Epic Malibu more air permeable than other Epics?

The test data I have lists several EPIC fabrics (including Malibu) as having air permeability of <1 cu ft / min. I don't think they provided any data with greater resolution than that.
The air permeability does increase a little after a number of test washes – which are probably fairly severe.

I made a ski jacket out of Malibu some years ago and wore it during the 'When Things Go Wrong' trip (on this web site). I didn't notice any significant amount of air going through.

Cheers

Thanks Roger – yes, that's where I (mis)read it.

Can you think of any reason why Nextec couldn't or wouldn't make variants with higher air permeability?

Water would come through at lower pressure, sure, but the permanent DWR and water impermeability would still be useful.

> Can you think of any reason why Nextec couldn't or wouldn't make variants with higher air permeability?

Well …. I guess if the fabric is very permeable, that would mean that there is a large gap between the threads. It seems to me that large gaps would mean the water could get through rather too easily. Doubtless there is a 'sweet spot' in permeability.

However, my understanding is that Nextec will apply their coating to any fabric production run you want to pay for.

Cheers

Cheers

Maybe this is now moot, but are you looking for wind-resistance (what I think Roger is referring to) or what is frequently called breathability (vapor transfer)? Epic (it doesn't specify Malibu or otherwise) is included on Alan Dixon's treatise on WPB fabrics:http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00316.html.

I was wondering if Epic Malibu was more air permeable (measured in cubic feet per minute air passing through fabric at 20mph = CFM).

A lot of people really like Epic because it has a permanent DWR (silicone encapsulation). It also has a very tight weave (approx. 0 CFM), making it relatively more waterproof than more air permeable windshirt fabrics like Pertex microlight.

But though people like Epic, most like their windshirts more, as the very low air permeability of Epic means it has less breathability, as compared to microlight, for example.

I've always wondered why Epic doesn't make a more air permeable fabric, similar to microlight. A windshirt made of such would be less waterproof, but more air permeable. Basically a windshirt with permanent DWR – very useful.

I thought I may have misunderstood the conversation. I had just come (back) across Alan's article when I was recently considering Epic for a bivy – its great water resistance makes it a very appealing fabric for that given that Event isn't available for MYO. Too bad it's only half as breathable.

Yeah, which is strange – that Epic, which isn't waterproof, would be less breathable than eVent, which is.

There have been some discussions on this board about this, with some contending that Epic is close to, or even more, breathable than eVent. But the specs provided in the treatise def. show Epic as less breathable.