The use of membrane materials in clothing in our time is becoming more common and understandable. Thanks to membrane clothing, our body is well protected from external weather influences in the form of rain, snow, wind, and at the same time, allows the body to “breathe”, keeping warm and the necessary microclimate. Accordingly, the most basic task of the membrane is to remove evaporation from the second insulating layer of clothing and not conduct moisture from the outside. Now there are a large number of companies specializing in the production of membranes on the market, the most famous and popular company gore and its membrane gore-tex. There are clothing companies that produce their own membrane designs. For example, an Italian brand Salewa produces a membrane Powertex, which works on the same principle as GoreTex. There is a definite plus in the production of our own membranes - clothes with such a membrane are much cheaper with almost the same quality.

According to the type of application, membranes are divided into three types:

• double layer membrane- this is a membrane applied in a special way to the material from the wrong side and protected from abrasion by a lining.
• three-layer membrane- this is a membrane applied to the wrong side of the material, and closed with an additional protective material. All three layers are firmly sintered together and this is usually the most reliable, but at the same time the most expensive way to apply the membrane.
• two-and-a-half-layer membrane- one of the most expensive options on the market. Due to the strong penetration of the membrane into the material, products with it are extremely light and durable.

Microporous or non-porous?

Conventionally, membranes are usually divided into two families - microporous and non-porous. The membrane itself is either the thinnest film, which is welded or glued to the fabric using a special technology, or sprayed onto the material in a special way.

microporous

The most popular and well-known family of membranes is microporous. And the flagship here, of course, is the company " W. L. Gore & Associates» with GoreTex membranes. The principle of operation of microporous membranes is based on the fact that the membrane contains several million pores per 1 sq. cm, each of which is tens of thousands of times smaller than a drop of water, but hundreds of times larger than a vapor molecule. In this way, evaporation from the body passes freely through the membrane, while rain is retained outside. In order to determine how well a membrane performs, there are two main parameters: waterproofness (water resistance) and "breathability" (water vapor permeability). Waterproof- an indicator of how the membrane is able to retain moisture from the outside. This indicator is indicated in millimeters of water column - the higher the figures of this indicator, the more the membrane forms a barrier to moisture. Usually enough membranes with an indicator 10/15 mm water column. So, for example, rain of medium strength creates a pressure equal to approximately 7-8 m of water column, strong 10-11 m of water column. "Breathability"- (vapor permeability) is measured in terms of the amount of steam that the membrane is able to pass per square meter within 24 hours. Designated as g/m2, g/m2. As with the waterproof rating, the higher the number, the better the breathability of the membrane. Approximately, the necessary indicators for engaging in active sports with high physical activity are from 20,000 and more g/m2, membranes with indicators in the area are suitable for the city 5,000 - 7,000 g/m2.

The biggest challenge facing all membrane manufacturers is to produce a membrane with the best balance of water resistance and heat dissipation from the body. This is not easy to achieve, because in order to get more steam out, you need to make more pores in the membrane, which in turn gives more room for water to penetrate.

Non-porous

The family of pore-free membranes is much smaller than microporous membranes, and here the most famous and time-tested membrane is SympaTex. The general operating principle of poreless membranes is based on the principle of molecular diffusion. In a simplified version, the structure of the membrane can be represented as follows: the inner layer of the membrane consists of hydrophilic fibers that attract water vapor molecules and transport them out; and the outer layer consists of hydrophobic fibers that repel water. The process of the membrane operation is started when a pressure difference is created inside and outside, because of this feature, this type of membrane is also called “smart membranes” in another way. The more intense your physical activity, the more intensively the membrane begins to work.

A natural question arises - which membranes are better: microporous or non-porous? As usual, there is no definitive answer. Each membrane has its pros and cons. Microporous membranes are not very durable even with proper care. Despite the rather high price, it is this type of membrane that shows the best ratio of breathability and water resistance. Plus, things with this membrane are very light and durable. Also, due to the high water-repellent properties, things reliably protect not only from precipitation, but also from getting wet when they get directly into the water. Poreless membranes are very strong due to their structure. The main feature is the preservation of its characteristics even with strong stretching, which is especially important for areas with increased load - shoulders, knees, and so on. These membranes are a little easier to maintain due to the absence of pores, but at the same time, this feature negatively affects the breathing properties of the product - as a rule, the breathing performance of these membranes is lower.

Do not forget that no beautiful membrane will work if you have wrong bottom layers. Namely, under the membrane clothing, a second insulating layer of fleece and the first moisture-wicking layer - thermal underwear. It is also important to note that when choosing clothes with a membrane, you should consider how you are going to use it, and select the type of membrane for the activity or sport that you are going to do. Don't try to buy gear to use as a one-size-fits-all gear.

All things with a membrane require special care, therefore:

• be sure to read the information on the label and follow the instructions
• fasten all zippers and buttons before washing
• dry at room temperature, never dry on a battery or other strong heat sources
• dry better in a straightened, horizontal state
• when streaking, it is better to use not ordinary powder, but special products that are less aggressive to the fabric and are water-based, which allows you to penetrate deeply into the product and wash it better.

By following these simple rules, you can significantly extend the life of the membrane and preserve its technical properties, which will allow you to enjoy your favorite sports with a sense of comfort and security.

Sergey Pekhterev (c)

The membrane resolved a controversial issue. How to get breathable, water-repellent clothing. What's the secret? The fact is that each pore of the membrane is so small that it will not let a drop of water through itself, but the pore is large enough to remove, finer in structure, vapor from the body. By combining different types of membranes and related fabrics, manufacturers create clothing with unique properties for different applications.

