Is Pertex Shield a laminate or a membrane?

Plenty of info articles here. Any pertex shield in recent times == a waterproof breathable. 2 is 2 layer, 3 3 layer and DS 2.5 layer.

Except…. They've also introduced another 2.5 layer version. But its just called Pertex Shield+ , not DS+ or anything helpful.

Thats got a different face fabric and backer compared to DS, and is notably lighter and higher hydrostatic head/MVTR. Not compared side by side yet but the internal print pattern seems to look a bit like Membrain strata?
(From Montanes website – + is 53g/m2, 20k HH and 25k MVTR, DS is only 10k HH and 7k MVTR, although I've done fine with it.).

Montane and RAB (at least) are actually using both DS and +. DS seemingly being retained as a tougher, slightly cheaper option. I'm not sure if anyone is using the 2 or 3 layer variants?

Given what I also wouldn't rule out randomly named variants in the future :)

Looks like there's a Shield+ Stretch variant in Some of Rab's spring '12 gear as well…

http://n2a.goexposoftware.com/events/ors2011/FORMfields/uploads/pressreleasescurprurl1311361070106508976.pdf

Cool. 3/4 length zip pants at 7oz is pretty cool. Good 4 item line of jackets also. Good compliments to the Montane Minimus which has been getting some good reviews.

I'd forgotten those ones. I hope that the treatment is the same as the other shield+ stuff or it'll be very annoying!

Not that that document is totally accurate – there's one jacket slipped out to a UK store already and it doesn't quite match anything in that list.
(http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-mens-kinetic-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/11111011/id_colour/90. I checked and it'll be in 'normal' service soon enough.).

Suppose that their website will flip to summer sometime reasonably soon.

The waterproof trousers I like are those minimus ones that Montane have just put on their website – same fabric but 1/4 zip so only 125g. (http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/shell/minimus-pants/830)

I would like to use those Montane pants also but with size 14/15, 1/4 zips are not going to work unless I take my shoes off. I guess I will just have to find a way to deal with the 3oz weight penalty for 3/4 zips. :)

Golite and OR already use DS so I am hoping they kick some of their stuff over for this year also so there can be some lower prices on this stuff.

I called RAB and the new stuff is supposed to be out in stores around March 1st for the states. It will be really cool to see how durable, waterproof and breathable this stuff is and if it is the eVent killer.

Montanes minimus jacket has been out in this fabric in the UK since last summer so if you search a fair few reviews scattered around the web.

Rather unlikely to kill Event I'd think :)(and Gore have already more or less killed paclite themselves….). Decent competition for membrane strata etc though.