The Sympatex membrane used by AYAQ is among 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 (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women), BATURA) as well as the technical pants NUNATAK (men / women) and BATURA. Its outstanding windproof properties are also applied to dynamic pieces such as the pants Vernago and RIMO (men / women), and the softshell RAVEN (men / women).
1. Record Waterproofing: 52,000 Schmerbers
At this level of waterproofing, unmatched by competing membranes, protection remains total regardless of 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 migration 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 better, retains its effectiveness, and demands less maintenance than typical microporous membranes.
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 hardshells suitable year-round — SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), and LONAK (men / women) — while also allowing insulation integration on the BATURA (jacket and pants) without sacrificing comfort or mobility. The result is a premium membrane, versatile and high-performing for mountain, trail, or hiking use.
4. Outstanding Windproofing Across the AYAQ Range
The membrane is also one of the best windproof materials available. It equips notably:
- Vernago: trail/running pants to reduce wind chill,
- RIMO (men / women): softshell pants ideal for ski touring and four-season hiking,
- RAVEN (men / women): softshell with membrane front and ultra-breathable back.
This combination creates technical garments suitable 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 fabrics, it fits into a responsible, 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 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 collection.
