Breathability (vapour permeability)
It's another basic value of thermal fabrics. It determines the fabric's ability to wick vapour away. Jacket's breathability is measured in g/m2/24hr. This unit precisely determines how many grams of vapour (sweat) can pass through 1 square metre of a fabric over the course of 24 hours.
Waterproof ratings explained
Each membrane is described by two values. The first parameter determines the resistance against the water column pressure per meter of material, i.e. the degree of protection against moisture. The second means breathability, i.e. the ability to pass vapour (in grams) per square metre of the fabric per day. The higher the values, the higher the protection and permeability. Please note that no fabric with a membrane provides 100% waterproofing.
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Membrane with a 3,000 rating will work well in light rain or snow. A 3,000 membrane rating is rarely found in ski jackets, given that it provides very moderate protection.
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A 5,000-8,000 membrane rating protects against light snow and rain, as well as moderate wind.
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A 15,000 membrane rating is a guarantee of protection against heavy snow and rain and high breathability, making it an excellent choice for those who ski and snowboard dynamically, often off-piste and in harsh weather conditions.
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A 20,000 (or higher) membrane rating in the jacket means advanced clothing designed for professionals who remain active in extreme weather conditions – in severe winds and heavy rain or snow.
Conclusion? When deciding to purchase a jacket, it is worth thinking about the conditions in which we will be riding and our riding style. The more demanding the conditions and the more dynamically you ride, the higher the membrane rating should be. A 5,000-8,000 membrane rating will work well on the slope in good weather conditions. If you often ride during snowfall, a membrane with a 10,000 rating and higher will be a far better choice. For those who ski fast, in powder, off-piste and get out on the slopes regardless of snowstorms and blizzards, we recommend the highest membrane ratings: 15,000 and 20,000.
Membranes used in 4F ski clothing
NeoDry membrane – ensures the highest comfort in extreme weathers. It's the middle layer of the fabric that ensures comfortable use of the garments even in adverse weather. 4F NeoDry equals an extra protection against absorption and possibility of effortless moisture wicking.
NeoDry 5000 (and higher) membrane maintains dry environment for the skin and effectively protects against cold.
Dermizax TM is a brand new membrane in our jackets. It's a special laminate with membrane that ensures the highest level of breathability and waterproofing. It's not only elastic, making the fabric light and flexible, but also highly waterproof, no matter how intense your activities are. A nonporous membrane is also durable, quiet, and soft to touch.
4F membrane differs due to its parameters. Usually breathability and waterproofing parameters are given. It is assumed that the higher the value, the better the properties of clothing. In case of a membrane, the number of layers is equally important. 3000 and 5000 membranes may have starkly different properties.
In case of ski wear, proper impregnating agents are equally important. That's why membrane clothing is treated with the DWR (durable water repellency) system - a permanent impregnation that ensures waterproofing. Thanks to it, outdoor fabrics do not absorb moisture. Selected models have also a special Teflon coat that makes fabrics repel water molecules, thus increasing its resistance to stains.
Ski jackets have also taped seams that are key in providing complete waterproofing of a product.
Some models of 4F ski wear feature also such technologies as:
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Taped seams - every seam (and embroidiery) is sealed with special protective tape that prevents moisture from passing through - combined with a membrane, taped seams ensure watertightness.
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Reflective – these elements reflect the light from a source. In practice, this means that light bounces back from reflective elements and travels back to the source, ensuring visibility and safety in bad visibility conditions.
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YKK – a given jacket model features zippers produced by YKK, a world leader in manufacturing fastening products.
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PrimaLoft – the product features PrimaLoft® Silver insulation that ensures warmth with patented waterproof finish which protects against cold even when wet. The structure of the insulation is pleasant to touch and light, providing both unparalleled thermal conditions and unrestricted movements in all weathers.
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PrimaLoft Black Bio – recycled, biodegradable insulation that guarantees good insulation parameters and stands out with optimal warmth to weight ratio.
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Synthetic down padding – garments with this type of insulation do not lose their insulation properties even upon contact with moisture. Synthetic down is hypoallergenic, resistant to mould and requires less demanding care than its natural counterpart.
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Toray – a fabric used to manufacture clothing from one of world's leading corporations in the textile and plastics industry. It is distinguished by the highest quality that stems from unique manufacturing technology and stringent quality control.
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