Membrane jackets - what is the membrane for, what happens and how it differs. Membrane fabric waterproof performance

The characteristics of clothing for active sports are reminiscent of a Chinese letter. What is "membrane", "fleece" and "gore-tex"? Why do you need thermal underwear? How do "moisture-proof" and breathable properties of things combine? "SE Extreme" reveals the secrets of snow clothing!

Lucky us, modern little men! We snowboard, ski, climb, eco-tour, trek and God knows what else, and there are special clothes for all this. These are not only jackets and pants, but also underwear, socks and shoes, the development of which takes into account the characteristics of a particular type of activity. We have at our disposal membranes, and down jackets, and impregnations, and anatomical suspension brackets of backpacks - there is just nothing. In general, everything is fine with us, we even complain sometimes: “I want not a two-layer, but a three-layer jacket, and so that with pockets!”

If you look back and think about how people used to cope with the vagaries of nature, how they walked, got wet in the rain and snow, carrying their wealth in grandfather's style backpacks, it becomes somehow uncomfortable. Although some don't remember, there was nothing but canvas jackets, quilted jackets, sweaters and woolen socks. But, despite all the inconveniences, people always went to the mountains, conquered the peaks, skied. They had one wisdom: the colder it is, the more you need to put on yourself. These were strong people, hardy and unassuming.

But then they got tired of it, and progress began in the production of fabrics suitable for active outdoor use. The development of special materials was in full swing: people began to puzzle over how to make the fabric as light and efficient as possible, so that it would not get wet, not blown, so that it would warm and remove moisture from the body.

Among the first to succeed were Wilbert and Genevieve Gore, who founded the Gore Company (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) in 1958. Wilbert (Bill) Gore worked for DuPont for 17 years, but then life took a different path, and that same Gore private enterprise was born. Over the next 12 years, the company has achieved almost worldwide recognition and has taken a leading position in the market. Thus began the history of the clothing membrane.

WHAT IS THE MEMBRANE EATED WITH?

So, let's try to figure out what a membrane (membrane tissue) is and what it is eaten with. Technically, a membrane is something like a film of a special structure, and membrane tissue is a matter in the structure of which this very special film is present. There is a world classification that allows you to divide all membrane tissues into several types.

By structure, the membrane can be non-porous, porous and combined.

Poreless membranes They work according to the following principle: body vapors enter the inner part of the membrane, settle on it and, through active diffusion, quickly move to the outside. The advantage of non-porous membranes is that they are durable, do not require careful maintenance, and work properly in a wide temperature range. Such membranes are usually used in expensive and functional products. What are its shortcomings? At first it may seem that the clothes get wet, but these are just the same fumes that accumulate on the inside of the thing. That is, non-porous membranes begin to breathe more slowly, however, when they “open up”, they sometimes surpass porous ones in terms of breathing properties.

Pore ​​membranes they work according to a different principle: water drops that fall on the membrane tissue from the outside cannot pass through the pores of the membrane inside, since these pores are too small. Accordingly, the outside of the fabric does not get wet.

On the other hand, the vapor molecules formed during the release of sweat are freely removed from the inside of the membrane tissue. As a result, we get the waterproofness of the membrane fabric on the outside of the product and the breathable (steam-removing) properties from the inside. The advantage of pore membranes is that they begin to breathe "quickly": they remove vapors as soon as you start to sweat. What are the disadvantages? This membrane “dies” quite quickly, that is, it loses its properties. In case of improper washing (especially with spinning!) the pores of the membrane are clogged, which greatly reduces the breathing properties - the jacket may begin to “leak”. This disadvantage can manifest itself if you are not a particular fan of taking care of your things.

Membrane combination: The fabric of the upper is covered with a porous membrane on the inside, and on top of the porous membrane there is another coating: a non-porous polyurethane membrane film. This fabric combines all the advantages of porous and non-porous membranes, while avoiding their disadvantages, a kind of "two in one". But high technology comes at a high price. It is for this reason that very few companies use this membrane in their products.

In addition to the above division, there is a difference in the material design itself. By design, membrane tissues are divided into supra-two-layer, three-layer and so-called “two-and-a-half” layers. These words are probably familiar to snowboarders and skiers, as well as people who spend enough time in the mountains.

Double layer fabric- this is a fabric on which a membrane is applied in a special way from the wrong side (usually white, but it can be transparent or with some other dye). In products, this fabric is always used with a lining, because it provides proper protection of the membrane from clogging and mechanical damage.

Three layer fabric looks like a fabric with a fine mesh from the inside. In fact, this is a top fabric plus a membrane, plus a knitted mesh, glued into one structure using a special lamination technology. The knitted mesh on the inside protects the membrane from both mechanical damage and clogging. The most important thing: in three-layer products, the use of a lining disappears - there is only one “rag” in which all three components are assembled. As a result, we have: a mega-light fabric that does not restrict movement, a small volume of the product and maximum functionality. The combination of these excellent qualities explains the high cost of products made of three-layer fabric.

"Two-and-a-half"-layer membrane fabric is a novelty in the market of modern clothes. It doesn’t sound very Russian, but it accurately conveys the meaning of technology. As a rule, this is an ordinary two-layer membrane fabric, covered from the inside with a kind of protective coating (foamed protective coating in the form of pimples, just knitted pimples, etc.), designed to perform the function of the third layer, i.e. membrane protection. Such jackets are as light as possible - they do not need a lining, and the weight of the protection is much less than that of three-layer materials. But, as you might guess, products made from this fabric are by no means cheap.

By the way, the already mentioned GoreTex, from which we started the discussion of the topic, is just a patented name for a membrane of a certain structure. For a long time, the company was practically a monopolist in the extreme clothing market, but now many respected and well-known companies produce no less respected membrane fabrics. For example, Toray (Japan) (Dermizax, Entrant HB), Event (USA, made in Japan), Unitika (Japan). These are leaders in the field of technologies for the production of membrane fabrics, which are used in their production by the world's leading brands that produce clothing and footwear for outdoor activities and sports.

There are two other important parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying pants and jackets for outdoor activities - these are waterproofness and breathable properties of fabrics.

Waterproof Roughly speaking, this is the pressure of the water column that this fabric can withstand. A piece of fabric is placed in a special machine, stretched, and a column of pressurized water is directed at it. The pressure is gradually increased and they watch at what point drops appear on the back of the cloth.

Indicators: 20.000 means that the fabric does not get wet in stormy conditions (strong wind, slanting heavy rain, snow); 10.000 - the fabric can withstand heavy rain; around 5,000 light rain and snow; around 3000 - drizzling rain and wet light snow.

Breathability depend on the amount of steam that the fabric passes over a certain period of time (now the unit of measurement is “X grams per square meter of fabric in 24 hours”). A piece of fabric is also placed in a special machine, where evaporation is simulated, and after 24 hours, they look at how much moisture the fabric has “taken away”. That is, the larger the number, the more moisture is removed. For example, in expensive quality products, water resistance is usually at least 20,000 mm of water column, and breathability is at least 8,000 g/sq. m./day. Mid-level membrane typically has a specification of 8.000mm/5.000g/sq. m/day or so.

The base level is usually 3000mm/3000gsm. m / day, although in products made from this type of fabric, insufficiently high membrane characteristics can be well combined with the presence of a large number of ventilation holes that allow you to control the temperature inside the product.

