Waterproof Fabrics Advice
Waterproof Fabrics
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When out walking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing or mountain biking etc. it is very important to wear clothing designed to protect you from the elements. But equally important is the way that the fabric works around you. Waterproof fabrics as used by many good quality waterproof jackets and trousers manufacturers, such as the ones discussed below consider how each of them work and which waterproof fabric would be most suited to your needs. Buy
Men's Waterproof
Jackets and Trousers |
Outdoor Clothing Fabric
Breathable Membranes
All breathable microporous membranes comprise an extremely thin man-made film whose physical structure contains microscopic pores that are large enough for water vapour (perspiration) to pass through but small enough not to let water droplets through. Thus the membrane is breathable, waterproof and windproof. Modern microporous membranes are usually laminated to a face fabric, and available in two and three layer versions.
Which waterproof fabric should I choose?
Here is a brief
introduction to some ofthe most popular waterproof materials used in
waterproof jackets and trousers by the biggest outdoor clothing
brands...
Gore-Tex Waterproof Fabric
Gore-Tex is a unique wafer thin microporous membrane, which contains over 9 million pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, yet some 700 times bigger than a moisture vapour molecule. This gives the fabric the excellent levels of waterproofness and breathability that makes it so famous across walkers and other outdoor people. Gore-Tex is a bi-component membrane, meaning that it is made up of two parts. The main part (that you see) is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE for short). This is then combined with an oleophobic (oil hating) layer that protects the membrane from the natural oils that the human body emits, insect repellents, cosmetics etc.
The outer face of the Gore-Tex fabric is coated with a hydrophobic DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment which encourages surface water to bead up and run off, improving the wet weather performance of the garment and promoting breathability by preventing wetting-out of the outer face. There are a number of different Gore-Tex constructions currently used within the industry:
Classic 2-Layer Gore-Tex
Provides soft, versatile weather protection and is good for end uses such as walking, streetwear, golf and skiing. Made by laminating a nylon or polyester face fabric to the Gore-Tex membrane and then hanging a mesh lining just inside the laminate.
Classic 3-Layer Gore-Tex
Designed for ultimate durability in rugged use applications in tough weather conditions such as high altitude mountaineering. Made by again laminating a face fabric (usually nylon) to the Gore-Tex membrane, an inner protective mesh scrim is then laminated to the other side of the membrane, giving better durability.
Gore-Tex Paclite
Lightweight and more packable than either two or three layer garments, designed for ultra light mountaineering or other fast moving sports. As with two layer garments, the face fabric is bonded to the Gore-Tex membrane, but unlike either of the other constructions, abrasion resistant raised nubs (or dots) protect the membrane. This means that as there is less between you and the membrane, breathability is increased.
Gore-Tex XCR
Standing for eXtended Comfort Range, XCR is the new product from Gore-Tex, which by using new membrane technology and new lamination techniques offers 25% more breathability than classic Gore-Tex garments. Designed for mountaineers, backpackers, snowboarders, backcountry skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts who value performance and demand the most from their gear. Available in both two and three layer construction.
Hydro Dry P3 (Sprayway)
The top fabric in the Hydrodry range from Sprayway, P3 has a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm. It is waterproof and has a good level of breathability. Again developed from a hydrophilic laminate, Hydrodry P3 is available in both 2-layer and 3-layer constructions. Hydrodry P3 provides Sprayway customers with a technical alternative to Gore-Tex in the same way that Drilite Extreme does for Mountain Equipment.
Drilite Extreme or DLE (Mountain Equipment)
A new development from Mountain Equipment, Drilite Extreme is a monolithic, hydrophilic laminate, with a hydrostatic head of more than 20,000mm. DLE (Drilite Extreme) is totally waterproof and exceptionally breathable, guaranteed. An added benefit of hydrophilic laminates is Drilite Extreme’s elasticity, making it especially ideal for stretch panels in the knees and seat areas, guaranteeing the highest freedom of movement and comfort. Available in 2 and 3 layer contructions.
HyVent (The North Face)
Designed as an innovative option for complete weather protection, HyVent is a waterproof/breathable polyurethane-based membrane. While it is slightly less breathable than Gore-Tex® laminates it is extremely waterproof, and can be counted on as a dependable protective outer layer. This combination of high waterproofness and breathability makes it ideal for keeping the elements out. To increase the comfort and breathability level of the coating, TNF have developed precise custom lining options in both their 2- and 3-layer versions of the HyVent technology.
eVENT (Lowe Alpine/Pearl/Izumi/Rab/Montane)
eVENT Fabric is a Direct Venting™ waterproof barrier. Using a proprietary and patent-pending Dry System™ technology, eVENT Fabric has set a new standard for comfort by allowing perspiration to dissipate and vent before it saturates the inside of the fabric. At the core of eVENT fabric is hydrophobic ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) film that has been rendered oleophobic, and thereby free from body oil contamination, via a method that retains the inherent open-pore structure of the membrane.
Breathable Coatings
Breathable coatings are often applied to jackets that walkers use because it means that they are more comfortable throughout their hike by decreasing the build-up of moisture (vital to maintaining an optimum body temperature). All coatings are created by spreading a thin layer of resin directly onto to the inside face of the chosen fabric. Two distinct types of breathable coating exist: microporous and hydrophilic.
A microporous coating works on the same principle as a microporous membrane, the pores in the coating being large enough to let water vapour pass through but small enough to keep water droplets out.
