I followed the “What the Shell?” thread with interest because for years I have been trying to find the perfect rain gear. I have spent a moderate amount of money so I guess I was hoping that someone had discovered “the” solution. What I read was that many people have had similar experiences to mine. Rain gear that works for a while then it doesn’t work so well and then it requires ongoing maintenance which only briefly makes it work somewhat better, etc., etc. And it’s mostly quite expensive.
Lately I’ve been wondering about Marine or Construction type rain gear. While doing some looking I discovered some different certifications, namely:
EN 343 3:3 and EN 343 4:4
“EN 343 3:3 defines a high-performance, European-standard protective garment (EN 343) designed for wet weather, featuring the highest level of waterproof protection (Class 3) and the highest level of breathability (Class 3). It signifies that the garment is both highly resistant to water penetration and allows moisture vapor (sweat) to escape effectively, ensuring comfort in heavy, sustained rain.
First Digit (3 - Water Resistance): Measures resistance to water penetration (WP = or greater than 13 000 pa) indicating the garment can withstand high-pressure, long-term exposure to heavy rain and snow.
Second Digit (3 - Breathability): Measures water vapor resistance (RET) indicating the fabric allows sweat to evaporate rapidly, reducing internal moisture buildup.
Significance: An EN 343 3:3 rating is ideal for professional, full-time outdoor work in extreme wet, and demanding conditions.”
AND
“EN 343 Class 4:4 signifies the highest possible protection rating for garments against foul weather under the 2019 standard. The first '4' denotes maximum waterproofness ( 20,000 Pa after tests), while the second '4' indicates maximum breathability (RET 15), allowing intense sweat evaporation during high-exertion work.
Detailed Breakdown of EN 343 4:4
Waterproofness (Class 4): The garment and its seams can withstand a water pressure of at least 20,000 Pascals (20,000 Pa or 200 mbar) after being subjected to pre-treatments like washing, rubbing, and fuel exposure.
Breathability (Class 4): The material has a Resistance of Evaporation of a Textile (RET) value of greater than or equal to 15 , meaning it is highly breathable and suitable for all-day use without significant sweat buildup.
Standard Context: This rating comes under the EN 343:2019 standard, which covers protection against rain, snow, mist, and ground humidity.
Optional Test (R/X): If the garment passed a "rain tower" test, it may also include an 'R' (Rain tower tested) or 'X' (Not tested) on the label.
In summary, a 4:4 rating offers the maximum combined protection for severe, long-term wet weather conditions.”
AND, A COMPARISON:
“EN343 vs. Outdoor Industry Standards (Gore-Tex, 10k/10k, etc.)
Unlike consumer outdoor gear that often uses mm water column (e.g., 10,000mm or 10k), EN343 measures in Pascals (Pa) and accounts for seam sealing, pre-treatment (washing/flexing), and, crucially, the entire garment, not just the fabric.
EN343 3:3 vs. 10k/10k Rating: A 3:3 rating roughly equates to or exceeds a 10,000mm (10k) waterproof and 10,000g/m²/24hr (10k) breathability rating, but with higher durability standards for work environments.
Professional Usage: EN343 3:3 is better for industrial, long-term, daily use, while consumer gear (like Gore-Tex Pro) may focus on lighter weight for, say, mountaineering.”
Sooo…
After all that, any experience with EN343 3:3 or EN343 4:4 gear?
Thoughts?
Lately I’ve been wondering about Marine or Construction type rain gear. While doing some looking I discovered some different certifications, namely:
EN 343 3:3 and EN 343 4:4
“EN 343 3:3 defines a high-performance, European-standard protective garment (EN 343) designed for wet weather, featuring the highest level of waterproof protection (Class 3) and the highest level of breathability (Class 3). It signifies that the garment is both highly resistant to water penetration and allows moisture vapor (sweat) to escape effectively, ensuring comfort in heavy, sustained rain.
First Digit (3 - Water Resistance): Measures resistance to water penetration (WP = or greater than 13 000 pa) indicating the garment can withstand high-pressure, long-term exposure to heavy rain and snow.
Second Digit (3 - Breathability): Measures water vapor resistance (RET) indicating the fabric allows sweat to evaporate rapidly, reducing internal moisture buildup.
Significance: An EN 343 3:3 rating is ideal for professional, full-time outdoor work in extreme wet, and demanding conditions.”
AND
“EN 343 Class 4:4 signifies the highest possible protection rating for garments against foul weather under the 2019 standard. The first '4' denotes maximum waterproofness ( 20,000 Pa after tests), while the second '4' indicates maximum breathability (RET 15), allowing intense sweat evaporation during high-exertion work.
Detailed Breakdown of EN 343 4:4
Waterproofness (Class 4): The garment and its seams can withstand a water pressure of at least 20,000 Pascals (20,000 Pa or 200 mbar) after being subjected to pre-treatments like washing, rubbing, and fuel exposure.
Breathability (Class 4): The material has a Resistance of Evaporation of a Textile (RET) value of greater than or equal to 15 , meaning it is highly breathable and suitable for all-day use without significant sweat buildup.
Standard Context: This rating comes under the EN 343:2019 standard, which covers protection against rain, snow, mist, and ground humidity.
Optional Test (R/X): If the garment passed a "rain tower" test, it may also include an 'R' (Rain tower tested) or 'X' (Not tested) on the label.
In summary, a 4:4 rating offers the maximum combined protection for severe, long-term wet weather conditions.”
AND, A COMPARISON:
“EN343 vs. Outdoor Industry Standards (Gore-Tex, 10k/10k, etc.)
Unlike consumer outdoor gear that often uses mm water column (e.g., 10,000mm or 10k), EN343 measures in Pascals (Pa) and accounts for seam sealing, pre-treatment (washing/flexing), and, crucially, the entire garment, not just the fabric.
EN343 3:3 vs. 10k/10k Rating: A 3:3 rating roughly equates to or exceeds a 10,000mm (10k) waterproof and 10,000g/m²/24hr (10k) breathability rating, but with higher durability standards for work environments.
Professional Usage: EN343 3:3 is better for industrial, long-term, daily use, while consumer gear (like Gore-Tex Pro) may focus on lighter weight for, say, mountaineering.”
Sooo…
After all that, any experience with EN343 3:3 or EN343 4:4 gear?
Thoughts?
