eVENT fabrics & Breathability

[Nobody Famous]

So I snagged 'rain jacket' (a.k.a. waterproof shell) recently from SAC, it is made by 66 North, and constructed of breathable eVent fabric, link. Had read about this fabric but never used it before.

And with 2-1/2 days of constant, steady downpours around here, I can say the breathability of this is very nice. In my short experience, noticeably more so than the usual suspects, Gore-Tex XCR, H2NO and Cloudburst 2.5.

Comments and opinions?

[bagtagley]

I've got a Montane shell that uses eVent. My understanding is that eVent is essentially first generation Gore-Tex, which breathed really well, but lacked in durability.

I've got 2 seasons on mine, and it's holding up fine. However, I mostly use it for resort skiing.

[beaterdit]

I've got a pearlizumi event cycling jacket. Definately noticably more breathable than goretex and seems to keep the wet out. They recommend frequent washing and drying with heat to "keep the pores open" and renew the waterproof. Don't know about that but it's a nice jacket.

[Flexon Phil]

I have a SOS with eVent. I am pretty impressed by it.

[hemas]

I've got a Montane shell that uses eVent. My understanding is that eVent is essentially first generation Gore-Tex, which breathed really well, but lacked in durability.

Ummn. nope. Though durability might be an issue, the eVent has almost nothing in common with GTex (other than being a breathable/waterproof thingy).

Many high end firms actually use eVent, most likely it's a 'lil bit cheaper than Gore, and according to tests the eVent actually breathess and still keeps the yo dry (from outside moisture).

From the tests, I seem to remember that while Gore really shines in breathability when the outer surface is dry, the eVent actaully works when the outer surface is also moist/wet (ie. why would you wear a "rainshell" if it is not raining).

On firm that trusts eVent is Klättermusen, I'm sure that those from Sweden and serious about climbing can comment on their products.

[bagtagley]

Ummn. nope. Though durability might be an issue, the eVent has almost nothing in common with GTex (other than being a breathable/waterproof thingy).

First-Gen Gore-Tex = expanded PTFE without the layer of PU, right? Which is what eVent is, right?. I use the question marks not to be a smartass, but because I'm not certain.

Anyway, from what I've read, the only difference between eVent and 1st Gen Gore-Tex is that eVent is better at resisting contaminants that hinder its breathability (without using PU), or at least they are more easily removed when cleaned. I can't find any documentation to back that up, but I'm pretty sure I'm not pulling it out of my ass...pretty sure.

[hemas]

First-Gen Gore-Tex = expanded PTFE without the layer of PU, right? Which is what eVent is, right?. I use the question marks not to be a smartass, but because I'm not certain.

Which again is different from any other GoreTex by what... Ummn, not much, which was my point.

The thing that differentiates there WP/B fabrics from one another is how they breath while still retending outside water.

At least when comparing Gore XCR to eVent, they both kept the outside moisture outside. Gore had also higher breath-rate when dry, and with moist fabric, the eVent shined.

At the moment it seems that the big Dogs rule (Gore) simply because they are big and the Underdogs are just that, even though their product is better (eg. Microsoft vs. some other OS... and nope, Windooza ain't the better product).

[Dug]

Everything has been convered pretty much. Long story short, event is the best there is at the moment (by a signficant margin) though I hear gore is coming out with something new sometime. Of course this is just regarding the membrane. Face fabric and lining/backing material play a role in breathability too.

Try doing a search here for more info. You can find TONS more info on the forums at backpackinglight.com

[Nobody Famous]

I was really looking for user opinions (but in layman's terms the above is a nice summary). I know there's a technical discussion on here somewhere, about surface tension and DWR measurements and so on, but I lost track of what' was being said after the 1st page.

My impression from two continuous wet days of use is, much better breathing that all the others ... that I've tried.

[pauljames]

RAB - a pretty well respected UK company uses eVent in most of its outerwear and has a good reputation for breathability. No first hand experience though http://www.rab.uk.com/

[bodywhomper]

anybody have insights in the performance differences between epic fabrics by nextec and event fabric? i have heard that the 'water resistance' claim by epic was more of a marketing thing, that they are more breathable than all other wp/b fabrics, and that they are as waterproof as gtex.

[Dug]

Do a search and you'll eventually come up with a pdf that compares them all.