To provide additional protection from external moisture, there is such a thing as DWR coating. If you pour a little water on a fabric treated with DWR, the droplets are not absorbed, but lie on the fabric, rolling into balls! This is the result of the work of DWR (Durable Water Repellence) - a coating that does not allow water to pass even through the top layer of the fabric (that is, to be absorbed into it). DWR, however, is not a durable thing (it is applied during the production of clothes) and disappears over time (washed off). So in the future, during operation and contact with water, wet spots may appear on the fabric. This does not mean at all that the product gets wet, since the membrane will not let water through anyway, but some discomfort may be present. The resulting layer of water on top will not allow the membrane to work, no matter how “cool” it is. In this case, the penetration of water into the product is possible in the porous membranes. How to deal with it? To avoid DWR dying, specially designed products with this same DWR coating (NIKWAX for example), which are sold in stores selling extreme clothing, will help. If, after washing (or more often), for example, NIKWAX or another similar agent is applied to the fabric, then the product will definitely last longer than if this is not done.

After such an abundance of information, the question is logical: “But how to take care of membrane clothing?” Let's say right away that it is necessary to wash membrane things, but not in the same way as ordinary ones. Do not use washing powders with bleach and other aggressive substances - they clog and destroy pores. You can not use machine spinning - the membrane deteriorates from this, as spinning violates its fine structure. Do not dry clean or use bleach. Do not iron - the synthetic fabric of the top will melt, and the membrane will also be damaged! You can wash clothes by hand with special detergents for washing membrane fabrics (NIKWAX again); if the product is not too dirty, you can wash it with ordinary soap, and rub the especially dirty places with a brush. Can be left to dry on a string. DWR can be applied to a dry product from a spray can. I would like to note that DWR impregnation should only be applied to clean items, since when impregnating dirty material, you will not achieve a water-repellent effect. Detergents must have an inscription on the packaging - "allowed for membrane fabrics"! That's all the main secrets.

All of the above by and large refers to the top layer of clothing. It's time to say a few words about the middle, or bottom, layer, and about what materials, fabrics and tricky terms we may encounter when choosing such products.

Let's start with fleece. Fleece- this is a large group of fabrics that are made as follows: knots are tied on a sufficiently strong woven base by machine, then another machine breaks them, and a pile is obtained, which is tied to the base. It must be admitted that many people often get confused in terms of "fleece" and Polartec. Dispel your doubts: Polartec is just a fleece brand. That is, high quality fleece from Malden Mills is called Polartec. That's all wisdom.

Why is fleece recommended for active sports? Between the pile (from which, in fact, the fleece is made), a layer of air is preserved, which, as you know, is the best thermal insulator. In addition, unlike natural fabrics (such as cotton), a good fleece does not accumulate moisture, but provides the necessary ventilation in case of overheating and removes condensate to the outside. This is one of the main reasons why a “fleece” (fleece jacket) is recommended for active skiing, especially in the mountains - good fleece means warmth, dryness and comfort. But note: fleece will work in this way only if you put on thermal underwear under it, and not your favorite cotton T-shirt, which, for all its beauty, unfortunately, does not remove moisture and immediately gets wet.

Fleeces also come in membrane and non-membrane. With non-membrane, everything is clear - there is no membrane in the structure of the tissue. Membrane fleece consists, as it were, of three layers, "glued" into one.

Membrane fleece

1. Soft shell. Structure: top - durable fabric that does not absorb moisture and is resistant to wear; the middle layer is the membrane; bottom - fleece. In some cases, the membrane may be absent in the structure of the fabric, since in fleece fabrics it is by no means the main component. Windproofness is achieved through special tight weaving.

2. Windbloc(wind protection). Structure: the top layer is a treated fleece fabric (anti-piling, DWR), the middle layer is a membrane (sometimes foam is used instead of a membrane), the bottom layer is a pile fleece that collects moisture and removes it from the body.

Non-membrane fleece

1. Non-membrane Softshell- this is essentially a "sandwich", two glued types of fabric. The upper provides abrasion and tear resistance, while the one closer to the body warms and wicks away perspiration by quickly absorbing.

2. Polartec Thermal Pro- it is a warm, lightweight, moisture-repellent material, consists of two layers. The abrasion-resistant outer shell keeps out wind and light rain, while the soft fleecy inner layer provides maximum insulation. At the same time, moisture vapor from the body is freely removed to the outside. Thermal Pro made of polyester fibers is very durable and dries quickly. Unlike many fleecy fabrics, the material retains its heat-insulating properties and does not "roll" after repeated washes.

3. Polartec WindPro- A material with a denser structure than Thermal Pro, with increased wind protection characteristics.

4. Polartec 200 and similar quality fleece from other manufacturers- soft and almost weightless material. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. Unlike natural fabrics, it does not accumulate, but removes excess moisture from the body. In terms of thermal properties per gram of material, Polartec 200 is twice that of sheep's wool and more than three times that of cotton.

Having comprehended all of the above, we can distinguish the main properties of high-quality fleece:

• Long service life (retains its heat-insulating properties for a long time).
• Thanks to a special anti-pilling coating, the pile does not roll into hated spools even after repeated washes.
• Fleece does not wrinkle, has a pleasant to the touch structure.

Fleece, like outerwear (for example, for skiing), also requires special care. It can (and should!) be washed by hand or in a washing machine. If by hand, then with ordinary soap in warm water at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. If in the machine, then at the same temperature, using the "gentle wash for synthetic fabrics" mode. Fleece clothing will last longer if washed with special gentle detergents and then rinsed in a solution that restores water repellency (for example, Nikwax Polar Proof). Fleece should not be ironed and dried in a washing machine or on a battery. Hang on a string or on a hanger - clothes will dry and keep a decent look.

How can all of the above be applied in everyday life and why is all this needed? If you are a snowboarder and skier, you probably know that skiing conditions in the mountains and in the city are always different. The "cabbage" version of clothing is considered a classic. First layer: thermal underwear (special tight-fitting sweatshirts and sweatpants) + ski socks (rather than ordinary woolen ones). The second layer is fleece, the third is outerwear (pants-jacket or overalls) plus a hat / helmet, mittens / gloves. Depending on the weather, the set may vary. The point is that all sweat removal technologies work only together, and if you put on a sweater and your favorite T-shirt under a membrane jacket, then there will be no sense in the membrane. And when everything is right, then everyone is dry and comfortable. What else does a person need?

And a little about money: as we said, good quality requires a good investment. If you are not ready to spend a serious amount on clothes right away, start with less - buy things in parts. For example, at the beginning of the season, buy thermal underwear, then fleece, and after that, “splurge” on membrane things. Dress appropriately and don't be cold!

What other inscriptions can be found on the label? Rip stop- this is the name of the method of weaving fabric, which in its structure resembles a grid or honeycomb. That is, both thin and thick threads are used in this texture, which makes it possible to produce a durable and at the same time lightweight material. Twill weaving- It is a pleasant to the touch smooth material with excellent strength characteristics. Resist Techno Soft Shell- material belonging to the class of membrane fleece. The latest in high-tech fabrics from the Softshell series, Resist Techno Soft Shell is a completely new material that provides comfort during skiing and active sports, perfectly retains heat. In addition, this fleece, in fact, works like thermal underwear - it actively removes evaporation during intensive loads and retains heat. Fabric windbloc- combines the heat-insulating and "breathing" properties of fleece and the wind and moisture resistance of the outer layer. Membrane outer surface blocks wind; the inner layer of the fabric removes excess moisture.

