waterproof and thermowelded tape. Placed behind the seams, they are crucial to the waterproofing of the garment to prevent water entering by capillarity (water being absorbed by thread and/or needle holes).

What is a HYDROPHILIC waterproof and breathable membrane?

 The membrane works in stages to wick away perspiration. First, the fabric absorbs water until it is saturated, then it evacuates it using the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the jacket. The major advantage of the hydrophilic membrane is that it is not porous, it is therefore not necessary to rinse it to remove salt crystals. Breathability is therefore uncompromised.

What is hydrolysis?

 Hydrolysis is the alteration of standard membranes or coatings due to salt water and spray. All Tribord membranes and coatings are treated to halt this process, preserving their properties. They do not delaminate and remain waterproof and breathable in the long term.

What does water repellent mean?

 Water repellence is obtained by applying a water repellent treatment to a fabric. This process prevents water from sticking to a fabric, reducing the likelihood of it absorbing water. When the wearer moves, the water can slide of the garment, and the phenomenon is called water repellence. Thanks to this action, water is not absorbed by the fabric and the jacket remains light and dried quickly.

What is breathability of a product and the RET index?

 The breathability of a fabric is its ability to allow water vapour generated by the body out (perspiration). It can be measured using the RET index (Resistance Evaporative Transfert). The RET is a measurement of resistance, the lower it is, the more the outfit is breathable. An RET between 6 and 12 is very breathable, an RET between 12 and 20: breathable, RET above 2: low breathability. Our products are very breathable, with an RET between 7.2 and 12.

Why do we use RET (resistance evaporative transfert) to measure the breathability of our components rather than MTVR (moisture vapour transmission rate)?

 MTVR measures the mass of water vapour that passes through a fabric over a long period of time. We do not use it as it is not relevant that a jacket can wick away 20L water vapour in 24h. It is unrealistic as we do not perspire so regularly over such a period. The RET, on the other hand, measures the instant resistance to water vapour through a fabric, matching real life, when, for example, you fight to bring down a spinnaker.

How important for a garment to protect from wind?

 It is important to be protected from the wind, when active and resting, as it cools down the body quickly. Depending on the "windchill" model used, measuring the effect of wing and the cold: for a temperature of 5°C, and a winf of 30km/h, the temperature felt will be 0°C. If the air temperature is 0°C and the wind speed 30km/h, the temperature felt will be -6°C. The components used for our products reduces the windchill effect.