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When choosing a waterproof jacket the fabric used has alot to do with the price you will pay, Gore-Tex, eVENT and other well known technologies are well respected because they perform over the life of the jacket, don't compromise on quality of material or design and offer comprehensive guarantees.
All of the waterproof jackets we stock are water proof & breathable and many of the less well known fabrics offer great performance equal to the more well known brands.
All waterproof fabrics (and many other outerwear fabrics) are treated with a durable water-repellent treatment (DWR) on the outer face fabric. This makes water bead up and run off the outer face fabric stopping the outer 'wetting out' in rain. It keeps the jacket lighter & drier and helps with breathability of moisture vapour through the jacket. The qualities of this DWR treatment vary depending on price & fabric weight but all can be maintained during the life of the jacket. - see Gear Maintenance Guide for further info

Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a unique wafer thin microporous membrane, with over 9 million pores per square inch, these pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times bigger than moisture vapour molecules. This allows the water vapour to pass through but water droplets (rain!) to not.

There are a number of different Gore-Tex fabrics suitable for a variety of styles, uses & price points

For Winter 07 Gore-Tex have launched some new technologies to replace the Classic & XCR fabrics

Gore Tex Pro Shell
This is the new high end fabric which replaces XCR as the premium Gore-Tex fabric range. It offers the best breathability  and is used on mountaineering shells and high end walking jackets.

Available in both 2 and 3 layer form the most exciting of which is the new 3 layer fabric which uses a Micro Grid Backer to the inside of the laminate, this is lighter, more breathable, smoother and more supple than the older inner scrim mesh that has been used for many years on 3 layer constructions. The Micro Grid Backer together with narrow seam sealing tape helps to save lots of weight to.

In tests carried out by WL Gore (the makers of Gore-Tex) breathability was measured at an RET of 25 compared with the older fabric XCR testing RET 55 - the lower the number the better - this being a measure of the resistance to water vapour passing through the fabric.

The new fabric has been extensively  field tested by our own staff in all stores, starting at the beginning of the year, and we have found Pro Shell does feel more breathable and we expect it to be just as durable in use - in Gore's own test it reamined waterproof after over 500 hours of wet flexing and tough abrasion testing.

All in all a significant step forward by Gore, not just a re branding exercise either, changes to the fabric have increased performance.

Gore Tex Performance Shell
The new name for Gore-Tex fabric from winter 07 as used in a wide range of clothing, and one which Gore hope will get across the high comfort, durability and waterproofness of the garment.  A high performance fabric which offers excellent breathability and can be trusted to perform season after season. Gore say that the technology used in even their standard fabrics moves on so it's likely that the new Performance Shell could feel much improved over a Gore - Tex jacket from a few years ago.

Paclite Shell
Some of the lightest, most packable outerwear available, these garments are durably waterproof, extremely breathable. The Gore-Tex is still laminated onto the outer face fabric but then the membrane is covered by a protective layer made of an oil hating substance and carbon. • Since no separate lining is required; GORE-TEX® PACLITE® clothing is lighter and smaller to pack away than any other GORE-TEX® clothing. Ideal for Trek & travel, mountain sports & cycling. For times when weight and pack volume are critical, but protection is still important.

HyVent a The North Face fabric technology
With HyVent™ The North Face can now deliver the best waterproof & breathable technology for customers who don't want to pay a premium cost. Still performing well Hyvent is a PU coating that is guaranteed waterproof and breathable. Matched with a variety of outer fabrics & linings it is fully field and lab tested to offer a creditable alternative to Gore-Tex.

eVENT™ (Rab/Montane)
eVENT™ Fabric is a relatively new fabric to the outdoor market, however it's quickly grown in reputation because of the exceptional performance that this waterproof breathable fabric gives. eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step. This is called Direct Venting™ Technology. Used in more active & mountain styles it's well worth considering.

Aquafoil®
This is Berghaus own outdoor performance shell fabric specified for recreational use and low to moderate exertion levels. Aquafoil® Technology gives durable waterproofing during recreational outdoor use. Hydrophilic moisture transport technology allows perspiration to escape. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment helps to delay saturation to the face fabric in prolonged rain and they have proved reliable over many years of selling them.

Paramo
The fabric systems that Páramo® uses directs wind, water and still air to the correct place for a particular activity. The difference between Páramo® Directional waterproofs and conventional breathable waterproofs lies in the 'Directional' function. The fabrics do not merely hold water back (waterproof) or passively pass moisture vapour (breathe), but actively 'Direct' liquid water into the right spot.

• Rather than a waterproof coating or laminate Paramo uses a combination of fabrics and linings to keep you dry, this has some advantages.
• Softer outer which is repairable - with no waterproof layer to puncture, repairs are simple.
• Renewable - Paramo can be washed & re-proofed indefinitely.
• Quieter, - the lack of waterproof jacket rustle is great for birdwatching etc.
• Excellent breathability in all conditions - Paramo is known for excellent comfort across a very wide range of weather & activities.

Older season Gore - Tex fabrics ( some still available on offer!)

Classic 2-Layer
Made by laminating the Gore-Tex membrane to the outer layer - polyester or nylon, and then lining the jacket with a loose mesh. This gives the jacket a soft comfortable feel. Usage is dictated by the weight and durability of the outer fabric - not the membrane itself. Offering breathable comfort and durable waterproof protection for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Classic 3-Layer
As it suggests the Gore-Tex membrane is laminated to the outer face fabric then an inner mesh scrim is applied to form 3 layers of fabric. This gives extended durability and is usually specified in very rugged use garments such as legwear or mountain products.

XCR
Standing for eXtended Comfort Range, XCR is the premium fabric choice for Gore Tex clothing. Engineered to provide extended comfort and lasting protection, even in the most rugged conditions. Extremely breathable, these garments are ideal for outdoor professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts.  Suitable for Climbing, mountain sports, backpacking & skiing, XCR is found at the higher price points and in both 2 and 3 layer construction styles.