This series began with my article after the winter 2011 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show, where I commented on a long overdue advancement in waterproof-breathable fabric technologies. After nearly 30 years of market domination by Gore-Tex, we finally have several serious contenders that could capture a share of this high-end market. The challengers present some convincing claims and data on how well their fabrics perform in comparison to "traditional Gore-Tex." The stakes are high and the claims are lofty; are the competing technologies really better than Gore-Tex? Manufacturers would like you to believe that these jackets are "highly air-permeable," implying they yield comfort akin to air-conditioning. I simply couldn't resist, for this claim begs the questions: "Are these fabrics magical? Do they really deliver the level of comfort that they claim?" To find out, I tested and compared jackets made of the new fabrics under real world backpacking conditions.
An index to the articles in this series:
An Emerging Revolution in Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies - It's Not Just Gore-Tex Versus eVENT Anymore! Provides a description of the new technologies and highlights new jackets in the pipeline utilizing the new fabrics.
Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies Part 2: Are There Detectable Differences Under Real World Backpacking Conditions? Describes my testing method and presents field test results.
Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies Part 3: Discussion, Conclusions, and Performance of Individual Jackets (this article) Summarizes my findings and pragmatic conclusions from field testing the jackets while carrying a backpack, and discusses the pros and cons of investing in a high-end waterproof-breathable jacket. Presents test data for each jacket compared to “traditional Gore-Tex”, plus my comments on the most appropriate uses for each jacket.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Overview
- Introduction to Part 3
- Discussion
- Conclusions
- Testing Results and Comments for Individual Jackets
- Columbia Peak 2 Peak Jacket
- Mammut Felsturn Half-Zip
- Mountain Hardwear Effusion Jacket
- Montane Spektr Smock
- MontBell Outpace Parka
- MontBell Thunderhead Jacket
- Rab Stretch Neo Jacket
- Stoic Vaporshell Jacket
- The North Face Kishtwar Jacket
- Marmot Essence Jacket
- Breathability Standouts
- Trends
# WORDS: 6220
# PHOTOS: 22
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to:
Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies Part 3: Discussion, Conclusions, and Performance of Individual Jackets
That shelter you are using in the snow photo with the mammut red jacket looks awesome. what's the deal with that?
There has been no testing of this idea. If someone knows this is not a workable idea, please speak (even if this is just opinion).
We all agree that the quickest way to dehumidify a jacket is simply to undo the front enclosure. As has been mentioned, this is not so practical in a deluge. So, the thought goes, is it practical to create an "airlock" system?
Here's the idea: You have hiked for an hour, and are starting to swim inside your jacket. Take out your trusty multipurpose plastic trash bag with a hole in it. Throw it on over the top of you (head goes in the hole, pack is off). Lean forward and open the front zipper. Allow steam to escape into the "airlock" you are creating. Close the zipper. Remove the trash bag. Repeat as needed.
If someone has the equipment (and time/desire) to test the efficacy of this idea, post your results. A guess, is that the requirement to stop and do this every 30 mins to an hour may reduce any interest in doing it at all.
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