Bone-Dry Advanced Waterproofing Technology

When it comes to staying dry and comfortable in wet weather, the technology behind waterproof rain jackets plays a crucial role. Waterproofing has evolved significantly over the years, offering various levels of protection and breathability tailored to different activities and environments. One standout innovation in this field is the Bone-Dry technology. Available in three tiers—Bone-Dry, Bone-Dry Silver, and Bone-Dry Gold—this technology is designed to meet the diverse needs of users, from casual wear and light outdoor activities to extreme conditions and high-intensity sports.

What is Bone-Dry?

Bone-Dry is an advanced waterproofing technology combining specialized waterproof membranes with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments to provide comprehensive protection against the elements. Available in three tiers—Bone-Dry, Bone-Dry Silver, and Bone-Dry Gold—each offering different levels of water resistance and breathability to meet a variety of needs, from casual wear and light outdoor activities to extreme conditions and high-intensity sports. Bone-Dry membranes are designed to be breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape while preventing water from penetrating the garment.

How does Bone-Dry Waterproofing Work?

Membrane Technology

Most waterproof technologies, including those used in rainwear, employ a two-part approach to protect the user. The first part consists of the membrane, which is attached to the exterior base fabric of the garment. Bone-Dry, our proprietary membrane, is a prime example of this technology and is used in many of our Ascend and Guidewear rain garments. This membrane is designed to be breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape and helping the user stay cool. At the same time, it prevents water moisture from penetrating the garment, ensuring that the user remains dry regardless of the weather conditions.

Coatings and Treatments

The second part of protecting the user from rain involves applying a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to the exterior fabric. This treatment causes water to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric, preventing it from soaking into the material. This not only enhances the waterproof capabilities of the garment but also helps maintain its breathability and comfort. By combining the Bone-Dry membrane with a high-quality DWR coating, our rainwear offers robust, long-lasting protection against the elements.

Understanding Bone-Dry's Levels of Protection

The intended uses of Bone-Dry technology depend on the tier of the product, each developed to suit different levels of activity and environmental conditions. Understanding these tiers will help you choose the right garment for your specific needs. We've included a chart below to help you understand the levels of protection, but first, you need to be able to understand it.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

Waterproof ratings are often expressed in terms like Hydrostatic Head and water column measurement, which are used to quantify the waterproofness of a fabric. These ratings are typically measured in millimeters (mm) and indicate the height of a water column the fabric can withstand before leaking. The level of waterproofness to be expected depends on what tier of Bone-Dry the garment has: Bone-Dry is 10K/10K, Bone-Dry Silver is 20K/20K, and Bone-Dry Gold is 30K/30K. During testing, the 10K fabric held up to 10,000mm of water before the pressure caused it to soak through, resulting in a 10K rating. Similarly, Bone-Dry Silver withstands 20,000mm of water, and Bone-Dry Gold withstands 30,000mm of water, making them increasingly effective in more demanding conditions.

	Water Column (mm)	Duration	Weather Conditions
BONE DRY	10k	Short duration	Light rain, light snow, light pressure
BONE DRY SILVER	20k	Moderate to prolonged duration	Moderate rain, average snow, moderate to high pressure
BONE DRY GOLD	30k	Prolonged duration	Heavy rain or snow, heavy pressure

Understanding Breathability

Breathability is a crucial metric that is balanced with waterproofing to ensure comfort. This is measured by the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), which indicates how much moisture vapor can pass through the fabric over a 24-hour period, expressed in grams per square meter. The waterproof membranes are designed with microscopic pores large enough to allow heat and water vapor to escape, but small enough to keep water molecules from penetrating. This design also provides wind protection. For example, a 10K rating means that an average of 10,000 grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of fabric in a 24-hour period. Bone-Dry Silver allows 20K, and Bone-Dry Gold allows 30K, offering progressively higher levels of breathability.

	Breathability Rating (g/m²/24hrs)	Usable Conditions	Ideal Activities
BONE DRY	10k	Cooler weather conditions, stationary activities	Everyday activity (walking / fishing)
BONE DRY SILVER	20k	Aerobic activities, all weather conditions	Moderate activities (hike)
BONE DRY GOLD	30k	High-aerobic activities, warmer conditions	More physical activities (physical hike / run)

How Long does Bone-Dry Last?

Bone-Dry technology is designed to last the entire life of the garment, with its effectiveness only compromised by punctures or tears. The durability of the garment is primarily dependent on the exterior fabric. For example, our Guidewear line uses durable nylon materials specifically engineered to withstand the rigors of a tough fishing environment. On the other hand, our Ascend rainwear is also highly durable but tailored for hiking and trail activities, offering robust performance in those settings.

How to Maintain Bone-Dry's High Performance

Proper maintenance is essential to extend the life and effectiveness of your waterproof garment. First, it's important to wash your rainwear periodically using powder laundry detergent. Avoid using liquid detergents and fabric softeners, as these can degrade the waterproof properties. After washing, it's crucial to rinse thoroughly to remove any detergent residue.

Over time, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the exterior of the garment may start to wear off, reducing its ability to repel water. To maintain optimal performance, we recommend using a wash-in repellent and/or a DWR spray quarterly. Products by Revivex are highly recommended for this purpose and are available for purchase through our store.