When buying overalls for a child, more and more parents pay attention to the technical characteristics of fabrics. Each manufacturer has its own designations, combining the properties of fabrics and other characteristics of the product presented, as a rule, in the form of icons. The number of these badges sometimes reaches 50 pieces. When choosing an assortment for Dynomama, I study and analyze all these characteristics, but do you need it? I think not. Therefore, I decided to write a series of articles in which I will talk in simple terms about the most important characteristics of the fabric. Last time I explained what a membrane is, and today I will talk about waterproof rating- one of the most important indicators for outerwear.

What does waterproof rating mean?

Water resistance is measured in millimeters of water column and shows how much water the fabric can withstand without getting wet. This indicator usually comes first on the label and looks like this: 5000mm.

How is water resistance achieved?

Water resistance is achieved due to special impregnation of the fabric, the presence of a membrane, as well as due to the properties of the fabric itself (polyurethane). In addition to the properties of the fabric itself, the presence of glued or sealed seams also affects the waterproofness of clothing.

How fabric is tested

The waterproof properties of a fabric are determined something like this: they take a piece of fabric, put a flask on it with a certain level of water (1000mm, 5000mm, etc.) and see if the fabric gets wet. But not everything is so simple: the area of ​​influence of water can be different, the strength and speed of water pressure, as well as the timing of testing may differ.

With patented membranes (for example, Gore-Tex), everything is clear, but they are very expensive and it is quite expensive to buy them for children who are growing rapidly. Therefore, manufacturers of outerwear for children invent their own analogues, which themselves test and declare the appropriate properties of the fabric on the labels.

Preliminary conclusions

As I wrote above, the results of testing for water resistance depend on several factors. So it doesn't mean that a 5000mm Reima suit will get wet faster than a 10000mm Huppa suit. I’ll tell you a secret, I have a child and in Didriksons with an indicator of 2000mm I sat in a puddle and didn’t get wet.

How to make the right choice

If the indicator of waterproofness of the overalls is in the first place for you (which is especially important in the off-season), then opt for models with a level of 5000mm and higher. If your child bypasses puddles or you have a separate set of rubber clothing for rain, then do not be afraid of things with an indicator of 1000 mm, they will protect you from drizzling rain.

In what weather to wear things with a waterproof rating:

up to 1500mm - the lowest figure, the thing can be worn in dry weather or drizzling rain.

from 2000mm to 5000mm is a good indicator, the thing will withstand light rain, sleet, slides wet after rain, individual splashes, but it can get wet if the child likes to wallow in wet snowdrifts or splash through puddles.

from 5000mm to 8000mm - a high figure, in such clothes you can walk in the rain, jump in puddles, but if the exposure is too long, you can get wet.

above 8000mm - an excellent indicator, the thing is suitable for extreme weather conditions and will withstand the entire range of whims of our winter, autumn and spring.

Important to remember:

no matter how impenetrable the thing is, everyone can ruin the seams - when choosing a thing for slush, pay attention that all (or the most important) seams are glued or soldered. It will not be superfluous and tightenings, which will exclude the ingress of moisture "bypassing" protective clothing.

impregnations are erased over time and the waterproof properties declared by the manufacturer become less. You can restore them by buying a special impregnation and processing the thing according to the instructions.

The question of the degree of water resistance of the tent (the material of the awning of the tent) must necessarily arise when choosing, because this is one of the main characteristics, along with the type of frame material, etc.

How to evaluate this very water resistance, especially in a store, and even more so in the absence of rain :)) ... But no way, period !!! That is, there is no way to evaluate by touch, especially if you choose your first tent and do not have at least some experience in using tents. By touching, you can still determine the density of the material, imagine its air tightness, etc., but still, the water resistance value will have to be taken equal to that indicated in the technical specifications by the manufacturer.

A reasonable question arises - how then to be, not to turn out from buying a tent?

Answer: be sure to buy, just trust a reliable tent manufacturer who indicates reliable information in the list of characteristics. How to find one? Reviews from acquaintances, on the Internet, etc. can help you, and, of course, your own experience, you can’t do without it. That is, they asked friends, sellers, looked on the Internet and made a decision in favor of some option, and then, in the process of using it, you already get your own experience.

So, we understood that water resistance is one of the main characteristics of a tent, it remains to find out what its value will be optimal for various operating conditions.

It can be assumed that the higher the waterproof value of the tent, the correspondingly better. On the one hand, this is true, but on the other hand ... Everyone understands that the water resistance of the awning material is achieved through rather complex technical manipulations, and the more of them in the production of a tent, the more expensive the tent will be. This begs the question, what is the best way to spend your hard-earned money? Answer: determine the necessary parameters of the tent based on your preferences and the intended rest and start from them when choosing.

As for the water resistance of the tent, to understand the correspondence of its values ​​​​to weather conditions, we will give the following examples:

So, tents with an awning waterproof up to 2000 mm.(millimeters of water column) are characterized as amateur or pleasure. They will withstand moderate rain and even with wind (but not strong). If the rain is heavy and prolonged, or the rain is light, but with a strong wind, then the material will begin to let water through, which will lead to its penetration into the tent and wetting of sleeping bags, clothes, etc., that is, it will cause significant discomfort.

It is worth saying that some extreme storms and thunderstorms with squally winds do not occur all that often, so tents with PU2000 waterproof indicators are well suited for a short hike, picnic, camping or fishing.

Waterproof tent 3000 and more already characterizes the tent as a reliable protection from the weather, able to withstand almost any high intensity rain with strong winds. You can safely take such tents with you on a multi-day trip to nature, and be calm that your temporary home is reliable enough in terms of protection from the rain.

Tents with water resistance values ​​of 4000-5000 and above belong to the category of professional expedition models, which are designed to withstand, if necessary, constant wind load and heavy rain for a long time. Such tents are chosen by professional tourists, climbers and similar lovers of extreme outdoor recreation. The price of such models, for obvious reasons, will be significantly higher than the so-called. hobby tents.

Waterproof values ​​1000-1500 we do not even consider, because such models, if they come across in stores, are already very, very rare. And, of course, they cannot seriously and most importantly protect from rain for a long time.

It is also worth noting that for complete protection against moisture,In addition to the water resistance of the tent material, how well the tent is set up also matters. So, for example, if the outer canopy of the tent is not stretched enough, rainwater can begin to accumulate on it, which will also lead to a deterioration in the waterproofing of the material in this place.

So, first we will deal with the parameters themselves. What is water resistance and how to measure it? Water resistance is the height of the water column that the membrane can withstand without getting wet. Measured in millimeters. Thus, the higher this indicator, the better. PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is used to measure water resistance. All materials with a PSI value over 25 are considered to be waterproof, and a value from 1 to 24 PSI indicates water resistance of materials. To better represent these figures, let's take an example: a drop of water carried by a hurricane-force wind is about 6 psi when it hits the surface. So 25 psi is quite an impressive figure.

But not everything is so simple!!! There are many tests for measuring water resistance, and they are also not interconnected with each other. Moreover, each manufacturer of membrane fabrics chooses for itself which test to write the result of the psi parameter. Let us give an example of the main types of materials testing.

There are 2 general types of tests:
1. Water column - a test in which the flask is filled with water and the pressure of the water column is measured, that is, the height of the water in millimeters. This test is generally only used on materials with low levels of water and wind resistance.
2. Hydrostatic water head (Sater test) - The test uses a pump to transfer water pressure to the material. The results can be presented in PSI or in millimeters as the head of the water.

This test has many variations:
- the diameter of the tested tissue sample can vary from 1 to 4 inches;
- the action of pressure can occur slowly or quickly;
- the coating applied to the material can come into contact with water.
All these changes will affect the result. But of course, the results are expressed in the same units.

