I once undertook the task of searching for the mythical fabric that offered breathability and water-resistance.
A big issue is that as your exertion increases, you sweat more and need more breathability, compared to when you're sitting around. In addition, breathability is hampered by the fabric's pores being clogged by dirt, body oils, and just the fabric wetting out. As such, most fabrics are treated with some DWR coating. But the DWR coating wears off over time and at-home treatments never seemed to match what came from the factory.
Roughly a decade ago, eVent was supposed to be the wünderfabrik; and it did offer more breathability than Gore-Tex by omitting a PU layer. However the PU layer also prevented body oils from logging up the breathable membrane, so ultimate eVent jackets would stop being breathable if you didn't keep them clean.
Polartec Neoshell was also a runner up, but it never caught on big time; I think due to durability issues.
Right now, Gore-Tex Shakedry is the talk around town, but I haven't worn anything using it and stopped caring. The outdoor industry will always be selling folks a golden fleece.
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Addendum: I am super glad about how breathability is now being addressed beyond rainshells and fleeces. Patagonia's Nano-Air and Arc'tery's Atom hoodies are two examples of light and breathable insulation layers that didn't exist 10 years ago. They're great for moderate exertion activities.
If anyone wants to geek out more, I recommend reading:
Andy Kirkpatrick's (formerly psycho vertical) writings; mainly focused on mountaineering. As such he has a lot of good advice for dressing for bad conditions - https://andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles
The design of the garment also comes into play in a big way. For things like hiking and working in the rain, Pit Zips are vital and allow a greater level of control than any magic fabric can offer.
Occasional Shakedry user here, that stuff is truly amazing. But, just as advertized, only in a very narrow usage profile, e.g. strict no backpacks rule (unless the bag fits inside).
All the magic comes from the single trick of exposing the bare, delicate membrane as the outer layer. Usually there is a protective outer layer on top of the membrane that will inevitable get soaked and then it's game over for breathability, no matter how good the membrane underneath is. A backpack would ruin that unprotected membrane in no time and I don't even expect it to last very long even if just occasionally taken along for uncertain weather.
A big issue is that as your exertion increases, you sweat more and need more breathability, compared to when you're sitting around. In addition, breathability is hampered by the fabric's pores being clogged by dirt, body oils, and just the fabric wetting out. As such, most fabrics are treated with some DWR coating. But the DWR coating wears off over time and at-home treatments never seemed to match what came from the factory.
Roughly a decade ago, eVent was supposed to be the wünderfabrik; and it did offer more breathability than Gore-Tex by omitting a PU layer. However the PU layer also prevented body oils from logging up the breathable membrane, so ultimate eVent jackets would stop being breathable if you didn't keep them clean.
Polartec Neoshell was also a runner up, but it never caught on big time; I think due to durability issues.
Right now, Gore-Tex Shakedry is the talk around town, but I haven't worn anything using it and stopped caring. The outdoor industry will always be selling folks a golden fleece.
- - -
Addendum: I am super glad about how breathability is now being addressed beyond rainshells and fleeces. Patagonia's Nano-Air and Arc'tery's Atom hoodies are two examples of light and breathable insulation layers that didn't exist 10 years ago. They're great for moderate exertion activities.
If anyone wants to geek out more, I recommend reading:
Mark Verber's What is Percent of Nakedness? - https://verber.com/mark/outdoors/stash/patagonia-testing.htm...
Andy Kirkpatrick's (formerly psycho vertical) writings; mainly focused on mountaineering. As such he has a lot of good advice for dressing for bad conditions - https://andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles
Andrew Skurka's Breathability: an explanation of its importance, mechanisms, and limitations - https://andrewskurka.com/breathability-its-importance-mechan...