Outdoor waterproof fabric: a combination of technology and weather resistance

In modern outdoor products, Outdoor Waterproof Fabric plays an irreplaceable role. From tents, backpacks to jackets and hiking shoes, the performance of outdoor waterproof fabrics directly determines the practicality and user experience of the product. As people's requirements for the quality of outdoor life continue to increase, waterproof fabrics are also constantly evolving in terms of weather resistance, breathability, and lightweight.

What is outdoor waterproof fabric?

Outdoor waterproof fabric refers to functional fabrics that have been specially treated to effectively prevent liquid water from penetrating while maintaining breathability to a certain extent. It is an important branch of modern functional textiles and is widely used in outdoor sports, military equipment, expedition equipment and other fields.

This type of fabric is usually made of high-performance synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and is supplemented with different waterproof coatings or membranes, such as PU coatings, PVC coatings, TPU films, and even high-end ePTFE membranes (such as GORE-TEX technology).

Three key performance indicators: waterproofness, breathability and weather resistance
1. Waterproofness
Waterproofness is an important indicator to measure whether the fabric can effectively block moisture, usually measured by "water pressure value" (mmH₂O). A truly outdoor waterproof fabric should have a water pressure value of at least 5000mmH₂O, while professional-level jackets or tents usually have a water pressure value of 10000-20000mmH₂O or more.

Waterproofing technology mainly includes:

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) water-repellent treatment on the surface

Inner coating or membrane bonding (such as PU, TPU, PVC, etc.)

Seam hot pressing sealing technology to improve overall anti-seepage performance

2. Breathability
People will sweat constantly during outdoor activities. If the fabric is only waterproof but not breathable, the wearing experience will be very stuffy. Breathability is often measured by "moisture permeability" (g/m²/24h). The higher the data, the better the breathability. High-quality fabrics such as eVent and GORE-TEX can reach a moisture permeability of more than 10,000g/m²/24h.

3. Weather Resistance
Facing complex outdoor environments, waterproof fabrics must not only be rainproof, but also UV-resistant, windproof, wear-resistant, and tear-resistant. High-density woven structures, surface coatings, and anti-UV treatments are all key processes to enhance their weather resistance.

Analysis of mainstream outdoor waterproof fabric types
GORE-TEX: Performance benchmark
GORE-TEX is a high-end waterproof and breathable material using ePTFE microporous film technology. Its micropores are 20,000 times smaller than water droplets and 700 times larger than water vapor. It is both waterproof and breathable. It is widely used in high-end markets such as alpine exploration and skiing equipment.

TPU coated fabric: a new environmentally friendly choice
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is an environmentally friendly membrane material with excellent elasticity, waterproofness and breathability. It is widely used in backpacks, raincoats and lightweight tents, gradually replacing traditional PVC.

PVC coated fabric: high strength waterproof
Although the air permeability is poor, PVC coated fabric has extremely high waterproofness and tear resistance, low price, and is mostly used in industrial tarpaulins, waterproof bags and other occasions where air permeability is not required.

PU coated fabric: taking into account waterproofness and softness
PU (polyurethane) coating is a more traditional and widely used treatment method, suitable for mid-to-high-end outdoor clothing and tents. It has stable waterproof performance, good softness and moderate durability.

Development trend of outdoor waterproof fabrics
1. Development towards lightweight
In order to meet the extreme requirements for equipment weight in activities such as mountaineering and hiking, waterproof fabrics are evolving towards lighter and thinner directions while ensuring strength and performance.

2. The rise of environmentally friendly materials
With the advancement of the global "plastic ban" and PFCs ban regulations, more and more manufacturers are using fluorine-free DWR water-repellent treatment and degradable membrane materials to promote the development of the green outdoor industry.

3. Multifunctional composite structure
In addition to being waterproof and breathable, modern outdoor fabrics also have antibacterial, warm, reflective and other functions, moving towards the direction of "functional integration". For example, some three-layer composite fabrics combine fleece layers, membrane layers and face fabric layers at the same time, which are both warm and waterproof and breathable.

The evolution of outdoor waterproof fabrics is the result of textile technology competing with nature. It is not only a material, but also a technical barrier to ensure outdoor safety and comfort. In the future, with the continuous emergence of new materials and new processes, I believe that outdoor waterproof fabrics will achieve more breakthroughs and lead outdoor equipment to develop in a higher performance and more environmentally friendly direction.