In the realm of waterproof and breathable membranes, two technologies coexist: microporous membranes (with micro-holes) and non-microporous hydrophilic membranes, such as the Sympatex membrane used by AYAQ. The difference is significant: microporous membranes can clog over time, drastically reducing breathability. Hydrophilic membranes, on the other hand, never clog because they have no pores. This principle enables AYAQ to provide consistent, durable protection suited for intensive mountain use, rain, or cold wind.
1. How does a microporous membrane work?
A microporous membrane allows water vapor to pass through tiny holes. This system works when:
- the outer fabric’s water repellency is perfect,
- the pores remain clean,
- the garment is dry or only slightly saturated.
But in real use, these pores can quickly clog due to:
- sweat salts,
- dust, mud, sunscreen,
- body oils,
- internal condensation.
When pores saturate, breathability collapses. The garment becomes damp “from the inside,” causing cold and a feeling of saturation.
2. Why a hydrophilic membrane never clogs
The Sympatex membrane used by AYAQ has no pores. It doesn’t rely on perforations but on molecular transfer of water vapor: it absorbs moisture from the body and releases it outside, even in heavy rain.
Direct benefits include:
- no clogging possible: nothing to block or unblock.
- stable breathability under all conditions, even when saturated.
- less frequent washing since there are no pores to clean.
- enhanced durability: the membrane maintains performance year after year.
This mechanism allows AYAQ to achieve extreme performance: 52,000 Schmerber waterproof rating and RET < 12 breathability.
3. Clear technical superiority in real use
Field tests with Vincent Defrasne and Mike Horn show that the hydrophilic membrane remains effective where microporous membranes fail:
- continuous rain,
- heavy, wet snow,
- high internal humidity from exertion,
- long days without washing or reactivation.
In these situations, microporous membranes saturate quickly. Sympatex continues vapor diffusion and maintains stable breathability.
4. Ideal system for AYAQ hardshells and pants
The non-microporous membrane is used in:
- SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women): ultra-lightweight hardshells for year-round use,
- BATURA: insulated hardshell for cold rain and damp cold,
- NUNATAK (men / women): non-insulated hardshell pants,
- BATURA (pants): insulated high-protection version,
- RIMO (men / women) and VERNAGO (men / women): pants using the Sympatex windproof membrane,
- RAVEN (men / women): hybrid softshell (membrane front + highly breathable back).
In all these pieces, consistent breathability is essential to avoid the “overheating → condensation → cooling” cycle.
5. Less maintenance, longer lifespan
Because Sympatex has no pores, it requires:
- less frequent washing,
- no permanent reactivation to maintain breathability,
- performance retention over time.
This durability is integral to AYAQ’s philosophy: fewer pieces, better designed, able to support multiple seasons of exploration without performance loss.
6. Technology aligned with 100% European manufacturing
Integrated into recycled technical fabrics woven in Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal, the Sympatex membrane forms a robust, responsible, and high-performance system. Every component is developed and assembled in Europe, ensuring traceability, quality, and reliability.
With a non-microporous membrane, AYAQ not only avoids clogging but builds a wardrobe capable of protecting everywhere, in all weather, without relying on complex maintenance or declining performance.
