Shell Game: Wind and Rain Jacket Breathability Tests vs. Trail Performance

Oh, another thing he said was that the inner lining on WPB was for comfort against the skin.

What I’ve read, which Bill mentioned, was that the lining is to protect the membrane from body oils

Now I feel bad criticizing the video : )  I like his test setup with humidity and so forth.  And I agree with his basic explanation of how and when the WPB works.

i agree that the guy in the video makes a good and interesting point about the limits of Gore-tex, and by implication ANY material, to “breath” or dump moisture from the inside of a jacket into the outer environment when it’s raining.

However: when temps are cold–say, near freezing–and rain/sleet/wet snow is coming down…that’s one of the most dangerous situations. In my experience, I don’t sweat in those conditions, even when climbing a steep pass. And so, the interior of my jacket doesn’t build up moisture that needs to be breathed out–evacuated.

And in those conditions, Gore tex and Event actually DO provide good protection from the near freezing elements.

My old Rab Demand saved my butt in exactly those conditions more than one time. It was a three ply Event pull over, discontinued of course because that’s always the way of life.

In warmer temps, I have to admit that I’m coming around to the idea of a poncho or Packa. Fully waterproof, cheap, and highly breathable.

Eh, ponchos work quite well in the snow too.

France, Mont Blanc region, ascending to Col du Croix de Bonhomme. Silnylon poncho.

Cheers

Hi,

I noticed a few errors:

Comment about the Squamish in the table:

Direct competitor to BD Alpine Start. Alpine Start is less air permeable, which is better for blocking wind. Squamish is more permeable, which might have some value in high-output situations. Squamish has more ventilation features.

I think you swapped both.

In “Rain Shell Fabrics: WPB Fabrics with High MVTR” about “Outdoor Research Motive AscentShell Jacket”:

While it is a little heavier at 11 oz (310 g)

But in the table it says 400g.