In membrane clothing, 4 main areas for use can be distinguished:

• for cardio (running, cycling);
• for mountaineering;
• everyday wear, tourism, hunting, fishing;
• for classic winter sports - skiing, snowboarding.

It is this classification that narrows the scope of the choice of membrane clothing and allows you not to get lost in the sea of ​​proposals. To find out which group of goods to focus on, at the time of purchase, read the catalogs of manufacturers or use the advice of sellers. And proceed to the next stage - the selection of optimal characteristics.

Water resistance and vapor permeability

It is water resistance and vapor permeability that characterize the main properties of the membrane. Water resistance is especially important if you plan to play sports in bad weather conditions. It is calculated using special devices that simulate a water column. The more water pressure the membrane fabric can withstand, the better it will protect its owner.

These 2 indicators can be indicated on clothing labels. Water resistance in mm of water column and vapor permeability in MVTR or RET. More on this below.

In some cases, the manufacturer only specifies the scope of the product, without specifying the MVTR or RET.

Water resistance

The water resistance index is grouped as follows:

• more than 20,000 mm - clothing is suitable for use during a storm, a downpour with a strong wind;
• 10000-20000 mm - withstands heavy rain or heavy rain;
• 5000-10000 mm - moderate rain;
• 1000-5000 mm - light rain, fog;
• <1000 мм – только ветрозащитные свойства.

Despite the variation in water resistance, manufacturers often offer a membrane with the highest protective properties. In this way, as if guaranteeing their customers comfort during any bad weather.

For lovers of hiking, fishing and hunting, are produced .

Vapor permeability

Vapor permeability in membrane clothing is much more significant than water resistance. It is she who is responsible for comfort during active physical exertion, when the body produces steam that needs to be removed quickly and efficiently.

To calculate vapor permeability, 2 main methods are used:

• MVTR involves testing samples for the ability to pass water vapor through the fabric. The resulting indicator is recorded as X g / m2 / 24 hours, with an X value of more than 13000 - extremely breathable clothes, from 6000 to 13000 - perfectly breathable, below 6000 - clothes with a moderate ability to remove steam.
• RET- the reverse technique, which calculates how the fabric resists the release of steam. It was originally used by Gore-Tex. The vapor permeability scale according to the RET method looks like this: from 0-6 - nothing prevents the exit of steam, extremely breathable fabric, 6-13 - excellent breathability, 13-20 - fabric with moderately breathable properties, more than 20 - the fabric does not breathe.

Vapor permeability indicators calculated by 2 methods are not always identical. This is due to the testing conditions in different research centers.

In view of this, some manufacturers indicate both values ​​\u200b\u200bon the tag, others only indicate an indicator calculated using one method, others may not give specific values ​​​​to the consumer at all (in order to avoid comparing clothes with competitors' products by only one indicator).

What level of vapor permeability to choose

High vapor permeability is especially important for active physical activity. If you plan to wear membrane clothing only while walking, a vapor permeability index of 6-10 RET is quite sufficient.

Types of membranes by structure and purpose

The membrane is a very thin film with tiny holes. It is able to pass steam coming from the body and at the same time remain resistant to moisture from the outside, not letting even small particles of water through.

This is what membrane tissue looks like under a microscope with a pore

The structure of the membrane plays an important role in its operation and even in the line of operation.

What types exist

• Non-porous- they do not work directly, since the steam first settles on the inner surface of the membrane, and then gradually evaporates under pressure. Porous-free membranes are durable and non-capricious in care;
• Pore- very well "breathing" membranes, but require careful care;
• Combined- combines the characteristics of both porous and non-porous membranes. This type is used by all leading manufacturers;
• eVent- a new class in membranes, manufacturers "taught" the pore membrane to repel dirt and grease, thereby endowing it with greater durability.

Overview of the druft jacket with eVent membrane

The purpose of the membranes is also different:

• Windproof- usually work in conjunction with a fleece (polartec) fabric, on which a layer of water-repellent impregnation is applied. Such clothing is optimal for use during the off-season, it warms well and can withstand light rain. All windproof membranes are durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain.
• Wind- And waterproof– a classic in the membrane industry. They are designed to operate even during bad weather conditions. They have good water-repellent and windproof properties, while retaining the ability to breathe. These membranes are expensive and whimsical to maintain.

Membrane Protector Fabrics

The membrane (due to its thinness) in clothing is always covered by fabric, which must first withstand the blow from wind, rain or snowfall.

Mesh inner lining for protection.

Its properties are influenced by such indicators:

1. Fiber type- These are synthetic materials nylon or polyester. They have approximately the same properties, but nylon is more durable, and polyester is cheaper and warmer. In rare cases, elastic materials are used in membrane clothing, since the membrane is very sensitive to stretching.
2. Thread thickness and weight- this indicator is designated as Den or D (denier) and is calculated as the weight of 9 km of the designated thread. High denier fabrics are very strong and quite heavy.
3. Density– calculated in g/m2. High rates always characterize a heavy, dense fabric.

Each manufacturer is always looking for an ideally lightweight, durable and at the same time inexpensive fabric. But in practice, you always have to find a compromise between the weight of the product and strength.

If you do not plan to conquer mountain peaks, but choose clothes to wear in city mode or short hikes, inexpensive membrane jackets are quite suitable. They have sufficient density, moderate weight and reasonable price.

For mountaineering and freeride only heavy-duty and lightweight materials are suitable, which are tested for resistance to friction and tearing. These fabrics are very expensive, which affects the final cost of products.

If you are doing long hikes, make sure that the membrane jacket is durable, as the straps of the backpack create friction during movement and can damage both the fabric itself and the membrane.

