Every person needs protection from wind and rain and snow. And if we talk about lovers of an active, and sometimes more than active, lifestyle, a good windbreaker is simply an irreplaceable thing. Membrane jackets are widely in demand in various types of outdoor activities, and we have collected some of the best, in our opinion, models for men and women that meet different requirements. Yes, now in the Sport-Marathon store many of the models presented below can be purchased at a discount of up to 40%!
What is the difference?
Depending on the area of application, the models differ in the material used, cut and design features. When choosing a membrane jacket, it is important to initially understand what you can expect from it, so as not to later blame the manufacturer and not regret wasted money. — For the harshest conditions, outdoor clothing manufacturers use three-layer membrane fabric—designated 3L. The membrane is bonded to a durable outer material and inner lining. This prevents any movement of the layers, resulting in high resistance to wear and tear. These jackets are often reinforced with thicker materials in areas most susceptible to wear and tear. Jackets using three-layer membrane material, having high strength, are perfect for frequent, year-round use in any conditions. — In lightweight models, where weight is more important, the lightest and thinnest materials are used. The membrane is somewhat different; it provides less protection from moisture, but at the same time “breathes” better. The undoubted advantage of such models, in addition to their low weight, is their compactness. Such membrane jackets are good to use in multi-races, rogaining, or just while jogging in rainy weather. They will also serve well in the off-season in the city instead of an umbrella; the jacket will take up no more space, or even less. Unfortunately, you have to pay for the weight; such models are less resistant to wear and tear, and are not designed for heavy loads. — Models designed for tourism are something in between, an optimal combination of weight and strength. Membrane travel jackets tend to have more pockets.
Membrane
The most popular membrane used in the outdoor industry is still Gore-Tex, but many large manufacturers have long been using their own developments, which are often not inferior to GORE products in their characteristics. Recently, leading membrane manufacturers have stopped providing numbers, limiting themselves to information about the type of membrane. For example, Gore-Tex has: - Gore-Tex® Active - extreme breathability for highly aerobic activities. - Gore-Tex® - optimal protection and comfort. The most commonly used membrane in Gore-Tex clothing. - Gore-Tex® Pro - maximum wear resistance in extreme conditions. Choose membrane clothing according to the intended purpose and manufacturer's recommendations and you will not be disappointed. The main characteristics of the membrane are its water resistance and vapor permeability. Water resistance.
Most often, the water resistance characteristics of the membrane are indicated on the product in mm of water column.
Clothing with a water column of at least 5000 mm is considered water-resistant. Despite the fact that our review includes very light jackets, their membrane can withstand at least a good downpour. In any case, each of the models is designed for a specific purpose and is designed for appropriate testing. Vapor permeability.
This term characterizes the ability of the fabric to remove evaporating sweat outside, and in no way refers to the passage of air inside. Sportswear should “breathe” well under high loads on its wearer, so that sweat evaporating from the surface of the body can easily escape without condensing on the lining of the outerwear. This partially prevents overheating of the body and accumulation of moisture. The vapor permeability rating of a product is often stated according to RET measurements. RET is the only method that simulates the process of skin evaporation and also predicts the amount of heat lost through sweat. The results are indicated in m²Pa/W. The results are divided into 4 groups with values from 0 to 30. It is considered that 0 = equivalent to bare skin, and 30 = as if you were wearing a plastic bag. So:
Vapor permeability can also be indicated in g/sq.m/day. In sportswear, this figure starts from 5000. The higher this value, the more breathable the product has. In the best models, the vapor permeability value is more than 20,000.
Membrane properties and characteristics
When choosing a product with a membrane, you need to pay special attention to the main characteristics of the membrane fabric:
- water resistance;
- vapor permeability;
- wind protection
Membrane water resistance
The water resistance of the membrane is measured in millimeters of water. This parameter shows how much moisture the membrane fabric can withstand while remaining dry. Based on the level of water resistance, membranes can be divided into several groups:
- Up to 2000 mm - outerwear with a membrane, which can be used for walking on a foggy day.
