breathable outdoor wear

Waterproof-breathable textiles like Gore-Tex provide essential weather protection, yet allow perspiration to escape, making them the perfect companions for climbers, hikers and other high-energy outdoor activities that need to regulate body temperature.

Fabric that breathes requires an imbalance of humidity between inside and outside. To check this, place a finger under the fabric and push on it with one finger.

Waterproof and Breathable Fabrics

Waterproof and breathable fabrics protect you from rain while allowing water vapour to escape, keeping you dry inside while also allowing free movement. This combination keeps the interior dry while also permitting mobility.

GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable textiles, commonly found in walking/hiking jackets and mountain coats for outdoor activities that need to be both durable and comfortable, is typically composed of nylon or polyester face fabric, laminated membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or Polyurethane coating and an additional backer layer to add reinforcement.

Two techniques can be employed in creating waterproof-breathable fabrics: 3 layer fabrics are constructed by adhering all layers together; while 2 layer fabrics only laminate the membrane to the face cloth. 3 layer fabrics tend to be more robust and more expensive but offer superior protection and performance than their 2 layer counterparts; moreover, most manufacturers have developed ultra thin membranes without backing layers which make packing even easier; however, these new technologies use Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have become an increasing source of concern due to accumulating in both environments as well as human bodies over time.

Waterproof and Breathable Garments

Waterproof and breathable garments help keep you dry by blocking precipitation while permitting perspiration to escape during physical exertion, providing comfort while exercising. Such fabrics typically carry both PSI and GSM ratings to indicate how waterproof and breathable they are respectively.

Waterproof breathable fabrics usually utilize multiple-layer constructions that work on a fundamental principle – membranes with small pores repel liquid water while still allowing vapor escape through them. Most manufacturers employ either laminated membrane or coating technology.

GORE-TEX XCR fabric features an outer nylon face with a bonded ePTFE membrane to repel water and draw moisture away from your skin, and an inner polyether lining to wick sweat and help regulate body temperature. Other comparable waterproof fabrics from Mountain Hardwear (eVent fabric) and Polartec Neoshell fabrics push the envelope when it comes to breathability.

Other outdoor fabrics like Sprayways Hydrodry P2 and Craghoppers Entrant II utilize coated construction, in which a membrane is fused directly onto nylon face fabric for added strength and light weightness. This allows them to be more affordable while offering some durability benefits over laminate laminates.

Waterproof and Breathable Jackets

Waterproof/breathable membranes used in rain jackets must repel both liquid water and let out sweat vapor that accumulates from human sweat, depending on its temperature and humidity levels. People often produce more sweat vapor than others. Exertion in hot and steamy conditions may create excess moisture which a waterproof jacket cannot control;

An outer fabric of a waterproof/breathable jacket must be treated with a durable water Repellent (DWR) finish to repel water and keep it from seeping through its face fabric, thus maintaining breathability. Otherwise, too much moisture would soak through and compromise its breathability and stop working effectively as intended.

Modern waterproof-breathable fabrics such as GORE-TEX and Patagonia’s W/B technology deliver outstanding performance at all price points, with remarkable dynamic breathability that improves with increased activity. Lightweight fabrics like Pertex Shield+ feature an inner woven backing while 2-layer and 2.5-layer designs incorporate laminates directly onto face fabrics to reduce weight.

Waterproof and Breathable Pants

Rain pants provide the ideal companion to a rain jacket, offering protection from drizzle to heavy downpour in an instant. Breathing well without needing manual ventilation is ensured while remaining lightweight enough for easy carrying in a pack on any hike.

2.5-layer pants feature a DWR-coated outer and breathable liner; 2.5-layer pants also include an innermost layer that prevents body sweat and oil from clogging the breathable ePTFE membranes on the middle waterproof-breathable layers, keeping them breathable even during vigorous activity such as summer hiking.

These trousers feature full side WaterTight zippers with lace hooks to securely fasten their cuffs, articulated knees, and a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement. Though slightly baggy for Arc’teryx standards and bordering on snow/ski pants, these versatile rainpants make an excellent option if you require a durable yet lightweight rain pant for hiking in hot weather.