YKK Zipper
YKK is the largest zip manufacturer in the world, and its name on a zip pull is a reasonable proxy for the zip being reliable rather than a premium feature in itself.
Zips are the most common mechanical failure point on outdoor clothing, so the brand matters more than it does for most components. YKK is a floor, not a ceiling.
Why zips matter disproportionately
A jacket with a failed main zip is unusable regardless of how good its fabric is, and zip replacement is often close to the cost of the garment. Fabric wears gradually; a zip fails suddenly and completely.
Reading the markings
Zips are described by size, which is roughly the width of the closed teeth in millimetres. A #3 is light, common on pockets. A #5 is the usual main front zip on a shell. A #8 is heavy duty. Larger is more robust and stiffer.
You will also see coil zips, made from a continuous spiral, and moulded tooth zips. Coil zips are lighter, more flexible and self-heal after a minor separation. Moulded zips are more robust and less forgiving.
Water resistant zips
A coated or laminated zip resists water without a storm flap. It is not fully waterproof, it is stiffer to operate, and it wears differently. It is a design choice rather than an upgrade, and many good jackets pair a flap with an ordinary zip instead.
Related terms
- Storm flap: the usual way to keep water out of a zip
- Travel jackets with hidden pockets: zip pulls you can use in gloves
- Glossary: all terms