- A jacket with an index of 2000 to 4000 mm will withstand up to 2-3 hours of drizzling rain.
- Clothing with parameters from 4000 to 7000 mm, as a rule, is used during short-term rains of short duration. A classic representative of the membrane with such indicators is DryShield DryShield
is a waterproof, breathable membrane. Read more.
- An indicator from 7000 to 10000 mm means that the jacket is suitable for prolonged heavy rains. Clothes with such membrane parameters can be found from the Danish brand Seeland.
- From 10,000 and above - clothing that will provide maximum protection from wet snow and long-term heavy rains. The Gore-Tex membrane corresponds to these indicators Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex fabrics are based on an extremely thin membrane that is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Read more.
From different manufacturers you can find winter clothes with a membrane, the indicators of which are equal to 20,000, 30,000, and even 40,000 mm of water column. If you are not going to use the jacket or trousers in ultra-extreme conditions, then there is no point in chasing high performance.
Membrane vapor permeability
The vapor permeability indicator is responsible for the “breathing” properties of the membrane. The numerical value shows how much water vapor can pass through a square meter of membrane in 24 hours. Vapor permeability is indicated as follows: “g/m²”. Based on the level of vapor permeability, membrane fabrics can be divided into the following groups:
- Up to 3000 g/m² – basic vapor-permeable properties. Clothing with such indicators is perfect for walking in the city. Alova membrane Alova
- a material of synthetic origin with a membrane water-repellent coating on a knitted basis. More details - a typical representative of a membrane with such properties.
- From 5000 to 8000 g/m² – average vapor permeable properties. You should choose a jacket with these characteristics for moderate physical activity. Among brands with such indicators, the most popular membrane is the Japanese manufacturer DryShield DryShield
is a waterproof, breathable membrane. Read more.
- From 8000 g/m² and above – high vapor-permeable properties. Products with high vapor permeability are designed for intense physical activity and for those who work “to the limit.” Membranes with these properties - SHIELD-TEX SHIELD-TEX
- allows you to combine in one fabric a large number of different technologies for different climatic conditions from plus to minus temperatures. More details and Gore-Tex Gore-
Tex
Gore-Tex fabrics are based on an extremely thin membrane, waterproof, windproof and vapor-permeable. More details.
Wind protection
Any outerwear with a membrane is windproof, but not everyone can protect against strong gusts of wind. If you just need a windproof item, then look for products with special markings windproof (windproof) and wind-resistant (wind protection).
Gore-Tex membrane provides the best protection from strong winds
Gore-Tex fabrics are based on an extremely thin membrane that is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Read more.
Weight and strength
The strength of the product depends primarily on the density of the external material used and the quality of the seams. In high-quality membrane jackets, the seams are always taped and waterproof. The choice of material by the manufacturer depends primarily on the purpose of the product. The more “severe” the jacket, the denser the materials used. To make a membrane jacket both durable and light, manufacturers use combined fabrics, using dense material in areas subject to wear - shoulders, elbows, hem. How can you find out what fabric is used in a jacket if you look at it in an online catalog?
The density of the fabric is often indicated in the product characteristics and is designated by the letter D - Denier. The higher the value, the denser the fabric. For example, you may come across the following inscription - GORE-TEX Pro 3L, 40D/ 80D - this means that the jacket used 40 Denier fabric with inserts of denser fabric in areas subject to wear.
Membrane jackets for men
The North Face Venture Men's Jacket
Model from the famous American manufacturer The North Face.
A bright, universal jacket for protection from rain and wind for little money. Bad weather will not be an obstacle to continuing your journey. - Outer fabric: 100% recycled ripstop nylon. — Ventilation in the armpit area. — Membrane fabric: HyVent 2.5L (developed by TNF) Weight 400 g Men's jacket Jack Wolfskin COULOMB
This model from the German manufacturer Jack Wolfskin has a strict minimalist design.
