Sympatex waterproof membrane
Mountain athletes inevitably encounter the elements during their outings and excursions to the summits. Finding yourself in torrential rain or being caressed by a powerful wind is a powerful experience of communion with nature, provided you are properly equipped with suitable clothing.
In order to offer effective and comfortable outfits in all weather, AYAQ has carefully chosen its most technical materials.
Guided by these performance requirements and our desire to protect the environment, we have selected the German SYMPATEX ® waterproof, breathable and windproof membrane.
The laminated fabrics we use for our 3-layer garments (such as the Lonak Hardshell Jacket or the Nunatak Pants) feature this German membrane, which offers extreme protection and remarkable environmental performance.
We call it a "3-layer" laminated fabric because the membrane is sandwiched between two fabrics. This very thin layer of ultra-technical fabric ensures waterproofing, breathability, and windproof performance.
ULTRA-PERFORMANCE
- 100% waterproof
- 100% windproof
- Optimal breathability thanks to the molecular structure
- Sustainable, thanks to the use of recycled or recyclable materials
- Dynamic air conditioning
- Pore-free, ultra-thin and hyper-stretchy membrane
- High strength to reliably withstand the most ambitious excursions
MAXIMUM ECOLOGY
- 100% climate-neutral membrane
- 100% recyclable membrane
- 100% recyclable and recycled laminate
- STANDARD 100 certification by OEKO-TEX®, bluesign® approved
- PTFE-free membrane and laminate
- Fluorocarbon-free (PFC) treatments
- Total carbon footprint offset
To go further:
100% Waterproof :
Our protective membrane has remarkable waterproof performance, ≥ 45,000 Schmerber.
Waterproofness is the ability of the textile to prevent water from passing through it, up to a certain pressure.
To test and evaluate this impermeability, measurements are taken in the laboratory. The test involves applying water pressure from a water column to the fabric, and therefore the membrane. Depending on the level of water pressure applied, the test measures the moment when water begins to penetrate and pass through the membrane.
1 Schmerber = 1 mm water column = 0.1 mbar.
To illustrate this performance of ≥ 45,000 Schmerber, it is good to know that the average pressure exerted by rain is approximately 1000 to 2000 Schmerber. The SYMPATEX ® membrane therefore resists at least 25 times the pressure naturally exerted by rain. This ultra-high performance of the SYMPATEX ® membrane allows a margin of impermeability to be maintained to guarantee its effectiveness in certain particularly demanding cases, for example, when wearing a backpack, where the water pressure exerted at shoulder level is significantly increased.
Breathability:
RET < 12 (m²Pa/W).
Breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow water vapor to filter through. The perspiration that allows our body to regulate its temperature is in the form of water vapor. Thanks to this breathability performance, the SYMPATEX ® membrane allows for effective evacuation of perspiration and the sensation of heat.
RET is a measurement performed in a laboratory. The lower the RET value, the better the breathability.
A textile with a RET lower than 12 is considered very breathable, in accordance with human sensitivity.
100% Windproof:
Wind cools the layer of warm air on the surface of our skin. Under the effect of the wind, the perceived temperature is therefore lower than the actual temperature. This is wind chill, which every mountain athlete inevitably experiences.
Since the Sympatex membrane is 100% windproof, you simply won't be chilled by the wind.
PFC-free water-repellent treatment:
Water-repellent treatment is a surface protection film. It allows water to form beads upon contact with the fabric, so the drops roll off and do not penetrate the fabric.
Concerned about preserving our environment, AYAQ selects fabrics with an eco-friendly water-repellent treatment. To learn more, visit our information page on our PFC-free water-repellent treatment options.