Hydrostatic tests, such as the Mullens, Suter and Modified Suter tests, have long been recognized as useful in measuring water resistance. But to what extent? In the modified Sater test, the water pressure rises slowly (0 psi - >30 psi) and the moment three drops of water appear on the surface of the material is recorded. This test best shows how the material will behave in natural conditions.

The Mullens test, in addition to measuring psi at the moment drops appear on the surface, measures psi at the moment the material breaks. But water can begin to seep through the material long before the material loses its strength. This test may be useful for testing the breaking load of cartons, but we rarely carry cartons in the rain.

The Suter test is very useful for measuring local errors such as a hole that will start leaking under very low water pressure. This test can be used to identify areas of error on clothing that has been repaired. In the Mullens test and in the modified Sater test, it is considered that the higher the score, the more water resistant the material.

Mullins test - ASTM D751: originally developed for testing the breaking load of cardboard boxes. During this test, a strong jet of water is directed onto a very small surface of the material (1”). This ancient test is used by the US government and some membrane fabric manufacturers because it gives a very high psi value. However, this figure can be highly inaccurate. Since the material is considered unusable when it actually breaks, the test does not determine if a leak has occurred until the material has been damaged.

Hydrostatic head, or Suter Test - JIS, ISO 811, one of the ASTM standards: they are all essentially the same. These tests use a 4-inch sample that is subjected to water pressure until the material can no longer handle the pressure. The test is considered complete when 3 drops of water appear on the surface of the material. Usually this effect is achieved in about one minute.

UK Water Entry Pressure test (or the British Standard Suter): measures the same as JIS, ISO and ASTM except for the rate of increase in water pressure. The pressure increases very slowly - 1.5 PSI per minute. This means it will take 26 minutes to test a 40 PSI material. A very good test, but it takes too long and is not an indicator of real conditions. This is the most preferred test for Gore.

Thus, the Hydrostatic head test and the British water pressure test are more in line with practice. The two tests are similar in many ways when the same material is being tested. The table shows the indicators obtained by Marmot specialists on the basis of the British test, or the Sater Standard, as well as the results of the Hydrostatic head method.

The following table can be used to estimate the required water resistance.

Table of indicators of water resistance of membrane materials.

MEMBRANE is a thin-layer coating of the inner surface of the fabric. The membrane provides a favorable climate inside the garment, and microscopic pores allow water vapor to escape while blocking the penetration of moisture from the outside.

Membrane fabric consists of two layers: top fabric ( can be absolutely any, both thin and dense) and, directly, the membrane - the thinnest polymer film with specially shaped pores that provide one-sided water permeability (moisture from the inside freely migrates through the membrane, while moisture from the outside is retained by the membrane).

How does it work?

External moisture does not penetrate inside, excess heat and water vapor (our sweat) from the inside comes out through the fabric, which improves the thermoregulation of the body.

What do the numbers and characteristics mean?

Any membrane clothing has two specifications on the label, usually through a slash, like 5000/10000 or 5000mm/10000g. The first parameter is water. The second parameter is air.

1. The water resistance of a fabric is measured by the water column it can hold without getting wet. Unit mm.

2. Vapor permeability (Breathability) characterizes how much moisture in the form of steam passes one meter of fabric out in 24 hours. Unit of measure g/m2/24 hours. The higher the value of these parameters, the better.

* For comparison: the maximum water resistance of cotton is 500 mm, synthetics without special treatment - 1000 mm. At the same time, the vapor permeability required for active sports, such as skiing, is 10,000 g/m2/24h, and for walking - 3000 g/m2/24h.

BREATHABLE - membrane fabric for non-extreme conditions. Used in Caimano products. Water resistance 2000 - 5000 mm. Breathability 2000-5000 g/m2/24 hours.

Types of features used in Color Kids clothing

Air-Flo 10000: Waterproof, windproof and breathable.

Maximum protection in the harshest weather conditions.

Finish: Laminated membrane Water repellency: + 10.000 mm Windproof: yes

Air-Flo 5000: Waterproof, windproof and breathable

Excellent protection in all weather conditions.

Material: AF 5000 PU coating / laminated membraneWater repellency: + 5.000 mm

Air-Flo 3000: Waterproof, windproof and breathable

100% protection in all weather conditions

Material: Coated AF 3000 PU Water repellency: + 3.000 mm

Air-Flo 2000: waterproof, windproof and breathable

Effective protection in all weather conditions.

Material: AF 2000 PU coating Water repellency: + 2.000 mm

If you love working out in the winter, you know how important it is to stay warm and dry while you exercise. Discover the world of waterproof breathable fabric, the key to comfort in the mountains. Jackets and pants with waterproof fabrics are the first step to staying dry so you can focus on having fun, no matter what the weather may say. There are many different types of waterproof fabrics and materials that companies use to make jackets. Keep reading the article and we will help you understand everything you need to know in order to choose the right jacket or pants.

10000/10000? 20000/20000? What do the waterproof numbers mean?

Manufacturers usually use numbers to describe the waterproofness/breathability of fabrics using two numbers. The first characteristic is measured in millimeters (mm) and is a measure of how waterproof the fabric is. In the case of a 10k or 10,000mm cloth, if you place a 1" x 1" square tube on top of a piece of cloth, you can fill it with water up to a height of 10,000mm (32.8 feet) before the water starts to flow. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.

The second number is a measure of how breathable the fabric is and is usually expressed as how many grams (g) of water vapor can pass through a square meter (m2) of fabric from the inside to the outside in a 24 hour period. In the case of 20k (20,000g) fabric, this would be 20,000g/m2/24h. The higher the number, the more breathable the fabric.

WHY can't clothes be completely waterproof?

The truth is that all outerwear designed for active winter sports has varying degrees of water resistance, but eventually leaks with enough water, time and rainfall intensity. Manufacturers define "water-resistant" according to various standards, and testing is not standardized. A rubber raincoat is completely waterproof and may be the perfect garment for waiting for the bus in a downpour, but if you try to ski or snowboard, you'll be sweating in no time. The trick is to balance rain and snow protection on the outside with the ability to release water vapor (warm sweat) from the inside.

HOW is waterproof and breathable fabric made?

Waterproof breathable fabrics consist of an outer layer called a "facial fabric", usually made of nylon or polyester, and a laminated membrane or cover, usually made of ePTFE(expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon®) or PU(polyurethane). The purpose of facial fabric is to protect and look stylish; it is not waterproof, but is treated with a solution called DWR(Durable Water Repellent), so it does not absorb water.

The job of wicking away moisture is left to the membrane, which has tiny holes too small to absorb water from the outside, but large enough to allow water vapor to escape. Since contamination with oil, sweat and many chemicals causes the membranes to PTFE lose their ability to keep out water, the membrane is protected by an ultra-thin layer of polyurethane (membranes GORE-TEX® have a two-component layered structure) or other oleophobic (oil resistant) treatments ( eVent™ does this on a microscopic level with individual PTFE fibers).

Finally, fine mesh is bonded to the inner surface for comfort in 3-layer (3L) fabrics. 2 layers (2L) get a separate fabric liner, while 2.5 layer fabrics use a simplified pattern to cover the inside to save weight. Modern waterproof breathable fabrics have come a long way from the original GORE-TEX®, and most offer excellent waterproof performance at all price points, but over the past few years, significant advances in fabric breathability have redefined the outerwear market.

What kind of waterproof fabric do I need?

We recommend a minimum water resistance of 5000mm for jackets and trousers for skiing and snowboarding. If you ride in mostly cold, clean conditions and take regular breaks from skiing, this level of protection can be great; if you take something smaller, you have a good chance of getting wet and catching a cold during a storm.

