Rain jackets & trousers: Clothing care - stay dry longer on your bike with our tips

Wet trails, splashing mud, cold wind in your face - that's exactly what many mountain bikers find so appealing. But anyone who has ever sat soaking wet and freezing in the saddle knows that without the right rain protection, the adventure can quickly become a struggle.

Modern rainwear has long been more than just an emergency solution for bad weather days. It is high-tech equipment, breathable, lightweight and hard-wearing at the same time - developed for maximum performance when the clouds open their floodgates.

Whether on long tours in the mountains or short rides after work: with the right jacket and trousers, you stay dry, mobile and, above all, motivated - no matter what the sky has in store.

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Wash rainwear as rarely as possible?

Wash functional clothing - such as rain jackets - as rarely as possible? "A myth," says Ortovox product manager Christian Morgenroth. On the contrary: "Dirt and grease clog the membrane - and the water-repellent layer then works less well. The function can even be restored by washing," says Morgenroth.

Special functional detergents are not a must. "A normal liquid detergent from the chemist is perfectly adequate - just don't use fabric softener," explains the expert. If the water no longer rolls off the surface, it's time for a new protective layer. "You can either use a spray or put an impregnating agent in the washing machine," says Morgenroth. "Heat is important afterwards - to activate it. So briefly in the tumble dryer or blow-dry."

"Heat is important afterwards - to activate it. So briefly in the dryer or blow-dry." Christian Morgenroth, Product Manager Ortovox

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Classification: The DWR ("Durable Water Repellent") coating ensures that water beads up on the surface. PFAS used to be used for this - these substances are now banned in the outdoor sector. "The new, PFAS-free coatings are more environmentally friendly, but also somewhat more sensitive," explains Morgenroth. "That's why regular maintenance is all the more important."

How waterproof rainwear actually is depends largely on its construction. The so-called water column is the most important indicator: it is given in millimetres and describes how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before moisture penetrates. 5000 mm is considered basic protection for short, light rain showers. 10,000 to 15,000 mm offer solid all-round protection in changeable conditions. 20,000 mm and more stand for premium protection in continuous rain, mud and wind. Disadvantage: A high water column usually comes at the expense of breathability.

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What matters when it comes to rainwear for mountain bikers.

The water column - the measure of all things

The water column is the most important indicator for assessing the impermeability of a material. It is given in millimetres and describes how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before moisture penetrates.

5000 mm - basic protection for short, light rain showers
10,000-15,000 mm - solid all-rounder for changeable conditions
20,000 mm and more - premium protection for continuous rain, mud and wind

The higher the value, the better the protection - but be careful: an extremely high water column can be at the expense of breathability. And if you're pushing hard on climbs, you need one thing above all: ventilation from the inside.

Breathability - drying from the inside

This is where membrane technology comes into play. Brands such as GORE-TEX, Sympatex, eVent or Dermizax use microporous layers that allow sweat vapour to escape but block water droplets. This ensures a pleasant climate - even on strenuous uphills.

Tip: Pay attention to the RET value (Resistance to Evaporating Heat Transfer). The lower it is, the more breathable the material. Values below 6 are considered top.

Seams, zips and ventilation - the small details with a big impact

Even the best membrane can fail if water penetrates through weak points. High-quality rainwear therefore has taped or welded seams and water-repellent zips. Practical: ventilation openings under the armpits or on the back allow additional air circulation when it gets hot uphill.

Fit & comfort - stay flexible

A good rain jacket fits close to the body without constricting. Important features:
Longer cut back - protects against splashing water.
Adjustable cuffs & hood - prevents water from getting in.
High collar & chin guard - keeps out wind and cold.

Rain trousers should be wide enough to wear over pads or protectors and have zips at the leg ends - so you can get them on and off quickly, even with shoes on.

Weight & pack size - equipped for all eventualities

Many modern rain jackets can be folded up very small and stored in your own pocket. This means there is always room for them in your rucksack - perfect for unpredictable changes in the weather. Ultralight models often weigh less than 200 grams, but still offer solid protection.

Expert interview with Christian Morgenroth, Product Manager Ortovox: "It stays clean for longer"

Many people believe that rain jackets should be washed as rarely as possible. A misconception?

Yes, with Gore-Tex in particular, the manufacturer expressly recommends regular washing. Dirt and grease damage the membrane - and the water-repellent layer, the so-called DWR coating, then works less well.

What do I need to consider when washing?

First follow the manufacturer's recommendation. A lot of thought has gone into this. And then after a few tours or if the jacket is visibly soiled, simply put it in the machine. 30 degrees, sports or outdoor programme, little spinning.
Then briefly tumble dry, alternatively heat with a hairdryer or iron - this reactivates the waterproofing.

What is the abbreviation DWR all about and is PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) still used at all?

The DWR ("Durable Water Repellent") coating ensures that water rolls off the surface. PFAS used to be used for this - today these substances are partly banned and a complete ban is expected soon. Ortovox already does not use PFAS.
The new, PFAS-free coatings are more environmentally friendly, but also somewhat more sensitive. This makes regular care all the more important.

What detergent should I use?

Special functional detergents are not a must. A normal liquid detergent from the chemist is perfectly adequate. The main thing is to use the right amount and leave out the fabric softener.

When should I impregnate?

If the water no longer beads up, it's time for a new protective layer. You can either use a spray or put a waterproofing agent in the washing machine. The important thing afterwards is to keep it warm again - put it in the tumble dryer, blow-dry or iron it, then the jacket will be perfectly protected again.

How long does high-quality rainwear last?

A good jacket should last for many years - and with the right care, it will. We offer a repair service because we want our products to be used for as long as possible.