The Sympatex membrane used by AYAQ is one of the most advanced technologies in the outdoor industry. Tested up to 52,000 Schmerbers, it outperforms all other membranes on the market. Hydrophilic, non-microporous, recyclable, lightweight (170 g/m²), and PFC-free, it equips all AYAQ hardshells (SKORA, SKORA-XT, LONAK, BATURA) as well as the technical pants NUNATAK and BATURA. Its excellent windproof properties are also used in dynamic pieces like the pants Vernago and RIMO, and the softshell RAVEN.
1. Record Waterproofing: 52,000 Schmerbers
At this level of waterproofing, unmatched by competing membranes, protection remains total in all conditions:
- heavy or prolonged rain,
- wet, heavy snow,
- pressure from a backpack, harness, or abrasion.
This extreme performance adds no weight to the jacket and applies equally to hardshells and technical pants.
2. Hydrophilic and Non-Microporous: Breathable Even When Saturated
Unlike microporous membranes, Sympatex has no pores. It expels water vapor through molecular diffusion and:
- never clogs (dust, sunscreen, salt, mud),
- remains breathable even in heavy rain,
- maintains consistent performance over several years,
- requires less washing since there are no pores to unblock.
This is a major durability advantage: the membrane ages much better, retains its effectiveness, and demands less maintenance than a typical microporous membrane.
With a RET < 12 rating, it ranks among the most breathable membranes suited for dynamic activity.
3. 170 g/m²: Lightweight Versatility
Its low weight enables the design of year-round hardshells — SKORA, SKORA-XT, and LONAK — and allows integration of insulation in the BATURA (jacket and pants) without sacrificing comfort or mobility. The result: a premium, versatile membrane delivering high performance for mountain, trail, and hiking use.
4. Outstanding Windproofing Across the AYAQ Range
The membrane is also one of the best windproof barriers available. It equips notably:
- Vernago: trail/running pants to reduce wind chill,
- RIMO: softshell pants ideal for ski touring and four-season hiking,
- RAVEN: softshell with membrane front and ultra-breathable back.
This combination creates technical garments suited for intense effort as well as cold, exposed conditions.
5. Durable, Recyclable, and PFC-Free Membrane
Sympatex is one of the few fully recyclable membranes on the market. Combined with 100% European manufacturing (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal) and recycled technical outer materials, it fits into a responsible and traceable supply chain.
6. Why It Truly Outperforms Other Membranes
Field tests conducted with Vincent Defrasne and Mike Horn show the membrane:
- breathes better in wet conditions than microporous membranes,
- does not require frequent “reactivation,”
- retains waterproofing over years,
- remains stable in cold, windy, or water-saturated environments.
This consistency allows AYAQ to use a single membrane year-round, from exposed trail runs to winter storms. This reliability makes Sympatex a technical cornerstone of the AYAQ wardrobe.