As you know, there is no way to stop a keen tourist no weather, not to scare the storms and fast rivers. Tourist can not spoil the mood, if he is nourished and properly dressed! Experienced travelers approach the matter seriously, and an especially important point is equipment:
We will talk about men’s waterproof jackets .
In a hike, the main function of a waterproof men’s jacket – in extreme conditions to protect the “manly” tourist from rain, wet snow, and at the same time to ensure his body breathes. Such clothes are useful for going out in the city and walks with the dog in the park, as well as for serious outings such as fishing, skiing, hiking in the woods, mountains and other tourist activities.
So why do such jackets do not get wet, which provides this extraordinary quality? The answer in short is MEMBRANA!
What is a Membrane? It is a thin film that is applied to the fabric
There are three types of membrane structure
- A pore membrane is a fabric with a large number of micropores that allow air but retain water.
- Flameless membrane – is designed like a thin sponge that absorbs and then evaporates moisture.
Combined membrane
– respectively includes both technologies and is quite expensive.
Film or Impregnation – two methods of creating a membrane fabric
- In so-called lamination, they create a film of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyurethane (PU). These synthetic materials are in many ways not inferior to natural materials, provide good heat retention, breathability, durability.
- Another membrane treatment technique is liquid impregnation, which forms a protective film after drying. The resulting membrane fabric is used as an outer layer in sewing waterproof jackets.
Multiple layers and durability
Since the membrane itself is very thin, it is protected from mechanical damage by several layers of fabric. There are three types of fabrics according to this parameter: two-layer (2L), three-layer (3L) and a membrane consisting of 2.5 layers (2.5L). This factor determines the wear resistance and durability of the jacket. The higher the index, the more reliable it is in harsh conditions.
Two main properties of membrane jackets
In the classifications of waterproof fabrics at first glance to get lost easier than in the woods. The materials undergo many tests, the technologies used are one more inventive than the other. The most common climatic membranes – varying in the number of layers, raw materials and chemical formulation, but ideal in their functional properties include :
Gore-Tex,
eVent,
OutDry, and others. And this is what it looks like:
In fact, if you’re not a laboratory employee, when choosing a men’s membrane jacket you only need to consider two factors: How much fabric does not let water in from the outside and how much vapor and extra moisture from the inside:
Waterproof
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This property exists to protect against the penetration of water from the outside. And then you have to pick and choose. Membrane jackets differ from each other degree of water resistance, which is indicated in millimeters. The higher the value, the stronger the protection:
-
5000 mm is the smallest degree
. Suitable shelter from the rain in bad weather, for example, go out in bad weather with the dog, but the tropical downpours it can not. - 10000 – 15000 mm – medium level. The jacket will withstand quite a serious downpour and a short time of wet snow. But will not cope with the moisture from the pressure of the backpack on the shoulders.
- 20,000 mm and above is extreme. Any precipitation and heavy things for such a jacket is no problem.
Air permeability
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Membrane fabric jackets use seam sealing and zipper protection to ensure complete waterproofness. Therefore, in order not to “boil” the tourist, the material jackets make breathable. The breathability of the fabric is measured in grams per square meter. The higher the value, the faster the moisture evaporates:
-
5000 – 10000 g/m²
– Suitable, for example, for skiing, but will protect for a short time in long rainy/snowy weather.
10000 – 15000 g/m²
– The jacket is ideal for hiking in the mountains, and even in it you can be in an area with high humidity, but then it does not protect to its full capacity.
15000 – 20000 g/m²
and above – the jacket performs in line with serious physical exertion. You can safely go on a long and difficult ascent with skis on your shoulders.
Comparative characteristics of technology brands of membrane fabric manufacturers
Softshell membrane-free technology
It must be said that not all waterproof jackets are membrane, the membrane has a strong competitor technology Softshell. Softshell is not a film, it is another high-tech material. Translated means “soft shell” and fully justifies its name. Waterproof jacket using this technology is not only very comfortable, but also protects from the cold, snow, heavy rain or hurricane wind no worse than a membrane.
The material also consists of layers. Thus, the upper part consists of a very dense but stretchy stretch fabric. Softshell is made of fine fleece inside, which is responsible for bringing evaporation outside and body warmth. Softshell composition can consist of polyester or polyamide fibers, they can include Lycra or polyurethane, and even natural wool.The technology is designed for very active and extreme tourists, who at the same time appreciate high comfort.
An overview of the leading brands of manufacturers
Among the leading brands specializing in hiking apparel, trekking shoes and equipment for all known brands such as Merrell, Caterpillar, Columbia, Salomon, Teva, The North Face. The quality of their products is very high. The development does not stand still, the competition intensifies, and the fight for leadership in the travel market is joined by other rapidly developing European brands, including British Karrimor, Regatta and Gelert, and the Norwegian Helly Hansen .
Regatta
On the jacket of this company can adjust anything – cuffs, hoods, belts, and it allows you to “fit” the clothes so that the trip was as comfortable as possible. Buyers with a developed sense of style will please and fashionable design jackets.
This jacket is presented in a classic military style with four patch pockets. The waterproof and breathable Isotex 5000 fabric, provides serious outdoor protection.
Helly Hansen
A huge selection of jackets from bright, flashy to strict and relaxed, from walking to ski. Each one is practical and will please fans of multiple pockets. Helly Tech protects in the toughest conditions. Presenting a great jacket for the fall. Tightens at the bottom with an elastic band. There is no insulated lining. The hood does not detach, the hood has an elastic band. Water permeability 5000 mm, suitable for all activities during wet, cold and windy weather.
Craghoppers
The brand provides the opportunity to choose a jacket of varying degrees of protection. Depending on the model, AquaDry, Gore-Tex, and other technologies are used. Jackets have a solid, laconic style, which, however, does not exclude the presence of useful in a campaign chips. This collapsible jacket has superior Gore Tex construction for total weather protection.
Karrimor
This brand, versed in all kinds of hiking and travel, simply could not help but offer a huge range of different waterproof jackets. Remarkable sports style, high technology materials, insulated lining, as “tuning” reflective details, pockets and much more, which is sure to come in handy in a campaign, and even in inclement weather.
Well! All you have to do now is to buy a waterproof jacket for men in the online store SportsTerritory and go on the road!