Hydrophilic coatings rely on the chemical and molecular properties of water molecules. The heat that the body generates inside the garment drives water vapour (perspiration) down the polymer chains found in the coating to the external face, the water vapour moving from molecule to molecule rather than freely through a physical hole or pore. As the body produces more moisture and the fabric gets wetter, the chains naturally increase in size, allowing even more moisture movement. In use, both types of coatings are effective, with the overall performance of any garment being determined by a combination of factors such as the choice of face fabric, use of a separate lining, and the general design, cut and finish of the garment.
Triple Point Ceramic (Lowe Alpine)
Triplepoint Ceramic is a unique multi-layer microporous coating which is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It differs from other treatments in that the manufacturing process involves multiple coatings and the introduction of ceramic particles, which are impregnated into the coating under high pressure. This has the effect of creating microscopic holes around each particle. These cavities are large enough to permit the passage of water vapour to the outside face but small enough to prevent liquid water from moving the other way. Since the Triplepoint Ceramic coating is physically anchored to the fabric it won’t de-laminate or become damaged. This construction is what makes the fabric inherently windproof as well as highly breathable and waterproof. A special Dry Yarn technology and DWR treatment is also applied to the coated fabric’s outer face to significantly improve wet weather performance and beading, (this can be re-generated simply by exposing the garment to a direct heat source i.e. medium heat iron or tumble drier). There are currently two constructions of Triplepoint Ceramic used in garment production: Standard and Direct Lined.
Standard Triple Point Ceramic fabric is constructed and coated as described above and a free hanging Dryflo mesh lining is then added to protect the coating, and to help disperse any condensed water droplets on the inner face of the garment.
Triple Point Ceramic Direct Lined is a new fabric combination for the Alpine Pro range for winter 2000. Unlike the standard construction, a fixed lining is applied directly to the Triplepoint Ceramic coating. This gives better performance when combined with a high spec. face fabric.
Triple Point (Lowe Alpine)
Triple Point by Lowe Alpine is a multi-layer non-ceramic coating which is lighter than Triple Point Ceramic and therefore better suited to general walking/outdoor activities rather than more demanding outdoor sports. The outer face of the fabric has a standard DWR treatment applied to it to enhance wet weather performance.
Hydrodry P2 (Sprayway)
A more basic version of Sprayway’s Hydrodry P3, Hydrodry P2 is a mixture of hydrophilic coatings and laminates rather than a laminate outright. With a lower hydrostatic head (5,000mm) than P3 and a slightly lower degree of breathability, Hydrodry P2 is pitched at the more general walking market. Available only in the equivalent of a two-layer construction, Hydrodry P2 is a good competitor to standard Triplepoint and Aquadry.
Entrant II
A microporous coating with a multi-layer structure. Applied to a suitable face fabric it has good waterproof and breathability characteristics. Entrant II is used on some F&T nylon face fabrics to enhance performance and durability.
Aquadry
Aquadry is Craghoppers’ own hydrophilic coating. Constructed and working in a very similar way to Sprayway’s Hydrodry P2, Aquadry is a good choice fabric for a middle of the range waterproof garment- it is waterproof (at least 7,000mm), windproof and breathable. The Aquadry label carries a hydrostatic head measurement (in meters) and a breathability rating (%age) on each garment i.e. “Aquadry 7-82” to look out for.
Caring for your Waterproof Jackets,
Trousers and Gear
Most of us now use what are called ‘breathable’ waterproof jackets, and
like our skin they allow moisture to escape but prevent moisture from
penetrating to the inside! Similarly, a waterproof jacket needs a
little TLC on a regular basis to get the best out of it. If you notice
that your jacket appears to be absorbing water rather than repelling it
then it is time to act, and avoid an uncomfortable day out with a
jacket that does not breathe.
Step One: Wash Your Jacket! This can be done in the washing machine with a product like Grangers Extreme Cleaner. Be sure to put the cleaner into the powder compartment and not into the machine drum with your jacket, as most are concentrated and will not help the fabric. Wash on a cool (40 degree) cycle and ensure the jacket is well rinsed. You can use an household detergent, but it must be a non-bio Important Note: The chemicals in household detergents interfere with the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment to the outside of your waterproof – the perfumes used in particular, as well as those that combine a fabric conditioner. This is why we recommend that you use a product like Grangers, which is a pure soap without additives.
Step Two: TheSecret to Success. You now have a nice clean jacket with no dirt now impeding the surface of the fabric so what next…Your jacket needs a session in the tumble dryer! All waterproofs have a DWR finish to them, the dirt that has been removed was stopping this from working; and the heat of a tumble dryer will restore its properties. About 35 – 40 minutes on a low to medium heat will do the trick. Basically what you should expect is for the buttons to be hot to the touch (if it takes the skin off your fingers, you’ve gone too far!) If you should happen to notice that the colour of your jacket has changed a fraction – Don’t Panic – this is just the DWR chemical cooling and setting into the fibres of the fabric. (The tumble drying process liquefied it). You can used a warm iron to rejuvenate the DWR coating after washing, but the tumble dryer works best.
Make sure you use waterproof fabric care (aka gear proofers) to protect your waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers - this helps to add a layer of breathable waterproofing to make them even more effective for years to come. The Walk and Ramble online walking shop has a full range of waterproof fabric care and proofers.
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This information is provided for general guidance only, and so if you are looking for specific and possibly more up-to-date advice on an item or range of walking or outdoor clothing, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to help.