The three-layer fabric has a 3rd lining fused into the membrane that is waterproof, shielding the skin from body’s oils and grit. They provide better moisture control and durability than two-layer designs however, they come with an expensive price.
Patagonia’s new Torrentshell 3L (PS160) is one of the best examples of a durable 3-layer jacket with a tough 50D ripstop face fabric and Gore-Tex Paclite Plus technology. This forgoes the protective lining included in the majority of 2.5-layer jackets. It also helps reduce weight.
Waterproof and Breathable
Waterproof-breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent create jackets that are very protective in stormy weather. They let sweat out however they also keep out water due to the differences in pressure between body heat and cool air in the jacket. The top breathable waterproof options come with an interior layer which absorbs sweat and provides a soft touch that feels like skin. These inner layers protect the breathable membrane from grime as well as body oils and wear therefore they need more frequent cleaning to keep them in the most breathable condition possible.
Historically 2-layer jackets used to have an exterior face fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane and a loose (typically mesh) liner hanging on the inside. These types of jackets have been largely discarded since more budget-friendly 2.5 layer jackets are taking the market by flood. These jackets must feature a waterproof (DWR) finish to keep rain off the shell. However, over time they will lose their finish and require retreatment.
Versatile
There are many jackets that have two-layer membranes. But a few have gone one step beyond. Co-op’s XeroDry GTX, a budget jacket ($169) is constructed with a two-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE membrane, providing a stout protection against wind and moderate rain while letting sweat vapor escape. A polyester mesh liner protects the membrane and also helps lessen the clammy feel you sometimes get when wearing a waterproof jacket that’s cheap with a constant rain. In order to keep the jacket working its best, it’ll need to be treated with a DWR treatment (either spray-on or wash-in) following a long period of use.
Three-layer jackets are able to add a fabric layer for wicking to the membrane that dramatically improves dryness and manages moisture. The jackets that are constructed with this technology, such as Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L jacket ($179) can be able to stand up to the most severe rainstorms.
The top three-layer membranes for performance are polyurethane as well as ePTFE. Polartec’s NeoShell is a popular choice for its high-elevation, trail-running-friendly balance of water resistance and breathability at 20,000 g/m2. Meanwhile, the Gore-TEX Pro membrane makes use of several ePTFE membranes bonded together in order to offer exceptional water resistance (RET 13) and breathability (24,000 g/m2). The level of activity you engage in and weather conditions the right jacket that has pit vents could be necessary for your needs.
Durable
Nearly any type of jacket is able to hold up to moderate rain. However, only jackets that are water-resistant and breathable technologies will keep you the driest when it rains heavily and click to read more https://aristino.com/ao-khoac-nam.html. Jacket manufacturers use a range of fabrics that face outwards and technologically advanced laminates used in layers however there is no consensus-based standards for the industry regarding water resistance. Therefore, comparing water-resistance claims between different brands can be difficult.
The most commonly used waterproof fabrics include coated fabrics and membranes that are slipped in between interwoven layers of fabric. Coated fabrics are commonly utilized in low-cost jackets and they’re less breathable than their layered counterparts but still provide adequate waterproof protection.
If you’re in a particularly wet environment, consider a jacket with 3-layer construction or a hybrid 2.5-layer model. The fabric that is inside most three-layer jackets do a better job of protecting the outer membrane from oil, dirt and abrasions in comparison to the outermost material of the 2.5-layer jacket. But they’re generally heavier and bulkier than 2-layer designs.
Lightweight and Packable
In contrast to old oil- or wax-coated jackets, which had frequently reapplied and weighed a lot, the membranes that are used in today’s 2-, 2.5-, and 3-layer designs keep water out but aren’t heavy or rigid. They’re also lightweight enough that they can be packed to a compact container or bag which makes them ideal for backcountry travel.
Most 2-layer jackets incorporate bonds between the membrane and an outer face fabric to protect against abrasion and wear. A few of them, for instance Columbia’s 75-cent Watertight II and women’s Arcadia II come with hanging lines which increase volume and weight while also helping to protect the waterproof membrane from damage, skin oils and itchyness.
This jacket from REI makes use of Gore-Tex Paclite or Paclite Plus and is a good option to use in frontcountry or casual situations. We like that it’s machine washable and dryable, to restore DWR (durable water-repellent) and breathability–just follow the instructions of the manufacturer for washing. It’s also fair-trade certified and is made from sustainable materials.