Clothing from 5000 to 10000 mm is a good choice for athletes who spend long days skiing or snowboarding in all weather conditions. Ski and snowboard fans, especially those in wetter climates, should look for clothing with water resistance in the range of 10,000mm to 20,000mm or better.

If you spend a good percentage of your time outdoors or hiking, breathability becomes just as important as waterproofing - look for outerwear with waterproof and breathability in the 20,000+ range. As you might expect, higher numbers in both categories usually mean higher prices.

Remember that while 20,000mm might seem impressive, a hard day's exercise in wet, windy conditions puts even the most waterproof fabrics to the test.

How is water resistance determined?

The degree of water resistance is determined by the clothing manufacturer or fabric manufacturer, and tested either by independent laboratories or in-house. There are several different testing protocols, but most involve the equivalent of placing a 1" x 1" square tube on the fabric and determining how tall (in millimeters) a column of water you can put in before the fabric starts to leak. Some manufacturers have developed their own testing methods that incorporate pressure into the process to simulate the effects of wind.

While water resistance ratings are becoming more standardized, remember that different labs may test or report differently. Such tests can produce different results even with two pieces of fabric from the same roll, so be skeptical about the numbers. Be aware that some manufacturers report water resistance in PSI (pounds per square inch) rather than millimeters, which has a conversion rate of 704 mm = 1 psi. inch.

What breathability fabric do I need?

Well, it's tempting to say "bigger is better" but the real answer depends on your activity level. The layer of warm, moist air between your body and the membrane keeps you warm until the layers of your thermal underwear are saturated with sweat. In cold, dry weather, the super-breathable membrane can actually cause visible clouds of water vapor to escape from the athlete's body, resulting in heat loss. For example, wearers of the eVent™ jacket often require an extra layer of insulation.

If you're skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, you regularly take breaks to rest in a cafe house where you take off your jacket, breathability between 5000 and 8000 grams is probably the best. If you're doing high-energy work, sweating a lot, walking to your workout, look for clothes with breathability in the 10,000 to 15,000 grams range.

How is breathability determined?

Like waterproof ratings, breathability ratings are determined by both manufacturers and independent labs, but testing methodologies vary widely and are almost impossible to compare with each other.

Results may vary by test, temperature, humidity and pressure and are not standardized from brand to brand or test to test. Most tests do not reflect real winter conditions, such as temperatures close to freezing at high relative humidity. Because manufacturers rarely show actual tests, and are likely to report the highest possible numbers to promote sales, it's best to read these numbers with a grain of salt, but as a general rule, within a particular brand or fabric family, it's safe to say more than g/m2/ 24h is a more breathable fabric (if a company rates breathability on the RET scale - resistance to evaporative heat transfer - a lower value is better).

Membrane or coated fabric?

Waterproof breathable fabrics with membranes ePTFE headed by GORE-TEX® have dominated the market for years and still tend to offer the best combination of waterproof breathability in the HI-END market. As the technology allows for thinner layers, high performance polyurethane and polyester membranes are starting to take over a larger share of the market. Examples are MemBrain®(polyurethane) from Marmot And SympaTex(polyester). Membrane comes in many types and price ranges, but you will most likely want a 2-layer or 3-layer laminated membrane fabric if you are looking for versatile and durable winter clothing. 3-layer fabrics (3L) have all layers, including the liner, joined together, while 2-layer fabrics create a bulkier garment due to the use of a separate fabric lining. 2.5-layer fabrics have an embossed pattern printed on the inside to keep them off your skin and are generally reserved for ultralight rainwear.

Coated fabrics tend to be water-repellent, but not as breathable as a membrane. These fabrics are cheaper and are improving as manufacturers find ways to make coatings thinner and more porous. Coated fabrics are great for extreme weather protection or for activities that don't involve high levels of activity.

What is seam sealing and why is it so important?

Seam sealing is necessary to cover the tiny holes made by the needle during the sewing process. A molded waterproof tape is placed over the seams so they do not let water through. Sometimes the seams are joined together using glue or heat, but usually they are first sewn together and then sealed with tape. Jackets, trousers and other outerwear can be either "fully taped" or "critical taped" - the difference is that on fully taped garments each seam is sealed, while on garments with critical taped individual seams such as seams are sealed. on the neck, shoulders, and chest. Without proper seam sealing, you will get wet in clothes with even the best waterproof/breathable fabric.

WHAT IS DWR?

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent - durable water-repellent material. Almost all outer layers of outerwear fabric are treated with some sort of DWR. It is designed to prevent the fabric from becoming saturated with water and adding weight. DWR causes water to roll down the fabric and is affected by abrasive, mud and oil stains.

This is why, after some use, the clothes will not seem as waterproof as before. However, this is not the case, most likely, this means that the DWR needs to be updated by simply replacing the layer (follow the manufacturer's instructions). The factory DWR treatment will eventually be removed as well. DWR sprays are available from companies like Nikwax and Grangers to restore your waterproof/breathable clothing after washing. Try one of these sprays if you notice that water is being absorbed into the fabric of your waterproof/breathable garment and you've already tried updating your DWR by cleaning your outdoor shoes.

DWR sprays are best applied to a damp surface after washing and rinse thoroughly before applying DWR to ensure no detergent residue remains. Read the instructions on both your clothing and the DWR bottle before you begin.

WHAT IS GORE-TEX®

Figure 1 Photo of enlarged GORE-TEX® membrane

fabrics GORE-TEX® are created by laminating a GORE-TEX® membrane into high quality nylon and polyester facial fabrics. They come in a variety of grades, including GORE-TEX® Pro, GORE-TEX® Active, and simply GORE-TEX®. GORE also offers soft fabric and a 2.5L super lightweight fabric called Paclite®. GORE-TEX® garments are fully sealed and guaranteed. Although many coatings are waterproof, the GORE-TEX® membrane is able to maintain an extremely high level of waterproofness while maintaining high breathability thanks to billions of microscopic pores that allow water vapor to escape and keep water out.

Introduced in 2013, GORE-TEX® Pro fabrics use a new membrane without a PU backsheet and dramatically improve breathability. In 2015, GORE introduced a new support technology for GORE-TEX® 3-layer fabrics called C-KNIT™, which uses a very thin circular weave nylon guard. C-KNIT™ fabrics also have improved breathability, are soft to the touch and glide through undergarment layers more easily.

Although some people refer to all waterproof/breathable fabrics as "GORE-TEX®", this is a proprietary product and technology of the W. L. Gore Corporation. W. L. Gore Corporation zealously upholds the reputation and performance standards of GORE-TEX® outerwear and adheres to strict guidelines for any company that manufactures GORE-TEX® jackets.
In the outdoor industry, it's common for outdoor clothing companies to offer a range of original GORE-TEX® items for their flagship line, and then a full line (or multiple lines) of lower priced clothing using their own proprietary membranes with lower waterproof/breathable performance.

WINDSTOPPER® is a different, non-waterproof membrane, also made by W. L. Gore Corporation, that blocks wind and is highly breathable. It is usually laminated with fleece or soft fabric and is suitable for outdoor activities in clear weather.

Breathable waterproof fabrics from other brands

The outdoor industry is currently experiencing a surge in the development of new products that directly compete with GORE-TEX®. Products such as eVent™, Polartec® Neoshell®, Pertex® Shield and Mountain Hardwear Dry.Q Elite are extremely waterproof and also have excellent breathability. The use of very thin polyurethane and polyester membranes is also on the rise, with much of the innovation coming from Asia, these fabrics have the advantage of not requiring a separate layer to protect the ePTFE membrane from contamination and are catching up in terms of breathability.

