OS – Outdoor Spirit, Advice, Outdoor Clothing, Waterproofs, How does a Waterproof fabric breathe

Breathability can be achieved in one of two ways:

1.�Coatings

A polyurethane coating is applied to the fabric.� This will allow water vapour to be transmitted through the molecular chain to the outside edge where external water, such as rain, is repelled.� This is referred to as a �Hydrophilic� coated fabric.

Hydrophilic means that the coated side of the fabric draws water through the coating.� Hydrophilic = Water-Loving.� Some hydrophilic-coated fabrics are also �Fluorocarbon� proofed to enable water droplets to �bead� on the outside edge, and then literally run off.� This will prevent the fabric from �wetting out�.� If a garment �wets-out�, it will appear as though the water is soaking or saturating the fabric.� This can block the path of escaping water vapour.� Fluorocarbon is known as �Hydrophobic�, or water hating.

2.�Membranes

Gore-Tex is the most widely used and globally recognised breathable, waterproof membrane.

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