The jacket is perfect for everyday city life. It is made on the basis of three-layer membrane fabric TEXAPORE O2 SOFTSHELL 3L. The outside is durable and wear-resistant, the inside is soft and comfortable. The model provides for all possible weather situations that you may be exposed to while traveling, on a long hike, while walking in the park or in the city on the way to work. — Membrane fabric TEXAPORE O2 SOFTSHELL 3L (Jack Wolfskin’s own development) — Water resistance: 20,000 mm. — Air permeability: 15000 g/m2/24 hours. — Weight 515 g Men's jacket Bergans Eidfjord
Can you imagine the weather in Norway?
Bergans has been offering its products to the outdoor market for over 100 years. Her clothes are tested in the harsh Norwegian climate and beyond. The Eidfjord model is one of the best jackets for tourism - good membrane fabric, thoughtful cut, discreet design. In this model, in comparison with the others, additional pockets appeared that do not intersect with the backpack straps. Lightweight and technical, the jacket will provide reliable all-weather protection during your travels. The jacket is ideal for lovers of an active lifestyle; it is specially designed for hiking/travelling in nature, but thanks to its subtle sporty design, it will fit perfectly into the urban landscape. — Ventilation zippers in the armpit area. - Built-in hood with visor, helmet compatible. — Membrane fabric: Bergans Element Active 3-layer (developed by Bergans) — Weight 600g Men's jacket Marmot Nano As
The well-known Marmot PreCip line has been replaced by Nano models.
This jacket uses GORE-TEX Active Shell membrane material, it has a higher vapor permeability value, everything else, as before, is minimal weight with maximum functionality. The durable jacket provides moisture protection and high vapor permeability even in rapidly changing weather conditions. It is compact and lightweight, which is very important when traveling. The hood is compatible with a helmet, and due to the molded edge with a visor, it provides excellent protection from wind and rain. The special anatomical cut of the upper part of the Angel-Wing Movement jacket provides maximum freedom of movement and prevents the jacket from riding up following the movement of the hands. — Membrane fabric: GORE-TEX Active Shell — All zippers are waterproof — Weight 232g Men's jacket Norrona Bitihorn dri1
The lightest waterproof jacket from the Norwegian brand Norrona, exclusively presented at Sport Marathon.
Bright, spectacular and maximally functional. Equipped with additional ventilation, volume adjustments for a better fit and weather protection, several pockets for the essentials on your trip. Ideal for multi-races, cycling, running and other activities. Membrane fabric: dri 1 2.5L (developed by Norrona) - Water resistance: 20,000 mm. — Air permeability: 20,000 g/m2/24 hours. — Weight 214 g Men's jacket The North Face Hype
Another model from TNF.
Gore-Tex Paclite 2L membrane fabric is the ideal storm protection option for hiking, trekking, running, cycling and other sports where compactness and weight are of utmost importance. Prints on the shoulders with wear-resistant ceramic coating. — Outer fabric: 100% Ripstop nylon. — Membrane fabric: Gore-Tex Paclite 2L. — The central zipper is laminated. — Weight 350 g Men's jacket Arcteryx Alpha SL Hybrid
This jacket from the Canadian manufacturer Arcteryx was originally designed for mountaineering, rock climbing and hiking.
The SL (Super Lite) series is designed to make the wearer's load as light as possible. The lightweight jacket is made from GORE-TEX Paclite 2L and reinforced in critical areas with GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3L for added strength and durability. The jacket provides complete protection from wind, rain and breathes perfectly. — Adjustable hood, helmet compatible. — Wedge-shaped inserts in the armpit area prevent tissue tearing during extreme tension. — Membrane fabric: Gore-Tex Paclite 2L/ GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3L — Waterproof external zippers. — Ventilation zippers. — Weight 370 g Men's jacket Klattermusen Ask
The Klattermusen Ask jacket is lightweight, versatile and waterproof.