[bodywhomper]

Do a search and you'll eventually come up with a pdf that compares them all.

thanks, here's the pdf http://www.shelby.fi/tips/breathability.pdf. it doesn't discuss 'waterproofness,' which i always thought was related to water pressure per a certain area, or sumthin like that.

[Particle Board]

thanks, here's the pdf http://www.shelby.fi/tips/breathability.pdf. it doesn't discuss 'waterproofness,' which i always thought was related to water pressure per a certain area, or sumthin like that.

I think that the 'waterproofness' should be essentially identical, since both fabrics rely on a PTFE membrane, albeit one of them has a PU coating on it.

[TurxSki]

I've had some (Lowe Alpine) eVent bibs & shells for a few seasons, now.

I like how lightweight, and soft, but weatherproof, they are
The only drawback I could find with eVent is it is not particularly "hard wearing"
In my own experience, sliding across rocks will tear the fabric, getting stabbed by branches will make a hole, and your ski edges will wear some gashes.
I just used a stick-on repair tape, on the inside, to remedy the above. Seems to be holding.

My bibs must be 3 or 4 season old, and they just started letting in the wet, across the knees, last winter. On one of those horrid days when it starts raining on the snow, just after you got on the slow lift

I bought some XCR bibs (arc'teryx) near the end of last season.
All I noticed so far, is how much stiffer the fabric is.
As far as I can tell, Lowe Alpine seem to have stopped using eVent, and moved to XCR, for their new stuff

[Dug]

Stiffness and ruggedness of fabric has nothing to do with the membrane.

[hemas]

Stiffness and ruggedness of fabric has nothing to do with the membrane.

Bingo, eVent and GoreTex membrains are about as fragile as it gets. Which is the reason they are always laminated to thicker outer fabrics.

TurxSki, have you weighted your Lowe and 'Ryx pants, I'm guessing the Lowes are quite a bit lighter and might even have less "bells and such", as they are most likely made for mountaineering and not skiing.

[wurst]

I've got a Ground eVent shell I picked up last season, and it is noticably better than my XCR or Paclite shells. I sweat a LOT, and was intrigued by all the fanboy attention eVent was getting on the BC.com blog. They were basically saying Gore-Tex is a 30-year-old technology that hasn't changed much since its invention, despite their marketing efforts to make incremental advances look like revolutionary improvements (XCR, Paclite, etc.).

I'm sure big companies like Arcteryx are locked into exclusivity agreements with Gore-Tex in exchange for pricing discounts, which is why they don't offer eVent options. The little guys need to differentiate themselves, so why not use the best available material? As long as the Gore-Tex marketing machine has money and advertising and public perception on their side they'll stay at the top of the heap, but it doesn't seem like their technology is what's keeping them there.

The Ground shell is the first one that I can really feel breathe. I guess I believed the Gore-Tex shells were working because Gore-Tex told me they were, but I'd still end up clammy and wet when I really exerted myself. Haven't had that problem at all with the eVent.

[Nobody Famous]

^ That's a very interesting summary. I just looked up some things on that blog, and yes also interesting reading about eVent and Gore-Tex, and how Gore controls the designs in the interest of keeping their brand name out front.

[bagtagley]

I guess I should add that I've been pretty impressed w/ the breathability of my eVent jacket. I've got the Montane Superfly. It's lightweight and is reasonably tough. Some pit zips would be nice for warmer days, though.

While the eVent seems to breath well, I think the limiting factor in my setup is the Arc'Teryx bibs I wear. They come up high enough that the double layer is kinda screwing me. I definitely notice a difference when I'm just wearing the jacket.

This is kinda interesting.

[summit]

eVENT is awesome if you are doing anything active, although it might be overkill for no-hike inbounds skiing

[Dug]

This is kinda interesting.

Nice link.

[hemas]

eVENT is awesome if you are doing anything active, although it might be overkill for no-hike inbounds skiing

True, but then again so is about any WB/B-membrain jacket. A simple windblocking softshell is more than enough, unless you happen to ski in terrain where the temps rapidly shift from below freezing to above and back (and forth).

[TurxSki]

I'm guessing the Lowes...have less "bells and such", as they are most likely made for mountaineering and not skiing.

Bingo! (2)
No pockets on the bibs, and only a couple on the jacket But they do have pitzips Which are very handy, if you ski out of bounds, get screwed by cliffs, and have to hike up a cat-track to get back to the resort...