Rain and Winter Gear Ratings

Water column table, insulation basics and the reflective safety standard EN 17353 for children's non-professional wear.

Outerwear waterproofing is rated by water column: about 3,000 mm handles light rain and 10,000 mm heavy rain. The figure states how much water pressure the fabric resists before moisture passes through.

For everyday school use in a wet climate, the higher end of that range is the safer specification. For short walks in light rain, the lower figure is adequate.

Visibility is a separate rating from waterproofing. The European standard EN 17353 covers visibility clothing and reflective elements for non-professional use, including children's wear.

Insulation answers a different question from waterproofing. A jacket can be well insulated and poorly waterproof, or the reverse; read the two specifications separately.

Check the water column figure on the product label or tag before comparing jackets. The number in millimetres is the direct answer to how the garment handles rain.

Look for reflective elements that reference EN 17353 for non-professional use when the child walks to school in low light.

• Check the water column figure on the label: about 3,000 mm light rain, 10,000 mm heavy rain.
• Read insulation as a separate specification from waterproofing.
• Look for reflective elements referencing EN 17353 for non-professional use.
• Match the water column figure to the expected rain, not to the season label.

Further reading

• Clothing Size Tables
• Fitting a School Backpack