Here is a partial list of waterproof breathable fabrics and technologies and companies with which the main development successes are associated:

eVent® Fabrics and technologies used by several companies: An oleophobic protective solution is applied at the microscopic level to PTFE fibers and knots, which allows the membrane to maintain its natural microporous and breathable structure. The eVent fabric series is a complete line of waterproof products (10,000mm to 30,000mm) that incorporate Direct Vent Technology, a proprietary breathable waterproof system that provides outstanding breathability combined with wind protection.

MemBrain® Marmot's own waterproof PU membrane fabric delivers superior performance at a reasonable price

Polartec® NeoShell®
A fabric used by several companies: a highly flexible and slightly stretchy fabric with a water resistance rating of 10,000 mm and up and excellent breathability. The unique membrane allows two-way air exchange to facilitate the removal of water vapor. Cold-weather athletes require the fabric's exceptional breathability and are preferred by this fabric.

Polartec® Power Shield® Pro
A highly breathable soft shell fabric that is waterproof enough to be worn most of the time in dry mountain climates.

Dry.Q™ Elite
Patented W/B Mountain Hardwear fabric. By removing a thin, continuous layer of PU on top of a PTFE membrane, this technology allows the athlete's sweat to escape instantly, without moisture and heat building up in the clothing.

DryVent® (formerly Hyvent®)
The waterproof/breathable fabric from North Face is available in several different styles. TNF™ is water resistant in PSI (pounds per square inch); For example, DryVent® 3L is rated at a minimum of 25 psi after 20 washes with a breathability rating of 750-800 g/m2/24 hours (MVTR)

H2No®
Patagonia's patented W/B fabric is offered in 3L, 2L and 2.5L versions. Patagonia also offers a full line of GORE-TEX® clothing.

PreCip™
Coated technology exclusive to Marmot, which offers a wide range of lightweight waterproofs.

Pertex® Shield+/AP
Pertex Shield+ is an ultra-lightweight, waterproof fabric for moving fast outdoors. It uses a hydrophilic PU membrane to provide a high level of dynamic breathability - the harder you work, the more breathable the fabric is.

Pertex Shield AP features an advanced air porous membrane providing the highest level of strength and performance for professional and extreme applications. Pertex Shield AP contains a high concentration of evenly spaced microporous holes that are highly hydrophobic. This membrane plays a dual role, making the fabric both waterproof and highly breathable.

A good membrane jacket is not a cheap product. Why buy it for hiking? As a rule, for use as a route, in those conditions when it is necessary to provide protection from wind and precipitation.

How is the membrane in the jacket? Exaggerated, this is a film that allows steam or moisture to pass through from the inside, but does not allow water to pass through from the outside. Therefore, in fact, it is called a membrane. Why does it draw steam or moisture away from the body? Because, by its nature, it transfers steam or moisture to the side where the humidity is lower. When moving, a person warms up, the body removes heat to the outside in the form of steam, the humidity under the jacket rises and the membrane “starts” to work.

First, let's deal with the most understandable indicator of membrane jackets - water resistance. It is measured in mm of water column. What intensity of precipitation corresponds to one or another indicator of waterproofness of jackets?

Drizzle - 300 ... 800 mm;

Light rain - 1800 ... 2000 mm;Rain of medium strength - 6000 ... 7500 mm;Heavy rain - 10000 ... 12000 mmStorm - up to 20000 mm

What do these numbers say? The jacket, which is declared water resistant to 20,000 mm of water column, will not get wet in any rain conditions. A 10000 mm jacket will more or less withstand heavy rain. A 5000 mm membrane will protect well from light or slightly more rain, but no more. 3000 mm are for light rain protection only. Naturally, this is only despite the fact that the manufacturer did not exaggerate these figures. There are usually no problems with well-known manufacturers of clothing and membranes, but a different noname, as a rule, to put it mildly, does not correspond to reality. The choice of specific numbers depends on the nature of the campaign and the mode of movement - here everyone decides for himself.

The “breathability” of membranes is a little more difficult to deal with. Some tourists have a biased attitude towards membranes, they say, why buy them if you still sweat under it. Here you should be aware of the difference - sweating is one thing, getting a heat stroke is completely different. Under load, we will sweat in any case, and if you put on a rubberized raincoat, you can feel what will happen if the steam is not removed from the body at all. It will overheat quickly, that's all. The membrane jacket should, in theory, solve the issue of moisture removal, which is characterized by such an indicator as vapor permeability.

The body, removing heat from the inside, cools down, losing water in the form of steam, which turns into sweat only under certain conditions - a sharp increase in humidity in the surface layer of air or clothing at the border with the skin. The higher the vapor permeability of the membrane, the more efficient the removal of moisture (and hence heat) and the more comfortable it is to move under load.

If we mean hiking, where there is a long movement over rough terrain with a backpack, then a membrane with an indicator below 8000-10000 g / m2 / day, in my opinion, is not worth taking. But for people with high heat dissipation, even such a figure will not be enough, since there is a big difference in heating between a miniature me and a bull weighing a centner.

Despite the stated figures for vapor permeability, the removal of steam to the outside is not constant in magnitude, since it initially depends on the type of membrane, the effectiveness of which, in turn, depends on the humidity and temperature of the surrounding air.

What are membranes?

Porous membranes. In these membranes, vapor passes through the material in a process similar to diffusion - osmosis. In order for moisture to go outside, the following conditions must be met: the difference in water vapor pressure outside and inside; moisture condensation on the inner surface of the membrane; saturation of the membrane with moisture. Only if these conditions are met, a kind of pumping of moisture from the inside out will begin. Often, users of such membranes complain that the jacket is wet - it is so. The advantages of such a membrane are relative accessibility and high water resistance. Cons - does not work well at high ambient humidity, does not work at low temperatures. If you open the ventilation of the jacket, the membrane will stop removing moisture from the outside.

Pore ​​membranes. These membranes do not remove moisture, but steam, also due to the difference in partial pressures. They breathe well at all temperatures, but have less “survivability” (hence more effort to protect the membrane) and less water resistance, as well as a higher price for products with a high level of waterproofing - an example is the Event membrane, which is currently called the best in this the form of membranes. However, not all clothing manufacturers can provide reliable and durable gluing of seams in products using Event. That is, it is not enough to take a good membrane, you still need to be able to make a good jacket out of it. Combined membranes. Both of the above technologies are used in these membranes in order to highlight the advantages and reduce the disadvantages of each type of membrane in one product. This class of membranes is currently dominated by Gore-tex. In the plus, the high durability of the membrane, excellent water resistance and good “breathability”. In the negative, we have low efficiency at temperatures below zero and the high cost of the membrane.

According to the method of fixing the membrane in the tissue, the following structures are divided:

Two-layer - the membrane is applied to the fabric and one side of it remains unprotected. In this case, a mesh or fabric lining is used to protect the membrane. Good manufacturers usually use this method in winter clothes, when the protection membrane is already available by default.

2.5-layer - with the same method as above, a protective polyurethane or other coating is applied to the membrane. It turns out, as it were, a jacket in one layer, without mesh and without lining. The lightest membrane jackets are in this category. Three-layer - the membrane is enclosed between two layers of tissue. This achieves maximum membrane protection and, accordingly, the overall reliability and efficiency of the product.

Note: Membrane protection refers to protection against mechanical damage (direct damage or abrasion), ultraviolet radiation, as well as pollution.