This is a unique model of its kind. The Klattermusen company produces exclusively extraordinary things. They are expensive, but you can wear the products of this company forever. The company actively preaches an environmental code and strives to produce things that are so reliable that they do not have to be thrown away after a few years. In the ASK model you can find a number of non-standard solutions, one of them is Duracoat technology, a unique treatment of surfaces subject to wear without the use of denser and heavier materials. The jacket is designed to provide effective rain protection when you need to move quickly and actively. It weighs very little and is great for traveling and hiking. The main difference of the ASK jacket is its unique triangular pocket, which has enough space to place the most necessary items “at hand”. — Membrane fabric: 2.5 L Cutan Stretch 111 g/m2 (100% polyamide with polyurethane coating). — Water resistance: > 20 m. Vapor permeability (RET): 5–6 Pa m2/W. — Hood with adjustable volume, compatible with helmet. — Ventilation with zippers is located under the sleeves. - Built-in gadgets: whistle / compass / Recco - search engine - Weight 570 g Men's Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro jacket
Who, if not the Scandinavians, should make reliable jackets for harsh climates.
The Norwegian brand Norrona offers models proven by repeated expeditions to the most difficult regions of the world. The coolest Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro jacket from a series of clothing designed for climbers, named after the ascent of the Trollvaggen “Troll Wall” and has a history of more than 30 years. Of course, initially there was no Gore-Tex in it as such. But, by the way, it was Norrona that was the first European company to start working with Gore-Tex membrane materials. The Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro men's jacket has a universal purpose, it is equally good for trekking, rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, expeditions and freeride. The model is very durable and functional. The jacket has been tested in the most adverse weather conditions, which test the limits of use of this or that equipment. — Aquaseal YKK zippers are an updated version of waterproof zippers from YKK. These zippers are ideal for clothing where waterproofing and sealing are a must. The zippers have become more flexible due to a special design and provide optimal protection against bad weather. — Hood with a visor, with volume adjustment with elastic cords. The hood is helmet compatible. — Membrane fabric / Outer fabric: Gore-Tex Pro 3L. — Weight 583g Men's jacket Mountain Equipment Tupilak
The Men's Mountain Equipment Tupilak Jacket is one of the best jackets for mountaineering, climbing and expeditions. This is a technologically advanced and functional option for changing mountain conditions. It is designed for hikes of high difficulty categories. The jacket is quite light and durable and is made of three-layer Gore-Tex Pro 3L. It is compact and provides optimal mobility in all conditions. The jacket is made of a combined material; denser fabric is used in areas most exposed to wear. — Membrane fabric: GORE-TEX Pro 3L, 40D/ 80D (reinforced). — The hood is compatible with a helmet and is equipped with a volume adjustment system. — All zippers are durable and waterproof YKK. Weight 530 g
It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question - almost any modern high-class membrane has its advantages and disadvantages. The process of developing and improving more and more new materials continues almost continuously.
Modern high-class moisture-proof membranes are divided into several categories, fundamentally different in structure and properties: - Poreless hydrophilic, usually polyurethane membranes; — Porous Teflon membranes; — Submicrofibre pore polyurethane membranes; — Combined membranes (Teflon pore membrane laminated with non-porous polyurethane).
Let's consider the most worthy representatives from each family of materials.
Combination membranes The main representatives of this family are manufactured by Gore and are the most widely used membrane products in high-end storm clothing. The most advanced products of this family today are: Gore-Tex Pro 3L Pros: - very high moisture resistance of 28,000 + mm.; - high breathability; — high wear resistance due to the woven inner layer; Cons: - inferior to the best non-porous membranes in terms of breathability in the MVTR B1 group of tests (describing the operation of the membrane in conditions close to ideal); - significantly inferior to the best pore membranes in terms of breathability in conditions difficult for the membrane to operate (in conditions of a small humidity gradient on the membrane and at ultra-low temperatures).
Gore-Tex Active 3L Pros: - high moisture resistance 28,000 + mm.; - high breathability - perhaps the leader in terms of RET, obtained when testing breathability on a “sweating plate”; — low weight of the laminate; - pronounced elasticity. Cons: - inferior to the best non-porous membranes in terms of breathability in the MVTR B1 group of tests (describing the performance of the laminate in conditions close to ideal); - significantly inferior to the best pore membranes in terms of breathing properties in conditions difficult for the membrane to operate (in conditions of a small humidity gradient on the membrane and at ultra-low temperatures); — the mesh inner layer has an average level of wear resistance.
