rain protection
Waterproof backpack: You should pay particular attention to these criteria
Hiking can be fun even when it rains. Provided you are prepared for the bad weather. This also includes a waterproof backpack.
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Even in summer, hikers and bikers can be surprised by showers in the mountains. Then it is especially important that the luggage stays dry. But how do you know if the backpack is waterproof?
In addition to comfortable, non-slip shoes, the backpack is the hiker’s most important tool. Usually, even on bike tours, a small model is enough to stow the essentials for the day. Some provisions for the rest at the summit, personal documents, sunscreen and a thin jacket. It doesn’t take much more to be on the safe side. But what if the weather changes and rain clouds come up on the way? Then a waterproof backpack is worth its weight in gold.
What waterproof means what the Water column and which backpacks hold tight on short and long tours on foot or by bike can be found in the following article.
What does waterproof actually mean?
Regardless of whether it is a rain jacket, backpack, mobile phone case or hiking boots: Waterproof means nothing else than that no water penetrates through the material and thus on the smartphone, socks or inside the hiking backpack. As a rule, special membranes ensure that only the surface of the rucksack or jacket absorbs the water and that even large amounts of rain remain “outside”. Like this one Model by Proviz, which is also made from 100 percent reflective material.
Now one could ask why there are additional items of clothing whose material is declared as “water-repellent” or “waterproof”. The key difference: waterproof fabrics allow the raindrops to ricochet off. In continuous and heavy rain, however, they have to give in to the water masses at some point. This practically calls for standards that customers can use as a guide so that they don’t suddenly find themselves standing in the forest like poodles being watered on when they are on vacation. With this one Lightweight from 4Monster the zipper should be waterproof, the fabric itself at least water-repellent.
Facts and figures about the water column
The water column is the international standard with which the textile industry makes transparent how the water permeability of a fabric is measured. Or to put it another way: How long it takes before a certain material or membrane can no longer stop. In Europe, DIN EN 343: 20210-05 is decisive here. To determine the water column, the substance to be tested is exposed to water in the laboratory and the pressure is gradually increased. The so-called Suter test ends as soon as the third drop has penetrated the material and is visible on the inside. If this happens at a water pressure of 0.5 bar, that corresponds to a water column of 5000 millimeters. In Germany, textiles with a water column of 1500 millimeters or more are considered waterproof. At least if no additional pressure is exerted on the fabric. If, for example, the straps of the rucksack press on the rain-soaked shoulders, a larger water column is necessary to get home dry. The wind can also play a role.
Waterproof backpack: what does IPX6 stand for?
With some backpacks (here a model from Semptec) instead of the water column, an IP class provides information about how well the material protects against impacts and water. For example, protection class IPX6 means that the processed material is protected against water jets and temporary flooding. Read here what the protection classes mean in detail. A waterproof backpack is also important for outdoor fans who are planning tours in a canoe or other boat. But be careful: Very few backpacks hold tight even on a long dive. This YEAZ backpack for day trips was made from tear-resistant tarpaulin. It should be extremely water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. The so-called roll-top closure is often the weak point in such backpacks. With classic backpacks, the zips are usually the first to lose the battle against the water.
If you already have a nice weather backpack (without a water column) in your closet, you don’t necessarily have to get a new one. In order to be prepared for surprising rain showers, a rain cover is sufficient, which is slipped over the backpack and, thanks to the elastic or drawstring, is usually bomb-proof (here’s a flexible model from Vaude). Before buying the rain cover, however, always check the volume of the backpack so that the cover fits correctly.
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