Porous and combined membranes are used in products with any method of fixing the membrane, porous only in two- and three-layer versions. If, for example, we have a “single-layer” light membrane jacket, then it definitely has a non-porous membrane with all the pluses and minuses that follow from this.

In fact, there are still "small" nuances. For example, "breathability", i.e., the vapor permeability of the membrane, is determined by various tests and methods. The manufacturer of the membrane or clothing may indicate the vapor permeability of the product according to the test by which the maximum indicator is obtained. As a rule, normal clothing manufacturers always indicate by which test the vapor permeability of the membrane is declared. Since ready-made fabrics with a membrane participate in the tests, in expensive high-quality membranes, the vapor permeability indicators directly depend on the fabric indicators and the quality of the “packages” with the membrane.

Membrane care has its own subtleties. The least hassle is with three-layer membrane products, which, by closing your eyes and waving your paw, can be washed with “gentle” powders (manually, not in a typewriter). The most troublesome thing is with the 2.5-layer, which are best washed using special products, although I personally, out of poverty, simply washed in soapy water. Such products, most importantly, do not hang up to dry in the sun turned inside out - the protective coating may not withstand direct powerful exposure to sunlight and crumble, although not immediately.

Whether to buy a membrane or not depends only on the trips and our desire. On long trips with difficult climatic conditions, the question of using membrane products quickly becomes unambiguous. Otherwise, in principle, you can do just fine with a simple raincoat, sacrificing a little comfort and convenience. The validity of having such technological clothes in the wardrobe can be both objective and biased, according to the principle “I want”. Here everyone decides for himself how much such a purchase is necessary.

Membrane, membrane... this word comes from everywhere, and at any time of the year. Everyone has already learned by heart that this is the same high-tech material that does not let cold air and moisture through, but calmly allows the skin to breathe. The membrane is loved by fishermen, skiers, athletes and the most ordinary, our children. After all, they are sometimes much more active than athletes, and they need 5 times more care!

A mother's worst nightmare is to undress her child after a walk in the cold and find wet turtlenecks, hair and T-shirts that you can literally squeeze out! And in the morning the temperature, hot tea and "mom, I'm sick, buy me a cake." So, in order not to run to the pharmacy for mustard plasters, not to warm basins with chamomile and not to feed the poor chilled baby with kilograms of harmful sweets, you need to learn how to properly dress your child. And right does not just mean "according to the weather."

Unfortunately, there are too many “whys?” that stop parents from buying modern products like membrane outerwear. and “how?”, especially with such a variety of choices. So that you yourself can decide what to dress your child in for his maximum comfort and good health, when it is no longer summer outside, we have prepared this review article for you. We answer the most popular questions!

A surprise awaits the most attentive! Somewhere among the text, we hid a discount coupon.

Membrane indicators - what are these numbers?

First, what is a membrane in general terms? Membrane is a modern man-made material designed for sportswear and outdoor clothing. In other words, the membrane is a thin film similar to polyethylene, but polyethylene does not let air through at all. The membrane film is made of microscopic funnel-shaped pores directed inward with a narrow neck. Air is exchanged through such pores, but the funnels do not let water droplets inside. Some brands lay a membrane film under the outer moisture-impregnated material, while others embed the membrane directly into the outer fabric layer.

For the experiment, we sacrificed the excellent Icepeak leggings with 40g Thinsulate insulation and a 5000mm membrane.

This thin film is the membrane. It turns out 4 layers: outer fabric, membrane, thinsulate and inner soft lining.

Secondly, 2 digits are used in the membrane parameters:

• water resistance parameter in mm of water column;
• air permeability parameter - in grams per square meter per day.

The higher the first and lower the second, the warmer the product. For the demi-season, a water resistance index of 500-1000 mm is used, and from 3000 mm a cold winter already begins. But for kids, overalls are often produced with an indicator of 1000-1500 (and, accordingly, with a large amount of insulation). Such clothes will not withstand long felting in the snow, but they are perfect for running, crawling and active games.

Starting from 3000 mm there is outerwear that will protect both in light drizzle and during active games and sitting in the snow. The highest figure - 10,000 mm - can boast of many products of the brands Huppa, Didriksons and Poivre Blanc. But even with a water resistance of 10,000, if you sit in a puddle for a long time, you can still get wet, so we cannot say that the membrane saves 100% from immersion in water, but it will definitely save you from heavy rain!

And another important indicator - amount of insulation.

All of the above indicators regulate each other in each individual model. To find the perfect combination, pay attention to how the child behaves on the street. If he is very active and sweats quickly in your usual clothes after a run, then it is better to take more water resistance and less insulation. And vice versa - for calmer children there is more insulation and less "membrane".

The popular Lassie brand is more suitable for cold demi-season and “light” winter, since the filler in it for winter is 120-140 g per square meter, and the air permeability, depending on the model, is 1000-5000 g / m2. And in the very cold, you can switch to membrane Huppa, Deux Par Deux and Nano (they use a large amount of insulation - about 270-400 g) or down jackets, including Nels membrane down jackets.

Membrane and brands

Brands can use the patented Gore-Tex membrane. This is the most popular membrane, the most high-tech and lightest. Some brands patent their own membrane, which, in terms of functional qualities, is essentially no different from Gortex, for example, the LassieTec membrane or Didriksons' own developments.

And all these membranes differ only in the quality of the materials used - Gore-Tex in this case is used using the most expensive materials, which is why it costs more.

Impregnation and Teflon - what is it?

Many brands, such as Canadian Deux Par Deux, Nano and Blanc de Blanc, apply Teflon impregnation to the outer layer of the fabric, which additionally protects against moisture and adds wear resistance to the product. Such a fabric does not get wet at all, rain drops roll into droplets, and they can be shaken off.

Another plus of such impregnation is that the dirt is just as easily shaken off and cleaned. But if, nevertheless, you washed the product, then with each wash the Teflon coating becomes weaker, and after drying it is better to apply a new layer of impregnation, which can be bought in the store in the form of an aerosol or detergent.

What are the types of insulation?

All artificial heaters consist of one material - synthetic winterizer. Only the method of making such a fabric differs. The lightest insulation, with the same indicators of heat retention, is considered holofiber. It's also quite springy. insulation Isosoft- the same holofiber, but made in Belgium at a certain factory, so it costs more. insulation thinsulate, or as it is called, sintepuh, is almost similar to fluff in its properties, it has high heat-insulating performance, and therefore the most expensive among artificial heaters.

Some brands use both a membrane and down insulation at the same time - for example, Nels, so that the down breathes, dries quickly and does not roll into lumps. That is, in this case, the membrane, as is customary, will not work, and you should not listen to the rules of underwear - you can safely put on cotton and wool.

How does the membrane behave in the cold?

Unfortunately, when it's -25-30 degrees cold, clothes with a high membrane value become noticeably harder, and places reinforced with Cordura material can literally “stand with a stake”. Nylon behaves in the same way on “inflated” models, as in Dopardo, since it is additionally impregnated. Softer fabrics with a low membrane value do not harden and remain pleasant to the touch.

What is Cordura and what is it for?

The most practical is

outerwear winter

with cordura reinforcement on the most wear-resistant places - on the pope, knees and bottom of the legs, sometimes on the elbows. By the way, in overalls with a cordura stripe on the buttocks, it is very easy to slide down the hill even without ice caps! 🙂 What more expensive brands cannot boast of, which do not provide for the presence of such stripes or inserts.

Coupon -10% for all winter clothes: WINTER
Can be combined with website discounts. The coupon is valid until December 31, 2018.