For aerobic exercise a lightweight fabric with moderate strength is ideal. However, it is desirable to move in such clothes on a terrain without obstacles.

Methods for connecting the membrane to tissue

In order for the membrane and tissue to work in one bundle, they are connected. Outer fabric - membrane - inner lining. It turns out such a kind of sandwich.

How does it work:

• 2-layer materials (2L or 2-layer) - are obtained simply by attaching the membrane to the inside of the fabric. This method has a significant drawback - the membrane wears out quickly, since it is not covered by anything from the inside. Sometimes manufacturers add a conditional 3rd layer in this scheme - a lining in the form of a mesh or soft fabric, but it does not serve as a full-fledged protection for the membrane.
• 2.5-layer materials (2.5L or 2.5-layer) are very similar to 2-layer materials, only the function of covering the membrane is performed not by a mesh, but by a special coating. This membrane fastening scheme preserves the flexibility and durability of the membrane.
• 3-layer materials (3L or 3-layer) - a kind of monolith of fabric, membrane and lining. Clothing with this type of membrane fastening is quite heavy, inflexible, but benefits from a long service life.

Brief educational program on labeling fabrics with heat-saving properties

Designations:

• Soft Shell - especially soft, comfortable, flexible material;
• Windbloc, Windtec - products with these designations perfectly protect against wind, but do not guarantee water-repellent properties;
• Windstopper - an improved line of clothing from Gore with good wind protection;
• Polartec Thermal Pro is a good warming material, in fact, a slightly improved polartec;
• Polartec Wind Pro - warming material with excellent windproof function, can protect from light rain;
• Polartec 200 is one of the most popular thermal jacket materials;
• Resist Techno Soft Shell is the newest material on the membrane clothing market, it warms perfectly, has increased breathability. Suitable for active sports;
• Rip Stop - a fabric with a special weave structure, therefore durable and wear-resistant;
• Gore-Tex is the first patented membrane in the world;
• Sympatex - German high-tech membrane, which is used in clothing and footwear;
• eVent - advanced pore membrane, ideal for extreme sports clothing;
• ComforTex is a membrane from an Italian manufacturer with wind and water repellency.

Pay attention to the features of the cut

Manufacturers are no less scrupulous about the sewing process than they are about the selection of fabric and the type of membrane. If the model does not fit perfectly on the figure, the whole point of membrane clothing will come to naught.

At the first stage, fashion designers prepare a pattern. It should take into account the main nuances of future physical activity. Everything is important here: from calculating the seam allowance to the width of the elastic bands on the cuffs.

For greater functionality in clothing, the places most subject to wear are compacted, making the basis of the product from lighter materials. This allows you to reduce the cost, while maintaining the quality and lightness of the finished garment.

On overalls and trousers, the bottom of the legs, knees and buttocks are sealed. In jackets, thickening is done on the elbows, cuffs, and shoulders. It is membrane clothing that is characterized by the displacement of the shoulder and seams on the back - this allows you to reduce the friction of the backpack during long hikes.

In general, membrane clothing is not a place for model delights, so manufacturers produce 3 main types of cut:

• Athletic- designed for intense physical activity (running, cycling). Assumes a perfect fit on the figure (it, accordingly, must also be taut). Clothing of this cut repeats the curves of the body as much as possible, only thin thermal underwear and a fitted fleece jacket can be worn under it.
• Regular fit is more versatile. It allows you to put on thermal underwear and a second, denser insulating layer. It is comfortable to stay in clothes of this tailoring for a long time, it does not constrain movements. Suitable for hiking, walking and other non-intense movements.
• Loose fit modeled specifically for use in unstable climates. Under such clothes, you can wear a different number of warming layers. It will suit even people with not ideal physique. But the main purpose of a free cut is to use it during expeditions, long hikes and for low-active sports.

All the subtleties are in the details. An important point when choosing

Membrane clothing is a kind of standard in textile production. She does not tolerate crooked lines and even worse fittings. But for its good functionality, a “reliable rear” is needed.

What to look for when choosing. On the example of a review of The North Face Men Tethian jacket

Seam sealing

Any sewing needle leaves holes in the fabric. And if in ordinary clothes no one pays attention to them, then in membrane clothes moisture can seep through these holes. To eliminate this defect in all models, the seams are sealed, i.e. glued on top with a special tape.

Ventilation

During active movement, the body heats up quickly. In order to most effectively remove the resulting heat (steam), manufacturers provide additional ventilation. On jackets in the armpit area, and on trousers, zippers are sewn along the inner seam. Sometimes an additional folding pocket can handle the role of additional ventilation, which, however, is appropriate only in lightweight models.

Hood

The upper part of the jacket is one of the most vulnerable places in the whole complex of membrane clothing. Here the hood should keep the protection. For movement in normal weather conditions, models with a simple cut are suitable. They can handle moderate rain and snow quite well. During extreme travel and mountain hiking, the hood should fit well to the helmet. To do this, it is given a more complex shape and provides for several adjustments.

Lightning

Accessories in membrane clothing are used of the highest quality. Despite the fact that in good zippers the teeth fit as closely as possible to each other, in conditions of heavy rain, they can also become vulnerable. In budget clothes, for additional protection, zippers are hidden under a fabric strap. In more modern and expensive models, they are treated with a special polymer. It does not allow water to seep inside, as it has the property of repelling it.

Be sure to check all zippers (not just the main ones) before buying.

It is very difficult to change the snakes (runners) in membrane clothing, since during the repair the tightness of the seams may be broken, and the product will lose its properties.
Check if it is convenient to fasten the zipper with gloves. If it grabs the fabric, no doubt put the item aside. "Playing" with bad lightning during bad weather is not a pleasant occupation.

