It's not waterproof until it's a Barricade™ waterproof
What is Barricade™ Fabric and How Does it Work?
At Rohan, we utilise our proprietary Barricade™ fabrics to develop waterproof clothes that keep you dry and comfortable through all your adventures. Since their introduction in 2008, they have been at the forefront of our waterproof range and deliver reliable protection in diverse conditions.
To keep you dry, our Barricade™ clothes pair water-resistant outer fabrics with our hydrophilic PU membrane. Together with our DWR treatment, which itself is applied to the outer layer on all our waterproofs, this combination provides an impenetrable barrier against all levels of rainfall, facilitating confidence in the toughest conditions on the most rugged adventures.
Unlike microporous membranes with tiny holes, our solid barrier, dynamic membrane draws moisture away from your body through a molecular transfer process. So, the harder you work and the more you sweat, the faster the hydrophilic membrane works to move that moisture away, maintaining comfort regardless of your exertion level.
We've developed different Barricade™ fabric configurations to match your specific needs, whether you’re going on an easy walk or a challenging trek, and ensure you’re equipped with the right level of protection for your next journey.
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 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
- 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.
- Most of our Waterproofs far surpass minimum standards (over 13x higher).
The Layers of Barricade™ Waterproof Explained
Are waterproof clothes breathable?
Most waterproofs stay the same. Barricade™ changes with you.
Yes, waterproof styles can offer great breathability, and this is a standout feature of our Barricade™ fabrics. A common misconception here is that waterproofing can compromise breathability, with fully sealed fabrics sealing moisture in and preventing it from escaping. Our hydrophilic membrane does the opposite.
For context, the breathability of a fabric is measured by how much water vapour is able to pass through it over the course of 24 hours. This measurement is referred to as the Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) and is shown in grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m2/24h). The higher the MVTR, the more moisture can pass through. As such, a fabric with a higher MVTR keeps you drier and more comfortable, enhancing its performance on more intense activities that generate more sweat.
The solid hydrophilic membrane featured in our Barricade™ fabrics, unlike microporous membranes with small holes, work on a molecular level to actively transport moisture away from your body (in a process similar to osmosis). Here, the membrane attracts water molecules from inside the garment and passes them through to the outside cell by cell and escape, giving our Barricade™ fabrics a high MVTR.
This intelligent, dynamic system is also able to adjust its level of performance in real-time based on your level of activity. When you’re working hard, generating more heat and more sweat, the membrane compensates by accelerating its moisture transfer. This, in turn, allows our Barricade™ waterproofs to dry more quickly, whether you get caught in the rain or start to sweat.
How to Care for Your Barricade™ Waterproof
A Five-Step Guide
1. After each use, shake off any excess water from the waterproof (taking care to avoid using your hands, since oils can degrade the DWR finish)
2. After six months, clean your waterproof using a non-bio liquid detergent
3. Always wash your waterproof in a clean machine, with all zippers closed and all pockets emptied
4. After washing it, tumble dry the waterproof on a cool setting or use a cool iron with a barrier cloth to reactive the DWR
5. When water stops beading on the surface, it’s time to reproof. For reproofing, we recommend Grangers Clothing Wash + Repel 2-in-1 cleaner or the Techwash and Reproof service available at our in-house Service Centre
By caring for your Barricade™ gear, you’re both maintaining its high level of waterproofing and extending its lifespan. We hope you continue to enjoy your new Barricade™ waterproof and care for it using the steps above to keep it as durable and as waterproof as possible for all your journeys to come.
