Before Macintosh, inventors had been working toward waterproofing fabric with a layer of rubber by dissolving it in a solvent and spreading it on material. But these fabrics tended to be sticky. Related: Gore to drop waterproofing PFCs. Macintosh patented the invention in At the time, he was using coal tar naphtha—a hydrocarbon waste product from the conversion of coal to streetlamp gas—as a solvent for the rubber.
He spread the resulting goo between two sheets of fabric. Unfortunately, the waterproof assembly smelled terrible and tended to melt in hot weather. Contact us to opt out anytime. Advances in synthetic polymers and water-repellent coatings have since led to lighter, cheaper, and more colorful raincoats. These days, the focus is on making raincoat material comfortable to wear as well as waterproof. Modern waterproof fabrics often feature three layers in which a hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE membrane is sandwiched between two layers of fabric.
On the outer layer of fabric that faces the elements, a so-called durable water-repellent coating, usually made from a fluoropolymer, prevents water from saturating the material.
Hydrophilic polyurethane often coats the membrane on the side that touches the inner layer of fabric, known as the backer, to soak up sweat and make the garment sturdier. Related: Periodic graphics: Water-repelling chemistry. In recent years, waterproof-fabric makers have been working to make garments with greater air permeability, says Martin Hatfield, chief engineer with eVent fabrics. The company makes waterproof material for products sold by dozens of companies, including Eddie Bauer and REI.
The coating blocks airflow, so by removing it, air can push sweat through the PTFE more easily, preventing wearers from feeling stifled.
This, Hatfield says, makes the raincoat more comfortable to wear when alternating between periods of activity and rest—for instance, when a skier works up a sweat on the slopes but then relaxes while riding the lift back up the mountain. The downside of removing the polyurethane, he says, is that the raincoat is less rugged and less resistant to solvents, so customers in the military and other specialized fields still prefer the polyurethane coating.
Mike Winterling, a product specialist with W. One problem with the outer layer is that over time, its durable water-repellent coating can lose its ability to make water bead up, so garments start to get wet and heavy. Related: The madman who made rubber useful. Recent patents indicate that Gore increases durability by coating the PTFE with an oil-resistant polymer and that the company colors the material using ink-jet printing.
To test products that carry the Gore-Tex label, the company places prototypes of all garments made with the waterproof fabric into a living-room-size storm chamber. Here, enthusiastic Gore employee volunteers and paid participants often college students from the nearby University of Delaware get sprayed in a manner that mimics all types of wet weather.
Finally, products are subject to field testing. Waterproof-fabric companies are also trying to improve their environmental footprint.
Last year, Gore Fabrics, a subunit of W. Winterling acknowledges that the move away from perfluorinated chemicals presents a challenge. They are, in fact, on the side of the PTFE membrane that touches the backer. Gore Corporation. June 26, In This Guide. Why is my gear not always waterproof? A Brief History of Waterproof Fabrics. Waterproof Ratings Explained: 5,mm? Manufacturers brands use two numbers for describing the waterproof and breathability of fabrics: millimeters mm and grams g.
How are waterproof ratings determined? How are breathability ratings determined? What is seam taping and why is it important? See what else is new. Podcast: The Athletic Stance Guides. Bike Magazine Gear Review Bike. Categories: Guides , Snow , Uncategorized.
Podcast: The Athletic Stance March 5, Waterproof and breathable fabrics will keep you dry and comfortable, which we can all agree is pretty important in outdoor sports.
So, what is waterproofing, and what do the numbers really mean? We give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about waterproofing and breathability. Waterproof fabrics are resistant to water penetration. This is typically done using a membrane or a coating that act as a barrier, preventing moisture from permeating the fabric, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Breathable fabrics allow sweat in the form of water vapour to escape from the inside of the fabric to the outside. Whilst it is common for a fabric to be waterproof and breathable, there are different variations so some fabrics may prioritise certain properties over others.
Some fabrics may be more waterproof and some fabrics may be more breathable to cater for the kind of activity that you are trying to do. A waterproof and breathable jacket is essential gear for the slopes, no question.
But finding the right one for you isn't always so simple. Getting the right levels of waterproofness and breathability will make sure you stay comfortable during long days of intense shredding. Not necessarily. The waterproof and breathability ratings you need will depend on the conditions and the activity that you are doing.
Generally, a minimum of 5,mm is good for both skiing and snowboarding in cold but clear conditions, especially if you enjoy taking regular breaks. Although fabrics can be fully waterproof, such as rubber and wax, outwear for active sports will usually be varying degrees of water-resistant, as with enough water, wear, and pressure, it will eventually leak.
As a result, most outwear balances protection with breathability. Sitting alongside their waterproof and breathability ratings, these fabrics are also typically classed in layers; either 2 layer, 2. As there are only two layers it is very flexible and comfortable. It is also cheapest out of the waterproof constructions but this does mean you will compromise on breathability, durability and protection.
This has all the layers, outer layer, membrane and a fully bonded inner layer. The membrane is fully sandwiched so it is completely protected, meaning it will last longer and provide more protection. As it is more durable they tend to more expensive and the 3-layer construction means it is bulkier. This is the most advanced construction offering a protective, lightweight, durable, and most importantly breathable fabric, but it is more expensive.
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