A concentration of technology at the service of performance
Used in several of the collection's iconic technical garments – Skora , Lonak and Lonak-XT waterproof jackets, but also, for its high-flying windproof capabilities, in the Raven windbreaker jacket – the AYAQ waterproof membrane is much more than just a technical component: it's a concentrate of innovation, comfort and durability.
Exceptional waterproofness
The AYAQ membrane has a water column of 45,000 Schmerbers , which places the membrane fabric of AYAQ technical clothing among the most waterproof in the world.
But what does this number mean?
1 Schmerber = 1 mm of vertical water column without penetration.
So 45,000 Schmerbers = a pressure equivalent to 45 meters of water pressed against the fabric... without a drop getting through.
To give an order of magnitude:
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A high mountain expedition tent : ~10,000 Schmerbers
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A good pair of ski pants : 15,000 to 20,000 Schmerbers
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A classic rain jacket : 8,000 to 12,000 Schmerbers
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The Ayaq membrane : 45,000 Schmerbers
In concrete terms, this means that it is possible to stay under a shower at constant pressure for 3 days without getting wet , the seams, often a weak point in waterproof clothing, being treated in expert European workshops.
In real conditions, this allows:
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withstand pouring rain for hours , without ever saturating,
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sitting or kneeling on wet surfaces (rock, snow, wet grass) without moisture transmission,
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maintain constant impermeability over time , without any drop in performance linked to fouling or aging.
Long-lasting effectiveness over time
Unlike microporous membranes that clog and must be washed regularly to remain 100% effective, the membrane works thanks to a patented hydrophobic molecular chain.
It does not clog , does not require regular washing , and retains its properties even after several seasons of intensive use.
Breathability: stay dry, even from the inside out
Waterproofing is nothing without good breathability. And this is often where technical clothing fails, because without good sweat wicking, the athlete ends up soaked from the inside by their own perspiration .
The RET breathability level of the AYAQ membrane is less than ≤ 8 m²·Pa/W , which corresponds to high breathability , ideal for intense efforts. This means that water vapor (perspiration) is quickly evacuated , without condensing in the garment.
Concretely, this allows:
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Hiking or trail running in the rain without feeling that clammy feeling inside,
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Maintain a stable body temperature , even when carrying out a series of efforts,
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Wearing the same jacket for several hours without ever feeling like you're in a hot tub.
This breathability, combined with the elasticity and thinness of the membrane, allows long-term active wear , in all climatic conditions.
Unparalleled softness and touch
This technical jewel is wrapped in an exceptional French fabric, woven in central France.
Result: a softness to the touch and a rare flexibility , totally contrary to the usual plastic or rigid jackets.
A unique eco-responsible design
The fabric is constructed in three layers, fully recycled or recyclable :
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Exterior : visible fabric, 100% recycled
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Membrane : internal waterproof layer, 100% recyclable
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Inner lining : fabric against the skin, 100% recycled
Above all, these three layers are separable , which allows complete recyclability in the right channels.
A goldsmith's creation
Such a thin membrane (150 g/m²) requires extreme precision. To avoid creases at the sealed seams, the strips must be applied with perfectly calibrated temperature, pressure and duration .
It is a craft work , carried out in two highly specialized European workshops , and reserved for a few ultra-demanding brands.
Water repellency and waterproofness
Over time and with use, only the water repellency of the outer fabric may diminish , as with all technical clothing. This does not in any way affect the waterproofing of the membrane , which remains intact.
The water repellency is simply reactivated:
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either by briefly putting the garment in the dryer at a low temperature,
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either by applying a PFC-free water-repellent spray , available in outdoor stores.
It is a simple and ecological maintenance , which prolongs the performance of the garment while respecting the environment.
A technology that appeals to experts
Some French Special Forces units use AYAQ clothing in configurations where discretion, mobility, freedom of movement and extreme resistance to the elements are essential.
