Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features

Yes.

If the PU-WPB layer is on the outside, it would be more suceptible to damage, is this a problem I wonder…

I have not worn these things and there are online reports of failure and good durability.  I guess the question is compared to what?  I have to believe it is more durable than light-weight shells with 7 or 10 denier fabrics.  How would it compare to 20, 40, or 100 denier?  I did a simple little test shown below:

I abraded the polyurethane coating on the Reign jacket 50 times with a cheese grater. For the most part, the membrane was damaged but not destroyed, as seen in the area with the word Damage. One significant hole was produced. Now, you have a standard test for durability that you can try on the jacket of your choice!  I would judge this t0 be pretty durable but not bomb proof.  I expect the thicker urethane coating on the Reign no Shine or Whistler’s peak versions would be more durable.  The outer surface is smooth so it offers less opportunity for snags than the relatively rougher surface of the Reighn that is produced by the underlying weave pattern.

Jerry-by the way, my new article has been published for your reading pleasure.

The question is: what have they sacrificed in breathability to still get a waterproof layer but one that is also durable?

Woubeir: Given the results of the two current models I have tested, I would say yes.  My guess is they reduced breathability by  increasing coating thickness. I presume this was to get better durability.  This will reduce reduce MVTR. Unfortunately, I probably cannot get one of the old models to examine and be more certain about what was changed.

Breathability is easy to shortchange.  There is no definition of breathability. Furthermore, manufacturers can select the breathability test that provides the best possible results.  So manufacturers can claim “high breathability” without providing test evidence.

Thanks for your new article, very pleasurable :)

Maybe I need to read it on my pc screen.  Very dense.  Well thought out. Answers some questions.  Need more time with it :)

Stephen, I don’t remember but did you test both Outdry Extreme-models for their MVTR?

I have tested 8 Outdry models since they were introduced in 2015.  The two currrent models I tested, at 320 g/meter2/24 hours are, by far, the lowest yet.

Not entirely surprising, since this more consistent and thicker coating probably didn’t do any good to that.