What is Barricade™ and How Does it Work?
The Layers of Barricade™
What is Durable Water Repellency?
Our gear’s PFC-Free Durable Water Repellency (DWR) is our first line of defence against the elements. This special treatment applied to our outer fabrics causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in, creating a longer-lasting, higher performing garment. While not fully waterproof on its own, DWR works with our membranes and linings to enhance performance, preventing the outer fabric from becoming saturated, therefore maintaining breathability. It functions as a protective barrier, hindering water intrusion before it can approach or exert pressure on the waterproof membrane.
What is Hydrostatic Head?
A garment’s hydrostatic head is how we measure and communicate the waterproofness of our fabrics. Here's what you need to know:
- It represents the height of a column of water (in millimetres) that fabric can withstand before leaking; a rating of 20k = a column height of 20,000mm.
- Higher numbers indicate greater waterproofness.
- British standards to be considered "waterproof" start at 1,500mm.
- Our standard protection to be labelled as Barricade™ must have a minimum hydrostatic head of 20,000mm, far surpassing minimum standards (over 13x higher).
Can a Waterproof Be Breathable?
How to Care for Your Barricade™ Waterproof
We build our Barricade™ garments to last for years of adventure, but proper care helps maintain their unbeatable performance:
- After each use, shake off excess water (avoid using your hands as oils can degrade the DWR).
- Clean your waterproofs at least every six months using a non-biological liquid detergent.
- Always wash in a clean machine with all zippers closed and pockets emptied.
- Tumble dry on cool or use a cool iron with a barrier cloth to reactivate the DWR.
- When water stops beading on the surface, it's time to reproof. We recommend Grangers Clothing Wash + Repel 2-in-1, or our premium washing service.
