Waterproof breathable fabrics are essential for high-intensity outdoor activities as they allow sweat to evaporate and regulate body temperature while protecting athletes from rain and snow, keeping them dry from the elements.

Most waterproof breathable fabric jackets feature a membrane laminated to their outer fabric surface. Gore-Tex-brand ePTFE membranes lead the market, but polyurethane and polyester membranes are quickly gaining ground due to price and performance advantages.

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a renowned waterproof fabric membrane, used in everything from raincoats to spacesuits. Created using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), Gore-Tex remains a go-to standard when it comes to outdoor apparel that’s sure to keep its users dry in even extreme conditions.

Gore-TEX fabric repels liquid water while still allowing water vapor through, making it perfect for recreation in the outdoors when working up a sweat. In addition, Gore-TEX provides wind protection without compromising breathability, as well as durability against repeated exposure to environmental conditions.

Many outdoor enthusiasts believe the high-tech fabric, GORE-TEX, to be worth its high cost. Clothing made of this material must be taped at seams for maximum protection against the elements; additionally, most GORE-TEX products must be sent back to manufacturers for certification, which adds further costs. But regular care and washing will keep your Gore-Tex gear working correctly – washing can help avoid grime clogging its pores as well.

eVent(r) DVAlpine

Gore-Tex uses an expanded PTFE membrane with extremely porous pores; its micropores are small enough to block liquid water such as rain or melting snow from entering, yet large enough for moisture vapor from your skin and baselayers to pass through freely. eVent DVAlpine follows suit by employing this same technology with their expanded PTFE membrane that features similar micropores as Gore-Tex, yet still allows perspiration from users through.

Gore-Tex jackets feature a polyurethane (PU) layer that must become saturated with sweat before its PTFE membrane can breathe, but eVent creates an easier system that allows users to vent sweat without getting their garment wet first, making it much simpler for outdoor activities and combatting overheating.

eVent fabric is known for being very durable and abrasion resistant, meaning that it can withstand even the toughest outdoor activities without becoming compromised. Furthermore, its environmental protection benefits and sustainability benefits make it a favorite choice of many sportswear brands and outdoor enthusiasts.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Treatments

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments for technical outdoor gear provide waterproofing by making outer fabric bead up and roll off of moisture instead of absorbing it, helping prevent rain or snow from saturated outer layers, decreasing breathability and increasing coldness. This treatment may be applied through spray or wash-in methods.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is not what makes gear waterproof; rather it serves to protect against wetness. As time passes and use wears down its DWR treatment, its effectiveness must be periodically renewed to stay effective. As DWR levels degrade with wear however, reapplying may become necessary.

To reactivate the DWR on your garment, follow its care instructions and machine wash it using mild detergents in cold or warm water, without fabric softeners and very hot temperatures, which could compromise its DWR coatings. Tumble dry the garment or iron on a warm setting without steam if possible to restore factory-applied DWR and make your outerwear water resistant again – this test should be repeated periodically to make sure its working effectively!

Storage

Proper storage of waterproof clothing and gear is key to maintaining their water-resistant qualities. Avoid packing damp or wet items into tight spaces as this could promote mold and mildew growth and compromise their waterproof membrane.

Effective waterproof gear must not only block rain; it must also allow sweat vapor to escape or else wearers will experience that “clammy” feeling. To meet this dual challenge of keeping out water while permitting sweat vapor out, outdoor apparel manufacturers have designed products such as the eVent(r) DVAlpine membrane that contains microscopic pores too small for raindroplets to pass through but large enough for vapor molecules to pass through.

Arc’teryx waterproof jackets and trousers often utilize the eVent membrane, with membrane layers closely adhered together for an extremely breathable, lightweight, and wind resistant 3-layer laminate that’s also highly wind resistant. More budget-conscious waterproof gear may feature 2-layer membranes wherein each outer fabric layer and membrane layer remains separate but protected with an additional protective layer to shield from abrasions on its inner side.