Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles of manufacture with a structure that resists liquid impacts, such as from rain, as well as methods of making such articles. In some embodiments, the articles include two layers of porous material. The inner layer is made from a hydrophobic porous material or has a hydrophobic coating. A spacer layer is positioned in-between the two layers to provide physical separation between the layers, airflow between the layers, and other benefits. Importantly, the configuration of the spacer layer allows each of the other layers to be made from more breathable materials than existing waterproof materials, while allowing the article as a whole to withstand far greater water impact pressures than either layer individually.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a portable hydrostatic tester for hydrostatic pressure resistance of a fabric without the need for a power source and the need for cutting the fabric before testing. In some embodiments, the hydrostatic tester comprises (1) a supporting structure comprising a test opening; (2) a connection tube connected to the test opening; (3) a liquid column connected to the connection tube; and (4) a reservoir configured to contain a liquid that is connected to one or both of the liquid column and the connection tube. In some embodiments, the reservoir is configured such that the liquid is forced by gravity through the test opening via the connection tube at a hydrostatic pressure dependent upon the elevation of the reservoir. The present disclosure also provides a method of testing the hydrostatic pressure resistance of a fabric using the hydrostatic tester described above.