Pockets

These elements in membrane clothing should be both comfortable and functional. Think about what you will need in an easily accessible place and whether the pockets meet these requirements.

The above features of such clothes are the main ones, but not the only ones.

There are other additional options:

• fleece inserts on the inner surface of the jacket / trousers - provide additional protection for the membrane;
• flexible visor on the hood - will cover the face from wind, rain or snowfall;
• snow skirt - for severe cold weather and mountaineering, not just an additional option, but another main factor in protection.

Who produces

When choosing membrane clothing, the last thing you should pay attention to is the price of the product. By the way, it can be sky-high and more democratic. It all depends on the "fame" of the manufacturer, the quality and type of the membrane, the characteristics of the upper layer of the fabric, etc.

The most famous manufacturers of such clothes:

• The North Face is a well-known American brand all over the world. The developers of the company were directly involved in the improvement of the Gore-Tex membrane. One of the main directions is clothing for mountaineering. Now the list of the company's products includes almost the entire arsenal of things for sports and tourism.
• Marmot is a North American firm with over 50 years of experience. It produces clothes with a PreCip membrane.
• Black Yak - a company originally from Korea, confidently occupies a key position not only in the Asian market, but throughout the world. The main direction is clothes for mountaineering.
• Arcteryx - this Canadian brand is well known to all extreme sportsmen. The company has many years of experience, declared itself in the last century and is confidently holding on to the market.
• Norrona is a European brand that was the first to launch a jacket with a Gore-Tex type membrane. One of the most recognizable companies in Scandinavia.
• Decathlon is a French sportswear manufacturer. Models are easy to pick up, thanks to the available classification. Before going on sale, all products are tested, so the buyer can be sure of the quality of the products. The price of membrane clothing from Decathlon is one of the most affordable.

How to wear

Membrane clothing suggests the presence of allies. To start right. It must match the type of physical activity. If thermal underwear does not cope well with the removal of moisture, the work of subsequent layers is also at risk.
The second layer of clothing - it is also warming - should work in conjunction with thermal underwear and membrane clothing. Choose a fleece jacket, jumper in accordance with the temperature regime. Wear, if necessary, not one, but 2-3 layers (). Membrane clothing itself is the final, 3rd link in the overall complex.

Remember: only a well-thought-out set of clothes will not spoil the overall impression of wearing things with a membrane. If you feel cold or, on the contrary, overheated, try changing your thermal underwear or the second layer.

Having bought membrane clothes, be sure. So you extend the life of things and thereby minimize one of the main disadvantages of the membrane - high cost and fragility.

Membrane clothing has both a large number of its adherents and those who do not recognize it and trust ordinary things. The former are always up to date with new products, while the latter are lured by manufacturers with an interesting cut, bright combinations and even promotional offers. So, this type of clothing is gradually gaining a place on the market, in our closets, and does it more than confidently, because it is not afraid of fashion trends, global warming, and even more so the weather in the house.

How to choose a membrane?

First, you need to understand that a membrane jacket, unlike a jacket made of rubberized material (hydrojacket) or a cape made of polyethylene, will sooner or later get wet in the rain and begin to let water through the body. This is a problem with any membrane. Miracles don't happen. The whole question is how long the membrane jacket will keep the rain without getting wet. A high-quality membrane will get wet later, a poor quality membrane will get wet sooner.

Secondly, you need to understand that the membrane material, although it breathes, but with increased sweating, it may no longer be able to cope with the removal of water vapor to the outside, and you will sweat from the inside.

Accordingly, a low-quality membrane will begin to sweat even with a small physical load, and a high-quality one with a more intense one.

Thirdly, you need to understand that the membrane is erased from mechanical stress much faster than rubber from a rubberized material. That is, when you walk in a membrane jacket under a heavy backpack, you erase the layer of the membrane on your back, and after frequent use of the jacket, it will soon begin to let water through in places of scuffs.

The jacket also loses its original properties after washing. The better the membrane is made, the more washes the jacket will withstand without much deterioration in its properties.
It is not recommended to dry a membrane jacket in the smoke of a fire; the pores of the membrane can become clogged with soot. In a strong fire, the membrane can simply melt.

So, it turns out that the membrane jacket gets wet and sweats. Erased. Scrupulous in operation. Why is she needed then?

The membrane is a kind of compromise between waterproofness and breathability. Like any other multifunctional thing - it is not perfect in every single function. Each property of this thing individually can work worse than a thing with one function, specially created only for this function.

Yes, the membrane gets wet on the outside, unlike a rubberized hydrojacket, and breathes worse than a canvas windbreaker. But it gets wet more slowly than a canvas windbreaker and still somehow breathes, unlike a rubberized hydrojacket. And when abraded, it goes into the category of just jackets, windbreakers, and windbreakers.

There are activities where a membrane jacket is really indispensable. And there are weather conditions under which the membrane works perfectly. There are also conditions, specific features of a particular tourist area, under which the use of a membrane jacket makes life very easy for a tourist-traveler.

In mountain tourism, in mountaineering, there are often situations when you need to move not very actively for a long time, and then vice versa, move very actively and at the same time perform complex technical actions. When it rains, you can't climb a rope under a plastic cape. This is where a membran jacket will be the best clothing.

The membrane trigger is indispensable in multi-races, trail running, and long-term rogaining. When the struggle is for every gram of equipment and for every minute of time. Which is not profitable to spend on dressing up. And in a membrane jacket, you can sweat a little, then get wet, but the main thing is not to freeze too much in the rain. And you do not need to urgently dry it - at the bases, intermediate camps, at the finish line you will find a change of clothes.