Poreless polyurethane membranes A family of materials that has long served as the standard for quality membranes, one step below Gore-Tex products (Dermizax EV, Marmot Membrane, etc.) and characterized by standard moisture resistance values of 20,000 mm. and breathability MVTR B1 20,000 mm.
A couple of years ago, scientific research in the field of improving the structure of pore-free membranes and lamination technologies led to the emergence of materials with fundamentally improved properties - ultra-breathable polyurethane membranes. Currently, this type of membrane is beginning to be used by some of the leading innovative equipment manufacturers (Salewa, Kjus, Direct Alpine) as a more breathable alternative to Gore-Tex Pro. The most advanced products of this family, which have fairly similar properties, today are: Toray Dermizax NX 3L, Saleva PowerTex Ultimate 3L, Sivera Shell-Ter Pro 3L. Pros: - high moisture resistance 20,000 +; - the highest breathability according to B1 (36,000 - 50,000 + for 3L laminates); — high wear resistance of articles with a woven inner layer; — elasticity; — maximum unpretentiousness; — allows you to obtain ultra-light laminates; Disadvantages: - significantly inferior to the best pore membranes in terms of breathing properties in difficult conditions for the membrane to work (in conditions of a small humidity gradient on the membrane and at ultra-low temperatures); — significantly inferior to the best pore membranes according to MVTR A1.
Porous Teflon membranes with oleophobic treatment A class of materials resulting from the desire to protect the porous Teflon membrane from contamination by body secretions without the use of a non-porous polyurethane layer. The main representative of the family is the eVent membrane. For a long time, eVent 3L laminates were produced exclusively in Japan and had very similar properties. 3L eVent, while significantly outperforming Gore-Tex in real breathability, was noticeably inferior in moisture resistance and inferior to Gore-Tex Pro Shell in wear resistance due to the mesh rather than woven inner layer of the laminate. Currently, the situation has changed significantly - cheaper laminates have appeared under the same brand, produced, in particular, in China and noticeably inferior in functional properties to the classic Japanese eVent. At the same time, the improvement of technology has allowed a couple of companies to obtain new materials with fundamentally improved (1.5-2 times in each parameter) properties compared to the classic eVent: Mountain Hardware DryQ elite, Sivera eVent Pro. Pros: - high level of moisture resistance 20,000 + mm. (40,000+ according to Mullen test); — very high breathability according to A1 (10,000+); — high breathability according to B1 (32,000 +); — high wear resistance of the inner layer of the laminate due to the woven inner layer; — low air permeability (cfm = 0.1); Cons: - not elastic; - somewhat inferior to the best non-porous polyurethane membranes in terms of breathability properties MVTR B1. Porous submicrofibre polyurethane membranes A new family of materials at the junction of Softshell and HardShell, the emergence of which became possible due to the development of the nanoindustry in South Korea. It has pronounced moisture resistance while maintaining significant breathability of the material. The only member of the family that has a sufficient level of moisture resistance for storm clothing is Polartec NeoShell. Pros: - has a significant level of breathability (cfm = 0.5), which contributes to optimal thermoregulation during active movement; — very high breathability according to A1 (10,000+); — high breathability according to B1 (30,000 +); — slightly increases breathability with active air movement (according to the dynamic test from Polartec, by about 10%); - elastic. Cons: - relatively low level of moisture resistance (10,000 + mm, slowly decreasing to 5,000 mm as a result of washing); — the mesh inner layer has an average level of wear resistance; - somewhat inferior to the best non-porous polyurethane membranes in terms of breathability properties MVTR B1.
All modern membrane materials are highly functional, but in certain conditions, membranes of a certain type can provide certain advantages. Knowing the main advantages and disadvantages of membranes may help you make your choice more informed.