And now let's try to take a closer look at the popular brands of outerwear.

huppa Winter jumpsuit Miriam

• Water resistance: 10000
• Air permeability: 10000
• Insulation: 200 g
• Temperature range: from 0° to -25°С
• Teflon: no

Rigid fabric, as in the Huppa Hello Kitty model, but the jumpsuit is much lighter - apparently due to less insulation.

Overall winter Tiny

• Water resistance: 10000
• Air permeability: 10000
• Insulation: 300 g
• Teflon: no

Very stiff fabric because a high performance membrane is used. Quite heavy, taped seams. But we have no doubt that it will save the child from frost even at minus 30. This model is from the new limited collection Huppa Hello Kitty. Very nice flannel lining.

Winter overalls Huppa TinyDeux par Deux Winter suit for a girl (gray/pink)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 5000
• Insulation: 395 g
• Teflon: no

Very light jumpsuit. But the fabric is harsh, rustling and shines beautifully.

• Water resistance: 5000
• Breathability: 5000
• Insulation: 395 g (in jacket)
• Temperature range: from -5° to -30°С
• Teflon: yes

The fabric is dense, due to Teflon impregnation, it rustles pleasantly. The jacket has corded inserts on the elbows.

Overalls for children (pink)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 5000
• Insulation: 270g
• Temperature range: from -5° to -30°С
• Teflon: yes

Lassie Winter overalls (yellow print)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 3000
• Insulation: 140 g
• Teflon: no

Very light jumpsuit, on the back there is a pleasant fleece from the inside. saturated hue. Cordura reinforcement on the knees and buttocks.

Winter overalls (blue print)

• Water resistance: 1000
• Insulation: 180 g
• Temperature range: from 0° to -20°С
• Teflon: no

Very light, almost weightless. The fabric is not rigid, Cordura fabric on the pope. Comfortable fleece lining on the back. Non-marking colors.

icepeak Boys overalls (yellow print)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 5000
• Temperature range: from 0° to -20°С
• Teflon: no

This is a very light jumpsuit, not rustling at all. There are tucks from stretching: on the knees and elbows. The bottom of the trousers of the jumpsuit is reinforced with a textured fabric - it looks very beautiful and organic.

Icepeak is positioned as ski clothing. There are many image details. Due to the fact that the performance of the membrane is high, the suit is quite hard to the touch. Nylon fabric is very durable, but coarsens in the cold.

Didriksons Jumpsuit KEBNATS (blue)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 4000
• Insulation: 140 g
• Temperature range: from +5° to -20°С
• Teflon: no, own impregnation

The fabric is very rough to the touch, but in color and fabric - just a special style of Didriksons clothing. The sleeves are slightly shortened to make it easier to put on high leggings. However, the lengthening of the sleeves and trousers for growth is provided. The overalls are marked Windproof and Waterproof.

Stitches are even and neat Nano Winter suit for a boy (blue-gray print)

• Insulation: 270 g (in jacket)
• Temperature range: from 0° to -30°С
• Teflon: no

The fabric of the suit is harsh, but the design and print seem to emphasize the texture of the fabric, so it looks very stylish. Mittens and booties are supplied with the suit up to size 90 inclusive.

Jumpsuit Nano Winter overalls for girls (pink print)

• Insulation: 240 g (in jacket)
• Temperature range: from 0° to -30°С
• Teflon: yes, branded Teflon from Dupon

This cute pink jumpsuit has a rather stiff fabric, but it is very light. Included are booties and mittens, inside - a nice lining.

Chest pocket for pacifier Overalls "Liisi" winter downy (pink)

• Water resistance: 5000
• Air permeability: 5000
• Insulation: goose down
• Temperature range: from 0° to -30°С
• Teflon: no

This jumpsuit is heavy, the fabric is something between hard and soft, but it looks beautiful and non-marking, rich shade.

Overalls "Mette" winter downy (pink)

• Water resistance: 3000
• Air permeability: 3000
• Insulation: goose down
• Temperature range: from 0° to -30°С
• Teflon: no

The fabric is very pleasant to the touch, although it also rustles a little when walking. The fabrics of Nels clothes are all a bit shiny, which looks expensive and beautiful.

Poivre Blanc Winter overalls for a boy (light green)

• Water resistance: 8000
• Air permeability: 8000
• Temperature range: from -5° to -25°С
• Teflon: no

Light overall, but harsh fabric - 100% nylon, due to the high performance of the membrane. Although pleasant to the touch. This clothing is mainly for skiing.

Bright colors

It should be mentioned that many brands have in their assortment a line of membrane outerwear and non-membrane ones - just with moisture-proof impregnation and a lot of insulation.

How to dress under the membrane?

It is worth mentioning the rule of three layers here. The first layer is underwear, which consists of at least 10% synthetics. The second layer that can be worn under outerwear at a temperature of -7-10 degrees below zero is fleece underwear, also made of artificial materials. And the third is the membrane outerwear itself.

Many are afraid to buy a membrane for small children, because they do not like synthetics. In fact, it is wool that causes allergies, not synthetics, especially the more expensive and high-quality synthetics, which are used when sewing thermal underwear and underwear from leading brands.

Thermal underwear from the Norveg brand, for example, uses the perfect ratio of different types of wool, including the popular merino wool, and modern synthetics. The thermal underwear of the Craft brand is sewn completely without wool. Many brands produce underwear of their own production, some even provide a system for attaching underwear to jackets.

Can wool be worn under the membrane?

Yes, you can. Since even wet wool (if the child sweats) warms well. Use wool only in extreme cases, when it is very cold outside.

Why is expensive outerwear for winter better than cheaper ones?

Again, the quality of the materials used plays a role here. In addition, jewelry, accessories, thoughtful design. Some companies either have a more budget-friendly clothing line, or create a separate brand altogether, with clothes that are simpler in cut, without the use of expensive accessories, with simpler prints and other outer fabrics.

What are membrane accessories?

Membrane hats with earflaps are very popular among boys. Girls prefer to buy knitted hats in a cool winter, and in completely cold weather - from natural or faux fur.

You can not do without gloves, mittens or high leggings in winter. They are also sewn from a membrane, with a small amount of insulation. Almost all brands offer accessories in the same colors and with the same prints to match a completely winter membrane set.

What are the most popular winter brands?

For kids in the cold demi-season, the Lassie brand is very popular - a membrane sewn using LassieTec's own technology, which is why it is inexpensive, but of high quality. Lovers of bright prints and stylish details choose Deux Par Deux and Huppa. It is quite difficult to single out something especially popular, it all depends on the preferences and feelings of each individual child.

Girls stop wearing overalls and membrane sets in elementary school and switch to down coats and something more youthful. And the boys wear sports membrane models for a long time, plus, they like to buy a membrane for winter sports. For skiing, for example, outerwear brand Poivre Blanc is perfect.

How to take care of the membrane?

A great advantage of membrane fabric over any other is that it can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge, and severe dirt can be washed off simply under running water. If you decide to wash a membrane jacket or any other clothes, then use only those products that can be used with a membrane. And always follow the directions on the product label. It is possible that some products cannot be wrung out in the machine. Washing temperature - 30 degrees. Soaking and ironing is prohibited. The membrane dries quickly, in a straightened form.

Do not use any kind of rinse aids and conditioners, as they clog the pores of the membrane, and it stops "breathing". Membrane washing detergents can be bought at a tourist store, ordered from an online store, or you can find an inexpensive powder in a supermarket, for example, in Auchan, but always marked “suitable for membrane clothing”. That is, such a product should be without bleach and phosphates.