It is good to use membrane jackets on trekking in the mountainswhere it rains for a short time. Or where there are equipped shelters from bad weather on the routes. That is, where you have the opportunity to dry off and change clothes, not only by the fire under an awning.

On routes in populated areas, on specialized hiking trails, as a rule, it is possible to replenish the supply of food and therefore the weight of the backpack is not very heavy. Such a backpack wipes the membrane on the jacket less. In such routes, it is very convenient to use membrane jackets.

A membrane jacket is suitable for simple water trips, when it rains for a short time, when it is not very cold. That is, if you get a little wet - it's not scary.

It's a good idea to use membrane triggers just in urban areas during the off-season. Beautiful and comfortable, no need to carry an umbrella with you.

For autonomous long trips in an uninhabited area where you carry a heavy backpack, where it can rain often and go for a long time, and air temperatures drop below plus ten degrees and even below zero, it is already worth considering a more reliable waterproof material. And for long water trips in the northern regions, a waterproof jacket made of rubberized material will become indispensable.

For winter conditions, the membrane jacket is not suitable, because with an active load, the escaping steam freezes and the membrane stops working.

However, the quality of membrane materials is constantly being improved. They become more vapor permeable, more durable. And now there are already jackets that can be used in the cold.

What are membranes.

There are three types of membrane fabrics: microporous (hydrophobic), non-porous (hydrophilic) and combined. But in any case, the membrane layer is applied to the main carrier fabric. After all, the membrane itself is a very fragile and thin sheet of material.

It happens that the membrane in liquid form is applied to the base, in which case they speak of a membrane coating. The way in which a sheet of the finished membrane is attached to the material gives a new name - laminate. And about the fabric they write that it has a thin laminated membrane film.

microporous membrane, (or it is also called porous, hydrophobic) is a thin film with small pores that do not allow water droplets to pass through, but release vapor molecules.

It must be understood that with strong pressure from the outside, water will still enter the micropores and seep inside. That is, if you sit on a wet log, or lean on the wet kayak deck with your elbow, the jacket will get wet in these places.

The hydrophobic membrane is made of Teflon (synonyms - polytetrafluoroethylene, fluoroplast) or polyurethane.

hydrophilic membrane- This is a thin layer of polymer fabric without pores. Therefore, such a membrane is also called pore-free. Such a layer does not let water into the material. And the vapor molecules are brought out due to the fact that the layer of the hydrophilic membrane absorbs moisture and transports it by diffusion of molecules. Vapor molecules seep between the molecules of the polymer film. This happens due to the so-called humidity gradient, due to the difference in vapor pressure outside and inside. When you sweat, moisture, falling on the inner layer of clothing, begins to be absorbed into the fabric, move from layer to layer to the opposite side and, getting on the outer part of the jacket, evaporate. And here it is important to understand that in heavy rain, when the humidity outside is high, it will be worse for the membrane to remove steam to the outside - after all, the pressures outside and inside then equalize. But the more humid inside, the better the membrane will bring steam out.

Such a membrane is usually made of polyester or polyurethane.

Combined membranes(sometimes called hybrid). This is a type of membrane when a continuous layer of polyurethane is applied to a layer of a microporous membrane - that is, a layer of a non-porous membrane. This layer is much thinner than classic non-porous fabrics, but here it serves to protect the pore layer, which is more fragile.

If we briefly compare all these types of membranes, then microporous membranes breathe better, but hold water worse (they also have holes). Less elastic. More scrupulous in operation.

hydrophilic- they hold water better (they are without holes), but they breathe worse (they start breathing when you are already sweating a lot). Better stretch. Less afraid of dirt. They have the best wind protection. They do not work well in conditions of high humidity and at low temperatures.

Combined membranes have the same advantages as the above-mentioned porous and non-porous membranes. But more durable. They have the disadvantages of hydrophilic membranes, but to a lesser extent due to the fact that the layer of this material is smaller.

Main quantitative indicators of membranes.

Waterproof or permeable is the height of the water column in millimeters held by the fabric layer.

Vapor permeability tissue is the amount of water vapor (in grams) that the material is able to pass through a unit area (square meter) per day.

The higher the water resistance, the longer the fabric holds the rain, the longer it does not get wet outside. The higher the vapor permeability, the better the fabric “breathes”, the longer it allows you to maintain a comfortable microclimate inside during high physical exertion.

It should be borne in mind that many tests are carried out in laboratories, under certain conditions that are very different from real operation. And, ultimately, the result of one of the tests can be an impressive number that does not reflect the essence. So the vapor permeability indicators on product labels should not be taken too critically. The most universal method is the test labeled MVTR B2.

The water resistance of high-end fabrics is usually not less than 20.000mm water column, and the breathability is not less than 8.000 g/m 2 /24 hours. Mid-level membranes usually have a specification of 8.000mm/5.0g/m2/24 hours or so. The baseline is typically 3,000mm/3000g/m2/24hrs, although this type of fabric may well combine low membrane performance with a large number of vents to regulate the temperature within the garment.

Types membrane designs.

Double layer, labeled as 2L: the membrane is only protected from the outside. This method is good for weight savings and high vapor permeability, however, the inside is still protected by a lining, most often from a mesh. It is also used in clothes with an inner insulating layer.

Two and a half layers - 2.5L. As in the first case, the material has two layers, but a protective layer of non-woven material is additionally applied to the inside. Products made from such membranes are very light and compact.

Three-layer construction or 3L, involves protecting the membrane with a cloth on both sides. The main advantage of this design is the maximum wear resistance of the membrane.

