5.11 Tactical - Spring/Summer - GBP

WHAT THE “L”?
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FABRICS - TECHNOLOGY & TERMINOLOGY
SOLID RATINGS
When you see features like 10K/10K noted on a piece of
outerwear, we’re not talking about social media followers but
instead the waterproof breathable performance of the garment.
The first number represents how much pressure is required to
force water through the membrane, the higher the better. The
second number represents how much moisture the membrane
can transport away from your skin to be evaporated, the higher
the better.
When you see 2L, 2.5L and 3L called out as a feature,
here’s what it means...
2L
2 layered construction where a waterproof breathable membrane is
laminated to the backside (interior-facing) of the shell fabric.
SHELL FABRIC
15-20K
ESCAPING WATER
VAPOR
BLOCKED
WATER
MOLECULES
1K
5K
FIG 2
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
10-15K
10K
5-10K
SHELL FABRIC
15K
20K
2.5L
2.5L = 2 layered construction as above plus a printed layer on the
backside (the next-to-skin, interior-facing) of the fabric for the
wearer’s comfort.
SHELL FABRIC
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
FIG 1
PRINTED
LAYER
FIG 3
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
WATERPROOF RATINGS
1K: Rain resistant however briefly. Common rating for a
garment with only a DWR coating.
5K: Can be called rainproof, but will not perform in
extended periods of time or heavy downpours
10-15K: Will stand up to serious extended rain and heavy
sleet/snow
20K+: Monsoon-ready
BREATHABLE RATINGS
5-10K: Comfortable for mild activity
10-15K: Comfortable for most activity
15-20K: Extended physical activity
3L
3 layered construction where the waterproof breathable membrane
layer is laminated between the shell fabric and backer fabric.
The backer fabric protects the membrane from wear and tear.
This creates a more durable garment with lasting waterproof
properties.
SHELL FABRIC
FIG 4
BACKER FABRIC
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
MEMBRANE
108 511TACTICAL.COM