Even if the exterior DWR coating begins to decline in performance and allows the fabric to wet out, the waterproof membrane underneath continues to provide the primary layer of protection. This ensures that you remain dry, even if the outer fabric appears wet. Regular cleaning and DWR reapplication will help maintain the jacket’s overall effectiveness, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability

Starting in 2024, we made a significant stride towards sustainability by transitioning to PFAS-free membranes and DWRs in our Bone-Dry rainwear. PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, posing significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. Recognizing these dangers, many states and federal agencies have introduced legislation to ban or limit the use of PFAS in consumer products. By adopting PFAS-free alternatives, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

Performance Impact

Importantly, the shift to PFAS-free membranes and DWRs has not compromised the performance of our Bone-Dry technology. The new DWRs perform just as effectively in repelling water, ensuring that our rainwear continues to offer robust protection against the elements. However, it's worth noting that these new DWRs have slightly reduced performance under oily conditions. As a result, there is a greater need for regular care and maintenance of the exterior of your rain jacket. This includes periodic washing and reapplication of DWR treatments to maintain optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

Bone-Dry technology offers a comprehensive solution for staying dry and comfortable in wet weather, backed by advanced membrane engineering and durable water repellent (DWR) treatments. Available in three tiers—Bone-Dry, Bone-Dry Silver, and Bone-Dry Gold—this technology caters to diverse needs, from casual wear to extreme outdoor activities. With its combination of waterproof and breathable membranes, fully taped seams, and high-quality materials, Bone-Dry ensures reliable protection and comfort across various conditions.

Moreover, Bone-Dry's commitment to sustainability is evident in its shift to PFAS-free membranes and DWRs, reflecting a responsible approach to environmental and consumer safety. While higher-tier options come at a premium, their superior performance and durability offer long-term value. Positive customer feedback further underscores the reliability and effectiveness of Bone-Dry rainwear, making it a trusted choice for those seeking robust protection against the elements.

FAQ: Bone-Dry Waterproofing Technology

What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

Water-resistant fabrics can withstand light rain and moisture but will eventually allow water to penetrate with prolonged exposure. Waterproof fabrics, on the other hand, are designed to completely prevent water from passing through, even under significant pressure.

How do I know if a rain jacket is breathable?

The waterproof membranes are designed with microscopic pores large enough to allow heat and water vapor to escape but small enough to keep water molecules from penetrating. This design provides both waterproofing and breathability.

What do the waterproof ratings (e.g., 10,000mm) mean?

The level of waterproof to be expected depends on what tier of Bone-Dry the garment has: Bone-Dry is 10K/10K, Bone-Dry Silver is 20K/20K, Bone-Dry Gold is 30K/30K. These numbers reference the level of waterproofness and breathability. In terms of testing waterproofness, a 10K fabric held up to 10,000mm of water before soaking through, resulting in a 10K rating, and so on for higher ratings.

How often should I reapply DWR to my rain jacket?

We recommend using a wash-in repellent and/or a DWR spray quarterly to help revive the exterior DWR.

Can I wash my waterproof jacket in a washing machine?

Yes, but be sure to wash your garments periodically with powder laundry detergent. Do not use liquid detergents and do not use any fabric softeners.

What should I look for in a rain jacket for hiking versus one for casual use?

For hiking, prioritize features like breathability, lightweight materials, and high waterproof ratings (e.g., Bone-Dry Silver or Gold). For casual use, focus on comfort, style, and basic waterproofing (e.g., Bone-Dry).

Are there eco-friendly waterproofing options available?

Yes, starting in 2024, we began using PFAS-free membranes and DWRs, which are more environmentally friendly.

How do I repair a tear in my waterproof jacket?

Small tears can often be repaired with specialized waterproof adhesive patches or tape. For larger damages, professional repair services are recommended.

Why is my jacket no longer keeping me dry?

It might be due to the exterior DWR coating declining in performance, allowing the fabric to wet out. However, the membrane should still provide the primary layer of protection.

What are the best brands for waterproof rain jackets?

Popular and reliable brands include Gore-Tex, eVent, and proprietary technologies like Bone-Dry used in Ascend and Guidewear rain garments. These brands are known for their high-quality waterproofing and breathability.

How does the cost of waterproofing technology affect pricing?

Generally, waterproof garments are more expensive due to the additional manufacturing costs and applications of the membranes. Higher-tier Bone-Dry garments (e.g., Bone-Dry Silver and Bone-Dry Gold) will typically be more expensive than lower-tier options due to their enhanced performance metrics.

Do these waterproof technologies meet industry standards or certifications?

Our waterproof technologies meet rigorous testing standards. Note that Gore-Tex has a different testing method, so you will seldom see the 10K/10K, etc., rating on these products.

Are there any health or safety concerns associated with these technologies?

All our rainwear beginning in S25 that has Bone-Dry will be PFAS-free, free of harmful "forever chemicals." Some old inventory that dates back to before 2025 may have PFAS in the DWR coating.

What innovations set this waterproofing technology apart from others?

Our membranes are similar to many other manufacturers; however, the quality may vary. Ascend rainwear, for example, offers a blend of durability and performance suitable for hiking and trail environments.