The Sympatex membrane used by AYAQ is one of the most advanced technologies in the outdoor industry. Tested to 52,000 Schmerbers, it outperforms every other membrane on the market. Hydrophilic, non-microporous, recyclable, lightweight (170 g/m²) and PFC-free, it features in all AYAQ hardshells (SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women), BATURA) as well as the NUNATAK (men / women) and BATURA technical trousers. Its outstanding wind-proof properties also feature in pieces designed for active use, such as the Vernago and RIMO (men / women) trousers, or the RAVEN (men / women) softshell.
1. Record-breaking waterproofing: 52,000 Schmerbers
At this level of waterproofing, never achieved by competing membranes, protection remains complete whatever the conditions:
- heavy or prolonged rain,
- heavy, wet snow,
- pressure from a backpack, harness or friction.
This exceptional performance adds no extra weight to the jacket and applies equally to hardshells and technical trousers.
2. Hydrophilic and non-microporous: breathable even when saturated
Unlike microporous membranes, Sympatex has no pores. It wicks away water vapour through molecular migration and:
- never clogs (dust, sunscreen, salt, mud),
- remains breathable even in heavy rain,
- delivers consistent performance over many years,
- requires less washing because there are no pores to “unclog”.
This is a major advantage for durability: the membrane ages far better, retains its effectiveness and requires less care than a conventional microporous membrane.
With a RET rating < 12, it ranks among the most breathable membranes suited to high-output activity.
3. 170 g/m²: lightweight versatility
Its low fabric weight makes it possible to design hardshells for year-round use — SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women) and LONAK (men / women) — and to incorporate insulation into the BATURA (jacket and trousers) without compromising comfort or freedom of movement. The result: a premium, versatile membrane that performs in the mountains, on trail runs and on hikes.
4. Outstanding wind-proof performance across the AYAQ range
The membrane also offers some of the best wind-proof protection available. It features in:
- Vernago: trail/running trousers that reduce the effects of apparent wind,
- RIMO (men / women): softshell trousers ideal for ski touring and year-round hiking,
- RAVEN (men / women): a softshell with a membrane front and an ultra-breathable back.
This combination makes it possible to create technical clothing suited to both intense activity and cold, exposed conditions.
5. A durable, recyclable, PFC-free membrane
Sympatex is one of the only fully recyclable membranes on the market. Combined with 100% European manufacturing (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal) and recycled technical outer fabrics, it forms part of a responsible, traceable supply chain.
6. Why it truly outperforms other membranes
Field tests carried out with Vincent Defrasne and Mike Horn show that the membrane:
- breathes better in wet conditions than microporous membranes,
- does not require frequent “reactivation”,
- retains its waterproofing over the years,
- remains stable in cold, windy or water-saturated environments.
This consistency allows AYAQ to use a single membrane all year round, from exposed trail runs to winter storms. It is this reliability that makes Sympatex a technical cornerstone of the AYAQ wardrobe.
