A mountain storm is never just a weather event: it combines cold rain, strong winds, heavy humidity, and rapid temperature shifts. To stay safe, your layering system must simultaneously deliver maximum waterproofing, complete windproofing, and stable breathability even when saturated. AYAQ hardshells — SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women), BATURA — along with hardshell pants NUNATAK (men / women) and BATURA, are engineered for these extreme conditions with their Sympatex membrane tested up to 52,000 Schmerber and rated RET < 12.
1. Technical Understanding of a “Storm”
In outdoor terms, a storm is not defined by rain alone:
- strong winds or unstable gusts,
- cold rain that quickly saturates fabrics,
- wet or heavy snow,
- high internal humidity from exertion,
- wind chill that can double heat loss.
These conditions challenge most microporous membranes: pores saturate, breathability drops, internal condensation forms. The hydrophilic, non-microporous Sympatex membrane maintains performance even when saturated.
2. AYAQ Hardshells Against Wind and Heavy Rain
All AYAQ hardshells use the same record-setting membrane, ensuring:
- extreme waterproofing (52,000 Schmerber),
- total windproofing even in gusts,
- consistent breathability thanks to hydrophilic function.
• SKORA (men / women)
AYAQ’s most minimalist hardshell: lightweight, straightforward, effective. Ideal for year-round use when you want total protection without extra features.
• LONAK-XT (men / women) (LONAK-XT (men / women))
Ultra-equipped version developed with a leading European ski school: chest pockets, revolver pockets, ski skin pockets, multiple adjustments, RECCO reflector. Perfect for alpine climbing, high-altitude storms, and technical terrain.
• LONAK (men / women)
AYAQ’s signature hardshell, featuring raglan sleeves and taping inspired by traditional Inuit garments — a nod to AYAQ’s meaning: “snow on clothing.” It delivers maximum protection in a unique design, awarded for innovation.
• BATURA (jacket)
The only AYAQ hardshell with premium insulation, designed for cold rain, strong winds, and extended winter days.
3. Storm-Ready Pants
- NUNATAK (men / women): uninsulated hardshell, ideal for heavy rain, wind, and wet snow. Lightweight, fully waterproof, perfect for summer or winter alpine use.
- BATURA (pants): insulated version for cold storms, prolonged wind exposure, and low temperatures.
Both pants use the same premium membrane as the jackets, ensuring a fully waterproof system.
4. Wind Management: An Often Underestimated Factor
Wind amplifies cold effects and accelerates fabric saturation. The Sympatex membrane also excels at windproofing, enabling:
- retention of body heat,
- stabilization of internal moisture,
- effective protection during fast movement (skiing, wind-facing hiking, ridges).
This feature is also used in products like the VERNAGO (men / women) pants (trail/running), the RIMO (men / women) technical softshell, and the hybrid jacket RAVEN (men / women).
5. Storm Layering Strategy: The 3-Layer System
In storm conditions, the key is role separation:
- layer 1 — base layer: BIAFO (men / women) or MEFONNA (men / women) for activity; SHIRWALI (men / women) for extra warmth.
- layer 2 — insulation/midlayer: KOKANEE (men / women) for dynamic activity; MEOLA for softer insulation.
- layer 3 — hardshell: SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women) or BATURA depending on needs.
This system limits saturation, stabilizes body temperature, and prevents the “heat-condense-cool” cycle.
6. What AYAQ Guarantees in a Storm
- full waterproofing even under pressure,
- consistent breathability even when saturated,
- total windproofing to reduce heat loss,
- durability through resistant recycled materials,
- 100% European manufacturing ensuring precision and reliability.
A storm is the ultimate test for outdoor gear. AYAQ pieces are calibrated for these moments: when weather dictates the rules but you must keep moving — anywhere, in any conditions.
