Waterproof and breathable outdoor wear is essential when venturing outdoors during rain or snow, such as Gore-Tex jackets with pit zips and ankle zippers to allow heat dissipation during strenuous activities.

Breathable fabrics allow perspiration vapor molecules to escape, keeping you feeling dry and comfortable. Furthermore, these fabrics prevent sweat buildup for extra clammy comfort – ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

1. Waterproofness

Waterproof breathable fabrics like GORE-TEX have long been a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, but new technologies are pushing its limits further. Membranes such as eVent, Polartec Neoshell and Pertex Shield offer not only high performance waterproofness but also breathability to regulate body temperature during high-intensity activities.

Gore-TEX jackets feature microscopic pores in their ePTFE membrane that repel liquid water while permitting moisture vapor to escape, thus preventing sweat from being trapped against your skin, leading to chills or damp conditions.

Waterproofness, otherwise known as “water column rating”, measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water penetrates it, according to REI Co-op standards of 3 PSI or greater as waterproof. Breathability refers to how well perspiration vapor escapes, making breathable fabrics more comfortable during high-exertion activities; most modern breathable waterproofs contain both features while some prioritize one over the other.

2. Breathability

Breathability allows moisture vapor to escape your clothing to the outside, keeping you comfortable during exercise and preventing moisture build-up within it. Clothing without this feature often feels damp after sweating and should therefore provide you with breathability – this feature should also be present on baselayers for use under other layers.

Fabric weave, weight and construction all play a part in its breathability; looser weaves tend to be more breathable than tighter ones. You can test its breathability by holding up to the light – when more light passes through than expected this indicates higher breathability.

GORE-TEX, Polartec NeoShell and Pertex Shield fabrics offer great breathability while remaining water resistant. Many products feature core vents and underarm zips to further increase breathability – these technologies enable you to wear hardshell jackets while allowing airflow around your layering system.

3. Comfort

Breathability is an integral component of outdoor clothing, allowing moisture vapor to escape while cool air passes in, keeping you comfortable and dry. Without breathability, excess moisture would remain trapped against the skin, potentially leading to discomfort or health concerns.

Most breathable fabrics are synthetics like polyester and nylon; however, many also make use of plant-based materials like cotton, bamboo or merino wool as fast drying natural fabrics that wick away moisture quickly – although these don’t provide waterproof performance like synthetic fabrics do.

At least when it comes to clothing, finding one garment that meets all three requirements can be hard. Most outdoors enthusiasts carry two distinct shell layers – a lightweight breathable wind jacket and rain shell. Many outer layer garments feature mesh panels to speed sweat evaporation. Furthermore, durable water repellent (DWR) finishes prevent water from seeping into fabric; and 3-layer laminates bind the membrane with face and back fabrics for extra durability.