Introduction to Fabrics:

The brands we stock use a range of internationally recognised fabrics. for more information on some of these please click on the links below.

eVENT

Pertex

Polartec

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eVENT

eVENT Fabric Technology is Manufactured and Marketed by BHA Technologies Inc.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES eVENT TECHNOLOGY FROM OTHER ePTFE-BASED W/B’S? 

ePTFE membranes have been used in waterproof fabrics for over 25 years. But they have been used in a “bicomponent” fashion that added a layer of polyurethane. This PU layer reduced their inherent breathability and inhibited the free escape of perspiration vapor.

Rather than take an open-pore membrane and turn it into a closed-pore laminate, eVENT technology’s patented process retains the natural venting ability of all those microscopic pores.

The original ePTFE-based waterproof-breathable membranes were introduced back in the late 1970’s. At that time they were simply raw ePTFE membranes, inherently waterproof and very breathable. However, a flaw was soon discovered: ePTFE has such a strong pull on oils that after enough use body oils would collect in the membrane. Once enough oils had collected (this is called “contamination”) the membrane would leak because the oils would let water pass. This leaking problem was solved by adding a thin layer of polyurethane to the body-facing side of the membrane. This PU layer kept the body oils out… but it also covered all the membrane’s open pores and dramatically reduced breathability.

The scientists at eVENT have since found a way to deal with the body-oil contamination issue without sacrificing the true venting breathability of the ePTFE membrane. Rather than cover the open pores with PU, they chemically alter the membrane itself to make it repel oils. This solution maintains optimum breathability and waterproofness.

IS eVENT REALLY WATERPROOF? 

There is a myth, especially in the snowsports market, that the higher the waterproof rating, the better the fabric. But this is wrong. By this logic, the best rain jacket would be made of rubber. But who wants to sweat in that?

Rendering a fabric waterproof is easy. So easy that most are clumsily over-engineered with far too much waterproof barrier. This results in lower breathability and increased clamminess inside the fabric caused by buildup of perspiration.

The real trick with waterproof fabrics is to find the “sweet spot” that achieves real world waterproofness, enough to repel even hurricane force downpours, without sacrificing the breathability needed to avoid uncomfortable dampness from sweat buildup. eVENT technology achieves that balance.

WHO IS IT FOR? 

eVENT technology is ideal for anyone who requires waterproof weather protection but wants to avoid the uncomfortable dampness of perspiration build-up. It is especially well-suited for such active endeavors as running, skiing, and bicycling that prove much too sweaty for other waterproof-breathable fabrics. eVENT technology is used in innovative weatherproof products such as outerwear, footwear, bivy sacks, and single-wall tents.

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Pertex

Pertex comes in a number of forms each suited to particular uses:

Pertex Equilibrium Stretch:  138g per m2 Nylon 6.6 / Lycra. Unique denier gradient structure creates permanent capillary action where sweat and rain always travels to the outer surface. Wind resistant and water repellent, shedding light rain and snow. Soft natural feel, but yet it is impressively durable. UV protection of 30+ SPF.

Pertex Microlight: 44g per m2 very lightweight nylon 6.6 rip stop weave. Breathable to 98%. Dense weave gives a wind resistance of 5ft3 per min. Water repellent with a spray rating of grade 4.

Pertex Quantum: The lightest downproof, windproof, breathable fabric. Weighs 30g per m2

Pertex Endurance: Water resistant coated downproof, windproof and breathable fabric. 66g per m2, 1500mm Hydrostatic Head.

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Polartec

Polartec comes in a number of forms each suited to particular uses:

Polartec Power Shield: Highly wind and water resistant, durable, highly breathable soft shell fabric with no membrane.

Polartec Thermal Pro: Lightweight, high loft fleece with high warmth to weight ratio.

Polartec Power Stretch: Four way stretch close fitting thermal layer.

Polartec Wind Pro: Wind resistant two way stretch hard face fleece fabric.

Polartec Classic: Double side velour knit thermal layer.

Polartec 100 Micro: an extremely lightweight fleece that is quick drying and provides excellent wicking.

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