Fabrics that are waterproof and breathable are becoming increasingly popular for those involved in outdoor hobbies like hiking, walking and mountaineering. These special fabrics can keep the water out whilst allowing sweat and humidity to escape.
Shoes, boots and clothing made from these unique high performance fabrics can be expensive with a weatherproof and breathable over-jacket costing anything from $75 to several hundred dollars.
What these fabrics do
These special fabrics keep water out by having pores in the fabric that are too small for water droplets to pass through. However, these same pores are sufficiently big for water vapour (e.g. sweat) to escape out into the atmosphere, thereby preventing a hot and sweaty feeling.
Market leaders in the field of weatherproof and breathable fabrics include GoreTex and Event, but there are many more and all offer similar performance. The main brand names will naturally cost more, but they may not necessarily offer a higher performance.
Products currently incorporating these fabrics include jackets and fleece jackets, trousers, over-trousers, socks, shirts, T-shirts and underwear.
A number of outdoor shoe and boot manufacturers also use these weatherproof and breathable materials for their uppers. This kind of footwear is comfortable and it keeps the feet dry and healthy.
Friday, 18 September 2009
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