When you are shopping for a new winter wardrobe this year, you will encounter a bunch of different, and sometimes confusing, terms. What do they all mean and what is right for you and your new winter clothes? Choosing the right clothing technology will keep you warm and comfortable this winter season.

Whether you are skiing down the frozen slopes or climbing to the top of a mountain on a windy day, the wind can be brutal. Having a fabric that blocks the wind makes a big difference in your comfort level. Today’s new windproof and wind resistant garments remove the effects of wind chill from your body to keep you warm and comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions.

The old fashion traditional windbreaker jacket has been replaced with a fabric with higher thread counts and tighter weaves to make it virtually windproof. A totally windproof garment has a windproof membrane that is laminated to the fabric that blocks up to 100% of the wind from penetrating the fabric. An example of this is WINDSTOPPER made by Gore. The WINDSTOPPER technology is available in outer shells, insulated shells and also technical fleece. The technical fleece garments can provide up to 250% more warmth than a non-windproof fleece.

The Mountain Hardwear WINDSTOPPER Tech Vest is a good example of a technical fleece. It is a 100% polyester microfiber fleece with a windproof and breathable laminate. It will prevent overheating and perspiration buildup by letting moisture escape while retaining warmth. It is versatile as it can be used as an outer layer or worn as a mid layer under a shell. It also features a zip interior pocket as well as hand and chest pockets. Mountain Hardwear advertises it as “Windproof, technical fleece for alpine climbing, Nordic skiing and mountaineering, Zip-in compatible with designated shells.” Weighing only 11 ounces it is a very versatile piece of winter clothing.

Nothing will spoil an outdoor adventure more than getting wet and cold. The type of outer shell that you wear is important to staying dry and comfortable. But with such terms as water resistant, waterproof and waterproof and breathable, which one is right? A fabric’s water resistance is measured by the amount of water, in millimeters, that can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through the fabric. The weak point of a fabric that is just water resistant is the area where the fabric is sewn together. Water under force, or rain, will penetrate the fabric along these stitching lines after a short time and you will get wet. A garment that is just water resistant will keep you dry if you get caught in a brief shower or light rain, making it a good choice for running errands around town but it is not the right gear for an all day outdoor adventure.

A waterproof shell is made from a fabric that has a type of impermeable waterproof coating applied to it. This could be a coated nylon fabric, which will not allow any moisture to pass through the fabric. Waterproof garments also have the seams that are sealed where the garment is stitched together. The most common way that seams are sealed is by applying a seam sealing tape on the back side of the garment. Some garments are also heat sealed together making it impossible for water to penetrate. Waterproof shells keep you dry from the rain, but they will also allow water vapor from your perspiration to build up inside the garment. Just like the old yellow rain slickers we used to wear, you will not get wet from the rain but after a short time of activity you are drenched inside. A waterproof garment is a good choice for sitting in a stadium in the rain or riding a motorcycle on a rainy day but not a good choice for being active.

The best garment choice for outdoor activity is a waterproof and breathable fabric. These types of fabrics stop water droplets from passing through the fabric from the outside, while at the same time allowing water vapor to escape from the inside. The waterproof breathable fabric is composed of microscopic pores in the fabric that let the water vapor escape. The question is always if the jacket has holes in it, how can vapor escape and water not get in. A water droplet of rain is more than 20,000 times bigger than water vapor, which will prevent the rain from entering. Just like the water resistance test that is done on waterproof fabrics, a breathability test is done on breathable fabrics. Breathability is measured by the rate at which water vapor passes through the fabric in units of grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric in a 24 hour period. Typical waterproof and breathable fabrics resist 5,000 millimeters of water from the outside while having 5,000 grams of breathability from the inside. What the numbers mean in plain language is that you stay dry inside and out. The waterproofness and breathablity can be obtained in two ways. Some fabrics have a microporous membrane inside the clothing, such as Gore-Tex, while others have a waterproof coating applied to a breathable fabric.

The Durable Water Repellent, or DWR, coating that is applied to the fabric helps the fabric shed water. DWR coatings do tend to wear off and have to be re-applied from time to time. Some of these coating can be re-applied during a wash cycle and some are sprayed on. One brand of spray-on water repellent is made by ReviveX and can be used on all types of fabrics including Gore-Tex. A 10 ounce bottle will treat up to 4 garments. Keeping your waterproof and breathable garment clean also helps maintain the fabric. ReviveX also makes a synthetic fabric cleaner that can be safely used for cleaning your outdoor garments. Following the ReviveX directions will keep your garments performing at their best. Save the information that comes with your garment for help in maintaining it, and for any specific recommendations from the company that made it.

Choosing the right winter gear makes all the difference in enjoying your next winter Take It Outside adventure. Visit your local outdoor outfitter, where they have the training and knowledge in helping you select just what you need to stay active and comfortable this winter season.