Category Archives: Waterproof Library

Waterproof library for learning.

Posted on by Cleaning your waterproof backpack

Maintaining Your Waterproof Backpack

Cleaning your waterproof backpack

In order to prolong the life and usefulness of your waterproof backpack, it’s important to do two basic things: keep it clean, and maintain any airtight zippers, buckles, or other closures you may have.

Keeping Your Waterproof Backpack Clean

Backpacks see plenty of real-world use, so even if you aren’t out hiking or exploring the outdoors, your bag will still be a magnet for picking up dirt. The good thing about backpacks made with waterproof textiles such as TPU and PVC is that they easily wipe clean.

If you end up picking up sand, mud, or random debris, make sure to brush your bag off and use a hose if necessary to get the bulk of it off. If you have airtight zippers, make sure they’re closed. If your backpack doesn’t feature airtight zippers, then you’ll want to ensure you don’t start spraying the inside of your backpack unintentionally.

Once you’ve hosed off your bag, get the remaining stains out by wiping with a small sponge or rag using a light cleaner such as soap or even Windex. For harsher stains, you can also use kitchen degreaser, as long as you’re careful and avoid getting it contact with your skin.

Maintaining Your Airtight Zippers

Breakwater supply zipper glide protective zipper lubricant

To maintain your airtight zippers, use a protective lubricant and applying it directly onto the zipper teeth while unzipped. Slide the zipper several times to spread the lubricant evenly, and this is a quick way to ensure your zippers remain flexible and protected, and the lubricant also helps the zippers glide smoothly. There are many different zipper lubricants out there, and we prefer Breakwater Supply Zipper Glide. You can purchase Breakwater Supply Zipper Glide here.

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Learn About IP Waterproof Ratings

IP waterproof ratings are a standardized way to convey how well a device or enclosure can protect against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids.

You’ve probably seen codes like IP68 or IPX6 at some point – probably while reading up on product details – and wondered, “What in the…?”

Well, these strange 4-letter codes prefixed by “IP” are IP waterproof ratings, also known as IP codes or Ingress Protection ratings. These are a standardized system used to classify and communicate the level of protection a device or enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids. These ratings are often used to describe the degree of protection that electronic devices, appliances, lighting fixtures, and other equipment offer against dust, dirt, water, and other environmental factors. The IP rating typically consists of two digits, such as “IP68” or “IP54,” with each digit representing a specific aspect of protection:

1. First Digit (Protection against Solid Objects): The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the degree of protection against solid objects, including dust and foreign particles. Here’s what each number signifies:

  • 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any solid objects).
  • 1: Protection against objects > 50mm in size (e.g., a hand).
  • 2: Protection against objects > 12.5mm (e.g., fingers).
  • 3: Protection against objects > 2.5mm (e.g., tools and wires).
  • 4: Protection against objects > 1mm (e.g., small wires).
  • 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress of dust, but not completely).
  • 6: Dust-tight (completely protected against dust and particles).

2. Second Digit (Protection against Liquids): The second digit ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids. Here’s what each number signifies:

  • 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any liquids).
  • 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops (dripping water).
  • 2: Protection against water droplets at a 15-degree angle (e.g., light rain).
  • 3: Protection against water sprays at a 60-degree angle (e.g., heavy rain).
  • 4: Protection against water splashes from all directions (e.g., splashes from a faucet).
  • 5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water (e.g., hose spray).
  • 6: Protection against high-pressure jets of water (e.g., powerful water jets).
  • 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a limited time (usually specified by the manufacturer).
  • 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (the depth and duration are specified by the manufacturer).
  • 9K: Protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets (not commonly used).

In summary, IP waterproof ratings are a standardized way to convey how well a device or enclosure can protect against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids. The higher the numerical values in the IP rating, the greater the protection offered. For instance, an IP68-rated device is dust-tight and can be submerged in water for an extended period, making it highly waterproof and dustproof. These ratings are essential for selecting the right equipment for specific environmental conditions and applications.

And the winner is…

The best IP rating you’ll find is IP68. An IP68-rated device is airtight and can be submerged in water, making it completely waterproof and dustproof. The difference between IP67 (which is also airtight and extremely waterproof) and IP68 is that IP67 only covers submersion down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, and IP68 means the item has been tested over 1 meter deep AND longer than 30 minutes. Choosing IP67 is completely fine and covers most scenarios, but choosing IP68 is an even better option.

Disclaimer: But what about IP69?

There is IP69, but this is generally used in the industrial world and not for consumer products. IP69 covers high temperatures and high-pressure jets, which are typically not “real-world” scenarios.