Membrane is the thinnest polymer film with the smallest pores, visible only under a microscope. Thanks to its unique properties, membrane fabric has become popular among clothing and footwear manufacturers for outdoor activities worldwide.
It is based on a synthetic material with a pressed membrane film on the inside. The membrane can theoretically be applied to any fabric composition, but today it is mainly used with high-tech fabrics ideal for sewing outerwear for outdoor activities.
The clothing should be breathable, comfortable, protect the body from overheating and freezing, and not retain moisture and sweat. The inner side of the membrane, facing the body, helps remove moisture from under the clothing. The outer part breathes but doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate inside.
The membrane significantly reduces heat loss from under the clothing. To prevent overheating in warm and hot weather, you can use the ventilation openings that most membrane clothing comes with.
The membrane functions exceptionally well during movement and doesn’t trap heat, but it contributes to moisture removal, preventing sweating and body chilling.
To make the most of upper membrane clothing, it’s important to properly layer the inner layers beneath it, namely: having a 3-layer clothing system. The third layer will be the membrane.
1st layer: thermal underwear – ultra-thin, preserves body heat. If desired, it can be replaced with high-quality synthetics. The use of cotton is not recommended, as it is highly moisture-absorbent.
2nd layer: wool (with added synthetics). Fleece or Polartec can also be used. Volume and heat retention capability are important here.
3rd, outer layer: thin membrane jacket.
When it’s warm outside, you can use only the first and last layers for greater freedom of movement.
An important property of the membrane, its water resistance, is measured in millimeters of the water column. It indicates how much water pressure the material can withstand per unit area without letting water through.
The level of moisture permeability of the membrane fabric indicates how much moisture/vapor passes through a unit area of the fabric per unit time. So, for high physical activity with intense sweating, high fabric breathability (up to 20,000 g/m²) is necessary, for moderate activity – around 10,000, for low activity – around 3,000.
Let’s consider an example of the use of membrane fabric in Finnish hunting suits and outdoor clothing.
AIR-TEX2 is a specific membrane material. It is applied to the outer layers of the fabric of clothing or footwear. It does not absorb and conduct moisture, protects against wind gusts even after prolonged use and multiple washes. It has excellent breathability, removes moisture from the inside, and protects from external conditions.
Researchers from the Laboratory for Clothing Functionality (SWL) have proven that AIR-TEX2 perfectly conducts air (>11,000 g/m²/24 h) both with newly purchased items and those washed multiple times. During laboratory tests, it receives the highest rating for water resistance (>10,000 mm). AIR-TEX² keeps you dry for a long time, regardless of weather and physical activity. Optimal heat retention is always guaranteed.
Costumes with AIR-TEX 2 membrane are comfortable, dry, and warm.
GORE-TEX (Gortex) membrane technology – www.huntingshopfavia.com
The GORE-TEX membrane system is used in clothing and footwear production and consists of an outer fabric, a membrane layer, and a lining. The main characteristics of such a material are provided by the membrane, which the manufacturer “W. L. Gore and Associates” bonds between high-quality fabrics, forming a GORE-TEX laminate. The GORE-TEX membrane is the thinnest (only 0.01 mm) fluoroplastic film with a large number of pores per unit area. They freely allow water molecules to pass in vapor form, while water droplets larger than molecules cannot penetrate inside. The manufacturer claims that the pores are so small that they are not even clogged with dirt (“the properties of the membrane do not change over time and with dirt”).
