Three-layer fabrics have a third lining fused into the waterproof membrane, protecting it from the body’s oils and grime. They offer higher moisture management and durability than two-layer designs but also come with a higher price tag.
Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L (PS160) is an example of a hardwearing 3-layer jacket with a tough 50D ripstop face fabric and Gore-Tex Paclite Plus technology. This forgoes the protective lining found in most 2.5-layer jackets and reduces weight.
Waterproof and Breathable
Waterproof-breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent create jackets that are very protective in stormy weather. They allow sweat to escape but they keep water out based on the difference in pressure between body heat and cold air outside the jacket. The best breathable waterproof models will also feature an inner layer that absorbs sweat and provides a soft next-to-skin feel. These inner layers protect the breathable membrane from grime, body oils and wear, so they require more frequent laundering to remain as breathable as possible.
Historically 2-layer jackets used to have an exterior face fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane and a loose (typically mesh) liner hanging on the inside. Those types of jackets have largely fallen out of favor as more affordable 2.5 layer jackets have taken the market by storm. All of these jackets should have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to keep rain off the shell. Over time, however, these finishes will deteriorate and need to be retreated.
Versatile
Many jackets feature two-layer membranes, but a few go one step further. Co-op’s budget-friendly XeroDry GTX ($169) is made with a two-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE membrane, providing a stout barrier against wind and moderate rain while letting sweat vapor escape. A polyester mesh liner protects the membrane and also helps reduce that clammy feeling you sometimes get when wearing a cheap waterproof jacket in continuous rain. To keep your two-layer jacket working its best, it’ll need a DWR treatment (either spray-on or wash-in) after enough use.
Three-layer jackets add a third wicking layer to the membrane, which dramatically increases breathability and moisture management. Jackets built with this technology, such as Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L jacket ($179), are able to comfortably withstand all-day deluges.
The highest-performing three-layer membranes include ePTFE and polyurethane films. Polartec’s NeoShell is a popular choice for its high-elevation, trail-running-friendly balance of water resistance and breathability at 20,000 g/m2. Meanwhile, the Gore-TEX Pro membrane uses multiple ePTFE membranes bonded together to deliver exceptional water resistance (RET 13) and breathability (24,000 g/m2). Depending on your activity level and outdoor climate, a jacket with pit vents will likely be important for you.
Durable
Almost any jacket can stand up to light rain, but only those with waterproof and breathable technology will keep you the driest during serious downpours and click to read more https://aristino.com/ao-khoac-nam.html. Jacket brands use a wide variety of outward-facing fabrics and high-tech laminates in layered constructions, and there’s no agreed-upon industry standard for water resistance, so comparing water-resistance claims between different brands isn’t always easy.
The most common waterproof materials include coated fabrics and a membrane slipped between tightly woven fabric layers. Coated fabrics are often used in budget-friendly jackets, and they’re less breathable than their layered counterparts but still offer decent waterproof protection.
For seriously wet conditions, consider a jacket with 3-layer construction or a hybrid 2.5-layer design. The inner layer of most 3-layer jackets does a better job at protecting the second-layer membrane from oil, dirt, and abrasion than the outermost fabric of a 2.5-layer jacket, but they’re usually a bit heavier and bulkier than 2-layer models.
Lightweight and Packable
Unlike old oil- and wax-coated jackets that needed to be reapplied regularly and were bulky, the membranes used in modern 2-, 2.5-, and 3-layer designs keep water out without being heavy or stiff. They’re also lightweight enough to be packed down into a small pouch or pack, making them perfect for backcountry travel.
Many 2-layer jackets use a bonded membrane with an outer face fabric to protect against abrasion and wear. Some of them, like Columbia’s $75 Watertight II and women’s Arcadia II, have a hanging liner that adds bulk and weight but helps to protect the waterproof membrane from abrasion, skin oils, and clamminess.
This jacket from REI uses Gore-Tex Paclite or Paclite Plus and is a good option for casual and frontcountry use. We love that it’s machine washable and dryable, because that restores DWR (durable water repellent) and breathability—just follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions. And it’s fair-trade certified and made with sustainable materials.
