Membrane in jackets – What is it, how does it work and what kind of choosing?

The jacket membrane is a thin layer designed to protect from rain, cold and wind, while guaranteeing breathability. Our guide will answer you in detail: what is a membrane, how does it work, its most important parameters and what other types will you find in the jackets in addition to the Gore-Tex® fade?

The membrane in a jacket is a very thin layer Which allows to prevent the penetration of humidity in the structure of the material, to protect from the cold and at the same time, to free the excess of humidity from the body surface. This allows you to maintain a high level of thermal comfort and avoid overheating even in very Aspne weather conditions.

Membranes from outdoor jackets

Polyurethane or polyethylene is used. In the first case, there is a trace of humidity absorption through the material, which begins to remove. On the other hand, polyethylene has microscopic pores – smaller than a drop of water, but larger than the steam molecules, which on the one hand prevent the humidity from entering the jacket and on the other, removes water vapor from the skin.

The efficiency of the membrane depends largely on the external material on which it is glued. A second key aspect is how these layers have been glued together and what kind of laminate to the end form:

• of three layers 3L It is a combination of external material, membrane and coating, resulting in the so -called Hardshell. It stands out for its high resistance to mechanical damage (for example, abrasion), for ease and at the same time, for good breathability and waterproofing. It is used for extreme weather conditions;

• of two and a half layers 2.5L Add the external material with the membrane in a single unit. The coating is replaced here by a print that protects among others, from mechanical damage. This type of laminate guarantees ease, winding and breathability, so that the jackets equipped with it are ideal for trekking, running or cycling;
• of two layers 2L In this case, the external material is combined with the membrane and the coating is a separate layer (very often, this is in the form of a mesh fabric, but it can also take on the shape of an insulating layer). 2L marked jackets are robust and suitable for excursions for leisure or for daily use in capricious time.

The parameter of breathability and waterproofing

The best is the protection offered by Membrane jacket. However, when choosing the right outdoor clothing model, it is important to consider how intense outdoor activity and the earth you will find.

Waterproofing is the water resistance of a fabric. It is measured in millimeters of water column for 1 m2 fabric. For example, if on a jacket you find a 5,000 mm H20 waterproofing index, it means that the material can resist a water column of 5,000 m on an area of ​​1 m2. What does this have to do with the uses of the jacket? An interval of 1,000-2,000 mm is sufficient for spraying, a membrane of 5,000 will work for moderate rains and over 10,000 mm exceeds the test in difficult conditions. For extreme conditions, membranes are produced with total waterproofing of> 20,000 mm.

Steam permeability It is the second important parameter of a membrane jacket, which determines Number of grams of water vapor that can pass through 1 m2 fabric in 24 hours. It is measured in g/m2/24h. For outdoor recreational activities, it will be suitable for over 5,000 g/m2. The breathability is also given through the RET coefficient. Shows the range of resistance that the membrane offers in water vapor. The lower the value, the more comfortable it is. For high intensity physical exercises, it is better to choose a jacket with an index between Ret 0 and RET 6 and for a moderate activity, a Ret 13 index is a good choice.

Gore-Tex® is the main membrane for waterproofing, wind protection and high breathability and is used in tourism, trekking and sports clothing, but is not the only one. The best brands in the outdoor world have also developed their solutions, so whether you run, excursions, bicycles and no matter how intense your physical effort is, you will remain comfortable and dry in a variety of conditions.

It is the most popular and oldest membrane found in the jackets and has been initially used, for example in the production of NASA astronaut costumes. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Eptfe) expanded has a microporous structure (the pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule and 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water), which is exposed by high resistance and total waterproofing (> 28,000 mm H2O). Read more on the emblematic membrane in external clothing in our guide: Gore-Tex®.

The most advanced modern membranes developed by the north face. For the production of Futurelight ™ material, a nanophilation method is used to create nano fiber. This allows you to maintain 100%impermeability, while maintaining a high level of air permeability. In addition, Futurelight ™ technology allows you to regulate weight, elasticity, breathing and resistance of the tissue to adapt to the needs of specific physical activity.

These are different versions of a membrane developed by the Jack Wolfskin brand, to ensure maximum protection regardless of the conditions in which you are either from the level of progress on hiking excursions, in which you are. The type of base membrane is Texapore Core for one -day trips, light excursions and passing rainfall. On the other hand, for longer and more exhausting excursions, there is Texapore Pro, with a grade of waterproofing of 20,000 mm and breathability of 15,000 g/m2/24 hours.

This is a marmot membrane, the task of which is to reject the rain outside and reduce to a minimum leaving excess humidity from the skin, while guaranteeing softness and comfort. In combination with external tissues, the hydrophilic lamination in polyurethane is to prevent the body that prevents the body in capricious condition. Memberin® distinguishes water resistance at 10,000 mm, breathability 10,000 GM and RET 6-8.

This is a membrane of the Swiss brand Mammut based on polyurethane. It stands out for high water resistance and breathability. It is available in 2L, 2.5L and 3L versions, thanks to which it works in all conditions and with various types of activities. Improved version supported by a membrane Gore-Tex Pro® It is used in clothing dedicated to climbing in the high mountains.

The Colombia brand membrane which is a two -layer laminate used for outdoor clothing and footwear. Omni-Tech ™ is distinguished by excellent hydrophobic properties (with an additional DWR) and wind resistance, high levels of breathability and efficient transport outside.

The waterproof membrane of Salewa with a sufficient level of breathing to guarantee comfort, for example in recreational physical activities. Powertex® membrane clothing objects protect from the wind and are easy and comfortable when wearing. In addition, Salewa also developed the fabric Powertex Cordura® Resistant, with a three -layer laminate, intended for skiing. The external layer consists of an abrasion nailon cordura® resistant of 94%, which is combined with 6% elastano for greater freedom of movement, and the external layer is covered by a sustainable water finish.

Wash a membrane jacket

It requires the use of adequate detergents in order not to damage the material and not deprive it of its hydrophobic and breathable properties. Basis Dedicated agents for washing membrane clothes from the brands Nikwax OR Holmenkol. How to wash a membrane jacket, step by step:

1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, for example: the washing program, the temperature range, the drying capacity of the dryer; E.AMD.
2. Removes the contents of the pockets, closes all hinges, fixing devices with velcro, buttons and staples.
3. Try to easily remove dirt with a soft sponge.
4. Clean the washing machine from the debris from previous washes.
5. Put the jacket in the washing machine. Don’t turn the jacket on the back: the membrane is inside.
6. A suitable detergent is added.
7. Set the correct program and temperature (usually 30-40 ° C).
8. Dry the jacket in the dryer, dry it or hang a hook in an airy place. Avoid exposure to direct sun, drying on a radiator, etc.

The membrane in a jacket not only guarantees effective protection against the capricious climate or extreme weather conditions, but also allows during excursions, running, cycling or other external sports to maintain high comfort due to its breathing. Functional and reliable membrane kitten by best brands such as: Jack Wolfskin, Marmot, Columbia, Mammut, Salewa OR The north faceYou will find Sporto.ro.