On membrane fabrics of any design, as a rule, water-repellent impregnation is also applied from above.

Famous brands.

It seems that there are a huge number of different companies that manufacture the membrane. But in fact, not many companies produce high-quality membranes. Many clothing brands order membranes that are essentially the same and come up with their own names for them.

For example, membranes of the Japanese company Toray. High-quality and long-known membrane fabric of the company Toray- textile Entrant. This is a combined non-porous (or hydrophilic) membrane with a microporous layer sprayed. But the Teaxapore membrane of the German company JackWolfskin is nothing more than this very fabric Entrant. The company works closely with the American company Marmot and produces the Marmot MemBrain membrane.

Toray also developed a group of membrane materials called Dermizax. This is a two-layer or three-layer non-porous membrane.

Significant among the companies manufacturing membranes is the American company gore-tex. And more correctly W. L. Gore & Associates», because Gortex this is just one of the fabrics they produce. Membrane gore-tex- This is a porous membrane made of fluoroplast. Gore-tex pioneered the combined membrane technology.

Well proven membrane eVent(US company, manufactured in Japan). Its peculiarity is that although it is a porous membrane, its fibers are covered with polyurethane; while at the same gore-tex polyurethane is applied in a continuous layer on the base film. This greatly increases the breathability of the fabric. eVent rather expensive material and, moreover, there are difficulties with gluing seams on products made from this membrane, as a result, the price of the final product is quite high.

So, membranes are not a 100% guarantee of waterproofness and breathability in one bottle. But this is quite a convenient thing, guaranteeing comfort under certain conditions of use.

And in general - the question of choosing a membrane or a tarpaulin (or an avizent) complete with a hydrojacket or a polyethylene cape is a matter of habit, a matter of taste. Basically it is possible to have both that, and another and the third. And use each thing in certain conditions. Or combining one with the other.

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.

Our guide to choosing membrane clothing will help you "decipher" the information contained in the descriptions for it. We will also try not to overwhelm you with an abundance of boring details, but pay attention to those factors that are really important when choosing a membrane jacket and / or trousers.

Choosing membrane clothing will be much easier if you accurately outline the future scope of its application. Modern jackets and trousers made of membrane materials are distinguished by a rather narrow specialization and there are no absolutely universal models that are equally well suited, for example, for summer tourism and winter sports. The manufacturer's catalog will help determine the purpose of specific clothing models, which, as a rule, has a rubricator and recommendations for use. In the store, a sales assistant can do this for you.

All membrane clothing on the modern market can be divided into four categories depending on its purpose:

membrane clothes for mountaineering; membrane clothing for winter sports - skiing and snowboarding; membrane clothing for tourism/urban wear; membrane clothing for sports with intensive cardio load - running / cycling.

The materials used in it, which affect strength and weight, depend on the purpose of membrane clothing; cut; functional details and additional options.

Membrane clothing materials

The main component of membrane clothing is a polyurethane or teflon film capable of transporting water vapor through itself, while remaining impervious to water in liquid form. Therefore, the key parameters for evaluating the properties of a membrane are its water resistance and vapor permeability.

As a rule, they are indicated on labels or in descriptions of membrane clothing as two numbers, for example, 20/20K or 10,000/17,000. The first number indicates water resistance, the second indicates vapor permeability.

Water resistance measured in millimeters of water column and determines how much water pressure the material can withstand without leakage. Membranes with a water resistance of 7,000 mm or more are impervious to rain of any strength. However, most high-end membranes have a water resistance of 15, 20 and even 40 thousand mm.

This is due not only to the pursuit of manufacturers for big numbers. By trying to guarantee the watertightness of their materials, manufacturers eliminate any risk of leakage even when their products are used intensively in extreme conditions.

The vast majority of modern membranes, even inexpensive ones, are really impervious to rain of any strength. Therefore, it is not worth focusing on this parameter and chasing very high water resistance, provided that the purchased membrane clothing does not involve use in extreme weather conditions - prolonged rains, hurricane winds, strong temperature changes, etc.

The vapor permeability of the membrane is much more important for your comfort.

Vapor permeability determines how quickly moisture will be transported from the human body to the outside. The better the vapor permeability, the less you risk getting wet from the inside from your own sweat and dry faster if this does happen. To evaluate it, two main indicators based on different tests are used:

MVTR(moisture vapor transmitting rate - “water vapor transfer rate”) - measured in g / m² / 24h, i.e. how many grams of water vapor can pass through a tissue sample on an area of ​​1 m² in 24 hours. The higher the value, the greater the vapor permeability of the material. For the most "breathable" membranes, this figure is greater than or equal to 20,000 g / m² / 24 hours. There are several tests for determining MVTR, however, they only approximate real life membrane performance. RET(evaporate resistance - "evaporation resistance") - a testing technique developed and used by Gore-Tex. It determines how strongly the material being tested "resists" the transport of water vapor. Therefore, the lower the RET value, the more breathable the membrane is. The scale is marked from 0 to 30, where 0 is the bare surface of the skin - i.e. nothing prevents the evaporation of moisture, and 30 is a layer of dense polyethylene - i.e. "breathing" properties are completely absent. The most vapor-permeable membranes have an RET index in the range of 1-6.

Unfortunately, the test results do not always correlate with each other - this is due both to the difference in the test methods used, and to frequent violations of testing protocols in various laboratories. Sometimes the same fabric sample shows completely different vapor permeability values ​​in the same test carried out at different test centers.

For this reason, some manufacturers publish only the maximum figures recorded in tests, others publish results on two scales at once - RET and MVTR, others do not indicate vapor permeability values ​​at all, trying to avoid incorrect comparisons with products from other brands. In any case, a sign of "good form" is an indication by the manufacturer of the testing methodology or an explanation of why vapor permeability indicators are not published.

