Sympatex Waterproof Membrane
Mountain athletes inevitably face the elements during their outings and summit excursions. Experiencing heavy rain or strong winds can be a powerful connection with nature—provided you are properly equipped with suitable technical apparel.
To deliver effective, comfortable gear for all weather conditions, AYAQ carefully selects the most advanced technical materials.
Driven by performance demands and environmental responsibility, we have chosen the German SYMPATEX® membrane—waterproof, breathable, and windproof.
The laminated fabrics used in our 3-layer garments (such as the Lonak Hardshell jacket or Nunatak pants) incorporate this German membrane, offering exceptional protection and outstanding environmental performance.
Called “3-layer” laminated fabric because the membrane is sandwiched between two textile layers, this ultra-thin technical membrane ensures waterproofness, breathability, and windproofing.
ULTRA-PERFORMANCE
- 100% waterproof
- 100% windproof
- Optimal breathability thanks to molecular structure
- Durable, made with recycled or recyclable materials
- Dynamic climate regulation
- Pore-free membrane, ultra-thin and highly stretchable
- High durability to reliably withstand the most demanding excursions
MAXIMUM ECOLOGY
- 100% climate-neutral membrane
- 100% recyclable membrane
- 100% recycled and recyclable laminate
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, bluesign® approved
- PTFE-free membrane and laminate
- Fluorocarbon (PFC)-free treatments
- Full carbon footprint offset
Further details:
100% Waterproof:
Our protective membrane delivers outstanding waterproof performance, ≥ 45,000 Schmerber.
Waterproofness is the fabric’s ability to prevent water penetration up to a certain pressure.
Testing is done in the lab by applying water pressure via a water column on the fabric and membrane. The test measures the pressure level at which water begins to penetrate the membrane.
1 Schmerber = 1 mm water column = 0.1 mbar.
To put the ≥ 45,000 Schmerber performance in perspective, average rain pressure is about 1,000 to 2,000 Schmerber. The SYMPATEX® membrane withstands at least 25 times the natural pressure of rain. This ultra-high performance provides a waterproof margin to ensure effectiveness in demanding situations, such as when wearing a backpack, where water pressure on the shoulders increases significantly.
Breathability:
RET < 12 (m²Pa/W).
Breathability is a fabric’s ability to allow water vapor to pass through. Sweat, which regulates body temperature, is vaporized moisture. Thanks to this breathability, the SYMPATEX® membrane efficiently evacuates sweat and heat buildup.
RET is a lab-measured value; the lower the RET, the better the breathability.
A fabric with RET below 12 is considered highly breathable, matching human sensitivity.
100% Windproof:
Wind cools the warm air layer on the skin surface, lowering perceived temperature below actual temperature. This wind chill effect is familiar to every mountain athlete.
The Sympatex membrane is 100% windproof, so you are simply not chilled by the wind.
PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Treatment:
The DWR treatment creates a protective surface layer that causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric, preventing penetration.
Committed to environmental preservation, AYAQ selects fabrics with eco-friendly DWR treatments. For more information, please visit our page on PFC-free water repellent treatments.
