TECHNOLOGY
MORE THAN JUST WATERPROOF The keen eyed amongst you might have noticed the different terms we use to describe our TEXAPORE versions, e.g. “waterproof”, “very waterproof”, “breathable”, “very breathable” etc. Which begs the question: “Why can’t you just say ‘waterproof’ and ‘breathable’ and have done with it? Either the fabric has these attributes or it doesn’t, surely?” The answer to the question is the classic “Yes, but…” since there are subtle nuances to be taken into account. Generally speaking, a garment is rated as waterproof if it has a hydrostatic head rating of 1,300 mm or more. Our standard begins at 4,000 mm, which is more than adequate for a waterproof jacket. In theory, a hydrostatic head of 4,000 mm standing on a 5 x 5 cm area of fabric represents a weight of 10 kg. However, since this value can be exceeded in certain circumstances, for example when kneeling on wet grass, we often use fabrics with hydrostatic head ratings of 6,000, 10,000 or even 20,000 mm. Note: if a fabric is waterproof it will also be windproof, which is why we do not always append the term “windproof” to our product descriptions. As a rule, breathability is defined in terms of the fabric’s moisture vapour transmission rate, or MVTR. The MVTR denotes how much moisture vapour a square metre of fabric will allow to pass through in 24 hours (g/m2/24 h). A fabric is designated as “very breathable” if it achieves an MVTR greater than 10,000 g/m2/24 h. Our standard begins with TEXAPORE 4x4, which is used predominantly in our HIKING and FAMILY lines. It has a hydrostatic head rating of 4,000 mm and an MVTR of 4,000 g/m2/24 h and is suitable for low intensity activities like easy hikes. Designation: waterproof and breathable. If the pressure on the fabric increases significantly, e.g. when carrying a heavy pack, water might eventually seep through the fabric. This is why many of our HIKING and TREKKING products utilise enhanced versions of TEXAPORE and TEXAPORE O2. TEXAPORE has a hydrostatic head rating of 6,000 – 8,000 mm and delivers a high level of weather protection, making it suitable for more intensive use. The breathability (MVTR: 9,000 g/m2/24 h) is just right for activities of medium intensity, e.g. longer hikes. TEXAPORE apparel is frequently equipped with additional venting options such as pit zips. Designation: waterproof and very breathable. TEXAPORE O2 has a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000 mm, which means it remains totally impervious to water even in the harshest conditions. The breathability (MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 h) is ideally suited to high intensity activities such as demanding mountaineering and trekking trips. Due to its high hydrostatic head rating, TEXAPORE O2 if often used at critical wear points on the garment, e.g. where it comes into contact with the rucksack straps. Designation: very waterproof and very breathable.
Due to their excellent weather protection, breathability and durability, the following versions of TEXAPORE and TEXAPORE O2 are used in our TREKKING apparel: TEXAPORE TASLAN 2L/3L/NANO-TEX/TEXAPORE TASLITE 2L Our classic trekking fabric, extensively tested and proven. TEXAPORE TASLAN 2L has tiny 'bristles' on the outer surface that give the fabric a cotton-like texture and improve its abrasion resistance. It has a 6,000 mm hydrostatic head and a breathability rating (MVTR) of 9,000 g/m2/24 h. The combination of TASLAN yarns and the TEXAPORE membrane has proved so successful that there are now several different variations on the TEXAPORE TASLAN theme: TEXAPORE TASLITE 2L Similar durability, waterproofing and breathability to TEXAPORE TASLAN 2L – but lighter. TEXAPORE TASLAN 2L NANO-TEX This version benefits from a water and dirt resistant NANO-TEX fabric enhancement. Water beads up and runs off the fabric surface, while dirt particles do not readily adhere to it. TEXAPORE TASLAN 3L The 3-layer construction renders this version particularly durable and even more waterproof and breathable. Hydrostatic head rating: 10,000 mm, MVTR 10,000 g/m2/24 h. TEXAPORE MINIRIP 2L The RIPSTOP construction gives the material a particularly high tearstrength, an attribute more commonly associated with heavier fabrics. It has a matt finish and is waterproof and very breathable (6,000 mm hydrostatic head, MVTR 9,000 g/m2/24 h). TEXAPORE O2 DENSUS 2L A very waterproof (20,000 mm hydrostatic head) and very breathable (MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 h) two-ply TEXAPORE O2 laminate with a very dense weave support fabric. It offers the best all-round performance of all TEXAPORE O2 laminates as well as an optimised balance between low weight and good durability. TEXAPORE O2 EXTREME 2L This exceptionally abrasion resistant, waterproof and breathable version of the TEXAPORE O2 two-layer laminate has a matt finish and a natural feel. It has a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and an MVTR of 20,000 g/m2/24 h. It is used predominantly as a reinforcement material at critical wear points on the shoulders, waist and sleeves of our trekking jackets.
T R E K K I N G // TEXAPORE //
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