What vapor permeability do you need?

If you use membrane clothing as part of high physical activity - skiing, running, mountain hiking, etc., look at indicators over 20,000 g / m² / 24h.

Jackets and trousers designed for city wear and occasional outdoor use will need a vapor permeability of 6-10,000 g/m²/24h.

Remember that these are minimum guidelines and in reality the vast majority high quality membranes today they demonstrate vapor permeability from 20,000 g/m²/24h.

When choosing membrane clothing, it is also important to pay attention to a number of other points. Some manufacturers offer membranes with very high vapor permeability of 30 and even 40 thousand g / m² / 24h, however, not only this affects the final “breathing” ability of clothing. It depends on the fabrics used and the methods of their connection with the membrane, the presence of additional ventilation and even the quality of the impregnation used on the front side of the material.

Sometimes these parameters are even regulated. For example, this is what Gore-Tex does - the fabrics connected to their membranes undergo a very strict selection. At the same time, clothing and footwear manufacturers that use Gore-Tex materials coordinate with Gore the cut and even the selection of accessories for their finished products. So quality control becomes absolutely comprehensive.

What to do if the clothing manufacturer does not indicate the vapor permeability value?

Do not panic :) Indeed, such a practice exists. For a number of membrane fabrics used today by some manufacturers, it is difficult to find specific indicators of vapor permeability in open sources. This is not due to attempts to conceal important information for the buyer. Most often, the reason lies in the fact that clothing manufacturers are trying to avoid negative comparison with competitors based on just one characteristic and draw the attention of a potential client to other, sometimes more important parameters of the product - cut, fabrics and accessories used, etc.

How to make a choice in such a situation?

First of all, you need to evaluate the reputation of the manufacturer of clothing or materials - how long its products have been on the market, what guarantees it provides, what are the reviews on its products and, most importantly, who is in the circle of its potential buyers. If these are people who appreciate quality and do not tolerate compromises in clothing and equipment, then the lack of indicators should not bother you. Today, the leading manufacturers of membrane materials for outdoor activities, releasing them under their own brands, are Gore-Tex, Toray (Dermizax line), Polartec (Neo Shell membranes). Next, you need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. You should not buy a running jacket from a collection of mountaineering jackets, even if each of them does not have vapor permeability indicators. Finally, you can almost always find feedback about the material used, especially if it has been on the market for a relatively long time.

fabrics

The membrane itself is too thin and fragile to be used in clothing as an independent material. Therefore, it is combined with a tissue that protects the membrane film from negative external influences. What material will be used for this depends weight and strength ready-made clothes.

To describe the fabric used, manufacturers publish the following information:

Fiber material, usually it is nylon (Nylon) or polyester (Polyester). Other things being equal, nylon is lighter and stronger, polyester is cheaper. Denier(denoted as Den or D). An indicator that determines the thickness and weight of the thread. The higher it is, the stronger and heavier the fabric, all other things being equal. The digital index that comes before the letter D determines how many grams weigh 9 km of the thread used. For example, 86D - the weight of 9,000 meters of thread is 86 grams. Fabric weight in g/m². The higher this parameter, the heavier the fabric used.

Membrane bonding fabrics can have a major impact on the final price of finished membrane garments. Sometimes things created on the basis of the same membrane can differ in cost by 1.5-2.5 times. Also, pricing is influenced by the cut and accessories used.

The use of elastic fabrics in membrane clothing is possible, however, requires the use of a suitable stretchable membrane. The most famous in this field are the pore-free membranes of the Japanese company Toray, manufactured under the brand name Dermizax (or under the trademarks of clothing manufacturers, for example, Membrain by Marmot).

The membrane can be connected to one or two layers of fabric at once. Three types of membrane materials are distinguished depending on their quantity:

2-layer HyVent membrane inside of The North Face Resolve jacket. Mesh fabric acts as a lining

2-ply- Membrane connects only to facial tissue. Other things being equal, these are the lightest, most flexible, but at the same time the least durable materials, because the membrane film is not protected from mechanical wear and skin secretions from the wrong side. Garments using such membranes often use a loosely attached mesh or soft fabric lining, which can significantly limit mobility by clinging to the fleece insulation layer. In the descriptions, they are referred to as 2L or 2-layer.

Wrong side of the Marmot PreCip jacket. The pattern of the print is clearly visible, which "covers" the membrane itself

2.5 ply- in essence, these are the same 2-layer materials, but to increase their wear resistance, a protective print is applied to the membrane from the wrong side. This allows you to reduce the weight of the finished membrane clothing, abandoning the lining. Referred to in descriptions as 2.5L or 2.5-layer.

The reverse side of the jacket is made of 3-layer material. The membrane is protected from wear by a laminated Gore-Tex C-Knit woven layer

3-ply- the membrane is glued together with the front and lining fabrics. The most wear-resistant option, used in clothing for long-term use in difficult conditions. Such fabrics are characterized by the greatest weight and low flexibility. Only the method of laminating the membrane on the fabric is used. In the descriptions, they are referred to as 3L or 3-layer.

Fabric durability and weight are also greatly affected by the original quality of synthetic fibers, how the threads are twisted and processed, the accuracy of looms, etc. Therefore, some relatively expensive materials with a low density and low denier value end up being stronger and more durable than more dense and heavy cheap samples.

As a general rule, the stronger the fabrics used, the heavier the finished garment will be. Materials that combine strength and relatively low weight are more difficult to manufacture and are quite expensive.

