(bear with me, this for both newbies and non newbs alike). In some ways, non woven polypropylene (as in Dri Ducks, Frogg Toggs, O2, etc) makes really good WPB stuff because it breathes so well and doesn't require a DWR coating to work, and is very light weight. Part of the reason is because the actual material is just so innately hydrophobic–it makes nylon look like cotton–no, seriously. But it's weaknesses are really big. It's rather fragile in those forms and also there is the factor that even thin polypro stuff is a bit hot, despite the great breathability, because polypropylene is also very thermally non conductive–lower thermal conductivity than any other clothes fabric actually, so it holds in heat very well.
This got me thinking back to that dang UHMWPE and dyneema/spectra stuff again. Polypropylene and dyneema/spectra have two major things in common, they are both extremely hydrophobic and light weight in nature. However, importantly the latter is extremely strong and also, it's extremely conductive. I have some dyneema based long sleeves that i wear on my arms and legs for motorcycle riding, and it's amazing how thermally conductive it is, heat just passes right through it.
It would be the ideal fiber for WPB type fabric especially for cool to warm weather activities. How would you go about making it though? I think Tyvek homewrap, aka HDPE flash spun fibers which are then bonded under pressure and heat, holds a key. Put smaller, perhaps micro fiber dyneema through a similar process creating a semi-porous breathable but functionally waterproof fabric. It's funny, but in a sense, under a micro scope, tyvek homewrap and Polartec's Neoshell shell looks a bit similar, fibers that are criss crossed many times in layers in a non repeating pattern sort of like a layered chaotic spider web of sorts.
Alternately, i suppose one could also try weaving dyneema or spectra micro fibers in a tight weave and then calendaring it some, as well. Perhaps two thin layers on top of each other.
Anyways, it would have all the benefits of polypro WPB and none of the weaknesses. It would be a very cool, thermally conductive fabric, ultra strong and durable, extremely hydrophobic and probably not requiring a DWR, *and* VERY light weight all at the same time! Besides cost, what's not to like?
Actually dyneema and spectra type fiber and fabrics shouldn't be so expensive. It's not really that hard to make (many Chinese companies make dyneema and spectra fiber look a likes). However, it's muy expensive for two main reasons, there are only two major companies (that i know of) that make the "name brand", super high quality stuff and that's DSM and Honeywell the respective makers of Dyneema and Spectra…
AND the friqqin U.S. Military (probably also other military's as well) is buying up so much of the stuff that is being produced, because it's such a useful material for weapon protection, tactical materials like ropes, etc but they especially like it for the weapon protection properties. They line various vehicles with it, make bullet proof vests, etc.
Cuben Fabric on the other hand, uses the somewhat expensive dyneema/spectra type fibers and puts it through an expensive, specialized process, and so the stuff becomes uber expensive.
Perhaps we should form a BPL think tank and company and come up with a spectra type fiber based, forever lasting Ultimate WPB jacket!? Seriously though, such a fabric and WPB technology would forever change the game. Move over eVent, Neoshell, goretex, say hallo to my space age WPB jacket that lasts 10 times longer than yours and doesn't ever require a DWR coating, is a third of the weight of yours, and is a very cool/cooling fabric.
(p.s., Disclaimer– it may be the above poster doesn't have a clue what he is talking about, lives in fantasy land, and stays up too late too often which impairs his cognitive abilities).
