Outdoor Clothing: Wicking, Resistant & Waterproof Explained

Managing moisture when active

Managing moisture is important whether you’re on an outdoor expedition, weightlifting or trail running. But why?

Fundamentally, staying dry keeps you in a comfort zone allowing you to work harder for longer. Furthermore, excess moisture can also lead to odour causing bacteria and increased wear and tear on your clothing. Managing moisture when active should therefore be seen as a way of improving both your own performance and that of your clothes - keeping you both out there for the long run.

The terms “moisture wicking,” “water resistant,” and “waterproof” are often used to describe outdoor clothing and it is vital that you understand the difference when packing for your next expedition.

Moisture wicking - reducing body moisture

Moisture wicking fabrics aim to mimic the natural performance of body hair. This is typically done by capillary action that draws sweat up and away from your skin and disperses this across the surface of the fabric. This leads to a process of evaporative cooling, when air flows through the fabric the moisture evaporates, cooling the body.

In order to do this, moisture wicking fabrics such as the Polartec Delta fabric used on our Oryon Delta T-Shirt will often combine both hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns. The hydrophilic yarns have increased water intake and help draw perspiration away from the skin whilst the hydrophobic yarns, which repel water, are what disperse the water across the fabric surface.

Moisture wicking clothing is typically worn next to skin where it can have the greatest effect. Generally taking the form of base layers or t-shirts, like our Merino 72hr T-Shirt, these items of clothing work best either worn on their own or as part of a comprehensive layering system in cold conditions where their breathability underpins insulation and weatherproofing properties of mid layers and outer layers.

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Water resistant clothing for wet environments

On the contrary to moisture wicking clothing, which works by transferring water from one side of a fabric surface to the other, water resistant clothing looks to create a barrier against moisture ingress.

Water resistant clothing will usually comprise of a more tightly woven face fabric that has been treated with a durable water repellent or “DWR”. This DWR is applied across the surface of the fabric and creates a hydrophobic layer which causes incoming water to bead for a short time. Because these water droplets cannot spread or stick to the fabric surface they more easily roll off the fabric, keeping you dry.

Water resistant clothing such as our Oryon Windguard or Hybrid Jacket offer a limited level of protection in light showers but shouldn’t be relied upon for prolonged periods of heavy rain - for that you will need a waterproof hard shell.

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Waterproof clothing for complete protection

Waterproof clothing often has a waterproof membrane and taped seams for better protection compared to its water resistant counterparts.

Rated by a 'hydrostatic head,' which measures how much water pressure the fabric can withstand. Waterproof clothing, such as our Aigis Jacket or Renegade Parka, is built to keep water out during periods of heavy rain — perfect for extreme conditions where getting wet is unavoidable.

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Choosing the right clothing & layering

In order to choose whether you need moisture wicking, water resistant or waterproof clothing you should consider the level of exercise and the environment at hand.

Any amount of activity is likely to warrant a moisture wicking base layer or t-shirt. From slower paced hiking to mountaineering or trail running, a breathable first layer is going to keep you comfortable for longer. The hotter conditions get, the more you are going to want something that is moisture wicking.

Water resistant clothing comes into its own as transitional pieces for mid season layering. Usually lighter than fully waterproof layers, water resistant clothing provides a more packable protective layer that you can stuff in your day sack for short range expeditions and call upon if and when required.

The one thing that will dictate the need for waterproof clothing is quite straightforward, rainfall. Whether you’ll be outside for an hour or multiple days, the only thing that is going to keep you comfortable for longer is a waterproof jacket and/or pair of waterproof trousers. In wet weather, waterproof clothing should be a non-negotiable on your packing list.