For urban membrane jacket these parameters are not very critical - you can buy a durable and relatively heavy thing to avoid overpayment. Examples - The North Face Arrano, Jack Wolfskin Brooks Range. IN membrane clothing for mountaineering the combination of low weight and high strength is important, which is especially necessary for technically difficult ascents. Materials must withstand friction on rough surfaces, have high tensile and tear strength, wear-resistant water-repellent impregnation. These same qualities are important in freeride clothing., especially if "backcountry" routes are supposed. If the most important parameters for you when choosing storm clothing for freeride and mountaineering are the durability and strength of membrane materials, then give preference to 3L laminates. Examples - Gore-Tex Pro garments - Arcteryx Alpha SV, Haglofs ROC Spirit, Klattermusen Brede, Sivera Torok 2.0. Jackets and trousers made of membrane materials for tourism are distinguished by the greatest variety of used facial fabrics and weight range. classical membrane clothing for hiking represents a compromise between weight and wear resistance. The weight of the backpack is of great importance when choosing a windbreaker for tourism - the larger it is, the more reliable and durable the materials from which your jacket is sewn should be. The best choice for heavy backpacks will be 3L-laminates with a woven layer on the wrong side - such membrane materials are most durable and unpretentious. Examples - Norrona Falketind, Marmot Super Mica, Bergans Letto. When choosing membrane clothing for intense aerobic exercise - running and cycling, the strength of the fabric is relegated to the background. It copes with ordinary loads, but it is not worth wading through thorny thickets and narrow rocky passages. Due to its low weight Membrane running clothes are often used in "fast and light" tourism. Experienced light-walkers carefully plan their route and are careful with their equipment. Examples - Gore-Tex Active jackets and trousers - Salomon Minim Jam, Bergans Helium.

Reinforcement of wear-prone areas of clothing

To reduce the weight of touring membrane jackets without compromising their durability, manufacturers reinforce areas subject to abrasion by using lightweight materials over a larger area.

In the case of climbing and ski pants and semi-overalls, this is protection against cuts by piping and cats on the bottom of the trousers, reinforcements on the knees and, less often, in the buttocks.

In jackets, inserts made of protective materials or more durable fabrics are usually used on the shoulders, cuffs, elbows and hem. The most vulnerable are the places of contact with the backpack.

Cut of membrane clothing

No matter how technologically advanced the materials used in clothing are, all their positive properties are nullified if the jacket or trousers have an unsuccessful cut, “do not fit” the figure and are inconvenient to use. Attention to small details and carefully calibrated patterns is one of the hallmarks of high-end outdoor clothing manufacturers.

Pattern

The first thing a manufacturer of sports and outdoor clothing needs to provide is sufficient freedom of movement. Membrane jackets and trousers in this matter are no exception. Articulated cut of the knees and elbows, special arrangement of seams on the shoulders and back, accurate calculation of fabric allowances and the shape of the patterns make clothes much more comfortable - the jacket rides up less and does not stretch in the back, the trousers do not slip from the waist if you squat or bend over, etc. .d. Sometimes a change in cut not only adds comfort in using a thing, but also allows you to increase its service life. Thus, the displacement of the seams on the shoulders of the membrane jacket significantly reduces their friction and deformation by the straps of the backpack.

Unfortunately, any complication of the pattern leads to a complication of the production process, which leads to an increase in the final price of the finished membrane clothing.

It just so happens that most manufacturers of high-tech outdoor clothing are focused on people with an athletic or average build. Therefore, for owners of a non-standard figure or overweight people, careful fitting and more time to find a suitable model are desirable.

The extent to which a membrane jacket or trousers will fit freely on the user's figure depends on the number and volume of layers of clothing that will be worn under them. And this is directly related to the manufacturer's recommended scope for a particular model of membrane clothing.

All the variety of pattern options can be reduced to several large classes. Let's turn to the Arcteryx catalog for an example.

Athletic fit

It involves wearing under membrane clothing only thermal underwear and a thin fitted insulating layer (fleece or very thin puff). Mainly used in clothes for intense physical activity - running and cycling. Uncomfortable in clothes for everyday use. Well suited only for people of thin and toned athletic physique.

regular fit

Designed for the average user in the view of the clothing manufacturer. It involves wearing thermal underwear and a light insulating layer of small thickness. As a rule, it is used in a wide range of models of membrane jackets and trousers, designed for everyday wear, travel, and universal tourist. The cut suits people of average build well.

Loose fit

It is used in membrane clothing designed for use in extreme conditions with constantly changing weather and air temperature.

For it, patterns are used that allow you to create enough space under the membrane clothing for using thick thermal underwear and a thick insulating layer (or even two). Jackets and trousers with this pattern do not hinder movement.

Croy used in models of membrane clothing for winter sports, mountain tourism and expeditions. Well suited for people with a wide variety of physiques, including those who are far from ideal physical shape.

Pay attention to additional elements that will allow you to better fit the jacket and trousers for you. We are talking about drawstrings, adjustable cuffs, etc. A tight fit will make you feel more comfortable in particularly inclement weather conditions - the wind will not blow into the sleeves and under the jacket, water will not be thrown into the hood, etc.

Functional details of the cut of membrane clothing

Taped seams

The sewing machine needle leaves tiny holes in the membrane through which water can seep. To seal them, manufacturers use a special tape that glues the seam line. In some cases, only "critical" seams are sealed, i.e. those that are at risk of leaking in the first place - usually on the shoulders and sleeves. However, this practice is gradually fading away today and is typical only for the cheapest models of membrane clothing. Most often, absolutely all seams are glued by the manufacturer to make their models really impervious to rain, sleet and wind.